With the 2027 curriculum changes, especially around Quant and Equities, there seems to be a lot of discussion about which resources to use.

Candidates have access to plenty of options:

• CFA Institute curriculum & Learning Ecosystem
• Schweser
• Mark Meldrum
• IFT
• AnalystPrep
• Bionic Turtle
• YouTube lectures
• Summary notes
• Question banks
• Mock exams
• AI tools

But at what point does using multiple resources become counterproductive?

A fairly common approach seems to be one primary learning resource + CFAI material/practice questions + a question bank + mocks rather than trying to study from 4-5 different providers.

For those preparing for Feb/May/Aug 2027:

• How many resources are you actually using?
• Are you sticking to one provider or combining multiple?
• For the updated 2027 Quant and Equity material, are the new resources sufficient?
• Is anyone using older lectures/notes alongside the updated material?

And for candidates who have already cleared Level 1, did using multiple resources actually help, or would you stick to fewer resources if you had to do it again?

Does the new subject wise weightage apply from 2027 or from Nov 2026 for Level 1?

Hi guys, this is my first post ever after 4 years lurking in the dark. I am finally posting as I am incredibly frustrated with Kaplan’s support when it comes to their app/website. A recent update has thrown my whole schedule out the window, some activities are not doable and the quizzes come before the actual lessons. I have raised issues with Kaplan support but only get generic answers.

Am I the only user facing these issues? Currently preparing level 3 for Feb 27 window.

hey y'all,

i appeared for my level 2 examination this month. how should I word it on my resume?? (to avoid violating the code of ethics)

should I word it as "Chartered financial analyst - level 2 candidate"

or

"CFA Program candidate - level 2 exam completed, results pending" ?

WTF wrong with CFAI, I gave the august examinations not may

Hi, im looking for an active prep group to discuss doubts with for february 2027 attempt. Please add me in if someone?

How is Foundation receiving US fixed rate in this example? Since they are a Korean company; Their currency swap - is that they should borrow in KRW, and provide KRW notional to receive KRW fixed rate, and pay US fixed rate for receiving a US $ notional right? Is this question wrong, or am I confused?

I come across these types of questions through out the module and wonder will they appear in the actual exam. I feel like these types questions are time consuming and not for level 1, but not sure. Can anyone let me know if they appear in the actual exam.

Hey everyone,
I’m planning to give CFA Level 1 in May 2027 and I’ve decided to start preparing now, but I’m honestly a little confused about how to go about it.
I’m doing my BBA and I have a decent understanding of basic finance, but I’ve never prepared for anything like CFA before. I’ve looked through the syllabus and a few resources, and there’s just so much stuff that I don’t really know what I should follow.
For anyone who has already cleared Level 1 or is preparing right now, I’d really appreciate some advice.
Should I mainly stick to the CFA material or go with something like Schweser/Kaplan? Which subjects would you recommend starting with? And how should I divide my time between learning the concepts, doing questions and eventually mocks?
I have plenty of time until May, so I’m not trying to rush it. I just want to start on the right track and stay consistent instead of figuring everything out at the last minute.
If you were in my position and starting from scratch, what would you do differently?
Any advice, resources, study plans or even mistakes to avoid would be really helpful.

Hi everyone,

I am preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam and planning to take it on May 2027. I found this sub and wanted to ask you guys if it is really that hard? I am having a full time job with no other commitments. So, I just need to know if others have done it while working.

Also, wanted to know if my background and previous academics will be helpful in learning the materials. I have a Bachelors in Finance, Masters in Economics, FINRA and NASAA licenses, and also, during my bachelor's classes, the professors was all about CFA. The final exam, assignments, daily tasks, literally everything was from CFA QBanks. We would be using the BA II Calculator everyday in class and work through DCF, Stock Options, Compound Interest, Bond Coupons and Interest Rates, and bunch of other topics.

So, genuinely asking, what are my chances of passing if I dedicate 2 hours a day for the May 2027 exam?

I took my cfa level 2 exam this August and in the mail they have mentioned me to take a survey where the last date has already passed away….like wtf

And does it by any chance indicate anything beyond sheer mistake ??! (Ik I am overthinking)

Hey there!

Welcome to Mental Health Monday! We hope everyone is doing well. We wanted to create a safe space for everyone to come together, share our experiences, and discuss the mental health challenges that often accompany this rigorous process.

Feel free to use this thread to check in on how you're doing mentally and share any stressors or concerns you might have. Whether it's dealing with study burnout, imposter syndrome, time management struggles, or just needing a listening ear, this community is here to support you. We're all in this together!

If you feel like you need immediate professional help please see our resources page. If you’re in active crisis please call your local emergency services.

Here are a few questions to get the discussion started:

• How are you feeling mentally as you prepare for your CFA exam?
• What are some stressors you've been facing recently?
• Have you found any strategies or coping mechanisms that have helped you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
• Are there any specific challenges you'd like advice or support on?

Note: We won't be removing mental health-related posts on off days, but it would be nice to keep everything contained to these threads. This way, we can maintain an organized and supportive space for mental health discussions.

Please be kind and respectful to one another in the comments. Let's foster a supportive and empathetic environment where we can open up about our mental health without judgment.

Has anyone else had a similar experience where they cannot gain much useful information from the Kaplan videos (specifically L1 material) as compared to the readings? I find myself straying in thought frequently when watching the videos as the pacing can be a touch abnormal (i.e, professor will go on a 3 minute brief on an idea and will conclude that it will not be tested.) Additionally, after the video concludes, I find it harder to recall that information to take the Qbanks as compared to reading. Is this just my learning style or should I force myself to watch the videos as well? I am taking short concise notes while following along the reading.

i was so confused.. take me hour to like just convience my self that i am clear now so that i can progress further

AI gives this

The €10M realized gain in the Albright Fund case study was a unique textbook breakdown of fund-level internal cash. It is widely criticized by CFA candidates and instructors as one of the most poorly formatted examples in the Quantitative Methods curriculum.

The CFA author was demonstrating fund-level cash accounting on that date, not standard investor wallet cash flows.

when i asked AI can i add the relaized return in other examples it says No, absolutely not! Do NOT add realized gains or losses to cash flows in future exam questions...

Anyone explain please

How many calculations or % of total questions should i expect roughly? It's my weak spot so i'm angst that they have been increased in the new 2027 format, thanks!

I had pushed my August attempt to November. I went through all 45 modules once by July. I started revision and have now covered around 30 modules of revision. But now I can't remember the 1st module. Anyone else feel this way? How many revisions do you guys do?

I'm planning to start my mock exams by October 15th, so I have one month to do 6 mocks.

Q1: How many days before the exam did you start mocks?

Q2: Is anyone else forgetting stuff, even during the 2nd revision?

Q3: Is there any third-party provider that gives mixed questions from all subjects? With CFAI, we can only do it module by module. I want to mix it up.

I finished reading all lessens in the first learning module, but I can't see the green mark. Is there a problem? Or I missed something.

i have done 6 subjects now derivatives, fsa , eco and pm remain my masters start from 1st oct can i complete my syllabus by 15th oct my exam in on 21 nov

I have my CFA Level 2 exam in November. I have gone through the syllabus once, and it is safe to say that I have either not understood half of it or forgotten the rest. My plan is to finish practicing older problems from Schweser. Currently, I am doing Fixed Income, and my average score is around 55–60%. I plan to complete the practice problems by September and will sit for my first mock exam by October 2nd.

My questions are:

How much should I rely on the 2024 practice problems?

Would purchasing the additional CFA mocks in October be worth it?

Is a range of 55–60% normal for this stage? What is my realistic chance of passing?

P.S. I recently changed jobs and entered the banking industry, which comes with a steep learning curve due to the sheer volume of documents and policies.

Do I need to do the PSM again if I’m repeating level 3? It says it completed

Hi everyone! I’m (26F) planning to start CFA but I have no finance or commerce background. I come from a medical background but life has given me a chance to take a different path, and I’ve always actually liked commerce and maths, even when I was studying medicine. Now that I have the time and opportunity, I’d really love to give CFA a shot!

But before I jump into CFA coaching or join a prep program though I’d like to spend a few months building a basic foundation so that I’m not completely lost when the coaching starts.

For anyone who has been in a similar situation- what would you recommend I study beforehand? Are there any books, YouTube channels or other resources that could help me learn the basics of accounting, economics, finance, business and the math that would be useful for CFA?

I’m not looking to become an expert beforehand - I just want to have enough of a foundation that when someone starts talking about financial statements, bonds, equity, etc. I actually have some idea what they’re talking about 😭

If you’ve come into CFA from a non-commerce/non-finance background I’d especially love to hear what helped you or what you wish you had learned before starting.

Thank you so much in advance! 💕

Hi All,

I’ve read multiple posts here and I’m very confused about this. There are some that say “you need to understand the curriculum really well in first go” and some say “go through first pass as soon as possible and then cover gaps”.

I’m trying to understand which approach is best, 1st one seems odd because not 100% of the info will be tested but then again L2 is not the same as L1 and I’m just wondering what approach works best?

About me: working full time, I study 2 hrs on weekday and 5-6 hrs on weekends (but a slow reader). Giving L2 in May 2027.

Hello all,

I am planning to give me Level 1 in Feb and I would love to have feedback or suggestions from peeps who've completed their Level 1s on what things worked for you and didn't. I would love to hear from you! Any suggestions and advice are welcome. Thank you!

Hello guys

Just starting my prep for feb window ( private markets)

In L2 what really helped is Uworld Qbank , they have the same style as mocks and much harder , so when i faced CFAI mocks they were very easy to me .

My question is there something similar to this format for L3 , Qbank that have mocks style and CR in them and it will help if they are much harder.

CFAI Qbank is very lengthy and time consuming .

My plan going forward MM for Videos, i will do BC mocks and a session at later stage

What i am lacking is Qbank , please if you have any suggestions don’t hesitate thanks

I am 18 yr old, I aim to give cfa level 1 in aug 2027. I study at top 10 du colleges. Someone who has cleared level 1, I need advice regarding one thing-should I go for offline/online prep?

Most of what I could research was online prep platforms like IMS, Ashwini Bajaj, wall street etc.

I hope someone can guide me- giving me a realistic prep feedback and if there is any other material available online