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

 


CFA Level I Study Packages


Designed for You to Pass

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Maximize Your Chances of Success on the CFA®️ Exam with a Study Package from Kaplan Schweser


 

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Proven Strategies for the 2025 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 35 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.     

CFA® Program Survey: Insights from Charterholders and Candidates

Kaplan Schweser conducted a study that provides a unique look into the experiences of CFA candidates and charterholders at different points in their journeys.

  • 85% of those who passed the CFA Level I exam used an exam prep provider to help them prepare
  • 94% of those who passed the CFA Level I exam and prepared with Kaplan Schweser believe that Schweser played a significant role in helping them pass
  • 71% of CFA Level I exam takers agree that the CFA curriculum is valuable in their career after having passed their exam

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Still Have Questions? Make an Appointment

Eliminate any guesswork in your CFA® exam preparation. Our representatives are ready to guide you in choosing the right education package for your exam-day success. Schedule a time to talk to one of our financial education experts and have all your questions answered.

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What Kaplan Schweser Customers Say

Hear the Success Stories of Finance Professionals Who Passed with Schweser

Testimonial: This testimonial was recorded for Kaplan Schweser. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary. 

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 Institute 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.

Prepare an Effective Study Plan »

Some candidates also consider a Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) as a way to prepare for the CFA® exam. Certain curriculums, like the MSFA 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 the CFA exams, registration fees range from $940 to $1,250, depending on your exam level and when you register.

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 2025 Level I exams, the topics are weighted as follows: 

  • Quantitative Methods: 6-9%
  • Economics: 6-9%
  • Corporate Issuers: 6-9%
  • Financial Statement Analysis: 11-14%
  • Equity Investments: 11-14%
  • Fixed Income: 11-14%
  • Derivatives: 5-8%
  • Alternative Investments: 7-10%
  • Portfolio Management: 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 Institute administers Level I of the CFA Exam four times per year, with exam windows in February, May, August, and November.

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 of 300Hours.com and AnalystForum.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 of 300Hours.com and AnalystForum.com.