CIPM Level 1 Exam Results 2025: Pass Rates & Level 2 Fast-Track Options

Kateryna Myrko
Sep 29
4 min read

As the September 2025 CIPM® Level I window closes, candidates are watching inboxes for result notices and scouring for pass-rate clues. Below is a concise, official-info–based guide to when results arrive, how pass rates are reported, and the fastest ways to move on to Level II.

When to expect September 2025 results

CFA Institute states that CIPM results are released within 5–6 weeks after the close of the exam window. Practically, that places September-window outcomes in late October to mid-November, depending on the precise end of your local test window. You’ll receive an email when your official result is ready; Level I candidates see a pass/fail decision plus topic-level performance and an overall scale score benchmarked to the Minimum Passing Score (MPS).

The Latest Official Pass Rates CIPM Level 1 Exam Results 2025

As of 29 September 2025, CFA Institute’s pass-rate page lists the most recent published CIPM pass rates as follows: CIPM Level 1 Exam Results 2025

Level I: March 2025 pass rate — 40%.
Level II: March 2025 pass rate — 36%.

CFA Institute updates this page after each administration; if the September 2025 Level I pass rate is not yet posted, these March figures remain the latest official reference. Always rely on the institute’s results page for the current numbers.

A few mechanics behind those numbers are worth noting. CFA Institute explains that the MPS (Minimum Passing Score) is set by its Board of Governors when there are material curriculum or population changes and is otherwise carried forward using equating, which adjusts for form difficulty so results remain comparable across sessions. This is why pass rates can move from window to window without implying a shift in exam rigor for any individual candidate.

What a Level I “pass” unlocks

CIPM has two exam levels offered twice a year (March and September). A Level I pass makes you eligible to register for Level II at the next available window. Given the calendar, most September 2025 passers target March 2026 for their first shot at Level II, though September 2026 is also available. CFA Institute’s exam information page confirms the twice-yearly cadence for both levels.

How much study time should you plan?

CFA Institute notes that successful candidates report ~155 study hours per level on average. Calendar that into your work and personal schedule now so you can hit the Level II window you want without crunch-time stress.

Fast-track routes straight to Level II

There is one widely asked “shortcut” that is formally recognized by CFA Institute policy:

CFA charterholders or CFA Program candidates who have successfully completed the Level III exam may register directly for CIPM Level II, bypassing Level I entirely. If you fall into this category, you can fast-track straight to the final CIPM exam.

For everyone else, the fastest route remains straightforward: pass Level I, register promptly for the next Level II window, and use the 155-hour benchmark to back-plan your study. Because exam appointments at preferred test centers can fill, monitor the Dates & Fees tool and schedule early once registration opens for your chosen window.

Understanding your score report (and what you won’t see)

Level I candidates receive topic-area performance bands and an overall scale score so you can see how you performed against the MPS. A small but important nuance: Level II passers do not receive detailed results beyond the pass decision. This is normal and documented by CFA Institute; it’s not a system error.

What to do now—three practical steps

Mark the results window. Plan for a late-Oct to mid-Nov notification. Ensure your CFA Institute account email is current and watch spam filters.
Pre-plan Level II. Decide now between March and September 2026. Sketch a 12–16-week study plan to reach ~155 hours, leaving buffer for mocks and review.
Confirm your eligibility pathway. If you’re a CFA charterholder or have passed CFA Level III, register directly for Level II and use the time saved to focus on Level II’s appraisal and manager-selection emphasis.

Beyond Level II: what it takes to earn the credential

Passing Level II is necessary but not sufficient for the CIPM designation. You also must become a regular member of CFA Institute to be awarded the credential, and designees maintain their status by completing Mandatory Professional Learning (MPL) of at least 15 credits per year. Keeping these requirements in mind helps you budget time and fees beyond the exam windows.

Bottom line

Results timing: Expect September 2025 results about 5–6 weeks after the window closes; watch for your official email.
Pass-rate context: As of this writing, the latest official Level I pass rate is 40% (March 2025); CFA Institute will publish the September figure on its results page when available.
Fast-track to Level II: CFA charterholders or those who have passed CFA Level III may start directly at CIPM Level II. Others should line up March 2026 or September 2026 and plan ~155 hours of study.

If you’re refreshing for the official September 2025 pass rate, bookmark CFA Institute’s results page; it’s the definitive source for updates and the only venue that will post the final number.