June results and notes for those taking Dec exam

T

TolkNM

New member
Joined
Jun 18, 2026
Messages
0
Reaction score
0
I will be taking Level 1 in December, and am hoping that some of you who just took the exam could help us by providing the following:
How long did you study?
What did you study (CFAI texts, Stalla, Schweser)?
What would you do differently?
What was the result of your efforts?
Other comments?
Thank you!
 
How long did you study?
- 450 hours
What did you study (CFAI texts, Stalla, Schweser)?
- CFAI texts, Schweser & Qbank, took my own notes (I didn’t use them after I wrote them out though, but writing them in itself helped me learn the concepts)
What would you do differently?
- Nothing
What was the result of your efforts?
- Pass
Other comments?
- No comment
Thank you!
- You’re very welcome.
 
I studied for about 175 hours over three months or so. I probably put in 100 of those during May before the exam. I took six half-exams (four Schweser, two CFAI) in May between Mother’s Day and the exam. I work full time and have a toddler. That in itself was a major challenge. I finished my MBA in Finance in 2007 so I did have a decent quantitative background and had taken a few investment classes and was very comfortable with TVM and CAPM.
I used the Schweser texts, Schweser 16-week online class, QBank (maybe 1200 questions?), and CFAI texts for Ethics. I tended to skim the texts vs. reading them due to time constraints. I also made the decision to focus more on the big-points sections and not worry about being more than marginally awake for Derivatives and Alternatives. I found QBank to be useful for learning but the mock exams were the most helpful in solidifying my learning. I spent a **lot** of time on Ethics because I figured getting 90% or higher on this section would give me some breathing room on the exam. Same for Quant.
This methodology resulted in a Pass – >70 in all sections except for a 50-70 in Derivatives. My score in Derivatives was more than fair because I was scoring between 40-60% on QBank and mocks in this section just by pure intuition and multiple-choice experience, especially on swaps!
If I did it over, I would have started in earnest at least a month earlier and taken more mock exams earlier so I would have time to re-review concepts I was still missing. Other than that, it worked for me!
 
Thanks for the input - great stuff.
ATH - did you find the Schweser 16 week class to be a great help?
I am considering skipping some of the CFAI texts and just reading Schweser instead, but am concerned by how much they abbreviate. I understand that I should be hitting major concepts first, but really do want to learn this stuff. I am half way through FRA and still have several months to go so I should be ok - just get overwhelmed sometimes. Any thoughts?
 
How long did you study?
-250 Hours
What did you study (CFAI texts, Stalla, Schweser)?
-Strictly Schweser. I referred to the CFAI texts for Ethics. I used the Qbank as well. I think I completed about 65% of the questions.
What would you do differently?
-More of the Qbank. Qbank is essential for passing Level I. Given myself more time to study. Most of the hours I logged for studying really came from studying in May. I should have taken more mocks. I think I did only 2 from Schweser and the CFAI one. The exam had a lot more definition type questions than I was expecting. Just something to keep in mind.
What was the result of your efforts?
-Pass
Other comments?
-Don’t be intimidated by the material. None of us work for NASA. Make sure you know your FRA.
 
TolkNM Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I will be taking Level 1 in December, and am
> hoping that some of you who just took the exam
> could help us by providing the following:
>
> How long did you study?
275-300 hours from December until the test date
> What did you study (CFAI texts, Stalla,
> Schweser)?
I used Schweser for everything, but read CFAI for ethics as well. However, I made my best attempt at answering the questions at the end of each CFAI chapter, but I slacked a bit after the FRA book. I swept through the books in about 4.5 months and read for understanding. I then power read all the Schweser texts again and worked on about 800 questions from the Q Bank over the next few weeks. In my humble opinion, the Schweser practice exams were the best prep material. I solidified my test timing, concepts, and learned my areas of weakness from the practice exams (I took 4 of them over the last month before the exam). Repetition repetition repetition and you’ll do just fine.
> What would you do differently?
Not listen to all the people who try to scare you. Everyone needs a different amount of time to solidify the concepts, and you will find out quickly if you are understanding the material or not. Its a tough test no doubt, but it’s purely a function of work ethic, not intelligence. The material is not difficult if you put your mind to it, but it is broad. Just make sure you give yourself the proper amount of time to let it all sink in!
> What was the result of your efforts?
Pass >70 all sections
> Other comments?
Good luck!
> Thank you!
 
How long did you study? ~350 hrs
What did you study (CFAI texts, Stalla, Schweser)? cfai texts, qbank, schweser mocks
What would you do differently? would have used schweser notes instead of text
What was the result of your efforts? pass, 70+ all sections
Other comments? definitely get qbank and take as many mocks at possible
 
I have a 114 page study guide that I made PERSONALLY and it has all the little details and stuff that you need to know. email me if interested.
 
TolkNM Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I will be taking Level 1 in December, and am
> hoping that some of you who just took the exam
> could help us by providing the following:
>
> 1. How long did you study?
> 2. What did you study (CFAI texts, Stalla,
> Schweser)?
> 3. What would you do differently?
> 4. What was the result of your efforts?
> 5. Other comments?
>
> Thank you!
I took the liberty of numbering the above criteria.
1. Band 10 1st time - 300 hrs. All >70, 200 more hours. You need about 250 ~ 400 hours done correctly (QBANK, QBANK, QBANK) to nail level I.
2. CFAI texts mostly (every reading every question), Schweser QBANK (3000 questions), CFAI mocks, 0 stalla stuff (except for a few Olinto videos that were free on Stalla’s site).
3. MOCKS MOCKS MOCKS QBANK QBANK QBANKS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS. I thought I would def pass the first time because i spent so much time reading but the fact of the matter is if you cant do the questions, you cant pass. DO QUESTIONS
4. >70 in EVERY section the second time.
DO QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Hi billbelemy22, Can you email me your 114 pages of notes? that would be appreciated. What is your email address?
 
I’m studying for level 1 in December and would also appreciate seeing your study guide, nicholaslui AT gmail DOT com
 
Not sure how much time I spent but here’s the breakdown
- Started studying in January
- Probably around 2 hours weekdays with 5-10 hours in weekends (depending on the mood and whether there’s much more stimulating activities to do)
- Schweser exclusively, their QBank is top-notch. The CFAI text book is just too dense for me to read it through (however, I’m stuck with their book for L2 for the time being - Schweser isn’t even out yet)
- Take a leave a week before the exam, nailing every question on QBanks (I think I manage to do 50% of the questions there)
What I’d do differently? Nailing the Qbanks earlier. It helps the preparation tremendously
 
Hi billbelemy22
It would be great if you could share your notes with me as well. sahilx AT gmail DOT com
Thanks
Smakinc
 
This sounds like my study schedule.. if you don’t mind me asking, what were your results?
 
Hi billbelemy22
I am exactly in same situation like you .. only using CFAI texts shall really appreciate if you can also send me the notes at supersunny138 AT gmail . com tks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top