Are you wondering how to find the right CFA® prep course without wasting time and money? With pass rates often under 50%, picking the best CFA® prep program usually determines whether you pass on the first try or face a retake.
That’s where AnalystPrep comes in. Known for being one of the most affordable and straightforward CFA® exam prep providers, it strips away the fluff and focuses on the essentials: study notes, video lessons, mock exams, and a powerful question bank.
In this prep guide, I’ll share my first-hand experience testing AnalystPrep’s CFA® course, what stood out to me, what I liked, and where I think it could improve.
Is AnalystPrep CFA® Right For You?
- If you’re an independent learner, then the practice package with question bank and mock exams is a great choice.
- If you want study notes and video lessons to help with complex concepts, then the Learn + Practice Package is the better fit.
- If you want lifetime access across levels, then the Unlimited Package stands out.
- If you’re looking for live classes or a finance PhD professor teaching every step, then AnalystPrep may not be for you.
- If you want performance tracking tools that show progress against other CFA® candidates, then this platform delivers.
AnalystPrep CFA®: Value-Packed Prep
When I tried out AnalystPrep for my CFA® prep, I wanted to see how it actually felt to use day to day. I spent time going through the study notes, answering practice questions, and sitting for both the CBT mock exams and the printable mock exams.
The mock exams stood out right away because they felt close to the real exam, and printing one out gave me a different kind of practice that helped. The video lessons were simple and clear, and the thorough explanations helped me with complex concepts in a way that clicked.
I also liked the Essential review summaries because they can really save time on busy days. The performance tracking study tools will also show where you stand compared to other CFA® candidates, which was motivating.
Overall, my AnalystPrep CFA® review experience showed me it’s a solid choice if you’re an independent learner who just wants straightforward study materials without extra fluff.AnalystPrep CFA® Packages
“Go for it. Other than the notes and Qbank, they have comprehensive videos which I found helpful for breaking down complex topics. What stood out to me was their performance tracker, it optimizes your study by giving clear insights into your progress.”
Student Feedback
AnalystPrep CFA® Course Highlights
- Thousands of practice questions
- CBT and printable mock exams for real test-day simulation
- Concise study notes and essential review summaries
- Clear video lessons that simplify complex topics
- Customizable quizzes with timers to mimic exam pressure
- Progress tracking tools to fine-tune your study plan
Pros
- Affordable: The practice and learn practice packages give you solid CFA® prep without the heavy price tag.
- Realistic Question Bank: Practice questions are tough and feel close to the actual exam.
- Printable Mock Exams: Nice option when you want to practice on paper instead of just online.
- Lifetime Access: The unlimited package takes away the stress of deadlines.
- Useful Tracking: Performance tools actually show where you’re weak compared to other CFA® candidates.
Cons
- No Live Classes: Best suited for independent learners.
AnalystPrep CFA®
Packages by Level
Level I
- Practice Package – Best for independent learners who just want a solid question bank and mock exams.
- Learn + Practice – Best for learners who want structure, with notes and video lessons to break down tough topics.
- Unlimited Package – Best for long-term planners aiming for all three CFA® levels with lifetime access and no deadlines.
Level II
- Practice Package – Best for focused review using item sets and printable mock exams.
- Unlimited Package – Best for full support, with video lessons, tutor help, and updated content as the curriculum evolves.
Level III
- Practice Package – Best for mastering essays and item sets with CFA®-style questions.
- Tracking Tools – Best for staying on pace, especially during the long prep cycle.
Student Review
“Analyst prep notes and video sessions by Prof. James Forjan for CFA®programs are well organized and designed that keep you engaged throughout as it conveys complex concepts into a simplified version and builds up your learning confidence with every passing moment. Highly recommended!!! 👍 If possible, buy all 3 levels of CFA® program in one package and get lifetime access to them. 🙂”
Student Feedback.
AnalystPrep CFA® Packages
| Feature | Level I Practice | Level I Learn + Practice | Level I Unlimited | Level II Practice | Level II & III Unlimited | Level III Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 / 12 months | $499 / 12 months | $799 lifetime (all three levels) | $349 / 12 months | $649 lifetime | $349 / 12 months |
| Access Length | 12 months | 12 months | Lifetime | 12 months | Lifetime | 12 months |
| Question Bank |  | | (all levels) | (item sets) | (item sets & essay) | (item sets) |
| CBT Mock Exams | | | (all levels) | | | |
| Printable Mock Exams |  | | | | | |
| Study Notes | | | (all levels) | | | |
| Video Lessons | | | (all levels) | | | |
| Review Summaries | | | (all levels) | | | |
| Performance Tracking | | | | | | |
| Ask-a-Tutor | | | Unlimited | 5 questions | Unlimited | 5 questions |
| Levels Covered | Level I | Level I | Levels I–III | Level II | Levels II–III | Level III |
| Curriculum Updates | | | | | | |
| Get Started | Get Practice | Get Practice | Get Unlimited | Get Practice | Get Unlimited | Get Practice |
Technology and Video Options
The AnalystPrep dashboard felt clean and easy to use. Quizzes loaded quickly, and the performance charts gave me clear feedback without extra clicks.
The video lessons weren’t flashy, but they worked. They explained tough concepts in a straightforward way, which made them easy to follow and less of a time sink.
“super helpful videos which really aided my understanding of the CFA®content!”
Student Feedback.
Access and Support
When I tested AnalystPrep’s support, I found it straightforward and reliable. Responses through email and chat came quickly, and in higher tiers, the ask-a-tutor feature gave me direct, useful feedback instead of canned replies. Access also felt flexible, you’re not stuck on one path since you can choose between a yearly plan or lifetime access with the Unlimited Package.
- Quick replies – 24-hour email and chat support responded fast.
- Tutor help – unlimited ask-a-tutor questions in higher tiers gave me personalized support.
- Flexible access – 12 months with standard packages or lifetime with Unlimited.
Study Materials + Cost
What impressed me about AnalystPrep is how focused the materials are. Instead of overloading you with extras, everything is designed to keep your CFA® prep clear and efficient. Here’s what stood out in my experience:
- Practice that feels real – the question bank and mock exams were close to the actual exam, which made practice time feel meaningful.
- Time-savers – the study notes and review summaries kept me moving forward on days when I didn’t have hours to spare.
- Straightforward videos – the lessons explained tough concepts directly, so I wasn’t stuck rewatching or flipping through the curriculum.
- Tracking that matters – the performance tools didn’t just give numbers; they showed me exactly where I was slipping and helped me refocus.
- No wasted effort – with lifetime access in the Unlimited Package, I didn’t feel rushed, and I knew I could revisit the materials whenever I needed.
AnalystPrep Compared to Other Competitors
AnalystPrep vs. Kaplan Schweser
Kaplan Schweser is well-known for polished study notes and video lectures, but it’s pricey and more rigid. AnalystPrep is leaner and more affordable, focusing on practice questions, CBT mock exams, and performance tracking. Learn more in this detailed comparison of AnalystPrep vs Kaplan.
Bottom Line:
➡️Choose Kaplan Schweser if you want a traditional, structured program.
➡️Choose AnalystPrep if you want lower cost and unlimited access with a practice-heavy approach.
AnalystPrep vs. Bloomberg
Bloomberg CFA® Prep is known for its adaptive AI technology and sleek interface, but it comes at a premium price. AnalystPrep keeps costs lower and focuses on straightforward practice tools like question banks and mock exams.
Bottom Line:
➡️Choose Bloomberg if you want AI-driven study plans and premium features.
➡️Choose AnalystPrep if you want affordability and a simpler, practice-focused course.
AnalystPrep vs. Salt Solutions
Salt Solutions offers modern design and video-heavy lessons, but it’s still newer to the CFA® prep space. AnalystPrep has more proven question banks, CBT mock exams, and lifetime access options.
Bottom Line:
➡️Choose Salt Solutions if you prefer polished video lessons and a fresh platform.
➡️Choose AnalystPrep if you want tried-and-true practice questions with better value.
AnalystPrep vs. UWorld
UWorld offers an impressive, large content library with detailed explanations and strong visuals, but it’s priced higher and can be intense for minimalist learners. AnalystPrep delivers a more streamlined experience with focused practice tools and a lower cost.
Bottom Line:
➡️Choose UWorld if you want a content-rich platform with strong visuals and depth.
➡️Choose AnalystPrep if you prefer a simpler, budget-friendly option.
AnalystPrep vs. Mark Meldrum
Mark Meldrum is popular for his professor-led video lectures and direct teaching style. AnalystPrep doesn’t offer that level of personal instruction but gives affordable access to practice tools and mock exams.
Bottom Line:
➡️Choose Mark Meldrum if you want a professor-led, lecture-driven course.
➡️Choose AnalystPrep if you’d rather focus on practice with a lower price tag.
AnalystPrep vs. Chalk & Board
Chalk & Board is small and personal, offering boutique-style CFA® prep with more coaching. AnalystPrep is broader and self-paced, built for independent learners who want flexibility.
Bottom Line:
➡️Choose Chalk & Board if you want personal coaching and a hands-on approach.
➡️Choose AnalystPrep if you prefer a scalable, practice-heavy online platform.
Who Should Choose AnalystPrep?
Choosing the right CFA® prep isn’t just about features—it’s about whether the course fits you. From my experience, here’s who will get the most value out of AnalystPrep:
- Independent learners – If you don’t need hand-holding or live lectures, AnalystPrep’s lean platform is designed to let you move at your own pace.
- Budget-conscious candidates – AnalystPrep costs a fraction of some competitors while still covering the essentials like mock exams, study notes, and thousands of practice questions.
- Practice-heavy students – If drilling questions and mock exams is your style, the platform’s question bank and CBT simulations will feel close to the real thing.
- Busy professionals – Short on time? The review summaries and downloadable notes make it easy to study in small bursts without losing momentum.
- Long-term planners – The Unlimited Package gives lifetime access, making it ideal if you’re tackling multiple CFA® levels over several years.
Bottom Line: Why Choose AnalystPrep?
When I used AnalystPrep, what stood out wasn’t flashy features but how effective the basics were. The practice questions matched the feel of the exam, the CBT mock exams pushed me to manage time under pressure, and the summaries kept me sharp when I couldn’t sit for a full study block. Nothing felt padded or unnecessary.
The real strength is how straightforward it is. The dashboard stays out of the way, the tools are easy to use, and the focus never drifts from exam prep. AnalystPrep helped me stay consistent, measure progress, and walk into practice exams with more confidence each time. That clarity is why I’d recommend it to anyone serious about passing the CFA®.
FAQs
Yes, AnalystPrep CFA® includes printable mock exams. You can download them for offline use, in addition to practicing with the computer-based testing (CBT) format.
AnalystPrep CFA® provides thousands of practice questions that cover the full syllabus. You can also create customizable quizzes to focus on your weaker areas.
Yes, AnalystPrep is designed for all three CFA® levels (I, II, and III). The platform also offers lifetime access packages for long-term study flexibility.
While AnalystPrep does not offer a traditional pass guarantee, it does provide free course extensions until you pass your exam.
Yes, AnalystPrep CFA® is a fully online platform. It includes study notes, video lessons, mock exams, and performance tracking through its dashboard. Some materials, like mock exams and notes, can also be downloaded for offline study.
