Last-Minute CFA Level 1 Prep | What to Do in the Final 2 Weeks Before Exam Day

A stopwatch with 'LAST MINUTE' in bold orange letters, representing a CFA candidate's final countdown and urgency during last-minute exam preparation.
Crunch time is here. With just 14 days left until the CFA Level 1 exam, every decision you make and every hour you study matters more than ever.
A stopwatch with 'LAST MINUTE' in bold orange letters, representing a CFA candidate's final countdown and urgency during last-minute exam preparation.

This guide outlines a high-impact final review strategy designed to help you reinforce strengths, shore up weak areas, and build exam-day confidence.

Week 1 Priorities (Days 14–8)

The first week of your two-week countdown should focus on identifying and fixing weaknesses while simulating real exam conditions.

  • Review every explanation, especially for incorrect or guessed questions
  • Use UWorld’s analytics to pinpoint your weakest topics and subtopics
  • Drill 100+ CFA L1 QBank questions per day, prioritizing areas where you scored <70%
  • Refine test-taking strategies like pacing, flagging questions, and managing time blocks
  • Track your mock exam score by topic and plan follow-up study time accordingly
"I used the last two weeks before the exam to focus solely on mock exams and reviewing weak areas. It made a huge difference."
Reddit user

Week 2 Priorities (Days 7–1)

This final stretch is all about targeted review, mental preparation, and exam-day readiness.

  • Focus on Ethics—this section is heavily weighted and often used as a tiebreaker
  • Use flashcards and your digital notebook for rapid recall of formulas and key concepts
  • Take 1–2 timed CFA L1 mock exam sections to keep your endurance sharp without burning out
  • Prioritize repetition over cramming—stick to topics you already studied to build confidence
  • Begin winding down study hours by Day 2 or 3 before the exam and switch focus to rest and mental clarity
  • Get quality sleep and hydration to ensure peak focus and energy on test day
"UWorld’s analytics showed my lowest-scoring topic was Fixed Income. I focused there and turned a weakness into a strength."
Reddit user

Extra Tips for Last-Minute Success

  • Avoid new material—the risk of confusion outweighs the reward at this stage
  • Stick to your routines—consistency builds confidence
  • Do a “dry run” of exam day logistics (location, ID requirements, snacks, timing)
  • Practice positive visualization—walk through what a successful exam day looks like
  • Spend a few minutes each day reviewing formula sheets or summary notes

Final Thoughts: Finish Strong

The last two weeks aren’t about learning everything—they’re about sharpening what you’ve already learned. UWorld’s full-length mocks, diagnostic analytics, and targeted flashcards help you maximize performance in minimal time.

Only 14 days left? Use UWorld’s smart tools to finish strong and step into exam day with confidence.

View More...
Scroll to Top