List of CFA Books can be divided into 3 parts as per the Level of CFA exam. CFA subjects determine the book that students will have to study. Christopher D. Piros, Richard A. DeFusco, Bidhan L. Parmar, Charles H. Gibson, Barbara S. Petitt, Aswath Damodaran are some of the top authors whose books are followed in CFA.
See Also:
Wiley, CFA Institute, South-Western College Publishing are some of the top publishers whose books are followed by CFA students. The subjects for which students look for books are Economics, Quantitative methods, Fixed income, Corporate issuers, Alternative investments, Equity Investments, Derivatives, Financial reporting and analysis etc
Table of Contents
CFA Level 1
CFA Exam has two 135-minute sessions with 180 multiple-choice questions each make up the Level I test. Session 1 is of 2 Hours and 15 Minutes. It contains 90 multiple-choice questions covering economics, quantitative methods, ethics and professional standards, and financial reporting and analysis.
Check: CFA Level 1 in Details
Session 2 is of 2 Hours and 15 Minutes duration. It contains 90 multiple-choice questions covering fixed income, corporate issuers, alternative investments, equity, derivatives, portfolio management, and Wealth Planning.
CFA Level 1 Book
| Topic | Book Name | Author Name | Publisher Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | Economics for Investment Decision Makers | Christopher D. Piros | Wiley |
| Quantitative methods | Quantitative Investment Analysis | Richard A. DeFusco | Wiley |
| Ethics and professional standards | Ethical and Professional Standards | Bidhan L. Parmar | CFA Institute |
| Financial reporting and analysis | Financial Reporting and Analysis: Using Financial Accounting Information | Charles H. Gibson | South-Western College Publishing |
| Fixed income | Fixed Income Analysis | Barbara S. Petitt | Wiley |
| Corporate issuers | Corporate Finance: Theory and Practice | Aswath Damodaran | Wiley |
| Alternative investments | Alternative Investments: CAIA Level I | CHAMBERS D R | John Wiley & Sons |
| Equity Investments | Equity Asset Valuation | Jerald E. Pinto | Wiley |
| Derivatives | Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives | John C. Hull | Pearson Education |
| Portfolio management and Wealth Planning | The New Wealth Management: The Financial Advisor's Guide to Managing and Investing Client Assets | Harold Evensky, Stephen M. Horan ( | Wiley |
How to study CFA Level 1?
- Take advantage of practice tests that resemble the exam setting and become used to the structure of the questions and time limits.
- Obtain the CFA Institute's approved Level 1 curriculum, which contains books covering every test topic.
- Learn about the exam's multiple-choice structure, which consists of questions split into two sessions.
- Instead of relying entirely on memory, try to comprehend the guiding ideas and concepts behind each subject.
- Review frequently to strengthen understanding and identify anything that requires more study.
- Take pauses throughout study sessions to prevent fatigue and preserve concentration and productivity.
CFA Level 2
The CFA Level 2 test stresses applying the ideas and guidelines discovered in Level 1 to actual investing situations. It covers a wide range of subjects, including portfolio management, derivatives, alternative investments, fixed-income securities, and equity investments. The test comprises Vignette-supported multiple-choice questions, which demand applicants to analyze and evaluate complex financial data. Two equal time slots of 2 hours and 12 minutes each will make up the 4 hours and 24 minutes of the Level II test, with an optional break in between.
CFA Level 2 Books
Students need not change books for CFA level 2 and may study books prescribed for level 1 keeping in mind the weightage required for level 2.
| Topic | Book Name | Author Name | Publisher Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | Economics for Investment Decision Makers | Christopher D. Piros | Wiley |
| Quantitative methods | Quantitative Investment Analysis | Richard A. DeFusco | Wiley |
| Ethics and professional standards | Ethical and Professional Standards | Bidhan L. Parmar | CFA Institute |
| Financial reporting and analysis | Financial Reporting and Analysis: Using Financial Accounting Information | Charles H. Gibson | South-Western College Publishing |
| Fixed income | Fixed Income Analysis | Barbara S. Petitt | Wiley |
| Corporate issuers | Corporate Finance: Theory and Practice | Aswath Damodaran | Wiley |
| Alternative investments | Alternative Investments: CAIA Level I | CHAMBERS D R | John Wiley & Sons |
| Equity Investments | Equity Asset Valuation | Jerald E. Pinto | Wiley |
| Derivatives | Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives | John C. Hull | Pearson Education |
| Portfolio management and Wealth Planning | The New Wealth Management: The Financial Advisor's Guide to Managing and Investing Client Assets | Harold Evensky, Stephen M. Horan ( | Wiley |
How to study CFA Level 2?
- Learn to use the features of the calculator that are required to answer the learning outcome statements (LOS).
- Answer each and every question as there is no negative marking.
- Learn and retain the important equations, formulae, and ideas related to each topic.
- Adopt a regular study schedule and adhere to it to guarantee improvement over time.
- Learn how the technology and software in the examination center may affect the experience on exam day.
- Refer to the CFA test calendar for important deadlines and pre-exam dates.
CFA Level 3
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Programme ends at this level with the famous CFA charter. In Level 3, the emphasis is on integrating the knowledge and abilities learned in Levels 1 and 2 and using them in instances related to wealth planning and portfolio management. With an optional break in between, the Level III test will last 4 hours and 24 minutes, divided into two sessions that are each 2 hours and 12 minutes long.
CFA Level 3 Books
| Topic | Books | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethical and Professional Standards | Ethical and Professional Standards and Behavioural Finance | Kaplan Schweser | Kaplan |
| Behavioural Finance and Investment Decision Making | Behavioural Investment Management: An Efficient Alternative to Modern Portfolio Theory | Arnaud de Servigny, Greg Davies | McGraw-Hill Professional |
| Private Wealth Management | Private Wealth Management: The Complete Reference for the Personal Financial Planner | G. Victor Hallman, Jerry Rosenbloom | McGraw-Hill Education |
| Institutional Portfolio Management | Institutional Investors | E Philip Davis | MIT Press |
| Economic Analysis and Asset Allocation | Economics for Investment Decision Makers | Christopher D. Piros, Jerald E. Pinto | Wiley |
| Fixed Income | Fixed Income Analysis | Barbara S. Petitt, Jerald E. Pinto, Wendy L. Pirie | Wiley |
| Equity Portfolio Management | Equity Asset Valuation | Jerald E. Pinto | Wiley |
| Alternative Investments | Alternative Investments: CAIA Level I | CHAMBERS D R | John Wiley & Sons |
| Risk Management and Monitoring | Risk Management | Greg Shields | Bravex Publications |
| Execution of Portfolio Decisions | Investment Management: A Science to Teach or an Art to Learn? | Frank J. Fabozzi and Harry M. Markowitz | CFA Institute |
| Evaluation and Attribution | Performance Evaluation and Attribution of Security Portfolios | Bernd R. Fischer and Russell Wermers | Elsevier |
How to Study CFA Level 3?
- The curriculum should be carefully read and understood because it covers the test material in great depth.
- Review the material from Levels 1 and 2 to brush up on comprehension.
- Improve communication abilities and practice responding to essay questions.
- Practice time management during mock tests.
- For rapid review, create flashcards or short explanations of important terminology, formulae, and concepts.
- Concentrate on strengthening areas of weakness and look for further practice or clarity.
CFA Books: FAQs
Ques. Where can I locate the authorized CFA Level 1,2 and 3 books?
Ans. The CFA Institute is the only place to get the curriculum, or official CFA Level 1,2 and 3 books. They are available for purchase on their official website.
Ques. What conditions must be met before taking the CFA exam?
Ans. An international travel passport is required for every individual who wants to apply for the CFA Programme and take the Level I test for the first time. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following conditions:
- Hold a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) or have two more years of undergraduate study left.
- Hold 4,000 hours of relevant professional job experience (not necessarily connected to investments).
Ques. How can I get the most out of the CFA books while studying for the exam?
Ans. Make complete notes, and interact with the subject matter. Examine the examples and practice questions included in the books. Throughout the preparation, use books as a resource, and be sure to routinely check and solidify information.
Ques. How long does it take to prepare for the test?
Ans. The typical Level I CFA test applicant should devote at least 300 hours to studying throughout the period of six months.
Ques. Are there any more study resources or guides available?
Ans. Yes, students can complement their study efforts with various external study materials including question banks, review courses, and study guides.
Ques. What method should I use to study the CFA books?
Ans. It is advised to make a study schedule and divide the subject matter into small chunks. Thoroughly read the materials, make notes, and use practice questions to make the revision game strong.
Ques. Can students change the date of their CFA exam?
Ans. After registering, students may only postpone the CFA exam under certain circumstances, most frequently due to medical needs. It's simple to withdraw, but students have to pay the initial registration costs again and re-register if one doesn’t do so within three days of signing up.
Ques. Can I get e-books or electronic copies of the CFA books?
Ans. Yes, applicants have the option of using the electronic versions of the textbooks provided by the CFA Institute. The online learning environment of the CFA Institute provides access to these e-books.
Ques. How many times may one attempt the CFA Exam?
Ans. There can be a maximum of six tries per test level, with each level exam being offered twice a year.
Ques. Are students supposed to enroll themselves in the CFA exam every year?
Ans. Every year enrolment is not required, and the CFA Programme exam results are not subject to expiration. Students have an unlimited amount of time to finish the CFA Programme.
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