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March 18, 2026
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If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve successfully passed (or at least sat for) Level II of the CFA® exam. Congratulations on making it this far! You’ve probably heard Level III is quite different from Levels I and II.
This article will break down how Level III is different and how you will need to modify your approach to be successful.
For the Level II CFA exam, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can learn, recall, and apply long deterministic processes through a set number of vignettes, each followed by 4–6 multiple-choice questions. For the Level III CFA exam, you’ll need to apply the skills you learned from the Level II exam, plus the ability to apply judgment skills and writing skills.
The constructed-response section of the Level III CFA exam is the biggest difference from the Level II CFA exam. These response questions are open-ended, which require constructed answers without multiple choices to pick from.
According to most candidates, it’s also the hardest part of the Level III exam. That feeling is reflected in the lower scores of this section compared to the multiple-choice section of the exam. The constructed-response section requires new skills, which can be learned with practice in a Kaplan Schweser essay review workshop.
Level III of the CFA exam has more integration of topics in a single question. For example, a constructed response question or item set question may combine the concepts from Ethical and Professional Standards with Asset Allocation.
The curriculum on the CFA Level III exam can also be more subjective than the Level II exam. For example:
The curriculum doesn’t state what an “average” rate of return is for an investor, yet the candidate must be able to calculate and interpret the required return with the investor’s level of risk tolerance.
The curriculum doesn’t state what asset class weights are considered “normal,” yet the candidate is expected to pick out the best portfolio from a group of portfolios.
The curriculum for Level II is contains readings and study sessions than Level III because Level III is focused more on applying the leanings from Level II into real word practical applications.
The 10-year average pass rate for the Level II CFA exam is 45%. The 10-year average pass rate for the Level III CFA exam is 52%. At first glance, this seems reasonable until you factor in that the Level III exam is easier and has a more qualified group of candidates.
So why isn’t the pass rate even higher? Simply put, the constructed response morning section of the Level III exam makes it difficult to pass. You don’t get to Level III without having already passed the first two levels. But even for that more qualified candidate pool, there’s no guarantee of success. Nearly half still fail the Level III CFA exam.
The CFA exam topics and weights are different between Level II and Level III exams because in Level II you are tested on 10 topics whereas in Level III you are tested on 6 topics.
CFA Exam Topics | CFA Level II Exam Topic Weight Ranges | CFA Level III Exam Topic Weight Ranges |
|---|---|---|
Ethical & Professional Standards | 10–15% | 10–15% |
Asset Allocation | – | 15–20% |
Portfolio Construction | – | 15–20% |
Performance Measurement | – | 5–10% |
Derivatives and Risk Management | – | 10–15% |
Pathways (Portfolio Management, Private Markets, or Private Wealth) | – | 30–35% |
Quantitative Methods | 5–10% | – |
Economics | 5–10% | – |
Financial Reporting and Analysis | 10–15% | – |
Corporate Issuers | 5–10% | – |
Equity Valuation | 10–15% | – |
Fixed Income | 10–15% | – |
Derivatives | 5–10% | – |
Portfolio Management | 5–10% | – |
Yes, the Level III exam is harder than the Level II exam because the Level III exam contains a constructed response section, and your knowledge in Portfolio Construction and Asset Allocation makes up 30-40% of your Level III exam score.
Answer these five questions to test your readiness for the Level II Exam
Answer these five questions to test your readiness for the Level III Exam
The average candidate for the Level II exam reports spending an average of 328 hours of studying. The average Level III candidate reports spending 344 hours preparing for the exam, which means you should expect to study on average an extra 16 hours for the Level III CFA exam.
As you get ready for your next exam, consider making Kaplan Schweser's CFA study materials—complete with classes, practice exams, and mock exams—the centerpiece of your mission to earn a passing grade.
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