The Most Difficult Professional Examination, Ranked

Ranking factors for difficult professional examination

1. Pass rate
   The percentage of candidates who successfully pass the examination is a key indicator of its difficulty. A lower pass rate suggests a more challenging examination.
2. Syllabus content
   The depth and breadth of the subject matter covered in the examination is crucial in determining its difficulty. Exams with extensive, complex, or highly specialized content are likely to be more challenging.
3. Testing format
   The structure, question types, duration, and marking scheme of an examination can contribute significantly to its difficulty level. Exams with multiple stages, comprehensive questions, strict time constraints, or high negative marking can be considered more challenging.
4. Preparation time and effort
   The amount of time and effort that candidates typically need to invest in preparing for the examination can provide insights into its difficulty. More demanding exams may require several months or even years of study, the completion of related coursework, or a significant number of practice exams.
5. Pre-requisite knowledge
   The foundational knowledge and skillset required for attempting the examination are important factors in determining its difficulty. Exams that necessitate high levels of prior knowledge, education, or expertise in a specific field are likely to be more difficult.
6. Eligibility criteria
   The eligibility criteria for an examination can play a role in determining its difficulty, particularly if the exam requires a high level of education, experience, or professional certification as prerequisites for entry.
7. Purpose and consequences of the examination
   The stakes involved in the examination should also be considered. Exams that play a pivotal role in career progression, professional licensure, or awarding of advanced degrees may be perceived as more difficult due to the potential impact on a candidate's future prospects.
8. Competitiveness
   The number of candidates competing for limited pass slots or positions may raise the difficulty level of an examination, particularly if the exam is used to rank candidates, allocate professional opportunities, or determine access to highly specialized or prestigious career paths.
9. Regulatory and industry standards
   Exams that are subject to high regulatory scrutiny or professional standards may be more challenging due to the need for candidates to demonstrate robust knowledge, skills, and competency to ensure public safety, mitigate risk, or satisfy regulatory expectations.
10. Historical reputation
    The historical reputation of an examination as being particularly difficult can contribute to its perceived difficulty. Such reputations may emerge from factors such as consistently low pass rates, complex subject matter, or rigorous testing formats.