The CFA status is a three-tier exam that is recognized globally and works like a passport to the best finance jobs in the world. Each of the levels offered through the various business schools provides the necessary study materials for the curriculum developed by the business school or institute. However, the course itself recommends more books for candidates to support their study and prepare well for exams. Based on general demand and recommendation from successful CFA certifiers, the top five CFA books list is included here.

Schweser Study Notes for Kaplan Schweser CFA

Schweser prepares CFA candidates with excellent grades in levels 1, 2 and 3 of the CFA curriculum. Schweser’s study programs are already world-renowned and study materials are carefully prepared to equip candidates with all the skills and knowledge necessary to pass all three exam levels. Study notes are separate for each level and necessary updates are made each year to ensure that candidates have up-to-date knowledge of various investment and portfolio management concepts.

Kaplan CFA Basics: The Schweser Study Guide to Get You Started by Bruce Kuhlman

This book is written in layman’s terms to help beginners understand the financial and investing glossary. It is easy to follow and can be considered as a guide to understanding CFA concepts before venturing into financial certification. Those planning to register for the Level 1 exam find it easy to understand the study materials after consulting Kaplan CFA Basics.

CFA study system

Stalla offers CFA level 1, 2 and 3 books. The highlight is that the books come with software that facilitates interactive study. The books and guides are well written for you to review after preparing the regular study materials. Stalla’s popular mobile CFA program is also a hit, offering CFA lessons on your internet-enabled smartphone.

Equity Asset Valuation (CFA Institute Investment Series) Jerald E. Pinto CFA

This book has been found to be useful for those who have passed level 1 and are planning to sit for the level 2 CFA exam. The book is quite crucial for everyone taking the exam and covers the four main concepts to complete the study of CFA level: cash flow models, DDM or dividend discount model, price multiples and residual income. The book offers the best examples to enhance your CFA learning experience.

Quantitative Investment Analysis (CFA Institute Investment Series) Richard A. DeFusco CFA

The quantitative methods required in investing are clearly explained in this book written by world-renowned financial experts. The main book is complemented by a study guide that answers challenging questions that arise from investment concepts. Some of the topics that are accurately explained in the book are sampling and estimation, multiple regression, hypothesis testing, discounted cash flow, probability distributions, etc.