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CFA®Level I Exam Prep

More insights. Clear direction. Better results.

Did you know that CFA Level I candidates who prepare with Kaplan Schweser are more likely to pass than those who prep with other providers? Our proven study program features classes led by the largest team of CFA instructors in the industry, concise study notes backed by learning science, and an online forum where you can engage with instructors and your fellow candidates. Kaplan Schweser is used by more CFA Level I candidates than any other exam prep provider, so why would you trust anyone else?

CFA Level I Study Packages

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CFA Level I Exam Prep

Exams in February, May, August, & November

CFA Level I Exam Detail



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Proven Strategies for the 2023 and 2024 CFA®Level I Study Cycle

Find no surprises on exam day. Research shows it takes more than 300 hours to properly prepare for the CFA Level I exam—partner with the provider who knows how to maximize every minute of your study time.

A Complete CFA Level I Study Plan

You don’t need to spend valuable time searching for CFA Level I study strategies. Over the last 30 years, we’ve mastered how candidates earn the charter and have designed a program that adapts to every learning style.

You’re in Control

You set your study dates. Our adaptive Activity Feed breaks down your 300 prep hours into bite-sized weekly tasks, while our Performance Tracker and Checkpoint Exams give you an in-depth analysis of where you stand.

Don’t Disrupt Your Daily Routine

Maintain your lifestyle and still earn the CFA charter. With a wide range of print, online, and mobile study tools—and OnDemand guidance from top CFA Level I instructors—you can seamlessly fit a study session into your daily routine.

A Partner You Can Trust

With an extensive global network of CFA charterholders and content experts, you’ll get the guidance you need to pass. More CFA candidates consider Kaplan Schweser to be the most respected and trusted prep provider.

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CFA®Level I Exam FAQs

The CFA exam as a whole is difficult by design. It’s an exclusive designation that truly demonstrates mastery. According to CFA Institute, Level I has the lowest pass rate of all the exams, at just 41%, and the average candidate spends 303 hours preparing.

Learn more about the Level I exam:

CFA我nstitute recommends 300 hours of study, and our experience is that 300 hours is the minimum that most people need to be successful. The average Level I candidate spends 303 hours preparing.

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Some candidates also consider a Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) as a way to prepare for the CFA®exam. Certain curriculums, like theMSFA offered by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, are aligned to the learning outcomes of the CFA®Institute’s CFA®Program, enabling students to earn an MSFA while concurrently preparing for the CFA®exam.

For 2023 CFA exams, registration fees range from $900 to $1,200, depending on your exam level and when you register. Registration fees for 2024 CFA exams will range from $940 to $1,250.

To enter into the CFA Program, candidates must pay a one-time $350 enrollment fee in addition to the required registration fees for each Level. CFA Institute reference material and a partial mock exam are both included with candidate registration and enrollment.

Topic Weights by Level

CFA Level I

For the CFA Level I exams, the topics are weighted as follows:

  • Ethical and Professional Standards: 15-20%
  • Quantitative Methods: 8-12%
  • Economics: 8-12%
  • Financial Statement Analysis: 13-17%
  • Corporate Issuers: 8-12%
  • Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning: 5-8%
  • Equity Investments: 10-12%
  • Fixed Income: 10-12%
  • Derivatives: 5-8%
  • Alternative Investments: 5-8%

For the 2024 Level I exams, the topics are weighted as follows:

  • Quantitative Methods: 6-9%
  • Economics: 6-9%
  • Financial Statement Analysis: 11-14%
  • Corporate Issuers: 6-9%
  • Equity Investments: 11-14%
  • Fixed Income: 11-14%
  • Derivatives: 5-8%
  • Alternative Investments: 7-10%
  • Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning: 8-12%
  • Ethical and Professional Standards: 15-20%

These topic weights were used to develop a Level I study plan you can follow to ensure complete coverage of the material. The study plan is included in all of our packages.

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The Minimum Passing Score (MPS) is the benchmark used to determine whether a candidate has passed or failed the exam, and it is different each year. The MPS for Level I is set about six weeks after the exam. CFA Institute does not release the MPS, although research indicates that it hovers between 60 and 70 percent.
CFA我nstitute administers Level I of the CFA Exam four times per year, with exam windows in February, May, August, and November.

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More Likely to Pass:These are the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by Kaplan between June 30 and August 30, 2021. For this survey, a sample of 313 U.S. CFA Level I and Level II candidates was interviewed online. The survey was fielded to subscribers of300Hours.comandAnalystForum.com.

Most Respected and Trusted Provider and Used by More Level I Candidates:These are the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by Kaplan between June 30 and August 30, 2021. For this survey, a sample of 313 U.S. CFA Level I and Level II candidates was interviewed online, of which 271 CFA candidates answered this question. The survey was fielded to subscribers of300Hours.comandAnalystForum.com.