You don't need to spend a fortune to pass CFA Level 1. These five resources give you real notes, real questions, and a real plan — without the sticker shock.
The CFA Level 1 Prep Market Is Crowded — Here's What Actually Matters
CFA Level 1 prep has exploded into a mix of free tools, paid platforms, and everything in between. You'll find question banks with thousands of items, notes that claim to cover every reading, and study plans that promise to keep you on track. But not all free resources are created equal. Some give you a handful of sample questions and call it a day. Others open up their entire library — or at least a meaningful slice of it — without asking for a credit card. The best ones explain why the right answer is right and why the wrong answers are wrong. That's the difference between memorizing and actually understanding. As you compare options, focus on coverage, explanation quality, and how easy it is to start.
How We Evaluated These CFA Level 1 Resources
We looked at five factors across every resource. First, scope: how many readings, questions, and topics are actually covered? Second, explanation depth: do they tell you why each option is right or wrong, or just give you the answer? Third, access: can you start without signing up, and what do you get for free versus paid? Fourth, curriculum alignment: is the material mapped to the current exam cycle? Fifth, study support: do they offer a plan, diagnostic, or progress tracking? CredGuild stood out for its 102 readings and 398 fully explained free questions with no sign-up required. FreeFellow impressed with 1,804 questions and a diagnostic quiz. PrepNuggets delivered comprehensive notes across all ten topics. Mentor Me Careers offered a free mock and prep kit. Kaplan Schweser provided a daily question and a 7-day trial. Each has a different strength — the right fit depends on where you are in your prep.
Here's a quick look at how these five resources compare on the factors that matter most to CFA Level 1 candidates.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| FreeFellow | Candidates who want a big free question bank and a quick readiness check |
| CredGuild — Free CFA Level 1 Notes, Practice Questions & Study Plan | Self-starters who want free notes, explained questions, and a structured plan |
| PrepNuggets | Candidates who prefer detailed written summaries across every topic |
| Mentor Me Careers | Candidates who want a free mock exam and sample recorded classes |
| Kaplan Schweser | Candidates considering a paid course who want to try before they buy |
The 5 Resources in Detail
#1 FreeFellow
A screenshot of the FreeFellow website.
FreeFellow brands itself as a CFA Institute Prep Provider where 'free' is the whole point. You get 1,804 practice questions across all ten topics, with detailed step-by-step solutions and per-choice notes. The full question bank is free with an account, subject to usage limits, and public samples need no signup at all. There's also a free diagnostic quiz that gives you an instant readiness score in about six minutes. It's built by Jeffrey Ting, FSA, CFA, who passed thirteen of the hardest finance exams on the first attempt. If you want a large free question bank with a diagnostic starting point, this is a strong choice.
#2 CredGuild — Free CFA Level 1 Notes, Practice Questions & Study Plan
A screenshot of the CredGuild website.
CredGuild gives you notes for all 102 readings, 3,369 practice questions, and a week-by-week study plan aligned with the 2027 curriculum. The 398 free questions explain why the right answer is right and why each wrong option is wrong — no sign-up needed to start. A free account unlocks the full 3,369-question bank, showing correct answers up to 50 new questions a day. The site covers all 10 Level I topics, from Fixed Income to Ethics, with worked examples and key formulas. If you want a complete free starting point with deep explanations, this is it.
#3 PrepNuggets
A screenshot of the PrepNuggets website.
PrepNuggets offers free comprehensive notes and summaries for all 10 topics of the CFA Level I exam, updated for the 2026 cycle. The notes break down each topic — Quantitative Methods, Fixed Income, Equity, and more — with clear explanations and exam-focused summaries. You do need to register for an account to access the full library, but the content is thorough and well-organized. There's also a video on study sequence and exam strategy to help you plan your approach. If you learn best from structured written summaries, PrepNuggets is worth a look.
#4 Mentor Me Careers
A screenshot of the Mentor Me Careers website.
Mentor Me Careers runs a free CFA Level 1 study hub with a prep kit, sample notes, practice questions, recorded classes, and exam guidance. The standout is a free mock test: 90 questions in 135 minutes with performance analysis and detailed answer review. You also get a beginner-friendly prep kit with formulas and planning support. The sample notes are designed for quick revision, and the recorded classes let you preview the teaching style. If you want a free mock exam and a taste of live instruction, this is a solid option.
#5 Kaplan Schweser
A screenshot of the Kaplan Schweser website.
Kaplan Schweser is a well-known name in CFA prep, and its free resources include a daily practice question and a 7-day free trial. The question of the day comes with a full explanation, so you can test yourself in a few minutes each day. The 7-day trial gives you access to study packages, QBank, mock exams, and review workshops. It's a paid platform overall, but the free trial lets you explore the full ecosystem before committing. If you're considering a paid course and want to test-drive a premium provider, start here.
How to Choose the Right CFA Level 1 Resource for You
Start by identifying your biggest gap. If you need a full study plan and explained questions without paying, CredGuild gives you the most complete free starting point. If you want a massive question bank and a diagnostic quiz, FreeFellow delivers. If you learn best from written summaries, PrepNuggets has you covered. If you want a free mock exam and a preview of recorded classes, Mentor Me Careers fits. And if you're leaning toward a paid course, Kaplan Schweser's trial lets you explore before you commit. You can also mix and match — use one resource for notes, another for questions, and a third for mock exams. The key is to start somewhere and stay consistent.
A Simple Weekly Workflow to Automate Your CFA Level 1 Prep
Set a fixed weekly schedule and let the resources do the heavy lifting. On Monday, read two readings from CredGuild's notes and answer 20 practice questions. On Wednesday, take a diagnostic or topic quiz on FreeFellow to spot weak areas. On Friday, review PrepNuggets summaries for the topics you struggled with. On Saturday, sit a timed mock from Mentor Me Careers or Kaplan Schweser. On Sunday, rest or lightly review flashcards. Track your scores in a simple spreadsheet. Repeat for 12 to 16 weeks. This rhythm keeps you moving without burnout.
The Bottom Line on Free CFA Level 1 Prep
You have more free and low-cost options for CFA Level 1 than ever before. CredGuild offers the most complete free package with notes, explained questions, and a study plan. FreeFellow brings a large question bank and a quick diagnostic. PrepNuggets provides thorough written summaries. Mentor Me Careers adds a free mock and sample classes. Kaplan Schweser gives you a taste of premium prep. Pick the one that matches your learning style, start today, and stay consistent. Your future self will thank you.