Choosing between Schweser and CFA Institute Curriculum for CFA Level 1 Exam Preparation

Deciding whether to follow Schweser or the CFA Institute Curriculum for CFA Level 1 depends on your learning style, study preferences, and time availability. This article aims to help you make an informed decision by examining the pros and cons of each option.

Pros and Cons of Schweser Study Materials

Pros:

Concise Material: Schweser’s study materials are often more concise and focused, making it easier to digest the key concepts. Practice Questions: They offer a wide range of practice questions and mock exams, which can be very helpful for exam preparation. Study Guides: Schweser provides detailed study guides and summaries that can help reinforce learning.

Cons:

Less Depth: Some candidates feel that Schweser may gloss over certain topics that are covered in more depth in the CFA Curriculum. Cost: Schweser materials can be expensive, which may be a consideration if you’re on a budget.

Pros and Cons of the CFA Institute Curriculum

Pros:

Comprehensive Coverage: The CFA Curriculum is the official material and covers all topics in depth, ensuring you have a complete understanding of the material. Real Exam Questions: The curriculum includes questions from past exams, giving you a better sense of what to expect on the actual CFA Level 1 exam. Regular Updates: The CFA Institute regularly updates the curriculum to reflect the latest financial practices and theories.

Cons:

Lengthy Material: The CFA Curriculum is extensive, which can be overwhelming and time-consuming to study. Less Structured: Some candidates find the organization of the curriculum less intuitive compared to Schweser’s structured approach.

Combining Both Resources for Optimal Preparation

Many candidates find that using a combination of both Schweser and the CFA Institute Curriculum works best for their learning style and study habits. Here’s a suggested approach:

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Core Concepts

Start with the CFA Institute Curriculum to gain a broad understanding of the core concepts and principles. This will provide a solid foundation for your studies.

Step 2: Use Schweser for Revision and Practice

After covering the main topics, use Schweser’s materials for concise summaries and additional practice questions. The structured approach and concise summaries in Schweser can help reinforce your understanding and application of the material.

Step 3: Practice Questions

Make sure to do plenty of practice questions from both sources to reinforce your understanding and application of the material. This will help you identify areas where you need more work and build confidence before the exam.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your learning style and how you manage your study time. Consider trying sample materials from both Schweser and the CFA Institute Curriculum to see which aligns better with your preferences. The key is to create a study plan that fits your needs and maximizes your chances of success on the CFA Level 1 exam.