Top 20 Toughest Exams in the World 2024: Complete Guide
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Here is a list of some of the toughest exams in world, based on various factors such as difficulty level, competition, and passing rate:
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. It is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The USMLE assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centred skills, that are important in health and disease and constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.
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Step 1 of the USMLE focuses on the basic sciences and covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) assesses the medical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide patient care under supervision. Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) assesses the ability of a physician to gather and interpret information and to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals. Step 3 of the USMLE evaluates a physician's ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine.
The USMLE is widely regarded as one of the toughest exams in the world, and its passing is mandatory for medical students seeking licensure to practice medicine in the United States.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is a professional designation offered by the CFA Institute to finance and investment professionals. The CFA program is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious designations in the financial industry, and it is recognized globally as a benchmark of excellence.
To become a CFA charter holder, candidates must pass three levels of exams, each of which covers a specific body of knowledge in the field of finance and investments. The exams are designed to test the candidate's knowledge of investment management, financial analysis, portfolio management, and ethical and professional standards.
The CFA exams are renowned for their difficulty, with a low passing rate, and are considered some of the toughest exams in the world. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including economics, financial reporting and analysis, equity and fixed-income investments, alternative investments, and portfolio management.
In addition to passing the exams, candidates must also meet the CFA Institute's professional and ethical conduct requirements, including relevant work experience and continuing professional development. Obtaining the CFA designation requires a significant commitment of time and effort, and it is widely recognized as a hallmark of achievement in the financial industry.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation in the field of accounting that is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to individuals who pass the Uniform CPA Examination and meet other requirements set by the state boards of accountancy.
The CPA Exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest professional exams, and it covers a wide range of topics, including auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment and concepts. The exam is designed to test the candidate's knowledge of accounting principles, regulations, and practices, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is used by graduate schools and business schools as part of the admission process. The GRE is designed to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills that are acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.
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The GRE is a computer-based test that is offered year-round at testing centres around the world. The test is divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections each have a score range of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
The GRE is considered to be a challenging exam, and it requires a significant amount of preparation, including a thorough review of math concepts, vocabulary, and essay-writing techniques. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE are designed to test a broad range of skills, and they require a strong foundation in mathematics, vocabulary, and critical thinking. The Analytical Writing section requires strong writing skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test used by law schools in the United States and Canada as part of the admission process. The LSAT is designed to assess the critical reading and analytical skills that are necessary for success in law school and in the legal profession.
The LSAT is a half-day, standardized test that is administered four times a year at designated testing centres around the world. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an unscored writing sample. The multiple-choice section of the LSAT is divided into four parts: Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and an unscored experimental section.
The LSAT is widely considered to be one of the toughest standardized tests, and it requires a significant amount of preparation and practice. The test is designed to measure a broad range of skills, including critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking, and it requires a strong foundation in verbal and analytical skills.
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RN)
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized exam that is used to evaluate the competency of individuals seeking to become registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. The NCLEX is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is used by state boards of nursing to determine whether an individual is eligible for licensure as an RN.
The NCLEX is a computer-based exam that is designed to test a candidate's knowledge and understanding of nursing practices and procedures. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including pharmacology, health promotion and maintenance, management of care, and reduction of risk potential.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used by graduate business schools as part of the admission process. The GMAT is designed to measure a candidate's skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, which are essential for success in a graduate business program.
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The GMAT is a computer-based test that is administered year-round at designated testing centers around the world. The test consists of four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and an Analytical Writing Assessment. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections each have a score range of 0 to 60, and the Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections each have a score range of 0 to 8.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test used to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who plan to study or work in English-speaking countries. The test is designed to measure an individual's ability to understand and use the English language in academic and professional settings.
The IELTS is offered in two formats: the Academic format, which is intended for individuals who plan to study at a higher education institution, and the General Training format, which is intended for individuals who plan to work or undertake training in an English-speaking country.
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The IELTS test consists of four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed in one sitting, while the Speaking section is conducted with a trained examiner on a separate day. The test takes a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
The IELTS is considered to be a challenging test, and it requires a significant amount of preparation and practice. The test covers a wide range of topics and requires a strong understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
The IELTS is widely recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world, and it is considered an important factor in the admission process for many academic and professional programs. A strong score on the IELTS can demonstrate an individual's ability to communicate effectively in English, which can be essential for success in a variety of academic and professional settings.
Series 7 Exam (FINRA General Securities Representative Exam)
The Series 7 Exam, also known as the FINRA General Securities Representative Exam, is a standardized test administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in the United States. The Series 7 Exam is required for individuals who wish to become registered representatives of broker-dealers and sell securities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
The Series 7 Exam is a computer-based test that covers a wide range of topics related to the securities industry, including types of securities, federal securities laws, the structure of the securities industry, investment strategies, and ethical and professional practices. The test consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, and test-takers have 225 minutes to complete the exam.
The Series 7 Exam is considered to be a challenging test, and it requires a significant amount of preparation and study. Individuals must complete a training program and pass the Series 7 Exam before they are eligible to sell securities in the United States.
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a competitive entrance exam in India for admission to undergraduate engineering programs offered by top engineering colleges across the country, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
The JEE consists of two exams: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main is the first stage of the entrance exam, and it is open to all candidates who have completed their Class 12 (or equivalent) exams. The top performers on JEE Main are eligible to take JEE Advanced, which is the second and final stage of the exam.
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JEE Main is a computer-based test that assesses a candidate's understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, and test-takers have three hours to complete the exam.
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is a standardized test for individuals who are in the early stages of their engineering careers. The FE Exam is the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the United States.
The FE Exam is designed to assess a candidate's understanding of basic engineering principles, including mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals, and engineering design. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including:
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The FE Exam is a computer-based test, and test-takers have six hours to complete the exam. The exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, and it is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centres in the United States and internationally.
The FE Exam is considered to be a challenging test, and it requires a significant amount of preparation and study. The exam covers a wide range of topics, and test-takers must have a strong understanding of basic engineering principles and their practical applications.
Passing the FE Exam is an important step toward becoming a licensed PE, and it demonstrates a candidate's mastery of the fundamental principles of engineering. It also demonstrates a candidate's commitment to their chosen profession and their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world engineering problems.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals. The CISSP is administered by (ISC)2, a non-profit organization that provides education and certification programs in information security.
The CISSP certification is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and understanding of information security, including:
To become a CISSP-certified professional, individuals must have at least five years of professional experience in at least two of the eight domains of information security. The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and is six hours long.
Actuarial Examinations
Actuarial examinations are a series of exams that aspiring actuaries must pass in order to become fully qualified professionals. Actuaries are professionals who use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to study and solve problems related to insurance and other financial risks.
The actuarial examinations are administered by actuarial organizations, such as the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). The exams cover a wide range of topics, including probability, statistics, financial mathematics, and the financial and actuarial models used in the insurance industry.
The actuarial exams are considered to be challenging and demanding, requiring extensive preparation and study. The exams are designed to test a candidate's knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts of actuarial science.
Architecture Registration Exam (ARE)
The Architecture Registration Exam (ARE) is a standardized exam for individuals seeking to become licensed architects in the United States. The ARE is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is required for licensure in most states.
The ARE covers a wide range of topics related to the practice of architecture, including:
The ARE is a computer-based exam, and test-takers have five hours to complete each division of the exam. There are currently seven divisions of the ARE, each of which covers a specific aspect of the practice of architecture.
The Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)
The Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) is a standardized test administered by the United States Department of Defense to assess an individual's aptitude for learning a foreign language. The DLAB is used to determine an individual's suitability for learning a foreign language as part of their military duties.
The DLAB is a multiple-choice exam that assesses an individual's ability to recognize sounds, learn vocabulary, and understand grammar patterns in a foreign language. The test measures a person's ability to learn a language, rather than their proficiency in a specific language.
The DLAB is widely recognized as a challenging and demanding exam, and it requires individuals to have a high level of aptitude for learning foreign languages. The DLAB is designed to assess an individual's ability to learn languages quickly, and it is used to determine which military personnel are best suited for language-related duties.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized exam designed to assess the English proficiency of non-native speakers of English. The TOEFL is widely recognized and accepted by colleges and universities, government agencies, and businesses around the world.
The TOEFL assesses an individual's ability to understand and use English in an academic setting. The exam measures a candidate's abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English, and it provides a comprehensive assessment of their English language skills.
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The TOEFL is a computer-based exam, and it typically takes four hours to complete. The exam consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The questions in each section are designed to assess different aspects of English proficiency, and they are designed to simulate real-life academic and linguistic scenarios.
Uniform CPA Examination
The Uniform CPA Exam, also known as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam, is a standardized exam that assesses the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking to become licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States. The CPA Exam is developed and administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in partnership with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
The CPA Exam is a computer-based exam, and it consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). The questions in each section are designed to test a candidate's knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and financial reporting, as well as their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world situations.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized exam that is used to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals who are interested in enlisting in the United States military. The ASVAB is administered by the Department of Defense, and it is used to determine an individual's aptitude for various military occupations.
The ASVAB is a multiple-choice exam that consists of ten subtests that cover a range of subjects, including mathematics, verbal reasoning, and science. The subtests are designed to assess an individual's abilities in areas that are relevant to military occupations, such as mechanical comprehension, spatial reasoning, and arithmetic reasoning.
The ASVAB is considered to be a challenging and demanding exam, and it requires individuals to have a high level of knowledge and skills in a variety of subjects. The ASVAB is widely recognized and respected in the military, and it is a valuable asset for individuals who are seeking to enlist in the military and pursue a career in the military.
The California Bar Exam
The California Bar Exam is a standardized exam that is required for individuals who are seeking to become licensed to practice law in the state of California. The exam is administered by the State Bar of California, and it is used to assess an individual's knowledge of California law as well as their ability to apply that knowledge to real-world situations.
The California Bar Exam is a two-day exam that consists of the following components: the first day is the written portion, which includes six one-hour essays and two three-hour performance tests, and the second day is the multiple-choice portion, known as the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE). The MBE covers subjects such as contracts, torts, property, evidence, and constitutional law.
The California Bar Exam is considered to be a challenging and demanding exam, and it requires individuals to have a comprehensive understanding of California law as well as the skills necessary to apply that knowledge to real-world situations. The California Bar Exam is widely recognized and respected in the legal community, and it is a valuable asset for individuals who are seeking to become licensed to practice law in California.
Civil Service Examination
The Civil Service Examination, also known as the Civil Service Exam, is a standardized test used to assess the eligibility of individuals for certain civil service positions in many countries, including the Philippines, India, and the United States. The test is designed to measure an individual's general knowledge, skills, and aptitudes that are relevant to the position they are seeking.
In the Philippines, the Civil Service Examination is administered by the Civil Service Commission and is required for individuals who are seeking to obtain a position in the Philippine government. The examination covers a range of subjects, including general knowledge, English proficiency, and specific subject matter related to the position being sought.
In India, the Civil Service Examination has also known as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam and is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is considered to be one of the toughest and most competitive exams in India, and it is used to determine eligibility for various high-level positions in the Indian government.
In the United States, the Civil Service Examination is used by federal, state, and local government agencies to assess the eligibility of individuals for certain civil service positions. The examination can cover a range of subjects, including general knowledge, English proficiency, and specific subject matter related to the position being sought.
The Civil Service Examination is considered to be a challenging and demanding exam, and it requires individuals to have a strong general knowledge, good English proficiency, and the necessary skills and aptitudes for the position they are seeking
Note that this list is subjective and the difficulty of an exam may vary depending on an individual's background and abilities.
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