CFA LEVEL I EXAM PREP
More insights. Clear direction. Better results.
CFA Level I candidates who prepare with Kaplan Schweser are more likely to pass than those who prep with other providers. Join their ranks with a personalized study plan, concise SchweserNotes™, mock exams and practice questions based on the CFA exam, and our PassProtection™ guarantee.
CFA Level I
Level I of the CFA exam tests your knowledge and comprehension of investment tools and ethical and professional standards. Level I builds a baseline of knowledge across financial topics that will be expanded on in later levels.
2026 CFA® Level I Exam Study Packages
Live Ultimate Package for the CFA Level I Exam
All the classes, study tools, and review materials Kaplan has to offer for the CFA Level I Exam.
Choose Your Exam Window
If you’re committed to passing the 2026 CFA Level I exam, this is the best choice for you. This comprehensive CFA Level I study package includes our full library of exam prep materials and your choice of Live Online or OnDemand options for your Masterclass and Review Workshop. Ask questions and engage with expert instructors in a live classroom environment or attend OnDemand whenever you like. Finally, you get the added assurance of our PassProtection™ guarantee.
*Please note, all components may not be available at time of purchase. For more information, see product availability.
What's Included
✔️ All of Schweser’s print and online study tools, including print, digital, and audio versions of our study notes, realistic practice questions, a robust question bank, access to instructors and fellow candidates in the Kaplan Schweser Community, and much more
✔️ The renowned SchweserNotes™, a 4-volume set of clear, concise CFA study notes
✔️ Your choice of Live Online or OnDemand Masterclasses, featuring engaging instructor-led sessions to ensure you have a strong grasp of each exam topic
✔️ 6 full-length CFA mock exams, including the industry’s only in-person mock exam experience at a Prometric® test center. 96% of Level I candidates who scored 70% or higher on our mock exams went on to pass the actual CFA exam.
✔️ Your choice of Live Online or OnDemand CFA Review Workshop featuring 55+ hours of expert-led review, plus specialized materials to reinforce your mastery of the curriculum during the final phase of prep
✔️ Activity Feed and Performance Tracker to create a customized study plan by tracking your progress, recommending remediation strategies, and adjusting study times and topic order based on your needs
✔️ Schweser’s PassProtection™ for complete confidence on exam day. If you don’t pass, your next study package is on us. Terms and conditions apply.
More About the Product
The first exam in the CFA Program tests your knowledge and comprehension of investment tools and ethical and professional standards. The Level I curriculum focuses on recalling formulas and definitions from memory and builds a baseline of knowledge across financial topics that will be expanded on in later levels. Despite this, the historical average pass rates for the Level I exam are the lowest of all three levels, with only 41% of candidates passing. But did you know that Level I candidates who prepare with Schweser are more likely to pass than those who prep with other providers?
When you prep with a Schweser study package, you’ll master the entire Level I curriculum with the must-have SchweserNotes™, online Masterclasses taught by the industry’s largest team of CFA instructors, and thousands of unique practice questions. In addition, you can experience exam day with our Mock Exam Sim Mode, which simulates the interface, format, difficulty, and length of the actual CFA exam (also available in-person at Prometric® exam centers). Choose your Level I study package today, and give yourself the best chance to pass on exam day.
PassProtection™ Guarantee
Schweser's PassProtection™
Didn’t pass the exam? Your next study package is on us, free of charge. Terms and conditions apply.
Study Notes
SchweserNotes™
This 4-volume set of clear, concise CFA study notes provides a more focused and efficient exam prep experience. Covering every exam topic in the CFA curriculum, SchweserNotes™ includes realistic examples and practice quizzes to help you retain vital information.
SchweserNotes™ Audio
The audio version of SchweserNotes™ helps reinforce your understanding of the CFA Program curriculum while you are on a commute, at home, or in the gym.
Instruction
Masterclass (Live Online or OnDemand)
After completing your learning assignments for a topic, your Masterclass ensures a strong grasp of the material. Led by Schweser’s expert instructors, you get 80+ hours of online instruction reinforcing your studies.
- Includes a two-volume set of Masterclass Workbooks with content, examples, and practice equations.
CFA Institute Question Review Videos
Over 4 hours of in-depth videos guide you through the end-of-reading questions from the CFA Institute Program curriculum with expert strategies and insights.
Exams and Quizzes
SchweserPro™ QBank
The Level I SchweserPro™ QBank prepares you for the CFA exam with:
- 2,600+ foundational and exam-like questions
- Custom quizzes
- Tutorial videos with detailed explanations
- Performance metrics to track strengths and weaknesses
CFA Mock Exams
- 6 full-length mock exams simulate the interface, format, and difficulty of the actual CFA exam. In fact, 96% of Level I candidates who scored 70% or higher on our mock exams went on to pass the actual CFA exam.
Checkpoint Exams
- Three Checkpoint Exams with CFA-style questions to assess your progress.
Performance Tracker
- The Performance Tracker provides detailed insights into your CFA exam readiness with progress tracking over time, benchmarking against peers, and topic-level analysis.
Review
CFA Review Workshop (Live Online or OnDemand)
- 55+ hours of expert instruction and review available Live Online or OnDemand.
- Includes key topic reviews, practice questions, and exam strategies.
- Kaplan uses Zoom for Live Online events for Zoom setup instructions.
Schweser's Secret Sauce®
Take this compact book anywhere—printed, online, or eBook—for a concise CFA® Program curriculum review. Schweser’s Secret Sauce® provides exam tips and strategies to apply your knowledge on exam day.
Study Tools
Activity Feed
- Weekly tasks strategically placed to keep your study plan on track.
QuickSheet
- A compact summary of key formulas, definitions, and concepts.
Kaplan Schweser Community
- Engage with experts and fellow CFA candidates in our community forum.
- Ask questions, find answers, and participate in discussions.
JumpStart
- Get a head start with JumpStart study materials added to your Learning Management System (LMS) after your CFA exam.
Prerequisite Content
- Schweser summarized key Quantitative Methods, Economics, and Financial Statement Analysis prerequisite content.
- Available in SchweserNotes™ and SchweserPro™ QBank (online format only).
Flashcards
- Test key concepts and retain vital information with this portable study tool.
- Includes an online version for mobile review.
InstructorLink
- Ask questions anytime and receive expert instructor responses.
Premium Package for the CFA Level I Exam
Schweser's most popular package, features instructions from experts and review sessions before the CFA Level I exam.
Choose Your Exam Window
This complete 2026 CFA Level I study package features our instructor-led Masterclass and Review Workshop in a convenient OnDemand format. Along with our PassProtection™ guarantee, you’ll also gain access to a suite of study notes, exams, quizzes, and study tools - everything you need to succeed on exam day. Follow the structured study plan we’ve built for you or personalize a plan that works around your knowledge level and schedule.
What's Included
✔️ Schweser’s most popular print and online study tools, including print and digital versions of our study notes, realistic practice questions, a robust question bank, access to instructors and fellow candidates in the Kaplan Schweser Community, and much more
✔️ The renowned SchweserNotes™, a 4-volume set of clear, concise CFA study notes
✔️ Convenient OnDemand Masterclasses, featuring 70+ hours of engaging instructor-led sessions to ensure you have a strong grasp of each exam topic
✔️ 6 full-length CFA mock exams, including the industry’s only in-person mock exam experience at a Prometric® test center. 96% of Level I candidates who scored 70% or higher on our mock exams went on to pass the actual CFA exam.
✔️ OnDemand Review Workshop featuring 55+ hours of expert-led review and specialized materials designed to reinforce your mastery of the curriculum during the final phase of prep
✔️ Optional Live Online Masterclasses and a 5-Day Live Online Review Workshop, which can be added to a Premium Package for just $299
✔️ Activity Feed and Performance Tracker to create a customized study plan by tracking your progress, recommending remediation strategies, and adjusting study times and topic order based on your needs
✔️ Schweser’s PassProtection™ for complete confidence on exam day. If you don’t pass, your next study package is on us. Terms and conditions apply.
More About the Product
The first exam in the CFA Program tests your knowledge and comprehension of investment tools and ethical and professional standards. The Level I curriculum focuses on recalling formulas and definitions from memory and builds a baseline of knowledge across financial topics that will be expanded on in later levels. Despite this, the historical average pass rates for the Level I exam are the lowest of all three levels, with only 41% of candidates passing. But did you know that Level I candidates who prepare with Schweser are more likely to pass than those who prep with other providers?
When you prep with a Schweser study package, you’ll master the entire Level I curriculum with the must-have SchweserNotes™, online Masterclasses taught by the industry’s largest team of CFA instructors, and thousands of unique practice questions. In addition, you can experience exam day with our Mock Exam Sim Mode, which simulates the interface, format, difficulty, and length of the actual CFA exam (also available in-person at Prometric® exam centers). Choose your Level I study package today, and give yourself the best chance to pass on exam day.
PassProtection™ Guarantee
Schweser's PassProtection™
Didn’t pass the exam? Your next study package is on us, free of charge. Terms and conditions apply.
Study Notes
SchweserNotes™ eBooks
The digital version of SchweserNotes™ contains everything in the printed version and allows you to study anywhere, anytime that works best for you. Available from anywhere with the Kaplan Schweser app.
SchweserNotes™ Print Books
This 4-volume set of clear, concise CFA study notes provides a more focused and efficient exam prep experience. Covering every exam topic in the CFA Program curriculum, SchweserNotes™ includes realistic examples and practice quizzes to help you retain vital information.
SchweserNotes™
This 4-volume set of clear, concise CFA study notes provides a more focused and efficient exam prep experience. Covering every exam topic in the CFA curriculum, SchweserNotes™ includes realistic examples and practice quizzes to help you retain vital information.
Instruction
Masterclass (OnDemand)
After you’ve finished your learning assignments for a specific topic of the curriculum, your Masterclass ensures you have a strong grasp on the topic. Led by Schweser’s expert instructors, you get 80+ hours of online instruction that reinforces your studies and ensures you’re ready to move on to the next topic. This package includes a two-volume set of Masterclass Workbooks containing content, examples, and practice equations to guide you through the lectures and serve as a reference during review. Available from anywhere with the Kaplan Schweser app.
*Premium Packages include the option to upgrade to Live Online Masterclasses and a 5-Day Live Online Review Workshop for just $299.
CFA Institute Question Review Videos
80+ hours of in-depth CFA videos walk you through the end-of-reading questions from the CFA Institute Program curriculum. You’ll get expert advice and strategies from CFA instructors as they guide you through the questions.
Exams and Quizzes
SchweserPro™ QBank
- The Level I SchweserPro™ QBank prepares you for the CFA exam with 2,600+ foundational and exam-like questions, custom quizzes, tutorial videos with detailed answer explanations, and performance metrics to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.
CFA Mock Exams
- 6 full-length mock exams simulate the interface, format, and difficulty of the actual CFA exam. In fact, 96% of Level I candidates who scored 70% or higher on our mock exams went on to pass the actual CFA exam.
Checkpoint Exams
- Three Checkpoint Exams with questions that mimic the difficulty and format of the actual CFA exam.
Performance Tracker
- The Performance Tracker provides detailed insights into your CFA exam readiness with progress tracking over time, benchmarking against peers, and topic-level analysis.
Review
CFA Review Workshop (OnDemand)*
Watch our Review Workshop sessions on your schedule with 55+ hours of expert instruction and review that are all available for OnDemand viewing. You receive thorough review of key topics, practice questions and problem-solving techniques, and exam tips and strategies.
*Premium Packages include the option to upgrade to a 5-Day Live Online Review Workshop and Live Online Masterclasses for just $299.
Schweser's Secret Sauce®
Take this compact book anywhere you go, printed, online, or eBook, for a concise review of the CFA® Program curriculum. Schweser's Secret Sauce® provides insights and exam tips on how to effectively prepare and apply your knowledge on exam day.
Study Tools
Activity Feed
- Take the guesswork out of your study plan with strategically placed weekly tasks.
QuickSheet
- This compact study tool summarizes key formulas, definitions, and concepts.
Kaplan Schweser Community
- Access our community forum to engage with our experts and other CFA candidates, post questions, find answers, and engage in meaningful discussions throughout your studies.
JumpStart
- Maximize your 300 hours with our JumpStart study materials. Shortly after you complete your CFA® exam, the JumpStart materials will be automatically added to your Learning Management System (LMS) as part of your Study Package. Featuring digital SchweserNotes™, these core materials can be used to get a jump on preparing for your next CFA exam while you wait for your results.
Prerequisite Content
- Portions of the Quantitative Methods, Economics, and Financial Statement Analysis exam topics are designated as prerequisite knowledge for the CFA Level I curriculum. Schweser summarized this prerequisite content for you and delivers it via our SchweserNotes™ and SchweserPro™ QBank study tools (online format only).
Essential Package for the CFA Level I Exam
A streamlined study plan that includes engaging classes and basic online study tools to effectively prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam.
Choose Your Exam Window
The 2026 CFA Level I Essential Package turns your study plan into a guided tour. Our budget-friendly package is enhanced by SchweserNotes™, topic assessments, module quizzes, the SchweserPro™ QBank, and 70+ hours of expert instruction to increase your content retention.
*Please note, all components may not be available at time of purchase. For more information, see product availability.
What's Included
✔️ Schweser’s fundamental online study tools, including concise study notes, realistic practice questions, a robust question bank, access to instructors and fellow candidates in the Kaplan Schweser Community, and more
✔️ The renowned SchweserNotes™, a 4-volume set of clear, concise CFA study notes
✔️ OnDemand Masterclasses that leverage professional instructors to teach the CFA Program curriculum through engaging lectures and exam-based applications
✔️ 4 full-length CFA mock exams, including the option to take an in-person Mock Exam at a Prometric® test center. 96% of Level I candidates who scored 70% or higher on our mock exams went on to pass the actual CFA exam.
✔️ Activity Feed and Performance Tracker to create a customized study plan by tracking your progress, recommending remediation strategies, and adjusting study times and topic order based on your needs
✔️ Schweser’s PassProtection™ for complete confidence on exam day. If you don’t pass, your next study package is on us. Terms and conditions apply.
More About the Product
PassProtection™ Guarantee
Schweser's PassProtection™
Didn’t pass the exam? Your next study package is on us, free of charge. Terms and conditions apply.
Study Notes
SchweserNotes™
This 4-volume set of clear, concise CFA study notes provides a more focused and efficient exam prep experience. Covering every exam topic in the CF curriculum, SchweserNotes™ includes realistic examples and practice quizzes to help you retain vital information.
Instruction
Masterclass (OnDemand)
After you’ve finished your learning assignments for a specific topic of the curriculum, your Masterclass ensures you have a strong grasp on the topic. Led by Schweser’s expert instructors, you get 80+ hours of online instruction that reinforces your studies and ensures you’re ready to move on to the next topic.
This package includes a two-volume set of Masterclass Workbooks containing content, examples, and practice equations to guide you through the lectures and serve as a reference during review. Available from anywhere with the Kaplan Schweser app.
CFA Institute Question Review Videos
80+ hours of in-depth CFA videos walk you through the end-of-reading questions from the CFA Institute Program curriculum. You’ll get expert advice and strategies from CFA instructors as they guide you through the questions.
Exams and Quizzes
SchweserPro™ QBank
The Level I SchweserPro™ QBank prepares you for the CFA exam with:
- 2,600+ foundational and exam-like questions
- Custom quizzes
- Tutorial videos with detailed answer explanations
- Performance metrics to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses
CFA Mock Exams
- Includes 4 mock exams. These full-length mock exams simulate the interface, format, and difficulty of the actual CFA exam. In fact, 96% of Level I candidates who scored 70% or higher on our mock exams went on to pass the actual CFA exam.
Checkpoint Exams
- Three Checkpoint Exams with questions that mimic the difficulty and format of the actual CFA exam.
Performance Tracker
- The Performance Tracker provides detailed insights into your CFA exam readiness with progress tracking over time, benchmarking against peers, and topic-level analysis.
Study Tools
Activity Feed
- Take the guesswork out of your study plan with strategically placed weekly tasks.
QuickSheet
- This compact study tool summarizes key formulas, definitions, and concepts.
Kaplan Schweser Community
Access our community forum to:
- Engage with our experts and other CFA candidates
- Post questions, find answers, and engage in meaningful discussions throughout your studies.
JumpStart
Maximize your 300 hours with our JumpStart study materials. Shortly after you complete your CFA® exam, the JumpStart materials will be automatically added to your Learning Management System (LMS) as part of your Study Package. Featuring digital SchweserNotes™, these core materials can be used to get a jump on preparing for your next CFA exam while you wait for your results.
Prerequisite Content
Portions of the Quantitative Methods, Economics, and Financial Statement Analysis exam topics are designated as prerequisite knowledge for the CFA Level I curriculum. Schweser summarized this prerequisite content for you and delivers it via our SchweserNotes™ and SchweserPro™ QBank study tools (online format only).
Schweser summarized this prerequisite content for you and delivers it via our:
- SchweserNotes™
- SchweserPro™ QBank (online format only)
CFA® Exam Details
The CFA Program has three exams (Levels I, II, III) taken in order. Each level requires 300+ hours of prep, though time varies. Candidates get six attempts per level with no time limit to complete the program. The curriculum updates annually to reflect changes in the global investment industry.
Exam Details
CFA Level I Exam Details
CFA Level I candidates concentrate on the tools and concepts related to investment valuation and portfolio management, as well as an overview of how these processes fit within the guidelines of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
Level I Exam Details
- Exam Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
- Attempts Allowed: Up to six per level
- Exam Windows: February, May, August, November
- Question Breakdown:
- 180 total questions (split into two sessions)
- Sessions 1 & 2: 90 questions each (2 hours 15 min per session)
GET FULL EXAM DETAILS HERE
Explore Kaplan Schweser’s Individual Study Products
If you’re looking to pinpoint a specific area of your study, check out our individual CFA prep products. From concise books that break down the curriculum to thousands of realistic practice questions, exam-simulating mock exams and more, we’ve got absolutely everything you need to elevate your exam readiness.