With a strategic approach to high-quality , you can build a study system that rivals any paid course. This article will show you exactly where to find them, how to use them, and why free resources might actually be better for certain learning styles.
Prep providers (e.g., Kaplan Schweser, Wiley, IFT, AnalystPrep) offer free “sample notes” for the first few study sessions or as part of email-gated downloads. These are professionally formatted but incomplete.
Registered candidates receive at least one (often more) official mock exam directly from the CFA Institute . cfa level 1 free notes
Platforms like GitHub, Reddit (r/CFA), and personal blogs host notes from previous candidates. These vary from handwritten PDFs to markdown files organized by reading. Examples include the widely referenced “Meldrum free trial notes” (limited access) and “FinTree” free formula sheets.
The strategy is simple:
IFT (Institute of Financial Training) was famous for its free YouTube videos. They have since rebranded, but their legacy free notes are still floating around legally via their "Free Access" tier. Salt Solutions provides high-quality, visually rich notes that mimic a textbook's summary section.
Before we dive into the treasure trove of resources, let’s clear up a common misconception. Using free notes does not mean you are "cheating" the system or taking a risk. In fact, many top CFA charter holders started with free materials to build their foundation. With a strategic approach to high-quality , you
Your winning formula:
: This hub offers "Cheat Sheets" for high-weight topics like Fixed Income Financial Statement Analysis Quantitative Methods [12, 19, 25]. PrepNuggets These are professionally formatted but incomplete
Let’s explore each category in depth.