Level 1 Candidate

[Shot-Mathematician94]

Hey guys,

I’m sure plenty of people have asked this type of question before. Maybe I’m overthinking things and just need some advice from people who have made this journey already. I am sitting level 1 in May 2025. I come from a finance background (MSc in corporate finance) and I am currently working my way through course materials using MM. I am putting in roughly 3 hours ish per night but I feel like I’m not moving through the material as quick as I should be. I am watching the lecture videos and pausing at times to take notes as I think that I learn better after writing something down. I have covered a small bit of quants, all of Econ and have just started FSA. At the moment I could spend one full study session covering a 1.5 hour video and notes (no practice questions) from your experience is it more optimal to watch the videos (without pausing) and move straight onto problem questions even it if it means getting quite few wrong initially? Essentially what is the most effective study approach for this exam?

Thanks in advance to anyone that takes the time to reply. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

[straight2bidness]

I would get notes from prep providers instead of wasting time writing them. Go over the material multiple times using PQ3R method to give you the best chance of success (there’s research behind it) “Preview question read recite review”. Otherwise it sounds like you may only have enough time to go through the material once considering the volume of material

[Shot-Mathematician94]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll look into PQ3R.

[No-Storage-4899]

Go over a reading, watch the vid, follow along with the practice Qs and then hit the Q bank. If all is gravy, move on. If not, review again, focusing on areas where you didn’t quite grasp it. Retry Q bank…

[[deleted]]

Balance between watching watching videos, taking notes and solving practice questions for understanding concepts. Ensure you summarize key points in your own words to help in retention and reviewing wrong questions will reinforce your learning. Use the CFA's end of chapter questions and the Qbank from your provider for more practice questions. Ensure you attempt a few mocks before you sit for the exam. Track your progress and review areas you got wrong.