5 Best CFA Study Materials for Your Exam Preparations

Most people know it is a well-known fact among all CFA aspirants that it is not an easy task to get ready for the CFA exams. The syllabus is huge, the topics are lengthy, complicated, and the study plan needs a serious effort. 

Whether you are starting with CFA Level 1 or preparing for Level 2 and 3, having the 5 best CFA study materials for your exam prep is very important. Among many finance certification courses available, the CFA program stands out and choosing the best study material can make a real difference.

To make things easier for you, here we have listed the best CFA material that thousands of students trust.

CFA Study Material: An Overview

The CFA charter is the gold standard for the investment industry. Charterholders enjoy a mark of distinction throughout the world, making it a valuable step for anyone building a career in finance. 

So, it is crucial to know what CFA study materials are available before you start prepping for it. The CFA exam has many topics to cover, which is why you need to study hard to pass. 

Therefore, good CFA course material helps you understand the subjects better and saves you time.

There are two main types of chartered financial analyst study materials. The first one is the official CFA books. These books come from the CFA Institute and cover everything in detail. The second type is third-party study material. 

These are published by private companies and are easier to understand. Such third-party CFA study material often explains the same topics in a simpler way. Some students like using only the CFA books, while others prefer third-party notes. Many students use both to get the best results. 

In this blog, we will talk about the 5 best CFA prep materials that can help you prepare well for the exam.

Best CFA Study Material for Your Exam Success

There are many CFA preparation materials available, but not all of them work for everyone. Some focus more on theory, while others offer more practice questions. The best CFA material is the one that suits your learning style and helps you stay regular with your studies.

Below, we have shared five of the most trusted CFA study tools. These are used by thousands of students across the world. Each one is different and has its own strengths. You can pick one or use a mix, depending on what helps you the most.

Let us go through the top CFA prep materials that can make your exam preparation easier.

CFA Institute Curriculum (Official Material)

CFA Institute offers official study material (free CFA study material) when you register for the exam. Candidates who are awarded a CFA scholarship also receive access to this material, ensuring equal opportunity for effective preparation regardless of financial background. It covers every topic you need to study. 

So, you can expect the exam questions to be made directly from this content.

What it includes:

• Full syllabus for all subjects
• Practice questions after each chapter
• Mock exams that follow the real exam pattern

Why it is helpful:

It is the most accurate and complete source. If you study this well, you won’t miss anything that may come in the exam. However, it is long and can take time to read.

Kaplan Schweser

Kaplan Schweser is another popular CFA course material provider. Their notes are short, simple, and easy to review. Many students use Schweser for quick learning and last-minute revision.

What it includes:

• Summary notes for all topics
• QBank (a large set of practice questions)
• Mock exams
• Video classes and study planner

Why it is helpful:

It saves you a lot of time and is easy to understand. The notes are shorter than CFA books but cover the main points well. It is great if you are short on time or want to revise quickly.

IFT (Iftikhar’s Finance Training)

IFT is known for its video lessons. The trainer, Mr. Iftikhar, explains each concept clearly. The videos are based on the CFA curriculum and follow the Learning Outcome Statements (LOS) closely.

What it includes:

• LOS-based video lectures
• Printable notes and summaries
• Practice questions and quizzes
• Review videos for quick revision

Why it is helpful:

IFT is perfect for students who prefer learning by watching rather than reading. The explanations are simple and slow-paced, which helps in understanding tough topics.

Wiley Efficient Learning

Wiley offers short and engaging lessons. It also provides CFA material to help students stay on track and focus on weak areas.

What it includes:

• Short video lectures
• Topic-wise practice questions
• Study guides (digital or printed)
• Performance tracking and reminders

Why it is helpful:

It helps students who want structure in their preparation. The platform is easy to use and tells you where you are doing well and where you need more practice.

FinQuiz

FinQuiz offers high-quality CFA study material, including practice questions that are close to the actual CFA exam level. Their summaries are also great for last-minute revision.

What it includes:

• Smart summaries for all subjects
• Formula sheets and quick notes
• A large question bank
• Revision notes and mock exams

Why it is helpful:

It is very useful for CFA Level 2 and Level 3, where understanding and application matter more than just memorising. The questions are challenging and help in deeper learning.

How to Choose the Best CFA Preparation Materials

Choosing the right CFA study material is very important, and that depends on your learning style, time, and budget. Some students like reading detailed content, while others prefer short notes or video lessons. So let us see some of the following options to help you decide what’s right for you.

CFA Institute’s Official Study Material

This is the main study source for all CFA levels. It (free CFA study material) is given by the CFA Institute when you register for the exam. The content is detailed and follows the exam syllabus exactly. It also includes many practice questions.

Use free CFA study material by the Institute if:

• You want complete coverage of the syllabus
• You prefer reading from the source
• You have enough time to go through the long content

*Keep in mind: The CFA material issued by the Institute is lengthy and can feel heavy at times. But it is very accurate and trusted.

Top CFA Prep Materials

Many students use third-party CFA prep books and tools to study faster and more easily. These CFA learning materials are shorter and more focused. Some of the top CFA prep books are:

• Kaplan Schweser – Great for summaries and question practice
• IFT – Best for video lessons and topic-wise breakdown
• Wiley – Offers short lessons, mock tests, and tracking tools
• FinQuiz – Best for tough practice questions and quick revision

Use these if:

• You want simple explanations
• You are short on time
• You like learning through videos, quizzes, or summaries

*Tip: Some students use a mix of CFA books and third-party notes to balance deep reading and fast revision.

CFA Exam Study Materials: Free & Paid Options

Not all good CFA preparation materials cost money. There are free resources that can help, too.

Out of all these options, you can start with free resources to budget yourself. Then you can add paid CFA prep books if you need more help or want better practice. 

Note: Make sure whatever you choose matches your learning style.

Why Choosing the Right CFA Study Material is Crucial for Passing

Passing any qualification is tough, and the same applies to CFA. To pass the CFA exams, you need to completely study its curriculum. It has a lot of topics, and the questions are not always easy, which is why using the right CFA study material is very important.

If your study material is too hard to understand, and you are going through it time and again, that means you are wasting your time. If it does not match your way of learning, you may lose interest. Good CFA study material explains things clearly, gives enough practice questions, and helps you revise easily.

The right material can save your time, improve your understanding, and boost your confidence. It keeps you focused and helps you cover all the topics properly. Many students who fail the exam often say they did not use the best tools for studying.

So, before you begin your CFA journey, take time to choose the CFA course material that fits you the best. It can make a big difference in your results.

CFA Learning Strategies for Maximum Success

Having the right CFA prep books is only one part of your CFA journey. You also need a good study plan to pass the CFA exam. Here are some easy tips to help you stay on track:

• You can start early and begin your preparation at least 5 to 6 months before the exam.
• Make your study schedule and plan your study time for each topic and stick to it.
• Use active learning, do not just read rather practice. You should solve questions, take notes, and review.
• Revise regularly, go back to older topics every few weeks, so you stay in touch with your curriculum that is already covered.
• To evaluate your preparation, you must take mock exams. So, practice full-length tests to build speed and confidence.
• Evaluation from mock exams will let you focus on weak areas. So, spend more time on the topics you find hard.

Everyone studies differently, so you can try different methods and see what works best for you. 

Conclusion

Preparing for the exam is not easy, but it becomes easier with the right CFA study material and a smart plan. Use the official CFA books to understand the full syllabus, and add third-party CFA learning materials if you want simpler notes or more practice. Stick to your study plan, practice daily, and revise often. With the right tools and effort, success is possible.

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