CFA Study Tip - Should You Read Every Line???

All of the content in the CFA curriculum is fair game for the CFA exams. And you will need to study all of it to be able to pass the CFA exams. But should you be reading every single line from the CFA books? Some do and others don't. Here are a couple study tips for the CFA exams in the most efficient but effective way possible.
Test prep providers can be a very valuable service for those who want an easier to understand, or simply shorter version of the CFA curriculum. Utilizing a test prep provider can save you a lot of time when studying for the CFA exams, but also present the information in a way that is much easier to learn from. Both video lessons and study notes can be effective study tools.
If you have an idea of something you want me to cover in depth, please let me know because I take your requests seriously. Will be back with more CFA Exam tips in a couple of weeks so please submit more questions you would like to hear answered. Love you all!
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** The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional financial advice. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your financial or tax professional**

[@abdul4majid]

My strategy as someone without finance background was to watch the videos first and then go through the reading, this gives me a more general understanding of the reading especially from the perspective of an analyst like the book likes to do.

[@mibikolapo7483]

Me too

[@jericjamespernitez392]

I'm taking level 1 on February and these videos are really helpful. Thanks for all the tips!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck on the exam!

[@jazelletenukirehara]

I really like your videos cuz they’re short enough to be interested and long enough to cover the necessary details. Thank you for this video, it’s really helpful cuz I had the same question about cfa material 🙂

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Happy to help!

[@nishantwalia226]

Bro great Help. 🔰 can u make a detail video 4 those who prepare by self only.. Who they cover material in efficient way.

[@gregorybainathsah7284]

I was dozing off when you talked about dozing off LMAOOOOOO

[@edburgstrauss8130]

Thanks for the video. Top notch as always :). Idea: Price and content comparison of test prep providers, i.e. Mark Meldrum, Kaplan, etc.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thanks for the kind words! I love this idea, I just don't have much first hand experience with MM's or Kaplan's paid programs. I'll try to find a good way to structure this.

[@guillermotrujillo9997]

CFA L1- Interesting tips on ethics. Would you recommend using CFAI's EOC questions for ethics after we use a test prep provider to learn/review the material? Your videos are very helpful! Would love to see one in the future where you give your opinion on what should be the strategy to move into a more analytical role within the finance industry as related experience is a requirement to become a CFA. Thanks!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes you should always complete the CFA EOCs. And great idea thanks! I will make a video about getting the work experience.

[@guillermotrujillo9997]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks! What is your opinion on CFAI'S EOC vs Kaplan Schweser Qbank? I started a while ago using MM material (videos and notes) and doing large Qbanks in Kaplan after every single reading (if there are 3k questions in Kaplan I already completed 2.5k approx) but really haven't used CFAI's material/questions.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@guillermotrujillo9997 CFA EOCs are most similar to what you will see on the real exam. Kaplan's are good too though.

[@fahimfaisal7385]

I was literally going through every single page on curriculum books.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Well stop! haha.

[@nuhamubarak4284]

As I progress into reading, I feel just like I forget everything once move forward, I am still able to answer practice questions though, but I can’t put all the information together in my brain! Do I need to study the reading materials over and over?!

[@duongtam4096]

zero dislikes? that's impressive

[@RichardxRunit]

Hi thank you for the informative video! For the 300 hour benchmark of studying, does that include review time or should I allocate additional time for review time a couple weeks before the exam?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Most people would count the review time (mock exams) in that 300 hours. I tell folks to do 10+ mocks which can be almost 100 hours in itself, which is why 400+ hours starts to make more sense.

[@i123456987654]

so we should read every line?

[@phunguyentonthat8121]

I'm struggling with the Financial Reporting and Analysis, because it concerns accounting which is almost strange with me. Do you know any tips to learn this subject?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Hi Phu, and great question. Many candidates feel that FRA is the most difficult section. Other than doing many practice questions, my tip would be to first become comfortable with the 4 main types of financial statements.

[@missjennablejen]

You’re not the only one. I’m also struggling too. It’s been taking me longer than the other books because of the amount of material.

[@augustindelarche5824]

Thx for the vids. What kind of work experience is needed to get the charter? Thanks !

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I will be making a video about this soon.

[@samvitsaroj4757]

I had a doubt - I am referring to the online lessons in candidate resources. These are exhaustive right?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes, they are.

[@jazzy_bella]

I’m disappointed in the CFA’s online curriculum materials. The practice questions didn’t correspond to the chapter just read in many cases. The chapters were poorly written as well - using 20 words to convey a point when only 10 would do for example. If someone had told me that before I started, I would have bought a third party test prep but I guess I’m stuck with what I bought.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yea, the content certainly isn't perfect.

[@zahraabdi6208]

Hi AJ, thanks so much for explaining and clearing doubt as to whether to use the CFA curriculum or other PREP providers. I am CFA level 3 candidate now and planning to do the exam in Feb 2023. What tips would you recommend for Morning paper? Especially on how to master and remember the concepts since we are expected to write down the answers. Also, do you recommend doing CFA institute revision questions multiple times or doing questions from other prep providers. Thanks.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

For the morning section, you need to take as many mock exams as possible to practice! Do the CFA questions once, then prep providers questions.

[@wholesalingtony1588]

Thinking about taking for the CFA exam? Where can I get some cheap study material? it can be outdated info too

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Ebay might have some people selling their old stuff. Send me an email.

[@timoty560]

I'm currently a level 1 candidate in my country (South East Asia) and I'm having some doubts about completing the CFA charter. My main question is how effective would holding the CFA charter should I want to migrate to a different country? I'm a fresh grad, who's just about to join a small PE firm (focused mainly on value-added on real estate), do you think work experience would play a greater role in hopefully getting out of my country?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I think the CFA can be extremely valuable when moving to a different country. Maybe more valuable than work experience.

[@s.m.hassan3887]

Can u tell me about how is passmax for level 2 ? I studied level 1 from ift.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Haven't used it, sorry.

[@ramyzrupshi6558]

What test prep provider did you use? Which ones do you recommend? Im just beginning my CFA journey and aiming for the August exam

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I used Wiley and I would recommend it to anyone.

[@ramyzrupshi6558]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thank you for your reply!

[@wrkarnage2864]

Which notes would you suggest..:- Wiley notes (not curriculum) Or Schwesser notes?

[@csv19720]

Mark Meldrum!!

[@wrkarnage2864]

@@csv19720 how do we get that??

[@sukriteemainali4743]

Can you suggest some good test prep providers

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I liked Wiley.

[@safwanislam4666]

Hey man finally started my cfa journey, for now just studying the cfa institute material. Do you think i need outside study material like wiley or you think i'll be good if i lock in on the cfa material? Thanks for all the tips on your vids really helps me out!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I feel that Wiley helps, but some people only us the CFA material.

[@safwanislam4666]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 took the 14 day trial last night. Content is so much easier to understand, definitely want to get it but the 1000$$ tho 😓

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@safwanislam4666 Right... Hopefully I will be able to offer a discount code or something similar in the future.

[@kavithashanmugam2719]

Have registered for the feb slot exams..Am currently preparing for the exam with kaplan study notes content. Is it advisable to continue???? Please advise.. Thanks in advance

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes Kaplan can be helpful. Make sure you are doing as many mock exams as you can, and best of luck next month!!!

[@wrkarnage2864]

Sir, how much will it take to prepare for level 2?? Also is it possible to do job along with studies..if yes then how much reasonable time will be needed if I do this?? Your answer shall be helpful..plz do reply!!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

My recommendation is 400 hours, but more can only help. And yes you can certainly do this while working a job.

[@wrkarnage2864]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 how you did sir??..with job?

[@Abhishek-gr7rp]

I'm thinking to purchase Wiley question bank for CFA level 2. Do you think it's worth it?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I used Wiley's full package, but I think most of the value was in the video lessons. I'm not sure if I would buy the qbank only. CFA BBs and EOCs are better.

[@Abhishek-gr7rp]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 I have only their lectures so actually thinking to buy their question bank.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@Abhishek-gr7rp If you have used all of the CFA BBs and EOCs then go for it!

[@Abhishek-gr7rp]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thanks a lot mate!!☺️

[@benjaminwhitaker2861]

I disagree, you need to read EVERY line and wear your BEST tuxedo on test day if you want to pass lvl I.

[@danielflores5380]

What about slow readers? I am using Bloomberg Prep and it condenses all information in a couple of sentences, honestly I don´t feel the need to go through the whole curriculum. I am also watching Mark Meldrum videos, great content.

[@procastinating1018]

True to that brother

[@abhishekbal399]

You are again using the CFA Logo in your thumbnail. This is the second time, I am reminding you. I am sure this was a slip. Please correct it ASAP.

[@imanimaleah383]

OMG 😍💋 💝💖❤️

[@maverickmarcos6001]

I'm Single 😍😥

[@jazelletenukirehara]

He’s married with a kid 😀