Ultimate Guide to CFA Exam Study Material for Every Learning Style

Becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a tough, long journey. Before earning the prestigious distinction, you must meet program enrollment requirements and pass a series of notoriously difficult exams.

The numbers speak for themselves. Pass rates for the CFA Level I and Level II exams in May 2025 were 45% and 54%, while the February 2025 CFA Level III exam had a 49% rate.

If you've tried and failed, you're not alone, and you're not out of options. Every attempt is a step closer to success, especially if you refine your strategy. One way to increase your chances is to choose the best CFA study material that matches your learning style.

How do you study smart? Salt Solutions is here to guide you.

An Overview of CFA Exams

The CFA exam is structured in three levels, each building on the last and moving from foundational knowledge to highly complex concepts. Together, these levels make up the CFA Program and test your ability to solve challenges real-world financial analysts face.

The CFA Level I exam demands a disciplined, methodical study approach, covering a wide range of topics:

• Ethical and Professional Standards
• Quantitative Methods
• Economics
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Corporate Issuers
• Equity Investments
• Fixed Income
• Derivatives
• Alternative Investments
• Portfolio Management

The CFA Level II exam requires a greater ability to apply knowledge to problem-solving and a deep understanding of the same core areas.

The final level, the CFA Level III exam, shifts focus to mastering the structure and content, emphasizing:

• Asset Allocation
• Portfolio Construction
• Performance Measurement
• Derivatives and Risk Management
• Ethical and Professional Standards
• Pathways (Portfolio Management, Private Markets, or Private Wealth)

The Different Learning Styles

There are so many things to study. Beyond covering everything, you also want to make sure you truly absorb the knowledge.

Not everyone learns the same way. Some like to watch, while others want to listen. By determining your learning style, you can select the right CFA exam study material.

Learning preferences are traditionally grouped into four categories known as "VARK."

Visual Learning

Visual learners process information most effectively when it's presented in charts, graphs, or images. Long, text-heavy explanations may feel overwhelming, but turning those same concepts into diagrams helps them click.

Aural or Auditory Learning

If you digest facts best when you hear them, you're an auditory learner. Reading page after page of notes might not stick, but lectures, discussions, and podcasts help concepts come alive.

Read or Write Learning

Some learners thrive on words. If you fall into this group, you may prefer taking notes, reviewing written summaries, or rephrasing tricky ideas in your own words to reinforce retention.

Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learners engage when learning involves action. Sitting still with textbooks for hours feels frustrating, so you need activities and lessons, along with breaks, that let you move.

Study Materials for Every Type of Learner

Once you know how you learn, tailor your prep strategy accordingly. The official CFA curriculum should always be your starting point, but supplementing it with resources designed for your learning style maximizes your study efficiency.

The key is combining your natural preferences with reliable CFA exam study material to create a well-rounded preparation plan.

Visual Study Materials

• Flashcards: Memorize formulas, definitions, and terms through repetition and visual cues.
• Formula Sheets: Get quick visual references during practice through condensed outlines of equations and rules.
• Video Lectures: Break down complex concepts into digestible visuals like animated explanations and diagrams.
• Question Banks: Track progress through platforms that present questions with charts, graphs, or performance dashboards.

Aural or Auditory Study Materials

• Video Lectures: Hearing experts explain subjects in real time improves comprehension and retention.
• Live Online Classes: Structured sessions give you the chance to listen, ask questions, and interact with instructors.
• Group Discussions: Talking through tricky topics with peers clarifies confusing ideas and reinforces memory.

Read or Write Study Materials

• Flashcards: Write out terms and definitions yourself to help with memorization, or flip through Salt Solutions' flashcards.
• Formula Sheets: Read through concise notes that back up quantitative content.
• Study Notes: Personalized or third-party notes provide a more digestible alternative to the full curriculum.
• Summaries: Review condensed outlines of core concepts before the exam.

Kinesthetic Study Materials

• Case Studies: Apply theories to real-world investment scenarios to exercise problem-solving skills.
• Mock Tests: Practice under exam-like conditions to simulate the real experience and reduce anxiety.
• Simulation Tools: Interactive resources, including platforms with augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), make studying more dynamic and hands-on.

Become a Chartered Financial Analyst with Salt Solutions

Would you rather see, hear, write, or move? At Salt Solutions, we understand that no two learners are exactly alike, which is why experienced charterholders develop our resources alongside a diverse team of educators, creatives, developers, and multimedia experts.

The result is engaging, flexible materials that adapt to your unique learning style.

Whether you're attempting the exam for the first time or giving it another shot, Salt Solutions provides everything you need, from comprehensive study plans to quizzes and tools that replicate the real test. Even our free 14-day trial gives you access to a CFA mock exam.

The Salt Solutions community is eager to welcome and support you. Our goal is simple: to make prep more effective, more accessible, and ultimately more successful for you. Align with the best CFA study material. Contact Salt Solutions today.