Over 50% of candidates fail CFA Level 1 preparation on their first attempt.
Surprised? Don’t be.
Juggling a demanding job while prepping for one of the toughest exams in the finance world is no joke.
But here’s the thing—most of those who don’t make it aren’t failing because they lack the intellect.
→ They’re burning out.
If you’re feeling the pressure of trying to ace the CFA Level 1 while managing work deadlines, you’re not alone.
It’s not just about how to study—understanding how not to feel burned out is equally important.
Whether it’s adjusting your CFA Level 1 preparation time or crafting a CFA Level 1 preparation plan that suits your lifestyle, the key is balance.
The good news?
There’s a way to make this work for you—without running yourself into the ground.
Let’s dive in and learn:
- How to prepare for CFA Level 1
- How to not feel burned out
CFA Level 1 preparation: How to prepare for CFA Level 1?
Preparing for CFA Level 1 can feel like you’re gearing up for a long, intense marathon and demanding a solid strategy.
But before we dive into the technicalities, there’s one crucial question to answer:
1. Know Your WHY:
Why are you taking the CFA Level 1?
- Is it for a career boost?
- A personal milestone?
- A deeper understanding of finance?
Knowing your ‘why’ will help you push through the tough days when studying feels impossible.
→ Write it down
→ Keep it in mind
→ Revisit it when the going gets tough.
2. Understand the Time Commitment:
Balancing work and study requires a game plan.
On average, most candidates spend around 300 hours preparing for CFA Level 1.
Sounds like a lot, right? That’s because it is.
But here’s the truth: it’s not about the hours—it’s about consistency.
Break it down into manageable study sessions, maybe 10-15 hours a week, and you’ll find it’s much more doable than it sounds.
The trick is starting early and being realistic about how much time you can genuinely dedicate each week.
3. Master the Formulas:
Finance loves its formulas, and so does the CFA exam.
Some of these formulas are straightforward, while others will leave you scratching your head.
The key here is to:
- Practice—get used to them
- Write them down, and don’t just memorize them.
- Understand where they come from
- How to apply them in different scenarios.
And don’t forget to create a formula sheet.
You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to revise.
4. Group Similar Subjects:
Instead of studying every subject in isolation, try grouping similar ones.
Economics and Quantitative Methods, for instance, often overlap, so tackling them together can help you see the bigger picture.
This way, you’re not constantly switching your brain between unrelated topics, which can lead to burnout.
Plus, it makes reviewing more efficient!
5. Join Study Groups:
Whether you join an online community or find local candidates, study groups are a great way to stay motivated, clarify doubts, and share study strategies.
Plus, teaching a concept to someone else is one of the best ways to reinforce your own understanding.
By following these steps, you’ll be setting yourself up for success, even while juggling a full-time job.
The key is to stay consistent, know your limits, and take breaks when needed.
Remember, passing CFA Level 1 isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart work!
6. Enroll for Professional Guidance:
If you want to take your CFA Level 1 preparation to the next level, you can enroll in our expert-led CFA coaching.
Our team of professionals provides you with unparalleled CFA coaching that goes above and beyond traditional methods.
Our experienced faculty brings a wealth of industry knowledge to your class, ensuring that you not only master the curriculum but also gain practical insights into the world of finance.
Here are more details about it.
How to not feel burned out during your CFA Level 1 preparation?
Burnout is real, and when you’re juggling work and CFA Level 1 prep, it can sneak up fast.
The trick? Building a schedule that works EXCLUSIVELY for you.
Let’s break it down:
1. Understand Your Priorities:
What are your current priorities? Your job, family, personal time—how do they all fit together?
Be honest about how much time each one needs.
Not everything can take center stage all at once, so it’s okay to prioritize and make some compromises.
2. Understand the Time Required for CFA Prep:
Now that you’ve mapped out your priorities, it’s time to see where CFA prep fits in.
- Can you give 1-2 hours a day?
- Or are weekends your best bet?
Build your study time around your life, not the other way around.
This way, you won’t feel like CFA is taking over everything.
Consistency is key here—studying a little every day keeps the information fresh and manageable.
3. Your Job Complexity and How to Ease it:
We all know jobs can be demanding, but have you considered what YOU can do to ease the complexity?
→ Are there tasks you can delegate or streamline?
Perhaps it’s about:
- Setting clearer boundaries
- Being more efficient with your work time so you can carve out space for study sessions without feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, the goal isn’t to overwork yourself; it’s to manage both work and study efficiently.
4. A Moment or Day to Reset:
Finally, make rest a priority. Sounds counterintuitive when you’re on a tight schedule, but trust me—it’s essential.
Pick a day, or even a moment each week, where you can hit reset.
This could be:
- A full day off to do nothing related to work or study
- Or just an hour to unwind and reflect.
Taking the time to rest and reset isn’t lazy—it’s smart.
It allows your brain to recharge, making you more productive when you dive back into your studies or job.
At the end of the day, burnout happens when we push ourselves too hard without stepping back to breathe.
Building a schedule tailored to YOUR needs, understanding your limits, and prioritizing rest will keep you going strong, all the way to exam day.
CFA level 1 preparation plan
When preparing for CFA Level 1, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the countless study methods and strategies out there.
But the truth is, the best plan is the one that matches your personality and works in your favor.
Some people thrive with detailed schedules, while others prefer a more flexible approach.
The key is to explore different methods, whether it’s:
- Video tutorials
- Textbooks
- Study groups—and stick with what feels right for you.
Once you find your groove, commit to it.
Consistency in your chosen method will yield better results than constantly jumping from one plan to another.
CFA level 1 preparation time
The CFA Institute recommends 300 hours of study, but let’s be honest—not everyone can hit that target, especially while working a full-time job.
Here’s the real key: find what works for YOU.
Think about it—how did you study for exams back in school?
You had multiple subjects to handle, right? Look at those patterns.
Maybe you’re someone who absorbs content quickly through reading, or perhaps you learn best by explaining concepts to others.
You don’t need to follow a rigid 300-hour plan if it doesn’t suit your style.
And no, CFA Level 1 isn’t about cramming.
It’s about understanding.
Once you grasp the concepts, you won’t need to count every single hour.
Trust your past experiences with exams, identify how you learn best, and build a plan around THAT.
You might just find that 300 hours aren’t necessary after all.
Conclusion
In the end, CFA Level 1 preparation is all about understanding YOUR priorities and sticking to a plan that suits your unique needs.
When thinking about how to prepare for CFA Level 1, focus on grasping the material and using study techniques that align with how you learn best.
You don’t need to hit the 300-hour mark if it doesn’t fit your schedule; instead, customize your CFA Level 1 preparation plan to your own lifestyle and learning style.
Most importantly, don’t overlook rest.
If you’re wondering how to not feel burned out, it’s crucial to take breaks, reset, and prioritize your well-being.
Managing your CFA Level 1 preparation time effectively—with a balance of work, study, and downtime—will allow you to prepare for the exam without sacrificing your mental health.
Ultimately, success comes from understanding your limits and working smart, not just hard.
