Furthermore, downloading copyrighted PDFs from unverified sources exposes your device to malware and potential security breaches, all while violating Kaplan Schweser's copyright terms. It is crucial to understand that there is . However, Kaplan does provide a robust set of legal, free study tools that are often overlooked.
A collection of online reference videos to complement your reading. 2. Free eBooks and Foundational Materials
Several prominent approved prep providers offer excellent free materials on YouTube and their official websites: schweser cfa level 1 notes free
Digital access to the first book of the series to test the "bite-sized" learning approach.
When you register for the CFA exam, you receive to the entire official curriculum in eBook format. It’s not condensed like Schweser, but it is authoritative. Many candidates use the official Learning Ecosystem (LES), which includes practice questions and mock exams. A collection of online reference videos to complement
If you need access to Schweser-style materials for more than 7 days, there are several affordable and legitimate paths available.
A strategic approach that combines the best of these free resources can be more effective than blindly relying on one expensive package. When you register for the CFA exam, you
Every registered candidate receives digital access to the official curriculum for free (included in the registration fee). While it is denser than Schweser, it is the definitive source. Candidates on a budget are strongly encouraged to use the official curriculum. The questions at the end of the official readings are often more difficult and closer to the actual exam style than third-party questions. A disciplined candidate can pass using only the official materials, provided they allocate sufficient study time.
It can be tempting to search for PDFs of Schweser Notes from 2025 or earlier on forums. However, using old or pirated materials carries significant risks:
For physical books, check platforms like eBay for candidates selling their gently used previous-year editions for a fraction of the cost. Just be sure to verify if the edition you're buying is sufficiently aligned with the current exam curriculum.
While Kaplan Schweser notes are the gold standard for CFA prep, finding legitimate, free versions of their complete study packages is highly unlikely due to strict copyright laws. However, you can still build a comprehensive, high-quality study suite without breaking the bank.