The course books are not intended to be a replacement for reading the curriculum materials provided by CFA Institute.  The Spaulding Group recommends that CIPM candidates make full use of all curriculum materials provided by CFA Institute.  At the same time, The Spaulding Group has designed the course book to cover the entire curriculum, and it is intended to be useful as an independent study piece.  The Spaulding Group highly recommends the use of its course book (plus its flash cards) as a useful study aide.