Wondering if it would be worth it to refresh my knowledge of prior levels before I crack the books on level 3.
I took level 1 in June 2012, level 2 in June 2013. Took 2014 off but now signed up for level 3 in June 2015. I have a busy corporate finance job that has absolutely nothing to do with CFA study material so I have been not looking at anything CFA-related for the last year and a half. I just got the level 3 books today: do you think it would be beneficial for me to spend a few weeks to a month brushing up on all the material from level 1 and 2 or should I just start in on level 3 material? Not sure how level 3 builds from specific knowledge of past levels.
I don’t think you need to. Some of the material shows up again but not in a direct way. If you really feel the need to maybe spend a couple days skimming through portfolio management or something and then go back to the older stuff if you see something you aren’t familiar with. Don’t waste time studying Level 1 and 2 this a whole different test.
I agree with the above comments. I am now studying for L3 after a 2 years break due to a family situation. I covered the first 2 volumes so far, and there has been no need for me to refer to any of the L2 material. Unlike level 1 and 2, level 3 is a lot more coceptual, if you bump into something you cannot recall (which I don’t believe to be possible, as all the L1 and 2 material gets carved into your brain) you can just refer to L2 books. You may also find that because of the change from the more technical material in L2 to a more conceptual L3, the material may take a bit longer to go over (it is for me), so don’t waste your time. Just start with L3 as soon as you can. Good luck!