CFA Level 1 Study Material 2025 - Topics, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

CFA Level 1 Study Material 2025 - Topics, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Edited By Mirza Farhan Baig | Updated on Apr 01, 2025 09:34 PM IST | #CFA Exam
Ongoing Event
CFA Exam  Application Date : 12 Feb' 2025 - 05 Aug' 2025

The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute releases the official study material for the CFA level 1 exam on its official website. Candidates registered for the CFA level 1 exam 2025 for any of the four sessions can refer to the study material for preparatory purposes. The CFA level 1 study material pdf acts as guidance for candidates to have wider knowledge of the modern financial practices.
Important Note: Download your CFA notes, highlights & PDFs from the Learning Ecosystem before results are released. CFA Level 1 result Feb 2025 on April 3.

CFA Level 1 Study Material 2025 - Topics, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
CFA Level 1 Study Material 2025 - Topics, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The official study material for CFA level 1 exam 2025 is well-tailored according to the paper pattern of the CFA level 1 exams. Check the given article to know the important information about CFA level 1 study material 2025, syllabus, exam pattern and study schedules.

Check CFA level 1 exam date 2025 to know the major events related to CFA exams.

Format of CFA Study Material Level 1 2025

The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute provides the CFA Program curriculum on its website in digital format. The digital curriculum can be used on a variety of devices. The CFA also provides the material in print format. The print version is available as a set of six volumes and can be purchased by candidates separately.

What does the official CFA level 1 Study Material include?

Once the CFA level 1 registration process is complete, candidates will gain access to a variety of study tools and resources to help them prepare for the CFA level 1 exam. The official CFA materials Level 1 provided by The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute includes-

  • Official CFA level 1 curriculum

  • Study sessions for CFA level 1 exam

  • Custom study plans designed for candidates

  • Practice questions and mock exams to have the exam-day experience

  • Study resources and various other tips

CFA Level 1 Exam 2025 Approved Preparation Providers

In addition to the CFA level 1 study material provided, the official website of the CFA institute also lists down multiple preparation providers who are equipped with resources and help candidates in their CFA level 1 preparation.

Currently, for CFA level 1 exam 2025, there are 50+ study material providers all around the world. The study material is available or can be collected in person. Fulfilment of current CFA Institute curriculum and best practices are followed by all the providers.

Exam Pattern of CFA level 1

It is vital for candidates to have an overview of the CFA level 1 paper pattern to have better understanding on how and when to start preparing. Given below table includes the details related to the paper pattern which can be referred by candidates-

CFA Level 1 Exam Pattern 2025

ParticularsDetails

Frequency of the exam

Four times - February, May, August, and November

Type of questions asked

Multiple choice questions

Total questions

180 MCQs

Sessions included

Two -

  • Session 1 - 90 MCQs

  • Session 2 - 90 MCQs

Time duration of CFA® Level 1 exam

Total 4.5 hours (each of 2 hours, 15 minutes)

Marking scheme

No negative markings

There is also an optional break of half an hour between both the sessions.

CFA Level 1 Subjects 2025

It is vital for candidates to look for the subjects included in the CFA level 1 exam before commencing their preparation. It includes complete details on the CFA Level 1 subjects such as topics, subtopics as well as the overall weightage of each is covered under the CFA level 1 exam.

Core Curriculum Topics

TopicsWeight %

Ethical and Professional Standards

15-20%

Financial Statement Analysis

11-14%

Equity Investments

11-14%

Fixed Income

11-14%

Corporate Issuers

6-9%

Quantitative Methods

6-9%

Economics

6-9%

Portfolio Management

8-12%

Derivatives

5-8%

Alternative Investments

7-10%

For additional preparatory resources, candidates can also try to solve CFA Level 1 question papers from the previous years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should be my study hours for the CFA level 1 exam?

One should spend a minimum of 300 hours over the course of six months in order to qualify the exam.

2. Where can I get CFA level 1 study material?

CFA level I study material can be downloaded from the official website of the CFA Institute by logging into your account.

3. Do we get study material for CFA Level 1?

Candidates can find the study material on the official website in both online and print modes.

4. What is the duration of the CFA level 1 exam?

The CFA level I exam is for a total duration of 4 hours 30 mintues

5. What is the best study material for CFA Level 1?

Candidates should refer to the official CFA study material as it is provided by the institute itself and incorporates all the relevant updates to the syllabus.

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