Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World Forbes
Hi there! My name is Emily Johnson and I’m excited to share with you the top 10 toughest exams in the world according to Forbes. As someone who has taken my fair share of exams, I know how daunting they can be. But these exams take it to a whole new level. So, let’s dive in and see which exams made the cut!
Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information
- Forbes ranked these exams based on difficulty, pass rate, and number of candidates.
- The exams come from a variety of fields including medicine, finance, law, and engineering.
- The pass rates for these exams range from 2% to 39%.
- Many of these exams require years of preparation and study.
The List
10. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA is a professional credential offered by the CFA Institute to investment and financial professionals. It consists of three levels and takes an average of four years to complete. The pass rate for level one is around 43%, while levels two and three have pass rates of around 47% and 54%, respectively.
9. All Souls Fellowship Exam
The All Souls Fellowship Exam is an exam given to graduates of the University of Oxford who want to become fellows at All Souls College. The exam consists of three parts and covers a variety of subjects including English, history, and philosophy. Only around 3% of candidates pass the exam each year.
8. California Bar Exam
The California Bar Exam is a two-day exam that tests knowledge of the law and legal practice. It has one of the lowest pass rates of any bar exam in the United States, with a pass rate of around 40%.
7. Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is a test of wine knowledge and service skills offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. It consists of three parts and has a pass rate of around 10%. The exam is known for its intense blind tasting component.
6. Mensa International IQ Test
The Mensa International IQ Test is a test of intelligence offered by Mensa International. It is designed to measure intelligence in people with high IQs and has a pass rate of around 2%. The test is known for its difficult logic questions and time constraints.
5. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam
The CPA Exam is a test of accounting knowledge and skills offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It consists of four parts and has a pass rate of around 50%. The exam is known for its difficult simulations and calculations.
4. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
The USMLE is a three-part exam that tests medical knowledge and skills. It is required for anyone who wants to practice medicine in the United States. The pass rate for Step 1 is around 96%, while the pass rates for Steps 2 and 3 are around 89% and 96%, respectively.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is a test of graduate-level verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills. It is used by many graduate and business schools as part of their admissions process. The exam has a pass rate of around 39%.
2. Gaokao
The Gaokao is a college entrance exam given in China. It covers a wide range of subjects including Chinese, math, and English. The exam is taken by over 9 million students each year and is known for its intense pressure and competition. The pass rate varies by province but is generally around 70%.
1. CFA Institute’s Level III Exam
The CFA Institute’s Level III Exam is the final exam in the CFA program. It tests knowledge of portfolio management and wealth planning. The exam has a pass rate of around 54% and is known for its essay questions and case studies.
Personal Experiences
I have taken a few exams in my lifetime, but nothing quite compares to the difficulty of these exams. I remember spending months preparing for the GRE and feeling like it was the most challenging thing I had ever done. But after researching these exams, I realize that I had it easy!
I also have a friend who is a Master Sommelier and hearing about the blind tasting component of the exam was enough to make me break out in a sweat. It’s amazing to think about the level of knowledge and skill required to pass these exams.
FAQs
What makes these exams so tough?
These exams are tough for a variety of reasons. Many of them cover a wide range of subjects and require years of preparation and study. They also often have low pass rates, which can make the pressure to perform even greater. Additionally, many of these exams have unique components such as blind tastings or essay questions that require a high level of skill.
How do people prepare for these exams?
Preparation for these exams varies depending on the exam. Many people take review courses, study with groups, or hire tutors to help them prepare. Some exams, such as the Gaokao, require years of study and preparation starting in high school.
Are these exams worth it?
Whether or not these exams are worth it depends on your goals and career aspirations. For some professions, such as medicine or finance, these exams are necessary to practice in the field. For others, they may be optional but can provide a competitive advantage in the job market.
Which exam is the toughest?
While all of these exams are tough in their own way, the CFA Institute’s Level III Exam takes the top spot as the toughest exam in the world according to Forbes.
Have you taken any of these exams?
I have not taken any of these exams, but after researching them, I have a newfound respect for those who have!