CFA Level 1 prep can feel like trying to drink from a firehose—endless pages, dozens of topics, and never enough time. What if you could actually study less and score more?
Introducing the ROTI Map from MasterCFA—your shortcut to higher returns on every study hour.
ROTI = Return On Time Invested.
We’ve broken down each CFA topic by test weight, study effort, page count, testability, and concept dependency—so you know exactly where to start and what to skip.
Here’s How the ROTI Map Helps You Win:
Start Smart, Not Hard
Why begin with 500+ pages for just 2% weight when you can read 200 pages and cover 16%? The ROTI Map highlights topics that give maximum exam output for minimum input.
Know Which Topics to Attack First
Example:
• Ethical & Professional Standards (15%) → Just 220 pages, 13 questions
• Quantitative Methods (10%) → Only 240 pages, 10 questions
These are high ROI, low-dependency areas—perfect to start your prep with.
Avoid Low ROI Pitfalls
Some topics require huge effort with low reward or need prior concepts to even make sense.
Example:
• Derivatives (5%) → 170 pages for only 6 questions, with HIGH dependency
• Alternative Investments (5%) → 140 pages, 5 questions, MEDIUM testability
These are better tackled later in your study plan.
Visual Testability Ratings
We’ve color-coded topics based on their “study-to-score” value:
🟩 = High ROI | 🟨 = Medium ROI | 🟥 = Low ROI
So you don’t have to guess what’s worth your time.
Designed for Zero-Motivation Days
On those sluggish days when you don’t feel like opening a book, the ROTI Map helps you pick topics that feel lighter, easier, and still exam-relevant.
[INSERT IMAGE Top 3 Morning + Afternoon session topics with ‘HIGH ROI’ and ‘LOW DEPENDENCY’]
Study Less. Score More. Feel in Control.
The ROTI Map flips your study strategy:
You stop wasting hours on low-yield topics and start moving with confidence. Every hour you invest now leads to actual score gains later.
Get your hands on the full ROTI Map—only on the MasterCFA app.
Plan smarter.
Study sharper.
Score higher.
FAQs
Q: What is the ROTI Map?
A: It’s a MasterCFA-exclusive visual tool that shows you which CFA Level 1 topics give the best return on your study time—based on effort, testability, and concept dependency.
Q: Which topics should I start with?
A: Begin with high testability + low dependency areas like Ethics, Quantitative Methods, and Portfolio Management.
Q: How does this save me time?
A: Instead of studying every topic equally, you’ll focus on areas with the best study-to-score ratio.
Q: Can I rely only on high ROI topics?
A: No—but starting with them builds confidence fast and helps you manage low-ROI topics more efficiently later.
