ajpheif16

I studied exclusively from the CFA materials though a week before the exam I looked at Schewer test prep materials. On the choice of one over the other...

It depends on what you want to achieve - If you are looking just to pass the exam, the test prep will do a faster job. However, the CFA materials give you a lot of background information too, which makes studying them very interesting.

Admitted a big chunk of the materials is not needed at all but makes for interesting reading and anecdotes (for when you are in a cocktail party). Interestingly, the CFA notes on the efficiency of capital markets first motivated me to day trade (since I learned that there are inefficiencies to be exploited) and in the first month of trading a made profits enough to pay for my CFAI curriculum, CAIA curriculum, a sony handycam and an iphone.

Having said all this, I have taken Schewer for September CAIA since now I don't have time and want to just clear this exam. Besides, the CAIA suggested curriculum is very not clearly defined and quite broad. Schewer has probably done a good job of putting together only that is needed. Additionally, the pass rates are high for the CAIA so a mild study schedule should do it. I receive the materials tomorrow.

I will take the CFA materials for CFAII.