CFA Level 1 Study Notes & Materials for 2026 Exam Prep
CFA Level 1 Study Notes Coverage Breakdown
The CFA Level 1 exam tests your understanding across 10 core topic areas, and our CFA Level 1 notes are meticulously mapped to cover every single one.
We focus on the key concepts you need to pass with confidence. Our easy-to-read study notes cover the following topics, along with the percentage each one represents on the exam.
| Topic Area | Weight (%) | What You’ll Learn in Our CFA Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 15–20% | Code of Ethics, GIPS, Ethical Decision Frameworks |
| Quantitative Methods | 6–9% | Time Value of Money, Probability, Hypothesis Testing, Regression |
| Economics | 6–9% | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Currency Exchange Mechanisms |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 11–14% | Income Statement Analysis, Balance Sheets, Financial Ratios |
| Corporate Issuers | 6–9% | Corporate Governance, Dividend Policies, Capital Structure |
| Equity Investments | 11–14% | Equity Valuation Techniques, Market Organization, Indices |
| Fixed Income | 11–14% | Bond Valuation, Risk Metrics, Term Structure of Interest Rates |
| Derivatives | 5–8% | Forwards, Futures, Options, and Swaps |
| Alternative Investments | 7–10% | Real Estate, Private Equity, Commodities, Hedge Funds |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning | 8–12% | Portfolio Risk and Return, Asset Allocation, Investor Profiles |
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Why Our CFA Level 1 Study Notes
When preparing for one of the most challenging finance exams, having the right study materials can make all the difference. AnalystPrep’s CFA Level 1 notes are designed by professional instructors and CFA Charterholders to give you exactly what you need to succeed.
Concise and Comprehensive
Curriculum-Aligned Materials
Easy to Absorb Notes
Efficient Exam Preparation
Printable and Mobile-Ready
At AnalystPrep, our mission is simple: to make your CFA Level 1 preparation faster, smarter, and more effective, so you can walk into exam day fully confident.
What’s Inside Our CFA Level 1 Study Notes Package
When you choose AnalystPrep’s CFA Level 1 study notes, you’re not just getting summaries, you’re unlocking a complete toolkit built to help you understand, retain, and apply key concepts faster.
| Component | What You’ll Get | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| CFA Level 1 Summary Notes | Concise breakdowns of every topic area: Quantitative Methods, FRA, Ethics, Economics, and more. | Focus on the most testable concepts without wasting time. |
| Formula Sheets | Quick-reference sheets summarizing key formulas across topics. | Speed up memorization and last-minute revision. |
| Practice Questions | Topic-specific questions embedded within the notes. | Reinforce learning immediately after reviewing each section. |
| Exam Strategy Guides | Tips on how to tackle common tricky questions and manage your time during the exam. | Boost your confidence and exam performance. |
| Printable & Mobile-Ready PDFs | Full access to print-friendly and mobile-optimized versions. | Study anywhere, anytime — even offline. |
Every page of our CFA notes is designed with one goal in mind: To help you master the CFA Level 1 curriculum with maximum efficiency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these CFA Level 1 notes current with the 2026 curriculum?
Yes. Our CFA Level 1 notes reflect all CFA Institute 2026 curriculum updates, so you’ll be learning the latest concepts and exam requirements.
Do the notes follow the official CFA syllabus?
Absolutely. Every section is organized around the latest CFA® Institute Learning Outcome Statements (LOS), ensuring you focus only on tested material.
Can I use the notes without an internet connection?
Yes. You can download your CFA notes as printable PDFs, making it easy to study at home, on your commute, or anywhere offline.
How much detail is included in the notes?
Our notes are concise but thorough, covering each topic with clear explanations, examples, and formulas, without the excess detail that slows down your study time.
Do the notes include topic summaries and formula sheets?
Yes. Each topic ends with a quick-reference summary and a list of essential formulas to help reinforce key points before moving on.
Can I preview the content before purchasing?
Yes. We provide free previews of selected topics so you can see the style, layout, and depth of coverage before committing.
How do AnalystPrep notes compare to full CFA textbooks?
Our notes are designed for speed and efficiency, helping you absorb what matters most for the exam without wading through hundreds of unnecessary pages.
What’s the best way to study with these notes?
Read one topic at a time, review the LOS summaries, then reinforce your understanding with our matching practice questions, quizzes, and videos.
How difficult is CFA Level 1 compared to other finance exams?
CFA Level 1 is challenging due to its breadth, covering ethics, finance, quantitative methods, and more. With consistent study and our focused materials, most candidates find it manageable in 4–6 months.
Can first-year college students prepare for CFA Level 1?
Yes, but it’s intensive. We recommend starting with our free guide to gauge difficulty and ensuring you have a foundation in basic finance and statistics.
What are the topic weights for CFA Level 1?
The CFA Institute assigns different weight ranges to each topic. For Level 1, Ethics, Financial Reporting & Analysis, and Quantitative Methods typically carry more weight, while areas like Economics and Alternative Investments carry less. We keep our notes aligned with the latest published weights.
What CFA eBook options do you offer?
All study notes are available as downloadable PDFs. These are mobile-optimized and can be printed for offline use.
Do you offer a free CFA study guide?
Yes. You can download a free CFA Level 1 study guide with selected topics to see our content style and exam-focused approach.
Which study package is best for me?
It depends on your learning style. AnalystPrep offers Self-Study Packages (study notes, question banks, and mock exams) for independent learners, and Premium Packages that include video lessons and tutoring support. If you prefer flexibility, self-paced works best; if you want more guidance, consider the premium options.
How do I access my online tools?
Once you register and complete your purchase, simply log in to AnalystPrep’s online platform. Your study notes, practice questions, and other tools are available instantly on desktop or mobile.
What is the difference between self-paced and live online classes?
Self-Paced: Includes study notes, question banks, mock exams, and on-demand video lessons you can access anytime.
Live Online: Offers all self-paced features plus scheduled live sessions with instructors for real-time interaction and guidance.
How long will I have access to my study materials?
Access depends on the package. Most subscriptions last 12 months, while lifetime packages provide permanent access to all updates and content.
When will I receive my order?
Digital products are delivered immediately after checkout. You’ll get instant access to notes, videos, and question banks inside your account.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Digital subscriptions are available instantly, no matter your location.
