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Rachel Bryant CFA
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Direct Path to the CFA Charter: Savvy, Proven Strategies for Passing Your Chartered Financial Analyst Exams First Edition

by Rachel Bryant CFA (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 44 ratings
See all formats and editions
Direct Path to the CFA Charter is the ultimate guide to passing the Chartered Financial Analyst exams. This is no ordinary “how-to” manual for CFA candidates. Written by an internationally published author who passed all three CFA exams on the first try, this book is packed with real strategies that get real results.

Chapter List:

Part One: Answers to Big Questions
Chapter 1: CFA Program Overview
Chapter 2: Does Industry Experience Matter?
Chapter 3: The First Secret to Passing CFA Exams
Chapter 4: The Second Secret to Passing CFA Exams
Chapter 5: What Ethics Is Really All About
Chapter 6: A Quiet, Important Statistic

Part Two: Study Regimen
Chapter 7: The 300-Hour Trap
Chapter 8: A Study Plan from Start to Finish
Chapter 9: Curriculum Books or Study Notes?
Chapter 10: The Power of Flashcards
Chapter 11: Transforming Knowledge into Test Performance
Chapter 12: A Differentiating Practice Test Strategy
Chapter 13: Study Groups Are Overrated
Chapter 14: Read This When You Want to Quit
Chapter 15: Test Day Suggestions
Chapter 16: Putting It All Together
Level I, II, and III Recap and Sample Schedules
Test Preparation Resources

Praise for Direct Path to the CFA Charter:

“Investing time and effort in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program is a wise decision for your future. Spending just a few days with this book is even wiser. Direct Path to the CFA Charter is overflowing with excellent advice that I wish I had known when I was in the CFA Program. If you’re looking for real advice on how to pass the exams the first time around, this book is the answer. Good luck!” –Michael Staruch, CFA

“Direct Path to the CFA Charter is truly a CFA candidate’s best friend and an indispensable guide at every CFA Level. This is not a conceptual, often inapplicable piece, written by a group of professional test takers or professors of finance. Instead, it provides an actionable, proven plan for tackling CFA exams by a CFA charterholder who is also a working professional, just like you and me. If you need straightforward, practical advice, this is the ideal guide for you.” –Jason Huang, CFA

“Avoid struggling in the CFA Program and read this book instead. Direct Path to the CFA Charter is the ultimate book for anyone contemplating the CFA Program. It is woven together as an incredibly readable, clever book full of practical insights. As a potential or current CFA candidate, you will be glad (and relieved) that you discovered this book.” –Derrick Chapman, CFA
Previous page
  1. ISBN-10
    1941074014
  2. ISBN-13
    978-1941074015
  3. Edition
    First Edition
  4. Publication date
    January 3, 2014
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.55 x 8.5 inches
  7. Print length
    240 pages
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Direct Path to the CFA Charter is overflowing with excellent advice that I wish I'd known when I was in the CFA Program. If you're looking for real advice on how to pass the first time around, this is the answer." -Michael Staruch, CFA

"This book is truly a CFA candidate's best friend and an indispensable guide at every CFA Level." -Jason Huang, CFA
"Avoid struggling in the CFA Program and read this book instead. It is woven together as an incredibly readable, clever book full of practical insights. You'll be relieved that you discovered it." -Derrick Chapman, CFA

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Intellitwist, LLC; First Edition (January 3, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1941074014
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1941074015
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.55 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 44 ratings

About the author

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Rachel Bryant CFA

Rachel Bryant CFA

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Rachel Bryant holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which she earned by passing all three CFA exams on her first try. As a risk manager, Rachel applies her CFA training on a regular basis supervising the risks of some of the world’s largest banks. Featured in financial publications, Rachel is an internationally published author providing insights on risk management, financial careers, and the CFA Program.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
44 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

D. Schweitzer
5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful guide to a strategic study plan
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2014
Verified Purchase
As a level 1 candidate for Dec 2014, I bought this book in April 2014 to prepare for CFA L1 studying.

I found out about the book through the 300hours.com forum, and since it was just newly published, I figured it would be a good investment. I was right.

The author gives a very brief outline of what to expect from the CFA as far as test format and exam procedures go. The best part of the book regards the general study tips that Rachel developed (she passed each exam on her first try) through her own trial-and-error process. She outlines elements that were most time-efficient in her own study plans, including her expert opinion on the different 3rd party providers she's used.

I particularly value the author's analyzing of each level's topic weightings, and how to interpret which topics to focus on.

Additionally, she includes a calendar template for each CFA exam level for overwhelmed candidates (like me) who don't know where to begin.

I spent the weekend reading and highlighting the book as soon as it arrived in the mail; it didn't take very long to get through thanks to the author's concise writing.

I had spent hours reading various CFA blogs before buying the book, so I was hesitant that I'd learn anything new. To my surprise, I believe that the biggest dividend I've realized is the confidence I've gained through developing a strategy from Rachel's guidelines.

I definitely recommend buying this book to anyone who is interested in taking the CFA exam. Read it early and develop your own plan well in advance.

Finally, I will come back and edit this review after I hear back from my L1 December results.
13 people found this helpful
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Joe Torre
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for those considering taking the CFA exams!
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2014
Verified Purchase
I just finished this book and quite simply, if you are planning on taking the CFA exams, this book is a MUST HAVE.

There are a few reasons why I highly recommend this book. The first is because the overall presentation is straight and to the point. The author really strives to inform the reader that these tests are difficult and you need to be prepared. It is almost refreshing to hear someone say “This is hard and you may not pass so here is what you have to do.” There’s no sugarcoating this fact and I appreciate the author’s frankness, even if sometimes you don’t want to acknowledge how difficult this undertaking will be.

The second and most important reason why I truly value the content of this book is how it lays out a clear and manageable study plan for each level exam. I will admit I would have a difficult time devising a successful study plan on my own; it’s just not a strength that I have. If you think that you are the same type of person that will have some trouble assembling a successful study plan, then this book is for you. You will absolutely pick up some helpful tips and strategies along the way. I feel much more confident approaching the exams now that I have read this book.

If you are considering taking the CFA exams, just buy the book. I never reviewed an item that I’ve purchased, but after reading this book, I felt compelled to let prospective buyers know that they are considering purchasing a quality product.
One person found this helpful
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KG
3.0 out of 5 stars Meh...
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
While there are some good takeaways, it is not worth the price of the book and I would not highly recommend the print version. You can possibly get the Kindle format and skim through quickly.
2 people found this helpful
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Patsfan
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are considering the CFA Charterholder designation...............read this book first
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent, detailed blueprint for pursuing the CFA Charterholder designation. It is very easy to read and comprehend. Beyond a detailed explanation of the requirements and process associated with achieving the CFA charter, Rachel gives very specific guidance and advice on how to approach one's preparation for each exam........while leaving room for the reader to modify his/her approach based on their unique circumstances (i.e. work schedule, family obligations, etc.). Rachel comes across as being sincere and very humble concerning her own abilities (both assets and shortcomings), and realistic in terms of the expectations that a CFA candidate should have when initiating the process. While some information can be found elsewhere (as is noted by some of the other picky reviewers), there is plenty of unique insights in this book to make it worth well more than the cost to purchase. The suggested study schedules and calendars - unique to each exam - are worth the price of the book alone. The additional 200+ pages are essentially "gravy", as the old saying goes - and with plenty more to offer any candidate (Pre-CFA, Level I or Level II). I am so glad I parted with a few dollars to purchase this book, and it has truly helped me shape my approach for preparing to climb this mountain.
11 people found this helpful
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Lane
5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must buy for those studying for the CFA!
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2014
Verified Purchase
Buying this book during the early preparations of studying for exams has been extremely helpful! The author does a great job of explaining the entire process on a large scale and then breaking down the tips and strategies for success on step by step basis. This book has helped to calm my nerves about the exam process while at the same time letting me know just how hard I will have to work to become a CFA charterholder. The study calendar and strategies she provides are extremely helpful and give me confidence that if I follow the plan, I too will pass on my first try.

As a candidate, I will spend thousands of dollars on exam fees and study supplies, but nothing has given me the best return for the money as this (under $20) book has. I definitely recommend buying it!
3 people found this helpful
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OwlK
5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had read this book sooner.
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2016
Verified Purchase
I wish I had this last year when I first started studying for the CFA. The $8 I just spent on the Kindle version would have saved me at least $1000 this year alone. I wasted that much money on brand new Schweser books (printed of course) and their horrendous online course videos. Everyone has it drilled into them that Schweser is the standard, but as I look at the Analyst Notes website that she's talking about, I realize how stupid I was. These notes are better than Schweser, which is almost as much material as the CFA books themselves, just dumbed down.

Oh well, lesson learned for when I hopefully start studying for L2.
11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

S
5.0 out of 5 stars Great buy
Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
I registered for the first exam on the same day I finished this book. It's blunt, direct, wonderfully easy to read.
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whatsup
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Wish I bought it earlier.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
I found this book an easy read and it holds your attention. I read it in one evening and a morning, while making quick notes from it (224 pages).
In my view this book finally answered and confirmed what the correct study approach should be, even for CFA level 3 repeating students like myself.

I just want to emphasise this book is about your study approach and the book doesn't cover investment concept or jargon or career paths.

The author explains her approach that worked, since she passed every level first time and she describes her approach as hard work, rather than relying on intelligence only. She discusses the general CFA information, I agree some information is available on websites, but she summarises it. Valuable information about the CFA curriculum is shared and why some topics are tested in more detail on some levels, the English 1st language issue for most (non-US) CFA candidates, buying 3rd party notes vs the original curriculum vitae, how many hours you need to study on each level and the author has a time planner per level at the end, which is quite useful. One of the best chapters on the 300 hours preparation trap made me realise that I am a normal student and that the CFA studies takes far longer than is indicated (by 300 hours) by websites in terms of preparation hours. The chapter on your chances of passing (A Quiet, Important Statistic) finally "woke me up".

I am just so glad I saw this book, before I try CFA level 3 again. I just wish I bought this book a few years ago.

Final note: Only correction I noticed since book was published, is that the CFA Institute now made it compulsory for all students to buy the ebook version of the curriculum at $150 as well, before it was optional.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Feel slightly hesitant to take the programme now that I know how it is like and how difficult it can be
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
An honest and straight to the point review about the CFA programme. Feel slightly hesitant to take the programme now that I know how it is like and how difficult it can be, but going to take it up nevertheless. Good insights.
One person found this helpful
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Bahareh Zahedi
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read. Don't write the CFA without it
Reviewed in Canada on July 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
Great book. I bought it for 3 other people who are thinking of writing the exam. Super super super super
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in Canada on May 25, 2017
Verified Purchase
Stellar !
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