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Industry standard
7 months
Easy to drown in text and never build item-set rhythm or feedback loops.
- Re-reading curriculum volumes
- Static question banks
- Unguided study groups
CFA Level II
Item-set reasoning tuned to your blind spots.
Marcus makes you defend every assumption in caselets until valuation logic becomes automatic.
What it is
The CFA Level II exam pushes beyond foundational knowledge and demands deep analytical skill. It uses 22 vignette-based "item sets" (11 per session) followed by multiple-choice questions—88 questions total in the current blueprint (Careers360 Finance).
Your role shifts from recalling concepts to analysing real financial data, valuing assets, applying models, interpreting statements, and integrating across topics (Salt Solutions).
Why it matters
Passing Level II signals to employers that you can evaluate asset classes, build valuation models, interpret complex statements, and manage portfolios with judgement—far beyond basic finance tools.
Topic weights span Equity, Fixed Income, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Portfolio Management, and Ethics at roughly 10–15% each, plus Quant, Econ, Derivatives, Alternatives, and Corporate Finance (CFA Institute). Marcus AI targets those high-impact areas.
Candidates typically invest 300+ hours for Level II (Career Plan B). Our SLU system ensures those hours focus on analysis, not rote coverage.
Salary & job outlook
Level II candidates move into senior analyst roles with compensation often exceeding $120k; see the CFA Institute career resources.
Eligibility
- Passed Level I
- Bachelor's degree
- Meets professional conduct standards
Exam price
$900 early / $1200 standard
Visit CFA InstituteHow long it takes
The fastest way to pass your CFA Level II exam is with Marcus AI's tailored tutor.
Most learners reach readiness in about 4 months.
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60–90% faster with Marcus
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With Marcus AI
4 months
You practise analysis, not memorisation—finishing 300 hours with case-ready confidence.
- SLUs that isolate one valuation concept—DCF tweaks, term-structure shifts, or multi-factor models—until mastered
- Scenario-rich lessons and misconception checkpoints that prevent equity, FRA, or fixed-income traps
- Item-set drills with adaptive AI chat so you defend assumptions and refine reasoning in real time
The Marcus AI approach
Marcus AI's SLU system is built for Level II’s analytical demands.
- Analogy & scenario-rich content: Bring credit default swaps, embedded options, and multi-factor models into relatable frames.
- Misconception checkpoints: Spot equity valuation mix-ups, FRA translation errors, or ethics misapplications before they snowball.
- Socratic prompts: Explain why a valuation route or risk metric fits the data instead of merely recognising it.
- Item-set style drills: Practise reading vignettes, answering 4–6 linked questions, and managing time pressure.
- AI-guided chat & video search: Get real-time feedback plus vetted demos when topics like yield-curve arbitrage or embedded derivatives feel murky.
This focused time-efficiency loop keeps you advancing even while juggling work, so you show up ready for the toughest CFA exam.
Career outcomes
- Equity research analyst or associate
- Credit or fixed-income analyst
- Portfolio manager trainee / assistant PM
- Valuation-heavy investment banking associate
- Wealth management analyst for client portfolios
Related EMT resources
Exam details & structure
- Two sessions (~2h12m each) with 11 item sets per session
- Each vignette followed by 4–6 multiple-choice questions (88 total)
- Computer-based delivery; no penalty for incorrect answers
What learners say
CFA Level II candidates mix Marcus AI with official curriculum readings to keep analysis sharp without burning out.
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I’m a portfolio analyst in Zurich and I split my weeks between work and Marcus caselets. Having the AI critique my vignette logic meant I finished in 4 months and passed Level II while working full-time.
FAQ
How long should I study for CFA Level II?
Candidates who pass report devoting 300+ focused hours. Marcus AI compresses that by steering you toward analysis rather than rereading entire texts (Career Plan B).
What is the Level II exam format?
Twenty-two vignette-based item sets (11 per session) with four to six multiple-choice questions each—88 total. Every session runs about 2 hours 12 minutes (Careers360 Finance).
What are the pass rates?
Pass rates hover around 40–50% depending on window, underscoring the need for structured practice (Salt Solutions).
How is Marcus AI different from standard prep?
Most providers push slide decks and question banks. Marcus AI forces you to reason through item sets, defend assumptions, and integrate topics so you think like an investment analyst.
Is it suitable for working professionals?
Yes. SLUs take minutes, sync across devices, and adapt to your schedule so you can study between meetings without losing momentum.
What if I fail Level II?
You can retake in the next available window. Marcus AI diagnoses weak LOS instantly, reshapes your plan, and turns the retake into a smarter run—not the same blind loop.
Ready?
Let Marcus coach you to CFA Level II.
AI tutoring pairs structured curriculum with adaptive drills so you test sooner and with more confidence.