The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is a globally recognized credential awarded by the CFA Institute. It is highly sought after credential by core finance job aspirants. The program consists of three levels, with Level 1 being the first step in your CFA journey.
This blog aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best study materials to help you ace the CFA Level 1 exam.
Understanding the CFA Level 1 Exam
Before diving into the study materials, it is crucial to understand the CFA Level 1 exam’s structure, format, and key topics.
Exam Format
The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, divided into two 135-minute sessions. The questions cover ten key topics, including ethics, investment tools, and portfolio management. The passing score varies from year to year, with recent pass rates hovering around 40-45%.
Topics Covered
- Ethical and Professional Standards: This topic area focuses on the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, which set the ethical benchmark for investment professionals.
- Quantitative Methods: Quantitative methods are essential tools for investment professionals to analyze financial data and make informed decisions.
- Economics: A solid understanding of economics is crucial for investment professionals to interpret market trends and make informed investment decisions.
- Financial Statement Analysis: This topic area focuses on understanding, interpreting, and analyzing financial statements, such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
- Corporate Finance: Corporate finance involves the financial decision-making processes within a company.
- Portfolio Management: Portfolio management is the process of constructing and managing an investment portfolio to achieve specific objectives.
- Equity Investments: Equity investments refer to the ownership of shares in a company. This topic area covers various aspects of equity investments.
- Fixed Income: Fixed income investments involve debt securities that provide a fixed stream of income to investors.
- Derivatives: Derivatives refer to financial instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
- Alternative Investments: Alternative investments include asset classes outside the traditional stock, bond, and cash investments.
Scoring and Passing Criteria
Candidates receive one point for each correct answer. There are no deductions for incorrect or unanswered questions, so it is in your best interest to attempt every question on the exam.
Minimum Passing Score is determined by CFA Institute based on various factors such as overall exam difficulty and candidate performance.
CFA Institute’s Official Study Materials
The CFA Institute provides official study materials to help candidates prepare for the exam. These include the CFA Program Curriculum and various candidate resources.
The curriculum consists of six volumes, covering all ten key topics. It includes Learning Outcome Statements (LOS), which are the core of the exam, along with examples and practice questions.
The list of CFA Institute’s official resources are as given below –
- Learning Outcome Statements (LOS): These statements outline the specific knowledge and skills that candidates should possess after studying each reading. They serve as a roadmap for your studies.
- Practice Questions: The CFA Institute provides practice questions at the end of each reading and additional questions in the candidate resources section of their website. These questions help reinforce your understanding of the material.
- Mock Exams: The Institute also provides mock exams, which closely resemble the actual exam format. Taking these exams will help you gauge your progress and identify areas where you need further study.
Pros and Cons: The curriculum is the most comprehensive resource for the exam, covering every concept tested. However, it can be dense and time-consuming to read. Candidates may prefer to use third-party materials for a more condensed review.
Top Third-Party Study Materials
Comparison of top Third party study material
While the official CFA Institute materials are essential, many candidates find third-party study materials beneficial for a more condensed review. Below is a comparison of popular third-party study providers and their offerings.
| Provider | Study Notes | Question Bank | Video Lectures | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuinTedge | Comprehensive, Easy to understand, Follows Official Curriculum intuitively | Comprehensive QBank with Video Solutions, Equal exam Level difficulty | High-quality, clear, engaging, Comprehensive, In-depth | Faculty Office-Hours, study planner, Video Solution bank, Discussion Forum |
| Schweser (Kaplan) | Condensed version of the CFA curriculum, making it easier to digest | Comprehensive QBank, below exam level difficulty | High-quality, clear, engaging | Flashcards, study planner |
| Wiley | Closely follows curriculum, detailed coverage | Comprehensive Test Bank (3,000-5,000 questions) | Comprehensive, in-depth coverage | Study planner, 11th-hour review course |
| Fitch Learning | Concise and focused, making them an excellent resource for quick reviews | Challenging questions, exam-level difficulty | In-depth, thorough understanding | – |
| AnalystPrep | Complete coverage of entire curriculum | Over 3,000 questions, covers all topics | Clear, concise, easy to grasp | Performance tracking, customizable quizzes |
Please note that the details in the table are indicative and subject to change. We recommend visiting each provider’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Third-Party Study Materials
- Content Quality: Ensure the materials are accurate, up-to-date, and align with the CFA Institute’s LOS.
- Format and Presentation: Choose materials that suit your learning style, whether you prefer concise notes or in-depth video lectures.
- Practice Questions and Exams: Look for resources that offer ample practice questions and mock exams for reinforcement.
- Pricing: Consider the cost of the materials and choose a provider that offers a good balance of quality and affordability.
- Customer Reviews: Check reviews from fellow candidates to gauge the effectiveness of the study materials.
Additional Online Study Resources
In addition to traditional study materials, online resources can help candidates prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam.
- Question Banks and Practice Exams: Websites like 300Hours and AnalystPrep offer question banks and practice exams to help candidates test their knowledge.
- Youtube Video Lectures and Webinars: Providers like IFT and Mark Meldrum offer video lectures and webinars that cover the entire curriculum, making it easy for candidates to learn at their own pace.
- Study Groups and Forums: Online forums like Reddit’s r/CFA and AnalystForum provide a platform for candidates to discuss exam topics, ask questions, and share study tips.
- Apps and Tools for Efficient Studying: Mobile apps like CFA Exam Mastery and AdaptPrep can help candidates study on the go, while tools like Anki can assist in memorizing key concepts and formulas.
Supplementary Knowledge Materials
- The CFA Institute’s Investment Series Books: These books offer in-depth knowledge of various investment topics and can help enhance your understanding of the curriculum.
- Relevant Financial News and Reports: Staying current with financial news and reports from reputable sources such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and The Economist can help candidates in remaining informed about market trends and advancements.
- Finance and Investment Podcasts: Podcasts like The Investors Podcast and Masters in Business can provide valuable insights into the world of finance and investing.
Creating a Winning CFA Study Plan
- Determining Your Study Timeline: Begin by setting a start date and a target completion date for your studies. Most candidates spend 300-350 hours preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam.
- Allocating Time for Each Topic: Allocate study time based on the weightage of each topic in the exam and your familiarity with the subject matter.
- Balancing Official and Third-Party Materials: Use a mix of official CFA Institute materials and third-party resources to ensure comprehensive coverage of the curriculum.
- Scheduling Regular Practice Exams and Reviews: Schedule periodic practice exams to assess your progress, and review the material regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Tips and Strategies for Acing CFA Exam
- Active Learning Techniques: Employ active learning techniques, like teaching the material to someone else, to improve retention and understanding.
- Time Management Strategies: Break down your study plan into manageable tasks and set deadlines for each to ensure consistent progress.
- Dealing with Exam Anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, to help manage stress and anxiety leading up to the exam.
- Test-Taking Strategies: Develop a test-taking strategy that includes time management, educated guessing, and elimination techniques to maximize your chances of success.
You may also like: How To Prepare for CFA Level 1 [A 90 Percentiler’s Guide]
Conclusion
Acing the CFA Level 1 exam requires a strong understanding of the curriculum, a well-structured study plan, and dedication. By utilizing the official CFA Institute materials, third-party resources, and online study tools, you can ensure comprehensive coverage of the material. Don’t forget to create a winning study plan, employ effective study techniques, and manage exam anxiety.
With consistent effort and a strategic approach, you can successfully conquer the CFA Level 1 exam and move one step closer to achieving the coveted CFA charter. Good luck on your journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider factors such as syllabus coverage, quality of content, practice questions and mock exams, price and value for money, and reviews when selecting study materials.
The full fledged FRM Prep Course of a top prep provider costs $450 on an average.
CA Yash Jain
Bain & Co.
5000+ Students Trained in the field of Investment Banking, FRM & CFA
