CFA Level 1 Sample Papers and Mock Exam PDFs: What Is Worth Using

Where to find CFA Level 1 sample papers

As far as we can find, CFA Institute does not publish past Level I exam papers. The closest official material is its Learning Ecosystem, which comes with registration and includes practice questions and mock exams. CFA Institute also sells an optional Practice Pack with more mocks.

If you are not registered yet, or you want more practice, use original third-party questions written for the current curriculum. We do not offer a PDF download. Our free Mock 1 runs online because the real exam does too.

Your options compared

Each source does a different job, so most candidates use more than one. On this site, start with free Mock 1, try the 10 free practice questions, or see all 8 mocks.

Check current contents and prices with each provider. CFA Institute details: mock exam and practice questions.
Source	Format	Cost	Best for
CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem	Online, for registered candidates	Included with registration	Official question style
CFA Institute Practice Pack	Online add-on	Paid	More official mocks
Free Mock 1	Online, timed, 90 questions	Free	A timed baseline
10 free practice questions	Article with explanations	Free	A quick topic check
All 8 mocks	Online, timed	$19/month or $99 lifetime	Repeated timed practice

Why a mock exam PDF falls short

The Level I exam is computer-based: 180 multiple-choice questions in two sessions of 90 items and 135 minutes each. Working through a PDF can teach the content, but it does not rehearse the on-screen timer, flagging, or moving between questions.

Be careful with free PDFs from unknown sites. They may be out of date, may have wrong answer keys, and may not match the current topic weights. Avoid anything claiming to be real exam content: candidates agree to keep exam content confidential, so using it can put your own candidacy at risk.

Check the curriculum year before you trust a question set
Prefer sets that explain why each wrong answer is wrong
Time yourself: 135 minutes for 90 questions is 90 seconds each

How to use practice exams well

Start with one timed sitting to get a baseline, then review every miss before you sit another. Our guide to mock exam timing, flagging, and review covers the routine. For quick revision, keep the Level 1 formula sheet nearby, and check the exam format and topic weights so you study in proportion.

Frequently asked questions

Does CFA Institute publish past Level 1 papers?

Not that we can find. Its official practice material sits in the Learning Ecosystem for registered candidates.

Is there a free CFA Level 1 mock exam PDF?

We do not offer one, and we would be cautious with unknown downloads. Free Mock 1 here is online, timed, and needs no account.

How many questions are on the CFA Level 1 exam?

180 multiple-choice questions, split into two sessions of 90 items and 135 minutes each.

Are the questions here from real exams?

No. They are original questions written for this site. This is an independent practice site, not affiliated with CFA Institute.

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