Best CFA Level 1 Books & Study Materials
Expert reviews of the best CFA Level 1 books and study materials to help you pass your exam on the first attempt.
Essential CFA Level 1 Materials
Every CFA candidate needs these core study materials for comprehensive exam preparation.
CFA Program Curriculum 2026
EssentialCFA Institute
Official readings for all 10 topics
SchweserNotes Level 1
EssentialKaplan
Concise summaries of curriculum
QBank Questions
EssentialVarious
2,500+ practice questions
Mock Exams
EssentialVarious
Full-length simulated exams
Formula Sheet
Various
Quick reference for formulas
Flashcards
AnalystTrainer
1,600+ spaced repetition cards
CFA Level 1 Prep Providers
CFA Institute Curriculum
The official CFA Institute readings are the gold standard. Every exam question is based on these materials.
- Complete curriculum coverage
- Written by CFA Institute
- Updated annually
- Includes practice questions
Kaplan Schweser
One of the most popular third-party CFA prep providers. Known for concise summaries and practice questions.
- Condensed study notes
- Question bank access
- Video lectures
- Mobile app
AnalystPrep
Comprehensive prep provider with a focus on practice questions and mock exams.
- Large question bank
- Performance tracking
- Affordable pricing
- Mobile-friendly
Wiley Efficient Learning
Established financial education provider with detailed study materials and excellent support.
- Comprehensive notes
- Expert instructors
- Adaptive learning
- Pass guarantee
Recommended Study Approach
Read Study Materials
Use Kaplan SchweserNotes or the official curriculum to understand concepts. Focus on one topic area at a time.
Practice Questions
After reading each topic, complete 50-100 practice questions to test your understanding and identify knowledge gaps.
Mock Exams
Take full-length mock exams 6-8 weeks before your exam date. Review results and focus on weak areas.
Want to Try AnalystTrainer?
Access 2,500+ practice questions and realistic mock exams. Compare our questions to other CFA prep providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best CFA Level 1 books?
The best CFA Level 1 books include the official CFA Institute curriculum, Kaplan SchweserNotes, and AnalystTrainer practice questions. Most successful candidates use a combination of official materials and third-party question banks. The official curriculum is the most comprehensive, while third-party providers offer more concise summaries and better practice questions.
Do I need to buy CFA books to pass?
While the official CFA Institute curriculum is the most comprehensive resource, many candidates pass using a combination of third-party study notes (like Kaplan Schweser) and practice questions. Practice questions are generally considered more valuable than passive reading, so focus on getting quality question bank access.
How many CFA books do I need for Level 1?
Most candidates use 2-3 resources: a set of study notes (e.g., Kaplan Schweser), a question bank (2,000+ questions), and mock exams. The official CFA curriculum is comprehensive but lengthy; third-party summaries are popular for their conciseness. Quality matters more than quantity—mastering one good resource is better than skimming many.
Is Kaplan Schweser enough for CFA Level 1?
Kaplan SchweserNotes are a popular choice and can be sufficient if combined with extensive practice questions. However, many candidates find that Schweser notes alone aren't enough—pairing them with a quality question bank (like AnalystTrainer or the official CFA curriculum questions) significantly improves pass rates.