Passing the CFA exams is less about “being smart” and more about building a study system you can repeat for months: learn the concepts, practice exam-style questions, review mistakes, then repeat until your weak areas stop being weak.

The good news: you don’t need 10 different resources. Most candidates do best with a tight stack that covers four things well:

A clear curriculum map (so you don’t wander)
High-quality explanations (so you actually understand)
A strong QBank plus mocks (so you can perform under time pressure)
A review workflow (so mistakes turn into points)

What is the CFA program (and what makes it hard)?

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is a three-level exam track that tests investment tools, portfolio management, ethics, and real-world decision-making.

Level I: broad foundation plus heavy emphasis on concepts, definitions, and basic applications
Level II: deeper vignettes and item sets; application and analysis intensity jumps
Level III: portfolio management, exam-day judgment calls, and written-style tasks depending on the current exam format

What makes CFA difficult isn’t just volume. It’s the combination of:

big syllabus coverage,
time pressure,
tricky distractors,
and the need to retain material for months.

Another detail many candidates miss: the CFA Institute updated its pricing model for exams scheduled from February 2026 onward, including removing the one-time enrollment fee and updating registration fees.

How to use CFA prep materials effectively

If you want a method that scales across all three levels, use this weekly loop.

1) Learn (first pass)

Pick one primary content source (videos plus notes or official curriculum plus summaries). Your goal is competence, not perfection.

2) Practice (same day)

After each reading/topic:

Do a short set of questions
Review every wrong answer
Write 1–3 “error notes” (what you missed and why)

3) Track weak areas (weekly)

Use analytics (or a simple spreadsheet/notebook) to identify:

topics with low accuracy
topics you keep forgetting
question types that break your timing

4) Full mocks (final 4–6 weeks)

Mocks are not just score predictors—they’re training for:

stamina
pacing
decision-making under time pressure
identifying last gaps

A strong final month usually includes:

3–6 full mocks (depending on your timeline)
deep review of every mock
targeted drills for your lowest sections

Best CFA prep courses (with features and prices)

1) UWorld + Wiley CFA (Best for: modern learning tools plus strong practice ecosystem)

What it is

UWorld’s CFA program (integrated with Wiley content) is designed as an “all-in-one” prep ecosystem: QBank, study guides, mocks, analytics, and optional live/structured add-ons in higher tiers.

Standout features

Exam-style QBank with detailed explanations
Performance tracking and analytics to target weak areas
Study guides (digital; printed materials may depend on tier)
Mock exams designed to simulate exam conditions
Customizable tools such as creating tests and reviewing performance trends
Some packages include extra sessions like deeper topic reviews or Q&A-style support

Prices (example tier pricing commonly shown)

Core: $399
Advanced: $699
Elite: $999

Best for

You want a single platform that combines learning, drilling, and review.
You benefit from analytics telling you what to study next.
You prefer a “guided workflow” rather than piecing together resources.

Best way to use it

Use study guides/videos for first-pass learning.
Do QBank after every topic.
Use analytics weekly to choose your next targets.
Save mocks for the final phase and treat them like training sessions.

2) Kaplan Schweser (Best for: structured plan, classic CFA notes-first system)

What it is

Kaplan Schweser is one of the most established CFA providers and is especially known for SchweserNotes and structured study plans.

Standout features

Multiple package tiers with increasing instructor support and structure
SchweserNotes that many candidates find easier than reading the full official curriculum
Practice problems, question banks, and mock exams depending on package
Review workshops and final review support in higher tiers
A platform layout designed to keep you on schedule

Prices (commonly listed 2026 package tiers)

Level I packages often appear around:

Basic: $429
Essential: $799
Premium: $1,099
Ultimate: $1,499

Level III packages often appear around:

Basic: $529
Essential: $899
Premium: $1,199
Ultimate: $1,599

(Exact inclusions vary by tier and level.)

Best for

You want a clear schedule and a “do this next” structure.
You prefer learning from well-written notes.
You’re willing to pay more for a guided experience.

Best way to use it

Use SchweserNotes as your core reading.
Do topic quizzes immediately after each reading.
Mix in regular QBank sets to keep retention high.
Use final review workshops and full mocks in the last month.

3) AnalystPrep (Best for: value pricing plus lots of questions/notes)

What it is

AnalystPrep is often chosen by candidates who want high volume—videos, notes, questions, and mocks—at a more affordable price point.

Standout features (commonly described)

Around 60 hours of video lessons (varies by level)
Large study note coverage (often described as extensive notes)
Large question bank (often described in the thousands)
Multiple full-length mock exams
Formula sheet and performance tracking
12-month access is commonly offered for many packages

Pricing (example for Level I)

Learn plus Practice package: $499 (pricing may appear discounted from a higher list price depending on promotions)
Practice-only packages are often lower priced than full learn-plus-practice tiers
Bundles for all three CFA levels may be offered at a discounted combined price

Best for

You want lots of practice at a lower price.
You’re comfortable being self-directed.
You learn well through repetition and drilling.

Best way to use it

Use videos/notes to learn the topic.
Drill 30–60 questions per study block.
Review wrong answers aggressively (write down why you missed it).
Take a mock, then spend a full week patching weak areas.

4) Mark Meldrum (Best for: clear teaching style and efficient self-study)

What it is

Mark Meldrum is a popular choice for candidates who want straightforward teaching and an efficient self-study approach.

Standout features

Video-driven instruction aligned to learning outcomes
Self-study structure that many candidates find time-efficient
Notes and topic organization designed for steady progress
Additional support options may exist depending on the package or year

Pricing (example commonly shown for Level I self-study)

Level I self-study: $419 USD

Higher-tier options and additional support can change pricing.

Best for

You learn best when someone explains the “why” clearly.
You want a strong primary instructor voice.
You prefer a simpler system without too many add-ons.

Best way to use it

Watch lessons and take minimal notes focused on formulas and key decisions.
Practice immediately after each topic.
Start building a formula sheet early.
Increase timed sets and mocks as you approach the exam.

5) Official CFA Institute practice materials (Best for: realism and alignment)

What it is

Official practice materials are valuable because they reflect the tone and style candidates will see on exam day.

A common approach is to use third-party content for learning and drilling, then use official practice (including additional mocks and questions in paid add-ons) during the final stretch.

Best for

Anyone who wants the closest alignment to exam phrasing and topic weighting.
Candidates who are close to the exam and want calibration.

Best way to use it

Save official-style mocks for the final 4–6 weeks.
Review every question, even the ones you got right, to confirm reasoning.
Use mistakes to guide your final revision plan.

Top CFA books and study materials

You asked for a top list of books. In CFA prep, “books” usually fall into two categories:

Complete coverage (aligned to learning outcomes)
Compressed review (faster to revise)

Here are the most useful “book-style” materials to build a strong stack.

1) Official CFA Institute curriculum (digital readings)

Description

The most complete source, aligned to learning outcomes. Strong for candidates who want full depth and official terminology.

Best for

Candidates who want maximum completeness
People who prefer primary sources and detailed explanations

Typical cost approach

Usually included through CFA Institute candidate resources, but optional add-ons and printed formats may carry additional costs depending on current offerings.

2) SchweserNotes (Kaplan)

Description

A classic notes-first approach that compresses the curriculum into a more test-focused reading experience.

Best for

Candidates who want a readable replacement for official readings
People who need structure and a clear study plan

Price range

Commonly bundled into Kaplan package tiers (from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the tier and level).

3) UWorld CFA study guides (digital, sometimes printed by tier)

Description

Study guides designed to integrate with UWorld’s QBank and analytics-driven workflow.

Best for

Candidates who want one ecosystem: learn, drill, review, track
People who want integrated notes plus practice in the same platform

Price range

Included within UWorld package tiers (Core/Advanced/Elite).

4) AnalystPrep study notes

Description

Extensive notes designed for coverage plus drilling, usually paired with large question volumes and mocks.

Best for

Budget-conscious candidates who still want broad coverage
Learners who rely on repetition and practice volume

Price range

Often included in AnalystPrep packages, with pricing varying by level and bundle.

5) Mark Meldrum notes (paired with videos)

Description

Notes designed to support video instruction and efficient learning.

Best for

Candidates who learn best through explanation-first studying
People who want a streamlined, consistent approach

Price range

Typically included within Mark Meldrum subscription packages.

6) Your formula sheet and error log (the most underrated “book”)

If you want more points without buying anything else, build these two documents:

Formula sheet: formulas + what they mean + when to use them
Error log: repeated mistakes, traps, timing issues, and “rules of thumb”

This is where score gains happen, because it turns mistakes into a targeted revision plan.

Easy comparison (no tables)

Use this to quickly pick the right option.

If you want a true all-in-one platform feel

Choose: UWorld + Wiley
Why: strong workflow with analytics and integrated study tools
Typical pricing: Core $399, Advanced $699, Elite $999

If you want the most structured, classic “CFA prep system”

Choose: Kaplan Schweser
Why: strong notes, clear schedules, and higher-tier review support
Typical pricing: Level I tiers commonly $429 to $1,499; Level III tiers commonly $529 to $1,599

If you want the best value and lots of practice volume

Choose: AnalystPrep
Why: large question volume, extensive notes, mocks, and lower-cost bundles
Typical pricing: Level I learn-plus-practice commonly around $499 (promos may vary)

If you want clear instruction and efficient self-study

Choose: Mark Meldrum
Why: strong teaching style and streamlined workflow
Typical pricing: Level I self-study commonly $419

If you’re close to exam day and want calibration

Add: official CFA Institute practice materials
Why: realistic phrasing and weighting to match exam-day feel

Recommended stacks (pick one and commit)

Budget stack (strong value)

AnalystPrep or Mark Meldrum as your primary learning system
Add official-style mocks near the end
Maintain a strict error log and formula sheet

Balanced stack (best for most candidates)

UWorld Advanced as the core platform (content + practice + analytics)
Use official-style practice for calibration in the final weeks
One full mock per week late in the process

Premium structured stack (maximum guidance)

Kaplan Schweser Premium/Ultimate tier (depending on your needs)
Add official-style practice for final alignment
Focus on workshops/review and disciplined mock review

Final tips to get more points from any course

Don’t collect resources. Pick one main system and finish it.
Practice early. Waiting until you “finish reading” delays real learning.
Review is where scores move. Your error log is your score engine.
Treat mocks as training, not judgment. Each mock should define your next 7–10 days.

If you tell me which level you’re taking (I, II, or III), your exam window, and how many hours per week you realistically have, I can suggest a tight 3-phase plan (learning → drilling → mocks) using one of the stacks above.