Best CFA® Level 1 Study Materials

If you dream of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst, you already know that the three levels of the CFA® exam will be your biggest obstacle.

Recent exam candidates recently faced a dismal 44% pass rate.

However, I believe that the only difference between passing and failing the CFA® exam is the depth of your preparation (and perspiration).

Finding the right prep course from the many options available can feel overwhelming. To make this easier, here’s a breakdown of my top picks and honorable mentions for the top CFA® prep courses based on quality, resources, and value.

Top 5 Best CFA® Level 1 Prep Courses

1. Best Overall: UWorld
2. Best for Visual Learners: AnalystPrep
3. Most Reliable: Kaplan-Schweser
4. Most Modern: Salt Solutions
5. Best Video Lessons: Mark Meldrum

CFA® Level 1 Prep Course Comparisons

Course
Price Range	$399-$999	$599-$1,297	$329-$1,399	$169-$749	$37-$1,519
Best For	Modern learners with busy schedules	Visual learners who value engaging video lectures	Students willing to pay for premium resources	Neurodivergent students with independent learning styles	Video learners comfortable with long lectures
Key Differentiator	Mobile app, adaptive tech, tricky questions	Unmatched video instruction by Prof. James Forjan	SchweserNotes™ simplifies complex topics	Short, gamified lessons and modern interface	In-depth video lessons on complex topics
Practice Questions		6,000+ MCQs	2,600+ MCQs
Guarantees	StudyPass		PassProtection™	(Complete package)	One-fee-to-pass
Get Started	Start Now	Start Now	Start Now	Start Now	Start Now

1. UWorld: Top Overall CFA® Level 1 Provider

Best For: Students struggling to fit study into a busy schedule

Key Differentiator: UWorld is the only CFA prep course with a phone-friendly mobile app

---

UWorld is an excellent prep course, with some of the best questions available for overpreparation. However, my favorite aspect was the mobile app, allowing me to work through practice questions and watch videos wherever I was during the day. Overall, UWorld’s balanced packages fit most candidates well.

Package Comparison

Feature	Core	Advanced	Elite
Price (Sale Price)	$499	$799 ($699)	$1,399 ($1,199)
Practice Questions	✔	✔	✔
Video Lessons	Lectures	Lectures, Live Online Classes	Lectures, Live Online Classes, Accelerate Bootcamp
1-on-1 Support	⨂	Live interaction	Live interaction
Guarantees	⨂	FlexiPay™	StudyPass™, FreshStart™, FlexiPay™

UWorld Key Features

• Instruction Options: UWorld offers traditional video lectures, but they also offer live ExpertConnect sessions with built-in Q&A to ensure you understand the study material.
• Accelerate Bootcamp: A 2-day sprint to round out your final study sessions before exam day, Accelerate Bootcamp is the perfect place for your final review efforts.
• Mobile App: Work through practice questions, quizzes, mock exams, video lectures, and flashcards on your phone.
• FreshStart™: If you’ve spent over $399 on a different prep course that didn’t pan out, FreshStart™ allows you to switch to UWorld and get 50% off the Elite Package in the process.
• Digital Flashcards: UWorld’s SmartCards are your secret for custom digital flashcards, and you can pull from their resources to create them. Meanwhile, ReadyDecks are existing digital flashcard decks.
• StudyPass™: Like the previous entries in this list, UWorld offers its own guarantee that, if eligible, you can continue accessing your CFA® study materials until you pass your exam.

Check out this full review of UWorld CFA courses for more insights into their features.

Save 15% on UWorld CFA Level 1 Exam Prep

9 uses today

Expires in 7 days

Last Used: 15 days ago

Save 15%

Get 15% Off UWorld CFA Level 2 Prep Course

12 uses today

Expires in 7 days

Save 15%

Take 15% Off UWorld CFA Level 3 Review Course

7 uses today

Expires in 7 days

Save 15%

Pros

Great for Switchers: If you’ve failed an exam with a different CFA® prep course, FreshStart™ is an excellent opportunity to try something that may work better for you.
Live Boot Camps and Q&A: Though you’re not getting live support on a class-by-class basis, the boot camps and Q&A sessions were invaluable for accountability.
Unique Study Materials: UWorld’s digital flashcard system is very unique among its competitors, from the existing ReadyDecks to crafting your own with SmartCards.
Great Educational Team: All UWorld finance team members have their own CFA® charter. As a result, the CFA® study materials are created by people who know how to pass the CFA® exam.
Outstanding Mobile App: UWorld’s mobile app is rated 4 stars or higher on the Apple and Android stores, and I could do just about anything on it.

Cons

Customer Service Struggles: On average, UWorld takes a day longer to respond than other prep courses, which can be frustrating.
Tough Questions: The questions were shockingly difficult at times; if you’re easily rattled or want something closer to the exam, this may not be the right fit.

Bottom Line

UWorld’s CFA® platform brings a fresh look and unique tools to the table, all while balancing value with price. Their digital flashcards and challenging practice questions stood out, but the mobile app was my favorite, allowing me to work through lectures, flashcards, and textbooks wherever I was. Though customer service wasn’t perfect and the difficulty level can be off-putting, this is an outstanding pick for students on the go.

UWorld

Dashboard

Content

Value

Support

4.5

CHECK PRICING

---

2. AnalystPrep: Best for Visual Learners

Best For: Visual learners who value engaging video lectures and want the best bang for their buck

Key Differentiator: AnalystPrep’s video instructor, Professor James Forjan, is an incomparable lecturer

AnalystPrep offers a winning combination of affordability, a large question bank, and high-quality instruction, making it an excellent choice for most CFA candidates.

Package Comparison

20% Off Analyst Prep CFA & FRM Courses

18 uses today

Expires in 2 days

Last Used: 6 hours ago

Save 20%

Enjoy 30% Off Analyst Prep CFA & FRM Courses

1 uses today

Expires in 2 days

Last Used: 5 hours ago

Save 30%

AnalystPrep Key Features

• Extensive Question Bank: With over 6,000 practice questions, AnalystPrep offers one of the largest CFA® exam Qbanks, helping students thoroughly prepare for learning outcome statements.
• Engaging Instruction: Professor James Forjan’s engaging teaching style keeps students motivated, making even complex topics easier to grasp and study sessions more enjoyable.
• More Mock Exams: AnalystPrep provides five full-length mock exams per level—over twice what many competitors offer—giving students extra practice to build confidence for exam day.
• Performance Tracking: Track your progress and focus on areas where improvement is needed, ensuring more efficient studying and better exam results.
• Personalized Tutoring: 1-on-1 live chat tutoring (unlimited in the complete package) ensures personalized support for any challenging concepts, helping students close knowledge gaps.

Pros

Quantity Surpasses Competitors: AnalystPrep has the largest question bank, more mock exams, and more video lectures than many (if not all) of its competitors.
Affordability: Compared to competitors, AnalystPrep is significantly more affordable, especially when considering the complete course package for all three levels.
Best Video Lecture Library: AnalystPrep has a large video library, but more importantly, their instructor is among the best in the CFA® prep course world.
Unlimited Tutoring: Though only available in the top-tier package, having a live tutor when you need one is an invaluable resource for test prep.
Lifetime Access: Though only available in the complete three-level package, lifetime access minimizes stress so you can learn better (and, hopefully, get some sleep at night!).

Cons

No Pass Guarantee: Unlike some competitors, AnalystPrep doesn’t offer a pass guarantee, which may feel more risky to some CFA® candidates.
Easy Questions: Though AnalystPrep offers a large question bank, many of the real CFA® exam questions are more difficult than those offered.
Less Support: Compared to options like Kaplan Schweser, AnalystPrep’s support is quick and thorough, but there are few touchpoints to access it.

3. Kaplan Schweser: Most Reliable CFA® Level 1 Course

Best For: Students willing to pay a premium for the highest quality and quantity of resources

Key Differentiator: SchweserNotes™ helps simplify difficult topics for easy studying

With a proven track record that includes a 95% recommendation rate and 700,000 students, Kaplan has left their mark on the CFA® prep industry, thanks to their partnership with Schweser.

Package Comparison

Get 15% Off Kaplan CFA Review Course

2 uses today

Expires in 1 day

Last Used: 2 months ago

Save 15%

Verified

Enjoy 15% Off Kaplan CFA Review Course

10 uses today

Expires in 1 day

Last Used: 8 hours ago

Save 15%

Verified

Kaplan CFA Premium Course – Enjoy 10% Off

12 uses today

Expires in 5 days

Last Used: 6 minutes ago

Save 10%

Kaplan-Schweser Key Features

• Live Video Lessons: Choose between live online and on-demand virtual classes led by Kaplan Schweser’s expert instructors. Over 45 hours of video lectures are included in every package.
• SchweserNotes™: Concise volumes of study notes that teach every topic from the CFA® exam curriculum and are paired with examples and practice questions to help learners retain their new knowledge.
• Review Resources: Review resources are included in the Ultimate and Premium packages. Schweser’s Secret Sauce® is a compact CFA® exam review summary featuring pro tips for exam day. You’ll also receive 55+ hours of review workshops presented either live online or on demand.
• Schweser’s PassProtection™: Renewed access to your CFA® study materials if you fail the exam at no extra cost. Available in all but the Basic Package.
• JumpStart Study Materials: Receive prep materials immediately after completing a lower level of the CFA® exam to help you prep for the next level.

Note: Access is determined by the date of your CFA® exam. Check Kaplan’s FAQs to determine the expiration date of your study materials.

Pros

Proven Track Record: Kaplan Schweser has a history that proves they help students succeed, and history-wise, they’re a standout among CFA® exam prep providers.
Excellent Notes: From SchweserNotes™ to Schweser’s Secret Sauce®, you’ll receive excellent written study materials to quickly understand complex subjects and formulas.
Live Classes: The Ultimate Package offers 70+ hours of live online instruction where you can directly interact with and ask questions to your instructor.
Pass Guarantee: Schweser’s PassProtection™ ensures you can continue to access your study materials at no extra cost if you fail any of the three CFA® exams.

Cons

Less Engaging Video Lectures: Kaplan Schweser has good video lessons, but they aren’t as engaging or interesting as their competitors, such as AnalystPrep.
Expensive: Due to their size and proven track record, Kaplan Schweser charges more for their packages, and they may be unaffordable for the average student.

4. Bloomberg: Most CFA® Level 1 Practice Materials

Best For: Independent learners focused on intensive practice over in-depth lectures

Key Differentiator: 3,000+ practice questions and 8 mock exams—more than any other provider

With a curriculum designed for speed, structure, and high-volume practice, Bloomberg’s CFA® Level II Premium package is ideal for learners who want to drill exam content fast and efficiently. Their bite-sized lessons and adaptive learning tools make it easy to jump into key topics without getting lost in theory-heavy lectures.

Package Comparison

Bloomberg CFA® Key Features

• Mini-Lesson Learning: Bloomberg’s course uses compact, modular videos that cover the entire CFA® Level II curriculum in efficient segments. These are ideal for revisiting specific learning outcomes quickly, especially for candidates balancing study time with a busy schedule.
• Practice Question Volume: The real standout is Bloomberg’s 3,000+ practice questions, complemented by eight full-length mock exams, giving it the deepest practice bank of any provider. This is perfect for repetition-based learners who believe success lies in doing, not just watching.
• Tutoring & Ask-a-Tutor: Premium students get 20 tutor questions to clarify confusing topics. Optional one-on-one tutoring adds further support for students who need deeper explanation—without forcing all users into a rigid class model.
• Daily Study Tasks & Tracking: Bloomberg includes performance dashboards and daily goals to help you stay organized and track progress over time—an essential feature for self-starters.

Pros

Sizeable Question Bank: With 3,000+ practice questions, students can reinforce learning through repetition and topic targeting.
Streamlined Lesson Format: Mini-lessons help users absorb content efficiently, perfect for busy professionals or repeat test-takers.
Built-In Progress Tracking: Daily study tasks and analytics dashboards help students stay focused and accountable throughout their study journey.
Accessible Support Options: 20 ask-a-tutor credits and optional 1-on-1 tutoring provide on-demand help without the need for structured class time.

Cons

No Pass Guarantee: Unlike Kaplan’s PassProtection™ or Salt’s access-until-you-pass model, Bloomberg offers no exam pass guarantee or refund policy.
Light on Theory: The bite-sized lesson format means less emphasis on deep conceptual instruction, which may not suit first-time Level II candidates.
Minimal Bonus Content: No printed notes, formula sheets, or branded review tools are included, unlike other top-tier competitors.

5. Salt Solutions: Most Modern

Best For: Neurodivergent students with an independent learning style

Key Differentiator: Short and sweet lessons, often 10-15 minutes in length

Salt Solutions is a younger company that was launched in late 2020. However, the modernization of their courses with features like gamification and bite-sized content makes them a standout option.

Package Comparison

Salt Solutions Key Features

• Bite-Sized Lessons: Salt Solutions presents its study materials in quick 10-minute chunks. As a result, it’s easier to pay attention or to fit study sessions into a chaotic schedule.
• Gamification: Salt’s weekly CheckPoints goals give you points for completing study tasks. You’re shown your progress toward achieving each goal, making it an entertaining race to reach the finish line.
• Neurodivergent-Friendly: Though Salt Solutions isn’t explicitly for neurodivergent students, many of its features appeal to their needs, like their aforementioned short lessons and gamified interface.
• Sleek, User-Friendly Interface: Best viewed in dark mode, Salt Solutions’s learning platform interface is a visual treat and easy for any student to navigate.
• Two-Phase System: The Salt Solutions curriculum is divided into two phases: Learn and Focus. Learn ensures you’ve mastered the exam content, whereas Focus helps students apply their knowledge via mock exams, practice material, custom quizzes, and a new interface that shows your performance metrics.

Pros

Short and Sweet Study Materials: If four-hour-long lectures give you anxiety, you’ll likely appreciate Salt’s 10-minute chunks for lectures and reading alike.
Level Up Your Prep: Gamified elements like earning points for completing tasks and visual progress trackers boost motivation and excitement for students.
Beautiful Interface: With its progress trackers and performance metric charts, students can view helpful information in an aesthetically pleasing way–especially in dark mode.
Neurodivergent-Friendly: Though Salt Solutions isn’t explicitly for neurodivergent people, their short lessons, gamified elements, and uncluttered interface are beneficial for ADHD learners.

Cons

New and Unproven: New isn’t always a bad thing, but it can be risky to consider trying a new platform when it can’t show it has a proven methodology.
Minimal Personal Support: Salt Solutions offers very little support. If additional guidance or personalized instruction is important to you, this probably isn’t the best fit.
Supplemental Material Required: If you need a lot of depth in explanations to understand concepts, you may need supplemental materials to succeed with Salt.

6. Mark Meldrum: Highly Rated for CFA® Level 1 Video Lessons

Best For: Video learners who don’t mind sitting through long lectures to learn a concept

Key Differentiator: Meldrum’s video lessons help students understand complex topics with ease

Spend any time searching for CFA® review courses, and Mark Meldrum will pop up due to his excellent video lessons. He has an uncanny ability to explain difficult topics in a way students understand.

Package Comparison

Mark Meldrum Key Features

• Video Variety: At a base level, you’ll receive videos on the learning outcome readings, end-of-chapter practice questions, and seminar videos. In higher tiers, you’ll receive weekly update videos and interactive live classes.
• Practice Material: All packages include a question bank, practice exams, and study material staples like study notes and a formula sheet.
• Mobile App: You can watch videos offline using the Mark Meldrum mobile app, whether you have Android or iOS. This is a great benefit for learners on the go, though I prefer UWorld’s.
• 1-on-1 Support: Depending on the package you choose, you’ll get between 10-30 questions you can ask your instructors. In higher tiers, you get access to six mentor hours, where CFA® charterholders who passed their CFA® exams using Mark Meldrum’s resources offer personal tutoring.
• One-Fee-To-Pass: Regardless of which CFA® level you’re studying, if you fail your exam, you’ll get extended access to that level’s study materials until you pass.

Pros

Good Support at Higher Tiers: Having more questions you can ask instructors and the opportunity to have six private tutoring sessions is a major bonus for higher tiers.
Take a Section for a Spin: You can pay between $37 and $99 to try a section without buying the entire course. Even better, this fee applies towards your purchase if you choose to upgrade.
One-Fee-To-Pass: There are a lot of pass guarantees in the exam prep world, but I love that this one is especially transparent and uncomplicated.

Cons

Poor Choice for Readers: If reading is your preferred way to learn, Mark Meldrum is likely the wrong course for you. Courses are video-heavy, and notes lack the quality of Meldrum’s competitors.
Videos Aren’t Universal: Though Meldrum’s videos are his main claim to fame, some students have struggled to understand his explanations. Further, many are long and require sustained focus.
Minimal Innovation: Many players in the CFA® prep industry have introduced adaptive learning technology and gamification to their courses, but Meldrum’s offerings are a little behind the times.

CFA® Level 1 Study Material Honorable Mentions

Chalk & Board: Excellent Support

Chalk & Board features personalized study plans, progress monitoring, and direct instructor access to company founder Nathan Ronen. Ronen previously served as the Lead CFA Instructor for companies including Kaplan Schweser, Stalla Seminars, and CFA Society New York.

FinQuiz: Affordable Study Material

FinQuiz is an affordable way to add supplemental study materials to the CFA Institute resources for a more comprehensive approach. You can access their bank of practice questions and six practice tests, or pay a little more for additional resources in their Premium Package.

MyGuru: Personalized CFA® Tutoring

MyGuru is ideal for targeted help if you need a more hands-on approach, but it lacks the review courses that other providers have.

Head-to-Head: Comparing the Top CFA® Study Material

Still unsure which CFA® course is right for you? Here’s how the top four stack up—based on my experience, research, and honest impressions.

UWorld vs. AnalystPrep

Select UWorld if you want more exam-level difficulty, clearer visual explanations, and practice that more closely mirrors the pacing and logic of the actual CFA exam.

Pick AnalystPrep if you want broad access across all three CFA levels with a large set of practice questions and a straightforward study experience at a lower overall cost.

UWorld vs. Kaplan Schweser

Choose UWorld if you learn through practice, since it includes tougher exam-style questions, detailed explanations, and modern tools designed to make exam day feel more familiar.

Select Kaplan Schweser if you want a curriculum-driven approach, with structured readings, longer instruction, and a clearly defined study roadmap.

AnalystPrep vs Kaplan Schweser

Choose AnalystPrep if you want maximum value, lifetime access, and more mock exams than anyone else. It’s ideal for independent learners who thrive with video instruction.

Go with Kaplan Schweser if you want a long-standing, trusted provider with structured study plans, live instruction, and a pass guarantee.

AnalystPrep vs Salt Solutions

Choose AnalystPrep if you prefer a more traditional structure with long-form lectures and lots of practice questions to work through.

Go with Salt Solutions if you’re easily overwhelmed or distracted and prefer short, gamified lessons and a modern, minimal interface.

AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum

Choose AnalystPrep if you want a balance of affordability and quantity—mock exams, questions, and tutoring all in one package.

Go with Mark Meldrum if you value deep-dive video instruction and want to study by watching lectures without too many bells and whistles.

Kaplan Schweser vs Salt Solutions

Choose Kaplan Schweser if you need structure, live support, and review materials like SchweserNotes™ and Secret Sauce®.

Go with Salt Solutions if you’re on a budget, self-directed, or prefer an app-like study environment with short sessions.

Kaplan Schweser vs Mark Meldrum

Choose Kaplan Schweser for its traditional format, instructor support, and comprehensive course materials.

Go with Mark Meldrum if you’re a lecture-driven learner and want the flexibility to buy content by the section.

Salt Solutions vs Mark Meldrum

Choose Salt Solutions if you want a gamified, goal-setting experience with brief content that fits into a busy schedule.

Go with Mark Meldrum if you prefer immersive, detailed lectures and aren’t as concerned with interactivity or cutting-edge design.

TL;DR: Which Should You Pick?

• UWorld: Best mobile app and overall quality
• AnalystPrep: Best value, especially for tight budgets
• Kaplan: Best legacy support and traditional structure
• Salt Solutions: Best modern design and self-paced tools
• Mark Meldrum: Best deep-dive video instruction

Course
Price Range	$399-$999	$599-$1,297	$329-$1,399	$169-$749	$37-$1,519
Best For	Modern learners with busy schedules	Visual learners who value engaging video lectures	Students willing to pay for premium resources	Neurodivergent students with independent learning styles	Video learners comfortable with long lectures
Key Differentiator	Mobile app, adaptive tech, tricky questions	Unmatched video instruction by Prof. James Forjan	SchweserNotes™ simplifies complex topics	Short, gamified lessons and modern interface	In-depth video lessons on complex topics
Practice Questions		6,000+ MCQs	2,600+ MCQs
Guarantees	StudyPass		PassProtection™	(Complete package)	One-fee-to-pass
Get Started	Start Now	Start Now	Start Now	Start Now	Start Now

How I Chose the Best CFA® Level 1 Prep Courses

I compared more CFA® review courses and evaluated each based on:

• Instructor credentials and student reviews
• Curriculum quality & comprehensiveness
• Number of practice questions and mock exams
• Study formats (video, live, adaptive tech, etc.)
• Price, value, and access period

Want to make sure you pick the right course for CFA® Level II as well? Check out my comparisons of those courses here.

Conclusion

Picking the right CFA® prep course comes down to personal preferences and learning styles. UWorld stands out for portability, practice, and flexibility for a wide variety of learning styles. AnalystPrep is a standout for its affordability and comprehensive features, while Kaplan Schweser offers reliability and proven success. For modern learners, Salt Solutions’ bite-sized lessons and gamification provide an engaging option.

Each course has its strengths, so whether you’re looking for extensive video lessons, affordable pricing, or innovative tools, there’s a course on this list that can help you succeed in your CFA® exam journey.

FAQs