Practical Advice from Re-Takers about CFAI Mocks

jeff_parks5hot

New member
Joined
Jun 18, 2026
Messages
0
Reaction score
0
I did the 2011 and 2012 CFAI mocks and found them insanely hard. I got an average of 57% on the 2011 mock and 61% on the 2012 AM.
Why do they ask such hard quesitons on the mocks when the CFAI textbook questions are so much easier. I’ve done all of the CFAI quesitons and reviewed the material multiple times, but I can’t seem to break 70% on the mocks.
Question for CFA II re-takers, is the actual exam much easier than the mocks and is the mocks a waste of time? Mocks vs. reviewing all of the CFAI Quesitons again?
 
Sounds like its an issue with translating info out of the vignettes, so I’d say hit those mocks.
I’m not a retaker tho
 
Not a retaker, but I’d agree with mnieman in that the Mock Vignettes are tougher than the EOC’s. I think a combination of both is important. By doing the mocks I know that I really have to be careful, read all footnotes, and double and triple check things. The EOC’s will cover more topics/concepts though. Do a combination of both.
 
The hard part about Mocks is comprehension of what they are asking and how the data/information from the vignette is laid out. Also, there are red herrings in the vignettes to keep you on your toes, so be careful!
 
Also, I am a retaker and yes, the exam looks exactly like the mocks. Whether one is harder than the other is very subjective based on who’s making the assessment and what they constitute being hard. Also, it is hard for exam writers to define a level of difficulty when writing. They try their best and adjustments to the MPS are made after…
 
i feel it’s very hard to grab useful info from long vignettes, hopefully the real exam will make it easier on this point
 
Back
Top