Comprehensive Guide to CFA Level 1 Study Notes

There’s something about the CFA Level 1 exam that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. Maybe it’s the sheer breadth of the content or the weight of stepping into one of the most respected finance programs in the world. Either way, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re already thinking about how best to study for it. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a solid, no-nonsense guide that cuts through the noise?

That’s exactly what we’ve created here. 

This isn’t just another list of topics and readings. It’s a hands-on guide to CFA Level 1 Study Notes that makes the mountain ahead seem a little less steep.

Why Study Notes Matter

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s talk about something most people overlook. Study notes aren’t just a shortcut or a summary. They are a strategic tool. Done right, they save you hours of confusion and guide your focus to what really matters on exam day.

You could go straight to the CFA Institute’s curriculum, and many do. But here’s the truth. It’s comprehensive, sure, but also dense. It’s not always clear what’s testable and what’s there for context. That’s where CFA Level 1 Study Notes come in. They extract the meat, serve it to you plainly, and let you chew through the essentials without wasting energy on irrelevant detail.

What the CFA Level 1 Exam Covers

To get the most out of your CFA Level 1 Notes, you need a basic understanding of what’s in the curriculum. The exam is split across ten core topics:

• Ethical and Professional Standards
• Quantitative Methods
• Economics
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Corporate Issuers
• Equity Investments
• Fixed Income
• Derivatives
• Alternative Investments
• Portfolio Management

Each topic is further broken down into learning modules, and every learning module comes with its own learning objectives. These are your signposts. Good study notes follow them religiously, keeping everything aligned with what CFA Institute is actually going to test.

What Makes a Great Set of CFA Level 1 Study Notes?

Now, let’s get practical. Not all notes are created equal. Here’s what you should look for:

1. Curriculum Alignment
If the notes aren’t structured around the CFA curriculum, it’s a red flag. You want your notes to mirror the official outline. That means following the Learning Outcome Statements (LOS) and not straying too far from what’s actually examinable.

2. Clarity Over Complexity
This isn’t the time for academic flourishes or overly technical jargon. The best CFA Level 1 Notes break down difficult concepts using plain language and clear examples. If you’re scratching your head more than you’re nodding in agreement, it’s time to find a different set.

3. Visual Aids and Examples
Let’s face it. Finance isn’t always fun to read. A well-placed chart or flow diagram can go a long way in turning complex theory into something you can actually remember.

4. Regular Updates
The CFA curriculum changes more often than people realize. Even small changes can matter. You’ll want to use CFA Level 1 Study Notes that are specific to the year you’re sitting the exam. Using older notes may leave you blind to new readings or changes in weighting.

AnalystPrep CFA Level 1 Notes

We know what you’re thinking. Everyone says their notes are the best. But here’s the thing. At AnalystPrep, we’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. Our CFA Level 1 Notes weren’t slapped together as a last-minute study hack. They’re the result of years of experience helping candidates like you pass the exam confidently.

Our notes check all the right boxes:

• Aligned with the latest curriculum
• Written in simple, student-friendly language
• Packed with real-life examples and visual cues
• Designed to complement your videos and practice questions

And here’s the part we don’t shout about enough. We’ve built these notes to be your bridge between reading and doing. Use them when reviewing after video lessons. Use them when you’re on the go. Use them as your quick-refresher tool in the final weeks before exam day.

How to Use CFA Level 1 Study Notes Strategically

Having the best notes is just the beginning. The real secret is how you use them. Here’s a simple, flexible strategy that can fit into almost any study schedule:

Step 1: Watch a Lesson or Read a Curriculum Chapter
Start with your primary content. Whether that’s a video lesson or a reading, take it in fully. Don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Skim Through Your CFA Level 1 Notes
Now open your study notes. Read them right after your lesson. It helps consolidate the material and shows you what really matters.

Step 3: Create Your Own Summaries
Here’s where things get personal. Take the core ideas from the notes and rewrite them in your own words. This simple act turns passive reading into active learning.

Step 4: Reinforce with Questions
This is where the magic happens. Notes show you what’s important. Practice questions test if you’ve really understood it. Use them together, not in isolation.

Step 5: Review Often
The biggest mistake CFA candidates make? Studying something once and never returning to it. Build in weekly review sessions using your CFA Level 1 Notes. They’re perfect for refreshing your memory before tackling mock exams or revising weak topics.

What to Avoid When Choosing or Using Study Notes

If we’re going to be candid, not all notes help you. Some do more harm than good. Here are a few traps to steer clear of:

• Blind summarizing: If notes are just word-for-word rewrites of the curriculum, they’re not worth your time.
• Skipping the readings entirely: Notes are a supplement, not a substitute. Some depth only comes from the source.
• Outdated content: If the notes are from two years ago, move on. The CFA Institute tweaks its curriculum more than people realize.
• Overreliance: Don’t fall into the trap of reading notes again and again without testing your understanding.

Conclusion

Getting through Level 1 takes more than just discipline. It takes strategy. With the right CFA Level 1 Notes in your toolkit, you’re not just making studying easier. You’re making it smarter.

At AnalystPrep, our job is to help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. Our study notes are one part of a well-rounded system that also includes video lessons, exam-style questions, and performance tracking tools that help you measure progress in real time.

Remember, the exam is tough, but not unbeatable. This is especially the case when you’re using tools designed to help you succeed, not just survive. So whether you’re months away or just getting started, take the time to find CFA Level 1 Study Notes that do the heavy lifting for you.

Because if there’s one thing every successful candidate learns, it’s this – you don’t have to memorize everything, but you do need to understand the right things deeply.