Preparing for one of the toughest exams in the world, like the CFA requires more than just determination and perseverance.
While these qualities are essential, they alone won’t guarantee success.
To truly excel, you need extensive CFA study material paired with a well-thought-out strategy that aligns with your unique study pace and goals.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to kickstart your CFA preparation for 2026, including:
Ready to dive into your CFA journey?
Let’s get started!
What CFA Study Material Do You Need to Have in 2026?
The CFA Institute provides you with the essentials for preparing for the CFA exam.
However, they don’t lay out a roadmap to mastering the material. This lack of clarity often confuses students and leaves them wondering what resources are truly necessary.
Let’s break it down and explore the study materials you’ll need for the CFA in 2026.
1. CFA Curriculum
The CFA Curriculum is the primary study material provided by the CFA Institute.
Unlike buying engineering or NEET books from a bookstore, where you can evaluate them before purchase, the CFA material is accessible only after registration.
How to Access It?
- Log in to your CFA account and navigate to the learning ecosystem.
- For downloadable PDFs, you’ll need to pay $50 (around ₹4,500).
Study Options:
- Soft Copy: Access the curriculum online or download the PDFs for convenience.
- Hard Copy: Print the PDFs or purchase a hard copy from Amazon, which costs approximately ₹20,000.
→ Choose based on your learning preference.
Some students prefer digital formats for portability, while others find physical books more engaging.
Who should opt for the CFA Curriculum?
- Ideal For:
→ Students with a finance background.
→ Those with ample time to navigate the extensive and complex material.
- Not Ideal For:
→ Non-finance students, as the curriculum can feel overwhelming due to its vastness and heavy concepts.
2. Schweser Notes
Schweser provides concise notes rather than comprehensive textbooks.
While these notes are sufficient for passing the exam, they may not be as thorough as the CFA Curriculum.
Pros & Cons:
- Best suited for Finance professionals like CAs, MBAs, or finance students who have prior knowledge.
- Non-finance students may need to pair Schweser Notes with the CFA Curriculum for a deeper understanding.
You can find Schweser Notes on Amazon.
Note: Be mindful that Schweser Notes might contain occasional errors, so cross-checking with other resources is recommended.
CFA Study Material: Free Resources
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, here are some excellent free resources:
1. Investopedia:
It’s a fantastic resource for foundational learning.
→ Offers clear, concise explanations for complex financial concepts.
2. CFI Blog & YouTube Channel
You can access free lectures and videos on important CFA topics on our YouTube Channel. You can also use our practice materials, which are specially designed to replicate real CFA exam styles from our professional blog.
3. Reddit (CFA Forums):
Get access to a vibrant community of CFA students and charter holders. It’s ideal for:
- Solving doubts
- Sharing tips
- Gaining insights from peers.
4. Old CFA Materials:
In previous years, CFA study materials could often be found online for free or at nominal costs at local textbook stores.
How to Plan for Your CFA Study Strategy?
Success in the CFA exam is all about studying smart. Here are 3 key tips you cannot miss:
- Start with Your Weak Areas: Focus on subjects where you lack prior background.
- Practice Under Timed Conditions: Build your stamina to complete the exam on time.
- Use the Right Calculator: Invest in a Texas Instruments or HP financial calculator.
Remember, the CFA exam is a test of endurance.
It challenges your ability to stay consistent and work toward your goal without losing focus.
CFA Exam Date
Before diving into the dates, let’s clarify who can take the CFA Level I exam.
Undergraduate students can register and sit for the CFA exam during any of the following exam cycles:
- February
- May
- August
- November
→ To be eligible, you must be within 23 months of graduation.
In 2026, the CFA Institute will offer the CFA exam on a regular schedule.
Here’s a detailed overview:
CFA Level 1 Exam Dates for 2026
- February 2026: February 02-08
- May 2026: May 12-18
- August 2026: August 18-24
- November 2026: November 11-17
Check the CFA Website here for more details about early bird registration and the closing window.
CFA Level 2 Exam Dates for 2026
- May 2026: May 19-23
- August 2026: August 25-29
- November 2026: November 18-22
Check the CFA Website here for more details about early bird registration and the closing window.
CFA Level 3 Exam Dates for 2026
- February 2026: February 29-01
- August 2026: 13-17
Check the CFA Website here for more details about early bird registration and the closing window.
Cancelling and Rescheduling
Let’s take a look at the cancellation policies of the CFA exam.
Emergency Deferral
Scheduled candidates may request an Emergency Deferral until the emergency deferral deadline. You are eligible for an emergency deferral if you experience any of the following:
- life-threatening illness (candidate or immediate family member),
- Death of an immediate family member,
- mandatory military deployment (candidate only) during the exam window,
- pregnancy (candidate only; limited to one pregnancy deferral per level),
- Exam rescheduled by Prometric within 30 days of the exam window start date, and after contacting Prometric, you are unable to find a new acceptable appointment date*. Beginning with exams in 2025, we will charge a USD 100 processing fee* for all approved emergency deferral requests.
Rescheduling:
If you need to change your test date within the same window, you can reschedule for a fee of $250, as long as you do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled test time.
Cancellations:
Cancellation fees are non-refundable, except in extreme circumstances.
Be sure you’re ready to commit before registering.
CFA Fee Guide
Early registration offers significant savings, so it’s essential to register as early as possible.
Missing both the early and standard deadlines means you won’t be able to sit for that exam window.
Fees
- Early Registration: $1,140
- Standard Registration: $1,490
Registration Costs
CFA exam registration fees vary based on when you register:
- Levels I & II:
Early Registration: $1,140
Standard Registration: $1,490
- Level III:
Early Registration: $1,240
Standard Registration: $1,590
All fees must be paid in USD.
The total cost to complete all three levels of the CFA Program ranges between $3,520 and $4,570, depending on whether you register during the Early or Standard period.
Registration Steps
Registering for the CFA exam is a 2-step process:
1. Enroll:
Visit the CFA Institute website and pay the required fees.
2. Schedule:
Once your registration is processed, select your exam date and location using the Prometric scheduling tool.
This step must be completed before the scheduling deadline.
Scholarships for the CFA Program
The CFA Institute offers 3 scholarships to help reduce program costs:
- Access Scholarship: For individuals who face financial constraints.
- Student Scholarship: For students currently enrolled at affiliated universities.
- Professor Scholarship: For full-time professors, administrators, or department heads.
For more information on this, click here. This information is accurate as of October 2026.
Conclusion
Preparing for the CFA exam requires a solid understanding of the study material and a well-planned, strategic approach.
- Stay focused on your goal.
- Success comes with consistent effort.
- Utilise both CFA study material, free and paid resources, to build a strong foundation.
Instead of rote memorisation, actively practice and apply the theories you learn.
For CFA study material level 1, consider using Kaplan Schweser Notes, which are known for their concise and efficient summaries. For more tips, check out our blog for insights into best practices for the CFA Level 1 exam preparation.
Selecting the right CFA study material depends on your:
- Budget
- Learning style
- Background.
→ Dedication paired with strategic action always beats talent.
→ Consistent preparation will give you the edge you need to excel.
If you’re serious about earning the CFA charter and having it proudly displayed after your name, the time to start is now.
Prepare strategically, stay consistent, and never lose sight of your ultimate goal: passing the CFA exam.
And if you need professional guidance in this way, you can always reach out to us at CFI Education to help you start your preparation journey.
Happy Learning!
