CFA^® Program Level 1

Study packages for 2025 sittings

Whatever your learning style, we have a study package for you.

Do you prefer structured learning? We offer classroom, live online or a blended approach. Or do you prefer self study? Then we offer a distance learning package where you can study at your own pace.

Our flexible study packages have been designed to maximise your time, keep you on track, and help you pass your exam. Whichever study package you choose, you’ll receive high quality Schweser study materials, access to our online study portal, and continuous support right up to your exam. To see which study package is best for you, please see our infographic (PDF 128KB).

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Study methods available for this qualification

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Complete packages

Revision only courses

Or you can choose an individual revision course without the supporting Kaplan Schweser study materials.

Timetables - Classroom and Live Online

Classroom tuition courses take place over six days (from 9-5pm) or 14 evenings (from 6-9pm). Classroom revision courses take place over five days (from 9-5pm) or 10 evenings (from 6-9pm).

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Optional extras

We offer a number of optional extras that can be beneficial as part of your studies:

Inhouse training

Our public classroom courses run in central London. Like many of our courses, we can also offer these courses inhouse for your team or organisation. Please contact us on 020 7920 3060 or email us at citybookings@kaplan.co.uk to find out more about how we can help train your team.

Exams, sittings and resits

Exams

The exams are computer based testing and run four times a year. For more information on the frequency of sittings please refer to CFA Institute.

You’ll need to register with the CFA Institute® for exam entry with the cost of the exam depending on the date of registration. There is also a one-time program enrolment fee when you register for Level 1 of the CFA Program for the first time.

Exam results are available within 60 days of the exam date. All candidates receive a “pass” or “did not pass” result as well as details as to performance per topic. Exam results will only be released once an appropriate CFA Institute Practical Skills Module (PSM) has been completed; these modules are administered by the CFA Institute.

You’ll need to pass Level 1 of the CFA Program before registering for the next level. The CFA institute allow you a total of six attempts per exam level.

How long does it take to pass?

The examining body recommends around 300 hours of study for each level in the CFA charter, although some candidates will need more or less time, depending on their individual backgrounds and experience.

It is possible to complete the CFA Program in two years but with a recommended study time of 300 hours per level, it takes most people three to four years to complete all of the levels.

What are the pass rates like?

The CFA Institute reports that the average pass rate over the last 10 years is 42% for Level 1. As a training provider, unfortunately we are not able to report our own pass rates in accordance with CFA Institute guidelines.

What CFA resits are available?

We do everything we can to help you pass your CFA exam first time. However, should you need a second chance, then don’t worry. With Pass Protection, there are lots of ways we can support you as you prepare for your exam resit. For further information, please refer to our pass protection policy (PDF 60KB).

download CFA Resit Enrolment Form (PDF)

Can Kaplan help if I fail an exam but studied with another provider?

If you have failed elsewhere with another prep provider, we'd like to help save you some money. We're pleased to be able to offer you 50% off our study packages. You'll just need to send us an invoice from your previous prep provider.

More information about our 50% off study packages

Study Materials and Delivery Costs

We offer a comprehensive range of study materials to enhance your learning experience. They’ve been designed to keep you on track and stay motivated on your learning journey. These include hard copy books as well as online resources on Schweser’s study portal.

Core materials included with all packages

• Getting Started Guide

  Explains how to use the resources effectively to maximise your chance of passing the exam.

• Schweser Online Study Portal

  Includes dashboard with activity feed and performance metrics to keep you on track and motivated.

• Schweser Online Mock Exam 1 – 6

  Practice taking the computer-based test before exam day with the online Schweser mock exam. This realistic exam simulates the interface, format, difficulty, and length of the actual CFA exam.

• SchweserNotes ™

  Clear, concise study notes and examples that cover every learning outcome statement (downloadable as eBooks as well as in print). These notes also include module quizzes and topic assessments which can demonstrate your level of mastery of a topic and where you need to focus additional attention.

• Quicksheet

  A compact study tool summarising key formulae, definitions and concepts (available online, downloadable as an eBook as well as in print).

• Schweser Module videos

  Reference videos to supplement the Schweser Study Notes. For every learning outcome statement there is a short video where a tutor guides a student through the content and explains how to solve the examples.

• SchweserPro™ QBank

  Thousands of unique online practice questions designed to assess and adapt to your understanding of the curriculum.

• Schweser Checkpoint Exams

  Three key tests that you will be prompted to work through online during your studies. These mimic the difficulty and format of the actual exam. Performance reports then highlight your understanding and weak areas where more review is needed.

• Schweser's Secret Sauce®

  Take this compact book anywhere you go, printed or eBook, for a concise review of the CFA Program curriculum. Secret Sauce provides insights and exam tips on how to effectively prepare and apply your knowledge on exam day.

• Kaplan Schweser Community

  An exclusive online study forum where you can post questions and engage in discussions with CFA experts and your fellow candidates. With more than 15,000 users, we’ve already become the most used online forum hosted by an exam prep provider for advanced financial designations.

• Schweser CFA Institute Question Review Videos

  Videos walk you through the end-of-reading questions from the CFA Institute Program curriculum. You’ll get expert advice and strategies from CFA instructors as they guide you through the questions.

Additional materials come with the following packages

Study Material availability

Schweser releases study materials on a piecemeal basis as soon as they are available, normally at least six months ahead of relevant exam windows. You may receive more than one release/delivery of eBooks/hard copy materials. Release dates can be subject to change depending on the size of the new curriculum changes.

Delivery costs

Materials are delivered to the address you provide us (and must be signed for on delivery). For detailed information on delivery prices please refer to our delivery page.

Kaplan Schweser online study portal

Kaplan Schweser’s online portal provides access to a wide variety of resources to help you prepare for your exams. It also hosts all our online tuition and revision classes.

Online features

Depending on the study package you choose, features can include the following:

• View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
• Take the guesswork out of your study plan with strategically placed weekly tasks
• Track your performance against that of other candidates
• Complete tests and get instant feedback
• Access on mobile, tablet and computer

For more information on technical support available and minimum system requirements for Kaplan Schweser’s online portal, visit the Schweser portal technical support.

Access duration

You can access your content from 48 working hours of purchase (subject to availability) until your examination date.

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Tutor support

We'll support you every step of the way throughout your CFA learning experience with us. Our tutors are available for any questions or worries you might have.

• Email academic support

  Open weekdays 9.00am - 5.30pm excluding bank holidays.

• Kaplan Schweser Community

  An exclusive online study forum where you can post questions and engage in discussions with CFA experts.

Testing and mocks

Vital to passing your exam will be attempting as many questions and mocks as possible. Depending on your chosen package, you will gain:

• SchweserPro™ QBank

  Access to thousands of unique questions in the SchweserPro™ QBank. Adaptive and personalised technology has taken our world-renowned QBank study tool to the next level. Question difficulty adapts to a student's ability on a given topic, measuring their knowledge and keeping them motivated as they move through the content.

• Checkpoint exams

  Three key tests that you will be prompted to work through online during your studies. These mimic the difficulty and format of the actual exam. Performance reports then highlight your understanding and weak areas where more review is needed.

• Schweser Online Mock Exam (1 – 6)

  Four practice taking the computer-based test before exam day with the online Schweser mock exam. This realistic exam simulates the interface, format, difficulty, and length of the actual CFA exam.

downloadStudy package comparison (PDF)

Course pricing and funding options

Pricing structure

Below are our study package prices. The only additional costs will be delivery and if you decide to purchase any optional extras.

download Study package comparison (PDF)

Funding options

Invoice your employer

Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you’re already working in a related field and want to develop your learning. You’ll need to speak to them to see if you’re eligible and confirm that they’re happy to pay for your studies.

Learn more about invoice your employer

Payment plans

Our CFA packages are covered with our interest-free payment plan, providing the total cost is £500 minimum (including VAT). The plan lets you spread the cost of your studies over a period of up to 12 months, with no extra costs.

Learn more about payment plans

How to enrol

The quickest way to enrol is to select your course online. You can also call us on 020 7920 3060 or enrol with a form which you can download, fill out your details and email to citybookings@kaplan.co.uk.

download Download enrolment form (PDF)