Kaplan Schweser Cfa Level 1 Free !!top!!
Free Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 Study Materials: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you preparing for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 exam and looking for free study materials? Kaplan Schweser is a well-known provider of CFA study materials, but their resources can be pricey. However, there are ways to access free Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 study materials. In this article, we'll explore the options available and provide a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for the exam.
Why Use Kaplan Schweser Study Materials?
Kaplan Schweser is a reputable provider of CFA study materials, offering a range of resources to help candidates prepare for the exam. Their study materials are designed to help you understand and retain the complex concepts covered in the CFA curriculum. By using Kaplan Schweser study materials, you can:
- Improve your understanding of key concepts
- Practice with sample questions and mock exams
- Develop a study plan and stay on track
- Boost your confidence and performance on the exam
Free Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 Study Materials
While Kaplan Schweser study materials are typically only available for purchase, there are some free resources you can access:
- Kaplan Schweser Free Trial: Kaplan Schweser offers a free trial of their study materials, which includes access to their online platform, study planner, and a selection of study materials. You can sign up for the free trial on their website.
- CFA Institute Website: The CFA Institute website offers a range of free study resources, including a study planner, sample questions, and a curriculum guide. You can access these resources on their website.
- Schweser CFA Facebook Group: The Schweser CFA Facebook group is a community of CFA candidates and charterholders where you can connect with others, ask questions, and access free study materials.
- CFA Level 1 Study Group: Join a CFA Level 1 study group on platforms like Reddit or Facebook, where members often share free study materials, including Kaplan Schweser resources.
Additional Free Study Resources
In addition to the free Kaplan Schweser resources, here are some other free study materials you can use to prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam:
- CFA Institute Sample Questions: The CFA Institute website offers sample questions for each level of the CFA exam.
- OpenStudy CFA: OpenStudy offers free CFA study materials, including study guides, practice questions, and a study planner.
- CFA Exam Prep: CFA Exam Prep offers free study materials, including practice questions, a study planner, and a CFA dictionary.
Tips for Using Free Study Materials
While free study materials can be helpful, it's essential to use them effectively. Here are some tips:
- Create a study plan: Develop a study plan and stick to it.
- Focus on key concepts: Identify the most critical topics and focus your studying on those areas.
- Practice, practice, practice: Practice with sample questions and mock exams to reinforce your understanding.
- Review and adjust: Regularly review your progress and adjust your study plan as needed.
Conclusion
Preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam requires a significant amount of study and dedication. While Kaplan Schweser study materials can be expensive, there are free resources available to help you prepare. By taking advantage of these free resources and using them effectively, you can stay on track and achieve your goal of becoming a CFA charterholder.
This report outlines the resources offered by Kaplan Schweser for CFA Level 1 candidates as of early 2026
. These tools serve as a "test drive" for their premium study packages, allowing candidates to evaluate the material before committing financially. 1. The Core Offer: 7-Day Free Trial The most comprehensive free resource is the 7-Day Free Trial
. It provides a week of access to core study tools to help candidates experience the Schweser ecosystem. Kaplan Schweser SchweserNotes™ (Online): Includes digital access to
, which typically covers foundational topics like Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods. SchweserPro™ QBank:
Limited access to build custom practice quizzes and test knowledge on specific readings. Topic Quizzes:
Short assessments following each reading to check understanding. Resource Library: A collection of introductory and instructional videos. Kaplan Schweser 2. Assessment and Practice Tools
Beyond the trial, Schweser offers standalone tools to gauge baseline knowledge and maintain daily engagement. Free Diagnostic Exam: 60-question assessment
designed to replicate the CFA exam's difficulty. It provides a baseline of your current knowledge across all Level 1 topics. Question of the Day: Candidates can
to receive a daily CFA practice question in their inbox until exam day. Free Flashcards: Access to a sample set of digital flashcards for studying key terms on the go. Kaplan Schweser 3. Content Samples & eBooks
Kaplan provides several PDF and eBook resources to help candidates understand the curriculum's scope. Free CFA® Diagnostic Exam - Kaplan Schweser
Kaplan Schweser offers a limited suite of free CFA Level 1 study materials
designed primarily to introduce candidates to their teaching style and core curriculum summaries. While these resources are not meant to replace a full prep course, they provide significant value for early-stage planning and baseline assessment. Free Resource Highlights These materials are available on the Kaplan Schweser Free Study Materials 7-Day Free Trial
: This is the most comprehensive free option, providing a full week of access to the online learning portal, including a portion of the SchweserNotes SchweserPro QBank Topic Quizzes Diagnostic Exam
: A 60-question exam designed to establish your baseline knowledge of the Level I curriculum before you begin studying. Fundamentals eBook : A guide titled " CFA Program Fundamentals
" that provides an overview of all ten curriculum topics, complete with practice questions and answer explanations Sample Materials : Downloadable samples of their core products, including: SchweserNotes Sample : A preview of the Portfolio Management topic QuickSheet Sample : A cheat sheet covering Ethical and Professional Standards Secret Sauce Sample
: A glimpse into their highly-regarded condensed review book. CFA Question of the Day
: A daily practice question delivered to your inbox to build consistency. Kaplan Schweser Critical Review of Kaplan Schweser Resources Based on user feedback from platforms like
, Kaplan’s approach is widely considered the "gold standard" for its readability. Kaplan Schweser CFA Review (Is It Worth It?)
Title: Navigating the Landscape of "Free" CFA Level 1 Materials: A Critical Analysis of Kaplan Schweser Resources
Abstract The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is one of the most rigorous credentials in the financial industry. Consequently, the cost of preparation materials often creates a significant barrier to entry. This paper explores the viability of obtaining Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 materials for free. It analyzes the legal and ethical implications of sourcing unauthorized materials, identifies legitimate avenues for accessing free or low-cost Schweser content, and assesses the opportunity cost of relying on fragmented study resources versus comprehensive, paid packages.
1. Introduction The CFA Level 1 exam serves as the gateway to the CFA charter, testing candidates on a vast array of topics ranging from ethical standards to quantitative methods and portfolio management. While the CFA Institute provides a comprehensive curriculum, many candidates turn to third-party providers like Kaplan Schweser for condensed notes and practice exams. However, the high cost of these materials drives a subset of candidates to search for "free" versions online. This paper aims to categorize the available sources, distinguishing between legitimate free resources and copyright infringement, and evaluates the risks associated with the latter.
2. The Market for Prep Materials Kaplan Schweser is widely regarded as a market leader in CFA preparation. Their value proposition lies in distilling the thousands of pages of the official CFA Institute curriculum into manageable "SchweserNotes" and providing a testing engine that mimics the actual exam environment. A full study package can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. For students and professionals in developing economies, or those self-funding their education, this cost is prohibitive, creating a high demand for free alternatives.
3. Legitimate Sources of Free Kaplan Schweser Content Candidates seeking free resources without violating intellectual property rights have several options, though they are often limited in scope:
- Official Kaplan Offers: Kaplan occasionally offers free resources as a marketing strategy. This may include free access to their "SchweserNotes" for the previous exam window to encourage purchases for the next window, or sample modules from their OnDemand classes. These are safe, legal, and high-quality, but typically only cover a fraction of the required curriculum.
- Scholarships and Library Access: The CFA Institute offers the Access Scholarship, which reduces exam fees, though it does not directly provide Schweser materials. However, university libraries or corporate training departments often hold subscriptions to Kaplan materials that candidates can access for free if they are students or employees of partner firms.
- Candidate "Hand-Me-Downs": It is common for previous candidates to give away or sell their used physical books. While purchasing a second-hand copy is generally considered a transfer of ownership under the "first sale doctrine," copying or digitizing these books for distribution is a violation of copyright.
4. The Shadow Market: Risks of Unauthorized "Free" Materials A significant portion of "free" Schweser materials found online consists of pirated PDFs, photocopied notes, or shared login credentials for the Kaplan testing engine. Engaging with these resources poses several distinct risks:
- Ethical Violations and Candidate Conduct: The CFA Institute places a heavy emphasis on ethics. The Code of Ethics requires members and candidates to practice and encourage professional conduct that reflects credit on themselves and the profession. While it is debated whether using pirated materials strictly violates the Code for a candidate (as opposed to a charterholder), it certainly tests the boundaries of "professional integrity." Relying on stolen intellectual property creates a precarious foundation for a career rooted in financial ethics.
- Material Inaccuracy: Pirated materials are often outdated. The CFA curriculum changes annually. Using a "free" copy of Schweser notes from three years ago may result in studying irrelevant topics (e.g., outdated IFRS standards) or missing new sections entirely, leading to exam failure.
- Malware and Security: Websites hosting pirated academic materials are frequently vectors for malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. The cost of a compromised identity or corrupted hard drive often exceeds the price of the study materials.
5. The Cost-Benefit Analysis The primary benefit of seeking free Schweser materials is the immediate financial saving. However, the opportunity cost must be considered. The CFA Level 1 pass rate is historically low (often fluctuating between 35% and 45%).
- Time Efficiency: Legitimate Schweser packages often include a study planner and instructor support. Candidates using fragmented, free resources must spend additional hours organizing their study schedule and cross-referencing outdated material against the current curriculum.
- Pass Rate Impact: The psychological assurance of using a legitimate, up-to-date system can impact performance. Furthermore, the lack of access to a simulated testing platform—a key feature of paid Schweser packages—can leave candidates unprepared for the computer-based testing format.
6. Conclusion While the allure of obtaining premium Kaplan Schweser materials for free is understandable, the practice is fraught with ethical peril and practical inefficiencies. Legitimate free resources exist but are insufficient for a full exam preparation strategy. Candidates are advised to utilize the official CFA Institute curriculum as the primary source of truth. If budget constraints exist, candidates should seek legitimate discounts, scholarships, or employer sponsorships rather than resorting to unauthorized channels. Ultimately, the investment in proper study materials is small relative to the potential earnings of a CFA charterholder, and integrity is the first lesson of the curriculum.
I can’t help produce or distribute copyrighted Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 materials. I can instead: kaplan schweser cfa level 1 free
- Summarize key CFA Level I topics (e.g., Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Financial Reporting, Corporate Finance, Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management).
- Create original practice questions and answers covering those topics.
- Draft a study plan, cheat-sheet, or formula sheet tailored to CFA Level I.
- Explain specific concepts or walk through exam-style problems step-by-step.
Which of these would you like? At the end I can also suggest related search terms.
Kaplan Schweser offers several free resources for CFA Level 1 candidates to help them start their preparation without upfront costs. These include:
7-Day Free Trial: Provides access to the online learning management system, including SchweserNotes™ samples, videos, and QBank questions.
Free Diagnostic Exam: A 60-question exam designed to assess your baseline knowledge of the CFA Level I Program curriculum. Free eBooks : Available resources include the " CFA Program Fundamentals" eBook Before You Decide to Sit for the CFA Exam " eBook, and the CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet.
Question of the Day: A daily CFA Program practice question sent to your inbox.
Sample Study Materials: Downloadable samples of SchweserNotes™, Secret Sauce®, and QuickSheet. Study Tips & Strategies CFA Level 1 6-Month Study Guide - Kaplan Schweser
Kickstart Your CFA Journey: Exploring Kaplan Schweser's Free Level 1 Resources
Starting the CFA Level 1 journey can be intimidating, especially given the cost of study materials. However, Kaplan Schweser offers several high-quality free resources that allow candidates to "test drive" their prep materials before committing to a full package. 1. The Schweser Free Trial
The centerpiece of their free offerings is the Schweser Free Trial. This provides a 5-day window of unlimited access to the core Study Program for Level 1.
What’s Included: You get access to the SchweserNotes, which are condensed versions of the massive CFA curriculum, and the Adaptive QBank, which helps you drill practice questions.
Why It Matters: This is the best way to see if the "Schweser style"—which focuses on brevity and exam-focused learning—aligns with your study habits. 2. CFA Level 1 Free Diagnostic Exam
Before you dive into a 300-hour study plan, it helps to know where you stand. Kaplan provides a Free Diagnostic Exam designed to mirror the actual exam format.
Insight: It identifies your strengths and weaknesses across the 10 topic areas (like Ethics, Fixed Income, and Equity Investments).
Benefit: You can use these results to prioritize your study time, focusing on high-weight areas where you scored lower. 3. Free Question of the Day and Webinars
For those who want a low-commitment way to stay engaged, Kaplan offers "bite-sized" learning tools:
Question of the Day: A daily practice question delivered to your inbox to keep your mind sharp.
Free Webinars: Kaplan instructors often host live sessions covering exam strategy, difficult topics (like Financial Statement Analysis), and "How to Pass" orientations. 4. Schweser’s Free CFA Level 1 Fundamentals eBook
New candidates often struggle with the sheer volume of the curriculum. Kaplan offers a Fundamentals eBook for free that introduces the basic concepts of the Level 1 syllabus. It acts as a "pre-study" guide to help you build a foundation before you start the heavy reading. Is the Free Content Enough?
While these resources are excellent for getting started, they are generally designed as supplements or trials. To fully prepare for the rigor of the 4.5-hour exam, most candidates eventually transition to a full SchweserNotes Package or a Premium Instruction Package which includes full-length mock exams and video lessons.
Getting Started with Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 Free Resources
Preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam is a monumental task, often requiring over 300 hours of study. While premium packages offer the most comprehensive support, Kaplan Schweser provides a variety of high-quality free resources to help candidates assess their baseline knowledge and experience their teaching style before committing financially. 1. The Kaplan Schweser 7-Day Free Trial
The most popular starting point is the 7-Day Free Trial, which grants temporary access to core study tools.
SchweserNotes™ (Online): Digital access to Book 1, featuring clear and concise summaries of the curriculum.
SchweserPro™ QBank: A tool to build custom practice quizzes to test your comprehension.
Resource Library: A collection of reference videos designed to explain complex topics.
Topic Quizzes: Short assessments to check your understanding after reading specific modules.
Community Access: Entry into the exclusive online forum to engage with expert faculty and other candidates. 2. Free Diagnostic and Practice Tools
Beyond the trial, Schweser offers tools specifically designed to benchmark your current level of preparation.
60-Question Diagnostic Exam: This free test replicates the actual exam's difficulty to help you identify strengths and weaknesses before you start your 300-hour journey.
CFA Question of the Day: You can sign up to receive a daily practice question directly in your inbox, continuing until your specific exam date.
Formula Sheet (eBook): A downloadable CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet that covers essential formulas for quantitative methods, financial analysis, and portfolio management. 3. Informational Guides and eBooks
Understanding the "how" and "why" of the CFA program is as important as the material itself.
Monthly Candidate Guide: A monthly newsletter that delivers curated free resources and study tips tailored to your stage in the exam cycle.
eBook: CFA Program Fundamentals: Provides an overview of all ten curriculum topics, complete with topic-specific practice questions.
eBook: Before You Decide to Sit: Advice from over 100 successful charterholders on what it takes to pass the exam and advance in the investment industry. 4. Interactive Learning
Webinars & Videos: Kaplan Schweser hosts free live and recorded webinars covering study strategies, career benefits of the charter, and exam updates.
Flashcards: Candidates can access free digital flashcards for on-the-go studying on any device. Summary of Free Materials Resource Type 7-Day Trial Sampling core QBank and Notes Sign Up for Trial Diagnostic Exam Baseline knowledge assessment Take the Exam Formula Sheet Quick reference of math/stats Download PDF Question of the Day Daily consistent practice Register Daily CFA Level 1 Free Trial - Kaplan Schweser
CFA® Level I Program 7-Day Free Trial * FREE Schweser 7-Day Trial (May 2026) Free. * FREE Schweser 7-Day Trial (August 2026) Free. Kaplan Schweser Schweser's CFA® Program 7-Day Free Trial Free Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 Study Materials:
The CFA Level 1 exam is a monumental challenge that requires a disciplined study strategy and high-quality resources. For many candidates, Kaplan Schweser is the gold standard for prep materials. While their full suites are a significant investment, the "Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 free" resources provide a powerful starting point for those looking to test the waters or supplement their studies without breaking the bank.
This guide explores the free tools available from Kaplan Schweser, how they benefit your study plan, and how to integrate them effectively to pass the exam on your first attempt. Why Start with Free Kaplan Schweser Materials?
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program involves over 300 hours of study per level. Before committing hundreds of dollars to a premium study package, utilizing free resources allows you to:
Evaluate the teaching style: See if Schweser’s concise "notes" format works for your learning type.
Assess the exam difficulty: Get a realistic feel for the types of questions asked.
Bridge knowledge gaps: Use specific free tools to master difficult topics like Fixed Income or Ethics. Top Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 Free Resources
Kaplan Schweser offers a robust "Free Study Materials" hub. Here are the most valuable tools currently available for Level 1 candidates: 1. The Schweser Free Diagnostic Exam
Before you crack open a textbook, you need to know where you stand. The diagnostic exam is a 30-40 question test designed to identify your strengths and weaknesses across the 10 topic areas.
Benefit: Saves time by highlighting topics where you already have a foundation.
Strategy: Take this before you start your formal study plan. 2. CFA Level 1 Free Trial
Kaplan often provides a 5-day to 7-day free trial of their "Premium Instruction" package. This usually includes:
On-Demand Lectures: Expert instructors breaking down complex formulas.
SchweserNotes™: Access to a digital chapter of their famous condensed notes.
The QBank: A limited selection of practice questions to test your retention. 3. Free Question of the Day
Consistency is the secret to passing the CFA. By signing up for the "Question of the Day," you receive one exam-style question in your inbox every morning.
Benefit: Keeps your brain in "exam mode" even on busy workdays.
Strategy: Don't just look at the answer; read the explanation for the "why" behind the correct choice. 4. The CFA Fundamentals eBook
For those new to finance, the Level 1 curriculum can be overwhelming. Schweser offers a free eBook that covers the basic concepts of accounting, economics, and quantitative methods.
Benefit: Provides the "pre-requisite" knowledge needed to understand the official curriculum. 5. Webinars and Masterclasses
Throughout the year, Kaplan hosts free live webinars. These sessions often cover: Study Strategies: How to manage your time over 6 months.
Topic Deep Dives: Focused sessions on high-weight areas like Financial Statement Analysis (FSA).
Exam Updates: Critical info on CBT (Computer-Based Testing) changes. How to Use Free Resources in Your Study Timeline Recommended Free Resource Month 1: Planning Diagnostic Exam & Fundamentals eBook Months 2-4: Core Study Free Trial (for difficult topics) & Question of the Day Month 5: Review Formulas Sheets & Webinars Month 6: Final Prep Free Mock Exam (check seasonal offers) Maximizing the Value of "Free"
While free resources are excellent, they are rarely enough to pass the exam on their own. The CFA Institute’s official curriculum is thousands of pages long. To use free materials effectively:
Pair with the CFAI Curriculum: Use the free SchweserNotes to simplify a topic, then go to the official CFAI books to do the "End of Chapter" (EOC) questions.
Watch the Calendar: Kaplan often releases a "Free Mock Exam" window about 4-6 weeks before the actual exam date. Mark this on your calendar, as a full-length mock is the most valuable free tool you can find.
Use the Community: Join CFA forums or Reddit groups. Candidates often share links to updated free Schweser seminars or "Early Bird" freebies. Final Thoughts
The path to becoming a Charterholder is expensive, but your preparation doesn't have to start with a massive invoice. By leveraging the Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 free diagnostic exams, trials, and daily questions, you can build a solid foundation of knowledge.
Once you’ve exhausted the free tools and have a clear understanding of your learning gaps, you can then decide which paid features—like the full QBank or Mock Exam blocks—are worth your investment. To help you get started, Break down the weighting of the 10 topics for Level 1?
Compare Schweser vs. other free providers (like Salt Solutions or Mark Meldrum)?
Kaplan Schweser offers several legitimate ways to access free CFA Level 1 study materials without requiring a full course purchase. While full study packages are paid, candidates can utilize various introductory and supplemental resources to jump-start their preparation. Official Free Study Materials
The most reliable source for free content is the CFA Free Study Materials page on the official Kaplan Schweser website. These resources include:
Free Trial: A 5-day pass to the Schweser Premium Study Package, which typically includes access to the SchweserNotes™, adaptive study planner, and sample video lessons.
Sample SchweserNotes™: Digital excerpts or a full eBook version of one topic area to test the material's readability.
Question of the Day: Daily practice questions delivered via email to keep candidates engaged with the curriculum.
Adaptive Quizzer: Access to a limited set of practice questions to gauge current knowledge levels.
Study Strategy Content: Comprehensive guides on How to Pass the CFA Exam and breakdown of the CFA Level 1 Syllabus. Public & Educational Access
Candidates may find legitimate access to Kaplan Schweser materials through external institutions:
University Libraries: Many academic libraries, such as those at MIT or other major universities, provide students and alumni with access to digital catalogs containing CFA prep books for free. Improve your understanding of key concepts Practice with
Public Libraries: Some local libraries offer eBook lending services through platforms like OverDrive or Libby, which may include digital copies of popular prep manuals.
Scholarship Programs: Candidates can apply for the CFA Institute Access Scholarship, which, if awarded, often includes reduced-cost or bundled prep materials from approved providers like Kaplan Schweser. Ethical & Security Considerations
When searching for "free PDFs" or manuals online, be aware of the following:
Copyright Compliance: Many sites claiming to offer "free PDF downloads" of the full curriculum may be hosting unauthorized, copyrighted content. Using these sites can violate intellectual property rights.
Security Risks: Unofficial download platforms are frequently used to distribute malware or steal personal data. It is safer to use reputable websites or official library catalogs.
Outdated Material: The CFA curriculum changes annually. Free materials found on older forums or "free share" sites may not align with the current year's exam weights or topic areas.
How to Prep for and Pass the CFA Level I Exam - Kaplan Schweser
Kaplan Schweser provides a variety of free study resources for the CFA Level 1 exam through their CFA Free Study Materials
page. These resources are designed to supplement your main study plan and offer a preview of their paid study packages. Kaplan Schweser Available Free Resources Free CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet
: A downloadable PDF containing key formulas and concepts frequently tested in the exam. CFA Question of the Day
: A daily practice question delivered to your inbox to help with consistent retention. CFA Program Fundamentals eBook
: An introductory guide that provides overviews of all 10 curriculum topics and includes practice questions with explanations. Monthly Candidate Guide
: A resource that offers curated study materials and tips tailored to your progress in the study cycle. Informational Webinars
: Live and recorded sessions covering study strategies, exam details, and career benefits of the CFA charter. : A collection of articles featuring expert study tips
, topic-specific deep dives, and advice from past candidates. Kaplan Schweser Topic-Specific Tips from the Schweser Blog
The blog also offers strategic advice for high-weight areas of the Level 1 curriculum: Download Free CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet - Kaplan Schweser
Download this free CFA Level 1 formula sheet to help you learn key formulas and concepts frequently encountered in CFA exams. Kaplan Schweser CFA Blog - Kaplan Schweser
Not sure if the CFA charter is the right path for you? Get career information, exam tips, and more in Kaplan Schweser's CFA blog. Kaplan Schweser Download Free eBook CFA Fundamentals - Kaplan Schweser
Title: The Hidden Gem: A Comprehensive Review of Kaplan Schweser’s Free CFA Level 1 Resources
If you are embarking on the journey to become a CFA charterholder, you have likely experienced the sticker shock associated with the process. Between the exam fees, the cost of the curriculum, and the price of prep providers, the financial burden can be daunting. This leads almost every candidate to ask the same question at the start of their Level 1 journey: “Is the free Kaplan Schweser stuff actually useful, or is it just a teaser to get me to buy the full package?”
Having navigated the gauntlet of CFA prep, I can confidently say that Kaplan Schweser’s free resources for Level 1 are among the most valuable complimentary study aids available in the finance education space. However, they are not a silver bullet.
Here is a long-form, detailed review of what you get, how to use it, and whether it is enough to pass.
The Hidden Strategy: How to Use These Freebies
Many candidates download the free mock, score a 50%, panic, and then buy the full package. That is a waste. Here is the smarter, free-only strategy:
Week 1-4: Use the Free Topic Quizzes as a diagnostic. Don't study first. Attempt the 10-question quiz for "Economics." Get them wrong. Read the explanations. This "pre-learning" primes your brain.
Week 5-10: Download the Secret Sauce sample. Use it as a checklist. For every bullet point you don't understand, watch a free YouTube video (e.g., Mark Meldrum’s free videos) to fill the gap.
Week 11 (Final month): Take the Full Mock Exam. Simulate exam day exactly: 90 minutes for AM, 15 min break, 90 minutes for PM. Grade it.
- Score >70%? You might actually pass using only free resources plus the official CFA curriculum (which you must buy for registration).
- Score <60%? You need the full Schweser package or a serious tutor.
Legitimate Free Kaplan Schweser Resources
While the full course isn’t free, Kaplan does provide official free samples and limited-time offers that can genuinely help your studies.
5. YouTube Samples
Kaplan’s official YouTube channel has free video lessons covering entire LOS (Learning Outcome Statements) for some readings. For example, you can find full-length videos on “Time Value of Money” or “Basic EPS vs. Diluted EPS” completely free.
These are not teasers—they are complete lessons. However, they cover only ~5–10% of the syllabus.
What You Get: The Free "Essentials" Toolkit
Kaplan does not hide their free resources behind an impossible paywall. By creating a free account on their website, you typically gain access to the following:
Conclusion
The quest for Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 free is a rite of passage for candidates. While you won't find the entire $699 premium package legally for zero dollars, you can absolutely build a "Schweser-Lite" experience using free trials, university libraries, and public content marketing.
Remember: The exam costs over $1,000. A failed attempt costs you not just the money, but an entire 6-month window of your life. If you find value in Schweser during your free trial, it is wise to invest the $300–$400 for the Basic Package.
Start with the free trial today. If you love it, buy it. If you don't, stick to the free CFA Institute books. But never, ever resort to piracy. Your charter depends on your integrity.
Are you currently using a free trial? Which topic is giving you the most trouble? Let us know in the comments below (and no, we won't share pirated links).
2. Free “Getting Started” Webinar & Recordings
Kaplan frequently hosts free live webinars covering:
- CFA Level 1 exam strategy
- How to use Schweser materials
- Sample question walkthroughs (Ethics, Quant, FRA)
Even if you miss the live event, the recordings are often available for free on their YouTube channel or website. Search for: “Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 free webinar”.
Why Everyone Wants Kaplan Schweser (Even for Free)
Before we hunt for freebies, we must understand why Schweser is the industry standard. The CFA Institute provides the official curriculum—six massive textbooks totaling nearly 3,500 pages. Reading the original CFA books cover-to-cover is inefficient.
Kaplan Schweser solves this by:
- Concision: SchweserNotes condense the 3,500 pages into roughly 1,500 pages of high-yield text.
- Accessibility: They translate the dense, academic language of the CFA Institute into plain English.
- Testing: The SchweserPro QBank offers 5,000+ practice questions that mimic the computer-based exam style.
Because the demand is so high, Kaplan has strategically placed "free entry points" into their ecosystem to hook candidates. Here is how to exploit those entry points.