Congratulations! You're probably both excited and terrified, but you're wondering, "So what now?"

I've always said that finding out what to do is one of the most difficult things of Level I, and knowing what to do right immediately helps a lot. I've put up a list of 10 first-time candidate tips to assist you in deciding what to do next.

1. Create and stick to a regular study routine.

This can be difficult, especially the ‘sticking to the plan' element, but it's an important part of your exam preparation. Keep in mind that if you plan too closely, you will eventually fall behind schedule. I used the Time Prep apps (you must purchase one for each level), and they are definitely worth the money (US$50). These apps are incredibly feature-rich, allowing you to adjust your reading speed and schedule if you skip a study session.

2. Make the best possible use of your time.

Keep track of how much time you have till the exam because time is your deadliest enemy. You may believe that the exam date is far away, yet time flies. Keep in mind that you have over 3,000 pages to read, not to mention practice and review time.

3.Become acquainted with your calculator.

It should be done as quickly as possible. This will save you a significant amount of time and frustration. Take a look at the many instructions accessible on YouTube and the internet. Some folks prefer the TI (such as myself), while others prefer the HP 12C. In my opinion, it doesn't matter as long as you put up the effort to master it.

4.Do not underestimate the importance of the exam.

You've probably previously gone over most of the material on the syllabus, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy. It's a common mistake to read the readings and say to yourself, "This is easy" or "I already know this."

5.Service providers in the field of preparation

I recommend that you utilize one (Schweser Notes worked for me). Because I am a slow reader who is easily distracted, reading the CFA I Curriculum was practically impossible for me because the readings are long and repetitive. Schweser gets right to the point and saves you time.

6.Ethics

This section should probably be read last on your to-do list.

Despite its significance, I found this section to be quite boring to read, so if you start with it, you may fast become bored and fall behind schedule. When you're already stressed for time and can't afford to be late, skip this section.

7. Don't try to be an expert in everything.

Focus on the most important concerns. You won't be able to master every Learning Outcome Statement (LOS), so don't bother trying. If you try, you will feel frustrated and lose interest.

8.Make an effort to find study companions.

However, don't spend all of your time studying with them, as this can be counterproductive. In my perspective, once a week is more than enough. A study group (of no more than four persons) can be quite useful for debating ideas and clearing any lingering questions. It is sometimes simpler to understand a subject when someone explains it to you. It is also easier to remember anything if you explain it to someone else.

9. Final Remarks

You should finish all of the readings and start the final review at least one month before the exam. Reading summaries (Schweder’s Secret Sauce is quite useful), simulated tests, reinforcing your shortcomings as revealed in the mock exams, and so on should all be part of the review process.

10.PRACTICE

This is the most important recommendation. Practice your skills in between readings, at the end of each part, and during the review session. Did I mention that you should put in some practice time?

Maybe not enough! Always, you should complete at least 5 full mock tests before the real exam, ideally all of them in authentic exam conditions. This will help you prepare for what to expect in the real thing and how to manage your time wisely.