The CFA Level 1 exam tests your financial knowledge across ten subjects.

Six in ten candidates fail this prestigious test each year.

Let's break down how to pass it on your first attempt.

The CFA Level 1 Structure

The CFA Level 1 syllabus spans 3,000 pages across ten volumes.

It contains 93 learning modules with 300 learning objectives.

The exam format is straightforward: multiple-choice questions with three options.

No negative marking applies.

Core Subjects in CFA Level 1

The CFA Level 1 exam divides into two main sessions:

Morning Session:

• Ethics

• Quantitative Methods

• Economics

• Financial Statement Analysis

• Corporate Finance

Afternoon Session:

• Equity Investments

• Fixed Income

• Derivatives

• Alternative Investments

• Portfolio Management

Subject Weights in CFA Level 1

Ethics carries the highest weight at 20%.

You must score at least 70% in Ethics to pass.

Financial Analysis follows at 15%.

Quantitative Methods takes 12%.

Alternative Investments contributes 10%.

Other subjects range between 8-12% each.

Smart Study Strategy

Start with Alternative Investments.

You can master this 10% portion in one week.

Move to Ethics next.

These two subjects alone cover 30% of the CFA Level 1 exam.

Study Materials

The official CFA Level 1 books form your primary resource.

Third-party materials can supplement your learning.

Practice questions help reinforce concepts.

Mock exams build test-taking skills.

Time Management

Study in 30-minute blocks.

Review material daily.

Use commute time for quick reviews.

Practice timed tests weekly.

Success Tips

Focus on understanding core concepts.

Solve practice questions daily.

Review past topics weekly.

Track your progress monthly.

Career Benefits

The CFA Level 1 exam opens doors to investment banking.

It signals your commitment to finance.

Employers value this qualification highly.

It builds a strong foundation for advanced finance roles.

Remember: The CFA Level 1 exam tests application over memorization.

Focus on practice over passive reading.

Build consistent study habits.

Success comes from strategic preparation, not just study hours.