Score Estimation

Each question is worth 3 points, each vignette is worth 18 points. You can max. score 360 points, 180 per session.

Thanks for the clarification. Yes makes sense, I think with 4/6 you should be able to pass the test. The fact that this guy did “badly” in FRA and Equity and the two next most important topics Ethics and FI I think also went against him.

Irregardless, of the actual points score I think this is somehow factored into the result as the focus of this exam is valuation. So assuming he would have the same number of points but done well on mentioned topics I reckon he would have passed

Yes. I think everyone should aim to get >70 on FRA and Equity. Mostly 5/6 sets, some 4/6 sets but also some 6/6 sets. With mostly 4/6 sets and one or two 3/6 sets you’re behind already and need to make it up in other parts that are, IMO, less predictable.

50% to 70% between 8 item sets represent between 24 and 33 correct answers… that wide range is the drawback the format… Its amazing to think how many people pass or fail based on 2 or 3 extra correct answers

I estimate that around 5-6% of ALL level 2 test takers will miss MSP by exactly 1 correct question sad

This sucks. Per the weight in that year (2012) he scored correct answers in the range of 76-92. He probably barely made to the matrix in most topics. He had showed no weakness but no single strength either. It sucked but it was a good sign for his next preparation and attempt. Any update on his 2013 result?

Really man, this sucks…and it creates a fear in our minds…to miss by 1-2 answers is just wtf

This is why I have been worrying about a few silly mistakes that cost me points on Saturday. I’m hoping that I offset those mistakes with answers elsewhere, as a few questions can really make the difference between pass/fail. I was band 10 in 2013 but with <=50% in two areas (one was 10% of the exam and the other was 5%). Those were definitely my undoing in 2013.

One or two bad item sets out of 20 can tip the balance against you in this exam.

Precisely why I’m certain I failed. Silly mistakes along with quite a bit of guessing. If I score above Band 9, I’m confident I can pass this exam in the future. You probably nailed it this time…

Even if you didn’t pass with a Band 9 or Band 10, you can still pass it in the future. I was Band 10 in 2013 and Band 7 last year (I was preoccupied with moving house last May and was generally complacent). I’m prepared for the worst but hoping for the best this time. Hopefully we’ll get good news at the end of July,

I take it that getting above 70 in Ethics, FRA, Equity and Corp Fin, while getting all other sections above 50% (at least) pretty much guarantees a pass?

Yes, you can even afford to fail in 1-2 small topics.

2014 Score Failed band 10…Should give us some hope at the very least!

Q#

Topic

Max Pts

<=50%

51%-70%

>70%

Alternative Investments

18

*

Corporate Finance

36

*

Derivatives

36

*

Economics

18

*

Equity Investments

72

*

Ethical & Professional Standards

36

*

Financial Reporting & Analysis

72

*

Fixed Income Investments

18

*

Portfolio Management

36

*

Quantitative Methods

18

*

His correct answers are in the range of 68-90, worse than his 2013 results. This is the saga of Level II, one may not necessarily improve on the test even he can learn more knewledge and knew them deeper during preparation. One’s learning can always be discounted in the exam. One need a large margin to be safe in exam.

This is very strange. Given her / his results the absolute minimum he can score is 70%:

Topic Max Points Item Sets Number of Questions Min Correct Questions Correct % - Alternative Investments 18 - * - 18 1 6 4 67% - Corporate Finance 36 - - * 36 2 12 9 75% - Derivatives 36 - - * 36 2 12 9 75% - Economics 18 - - * 18 1 6 5 83% - Equity Investments 72 - * - 72 4 24 16 67% - Ethical & Professional Standards 36 - * - 36 2 12 8 67% - Financial Reporting & Analysis 72 - * - 72 4 24 16 67% - Fixed Income Investments 36 - * - 36 2 12 8 67% - Portfolio Management 18 - - * 18 1 6 5 83% - Quantitative Methods 18 - * - 18 1 6 4 67% Total 360 20 120 84 70%

Even with ethics adjustment, it still does not make sense ((s)he has not failed ethics)

Can’t 50-70 be 50% i.e. 3/6?

It’s less than or equal to 50%. From CFAI website:

  • An indicator of the score range (≤50%, 51%–70%, or >70%) in which your score in that topic area fell.

What was the MPS this year? Do they publish it? Or do the analysts only analyze it?