For 2026, the curriculum remains stable with no changes from 2025, making previous-year resources highly relevant. Here is how to build a comprehensive study plan using only free materials. 1. The "Hidden" Goldmine: Official CFA Institute Materials
However, reading the full curriculum (which spans thousands of pages) is often unnecessary for a first-time candidate. Instead, candidates looking for free summaries should look to the section of the CFA Institute website. cfa level 1 free notes
: Download 2–3 free note sets, use them strategically for 15–20% of study time, and allocate remaining effort to reading examples and solving official or reputable question banks. For 2026, the curriculum remains stable with no
: Provides free summary notes for individual learning modules across core topics like Ethics, Fixed Income, and Equity. : Provides free summary notes for individual learning
The CFA Level 1 exam is renowned for its broad curriculum and low historical pass rates (typically 35–45%). Given the high cost of official study materials (over $1,000 for the eBook and print copy) and third-party prep providers ($500–$1,500+), many candidates seek free notes as a cost-reduction strategy. This paper investigates the landscape of freely available CFA Level 1 notes, evaluating their pedagogical value, common sources, risks, and optimal role within a structured study plan. Findings indicate that while high-quality free notes exist, they are best suited for supplementary review, topic previews, or last-minute cramming, and should not replace official curriculum readings or question practice.
Kaplan is the giant of the industry. While they rarely give away full books, they frequently offer or "JumpStart" guides during early registration periods.
