Introduction: Choosing the Right CFA Study Resources
If you’re preparing for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams, one of the toughest early decisions is:
- 👉 Which CFA prep books should I study from?
- 👉 Are online courses better than books?
- 👉 What do toppers recommend?
The truth is: your choice of CFA prep books and study resources can make or break your preparation. With the right mix of theory, practice, and online learning, you can save time, strengthen concepts, and boost your pass chances.
This blog reviews the best CFA prep books and online courses, so you can choose wisely for Level I, II, and III.
CFA Prep Books: The Official Sources
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CFA Institute Curriculum
- Comes with your exam registration fee (digital copy included).
- Covers the syllabus in detail, with practice questions.
- Best for: students who want 100% syllabus coverage.
- Drawback: very lengthy, can be overwhelming.
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Kaplan Schweser Notes
- Most popular third-party resource.
- Concise, easy-to-follow explanations.
- Includes practice exams, QBank, and revision summaries.
- Best for: students balancing CFA with work or college.
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Wiley’s CFA Prep
- Good balance of detail + practice.
- Includes online test bank, flashcards, and video lectures.
- Best for: students who prefer a structured, mixed-media approach.
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BPP Learning Media
- Known for clarity in finance/accounting.
- Often recommended for CFA Level I and II.
- Best for: students who want deeper accounting & FRA coverage.
💡 Stride Tip: Use CFA Institute books for Ethics + complex areas, and Kaplan/Wiley for revision.
Best CFA Study Resources Beyond Books
- Practice Papers & Mock Exams
- At least 5–6 timed mocks before the exam.
- CFA Institute + Kaplan mocks highly recommended.
- Flashcards & Summary Notes
- Quick recall before exams.
- Especially useful for Ethics, FRA, and Fixed Income.
- Question Banks (QBanks)
- Kaplan QBank is the most widely used.
- Helps test concepts under exam-like pressure.
CFA Online Learning Options: Flexibility That Works
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CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem (LES)
- Comes free with registration.
- Interactive lessons, quizzes, and videos.
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Kaplan Schweser Online
- Recorded + live classes, revision bootcamps.
- Popular among working professionals.
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Wiley Online Learning
- Video lectures, doubt forums, and adaptive practice software.
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Stride Edutech Online Courses
Tailored for Indian & Gulf students.
Features:
- ✅ Live + recorded classes
- ✅ Gulf-friendly timings (UAE, Saudi, Oman)
- ✅ Personal mentorship & study plans
- ✅ Mock exams with faculty feedback
💡 Stride’s hybrid model (books + online learning + mentorship) has helped 1000+ CFA aspirants crack Levels I–III.
CFA Prep Books vs Online Courses: Which Should You Choose?
- Books: Good for theory-heavy subjects like Ethics, FRA, and Economics.
- Online Courses: Better for revision, mock practice, and interactive learning.
- Best Strategy: Use both — CFA Institute/Kaplan for core content, plus Stride’s online coaching for guidance and practice.
Common Mistakes in Choosing CFA Resources
- ❌ Relying only on free YouTube videos
- ❌ Reading CFA curriculum end-to-end without practice
- ❌ Ignoring mocks until the last month
- ❌ Jumping between too many resources
How Stride Edutech Guides CFA Students
At Stride, we simplify CFA prep with:
- Structured Study Plans — book + mock integration
- Faculty Support — CFA charterholders with industry expertise
- Global Student Support — for both India and Gulf candidates
- Affordable Fees with EMI — making premium CFA coaching accessible
Final Thoughts: Prep Smart, Not Hard
CFA exams are tough, but with the right CFA prep books + online learning, you can make the journey smoother.
Use CFA Institute for foundation, Kaplan/Wiley for revision, and Stride’s online mentorship for structure and accountability.
With this combo, clearing CFA in India or UAE becomes not just possible — but achievable on your first attempt.
📲 Want the best CFA prep books and strategy customized for you?
Stride Edutech offers:
- ✅ Access to CFA-approved study resources
- ✅ Online classes + mock exams
- ✅ Mentorship for Indian & Gulf students
👉 Chat with us on WhatsApp and start your CFA journey today.