Do you know how you really spend your time in the CFA Level 1 exam?
Most candidates don’t—and that’s one of the biggest mistakes they make. It’s not just about how much you study, but how you manage those 180 minutes during the exam. That’s where the MasterCFA App comes in—your personal time-tracking coach for CFA exam success.
This blog breaks down real time-spent insights based on your exam performance data (see chart below), helping you identify what went right and what needs work.
Attempted vs Unattempted Questions: Where You Stand
70% Attempted Questions
This is a decent start, but it means 30% of your time may not have been productive. You’re missing out on scoring opportunities simply because time wasn’t used optimally.40% Unattempted Questions
Notice the mismatch? Attempting only 70% and yet showing 40% unattempted means time was heavily concentrated in fewer sections.
MasterCFA helps identify which sections you overspent time on, and where you could’ve pushed a little faster to attempt more.
How MasterCFA Helps You Fix This
The MasterCFA App tracks every second you spend per section in mock tests and practice papers. It generates a visual report like the one above and helps you:
Spot sections where you spend too much or too little time
Know your attempt rate instantly
Practice smarter by focusing on time-draining topics
Build an internal time clock for the real exam
Pacing Map (Feature Highlight)
Why it exists: To show how efficiently you manage time across topics.
Problem it solves: Many students unknowingly overspend time on certain subjects.
Benefit: You learn how to finish on time with confidence.
Accuracy Map (Feature Highlight)
Why it exists: To reveal how accurate you are per topic and time bracket.
Problem it solves: Accuracy drops when you rush or spend too long.
Benefit: Helps you hit that sweet spot of speed + precision.
Things to Remember
Aim for 1.5 minutes per question
Don’t fall into the trap of over-solving your comfort topics
Use MasterCFA’s analytics to train for real-time pressure
Practice full mock tests in exam-like conditions
Check your pacing map regularly and adjust strategies
Ready to Boost Your CFA Level 1 Score?
Don’t just practice. Practice with purpose.
Let MasterCFA show you where you’re going wrong—and how to fix it.
Download the app, book a demo, or grab full access to the course and crush CFA Level 1!
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much time should I spend on each CFA Level 1 question?
A: Experts recommend about 1.5 minutes per question. MasterCFA tracks this for you in real-time and alerts you when you go over.
Q: What are good CFA Level 1 exam tips for time management?
A: Stick to a schedule, take timed mock exams, and use the MasterCFA app to get post-exam pacing feedback that trains you to speed up smartly.
Q: How can I improve my CFA Level 1 pass rate?
A: Knowing the concepts is just half the battle. The other half is exam speed and discipline. MasterCFA helps build both with analytics and time reports.
Q: Why do I always run out of time in mocks?
A: You’re likely over-solving high-weight topics like Equity or Financial Reporting. MasterCFA’s pacing map tells you exactly where your time is leaking.
