How I Passed the CFA Level 1 Exam [+95th Percentile Scorer?]

🚨 Updated 2025 L1 materials are now posted 🚨 I'll share exactly what I did to pass the CFA Level 1 Exam on the first attempt and will teach YOU how to pass the CFA Level 1 Exam. I took Level 1 in August 2021 and scored well above the 90th percentile (possibly even over the 95th percentile).

I'll teach you how to study for the CFA Level 1 test and share all my tips, strategies, and methods to improve your chances of passing.

I created a system that will help you plan and study effectively while reducing wasted time. The key component to this system is the CFA Revision Spreadsheet, which uses spaced repetition to optimally schedule when you study each lesson.

Other tools used in the system include:
- 3rd party CFA test prep provider (I used Kaplan Schweser)
- Anki
- Notion
- CFA Institute textbooks and platform

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👨‍🏫 ACCESS THE CFA REVISION SPREADSHEET🚨🚨🚨:
- Find the CFA Revision Spreadsheet and my course on How to Study for (and Pass) the CFA Level I Exam by using the link below (with a 20% discount):

Note: I'm no longer hosting the sheet or course on Patreon. It's only available through the Podia link above.
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If you are a young professional looking to improve personally, professionally, and financially, be sure to subscribe for content that serves to help you develop in a well-rounded manner!
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🔗 LINKS TO ALL TOOLS AND RESOURCES

💻 MY BLOG:

📚 BOOKS AND READING:
- Reading list: Coming soon

🧠 LEARNING NEW SKILLS

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:41 - My CFA Level 1 Exam results
1:02 - What we'll go over in this video
1:28 - Why the CFA test is difficult to pass
2:42 - How I passed the CFA Level 1 Exam
5:20 - Quizzing self, practice questions, and mock exams
5:52 - Timing: How long I studied total and each day
7:06 - Tools and resources used in this system | CFAI & Kaplan
8:12 - Notion for note-taking
9:41 - Anki for flashcards
10:39 - CFA Revision Spreadsheet **Game-Changer**
12:35 - How to get the CFA Revision Spreadsheet

DISCLAIMER: Content on this channel is for entertainment, informational, and educational uses only. There may be affiliate links in this video description, which means I may receive a small commission for any purchases made through links in this description.

[noobwow]

I passed CFA level 2 :D
I also studied Python for finance
Not sure if I ever want to get level 3
I had no life for 1 year. Work and go home sleep for 1 hour and shower and 15 mins dinner. 2.5 to 3 hours daily. 16 hours studying whole weekend. Exercise and sleeping for brain recovery.
I did 6 mock up exam and 6000 plus questions.
Pass at first time
34 year old
I am single ;(
Edit: I also got my Data Science master degree last year and I got a job pay me very well. I am not going to do level 3. It’s wasting time. I need to spend more time getting friends 😂. (Before I am getting mid age cry sis and feel like I am going to die alone lol)

[georgemedd]

Cannot thank Brandon enough for this. Just recieved by result for L1. Passed and just missed the 90th percentile. Very nearly didn't drop below 70% on any topic area. The sheet was also my 'bread and butter' (watched this video so many times). Used the notion template and also anki just as Brandon describes. Worth every penny! Thank you Brandon.

[michaelniczky]

I passed L1 with around 75% percentile. I tried to stick with a schedule. I got way ahead of it at the end of quant. But couldn't keep up when I reached economics. Eventually I just started studying topics randomly and taking tons of mocks and then drilling my worst subjects. I knew I couldn't keep to a strict schedule so I started 9 months early. With covid, it turned to 11 months early. So glad to have passed

[nguyenhoangtrieuvo]

Hey Brandon, I just want to let you know that you are the person who made me pursue the CFA level 1 exam in a systematic and effective way (use active recall, spaced repetition, anki, notion, spreadsheet, etc.). I just sat for level 1 today and after all the study methods and all the recommendations I used from you, I took the exam with the highest confidence and certainty. Thank you so much for all what you did!

[samuelfeller]

Dear Brandon
Thank you so much for this video! I did everything more or less the same as you and used your spreadsheet to prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam. Today I passed above the 90th percentile, perhaps even around the 95th just as you.🔥Thank you so much for your insights!

[saifrumani]

Hey Brandon, I saw your video around a year back, and it was super helpful. I cleared my CFA L1 in my first attempt! (Feb'24).

[rohitjain]

Thanks for the video. You have explained it in a very calm and composed manner, unlike other videos that try to do everything under the sun. I am going for a L1 attempt in May 2023 and this is really helpful.

[moreinmaths]

Hey Brandon, thanks a lot, these templates have been so useful to me I used them throughout my studies and have just found out that I passed my CFA Level 1!

[pashpatitimsina]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, B! Planning to take the test on Aug 2024.

[gaurikuwalekar]

I can't believe that you have literally given all details, this is mind-blowing. a perfect video to clear all your prep doubts. Superb. Thanks a lot !

[zakiiskandar]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:00 *📚 Study System Overview*
- CFA Level I exam is challenging due to vast material and self-directed studying.
- Lack of effective scheduling and study methods can derail candidates.
- Effective study methods, scheduling, and review strategies are crucial for success.
01:28 *📅 Scheduling and Review*
- Scheduled study time needs to be precise, including regular reviews.
- Ineffective study methods like highlighting and rereading can waste time.
- An optimized schedule and review system are essential for mastering exam material.
03:21 *🗒️ Lean CFA Study System*
- Lean CFA study system focuses on eliminating waste from the studying process.
- Utilizes effective note-taking, flashcard creation, and scheduling.
- Incorporates spaced repetition to optimize learning and review.
05:17 *📖 Study Techniques and Tools*
- Efficient study methods save time and prevent forgetting material.
- Consistent use of flashcards, practice problems, and mock exams are beneficial.
- Notion for note-taking and Anki for flashcards are superior to handwriting notes.
07:14 *🛠️ Study Tools Used*
- Utilized CFA Institute materials and Kaplan's Essentials Package.
- Notion for note-taking and organization.
- Anki for creating comprehensive flashcards.
09:39 *📝 Note-Taking with Notion*
- Notion is used for active recall note-taking.
- Toggle feature in Notion is effective for creating flashcards in Anki.
- Notion allows for quick organization and accessibility of notes.
10:08 *🃏 Flashcards with Anki*
- Anki allows for customizable and organized flashcards.
- Organized decks for each topic, reading, and lesson are essential.
- Anki helps in efficient memorization and review of exam material.
11:05 *📊 CFA Revision Spreadsheet*
- CFA revision spreadsheet tracks study progress and schedules reviews.
- Utilizes spaced repetition to optimize study time.
- Spreadsheet is crucial for keeping study sessions efficient and on track.

Made with HARPA AI

[astral]

Thanks for sharing your techniques
Love from India 🇮🇳

[jkhaira]

thanks for the spreadsheet. plan on using it extensively to stay on track for my feb 2025 level 1 exam

[toddnugget]

Wow thank you so much for this! I just signed up for the test in November and was feeling a little overwhelmed with where to start. I'll definitely be downloading your excel.

[qaisoun]

Thank you for this wonderfully laid out video Brandon!
I have registered for the CFA L1 program with Kaplan Schweser two weeks ago and you can say I am excited but a bit uncertain at the beginning.
Nonetheless, I hope I can make the most out of the study journey.

[Justauri-asdfghjkl]

Ive been studying for 8 months (test in 30 days) and I have been doing ALL of this to a T. Praying I do well

[zknnqeb]

I should have watched your video 2 months before! I am the one who handwrites all the mistakes from practice exam and eventually spent too much time on it. The way you did is very efficient and smart!!

[duckha]

Thank you so much Brandon! I have passed the CFA level 1 exam!

[Laurensz-tree]

Thank you so much! I bought your spreadsheet template and absolutely love it!! It has helped me organize my thoughts and adjust learning pace day by day. Hopefully i will pass the exam in November!!

[mikea]

Love a good spreadsheet. I’m going to create my own.

2.5 months till I sit Lvl 1 😬