Thinking about the CFA® exam? You already know the CFA® is one of the toughest designations in finance, and the best CFA® prep course for you can be the difference between victory and the confidence-crushing retake. With hundreds of study hours ahead, you can’t afford to waste money on materials that don’t fit your style.
The CFA® exam is known for being one of the toughest in finance, and the low pass rates show why. With three levels to complete and less than half of the candidates passing Level I, only a small percentage make it through this exam gauntlet.
That’s why I tested and reviewed the leading CFA® prep providers myself. From budget-friendly platforms with huge question banks to all-in-one premium packages with live instruction, I’ve broken down the pros, cons, and key features of each course. This guide shows you exactly what you get, who each option is best for, and how they compare.
Best CFA® Study Materials Comparison
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Best CFA® Prep Courses at a Glance
- Best Overall: UWorld
- Best Video Lessons: AnalystPrep
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: Kaplan Schweser
- Best for Streamlined Study: Salt Solutions
- Best for Lecture-Driven Learners: Mark Meldrum
- Best for Personalized Coaching: Chalk & Board
- Best for Adaptive Learning: Bloomberg
UWorld: Best Overall Course
When I tested UWorld for CFA® prep, I was impressed by a few things right away. The QBank felt well-written, with clear explanations after each question, which made it especially useful for reinforcing formulas and key concepts. Therefore, I didn’t forget everything I’d just learned right away. I also found the digital flashcards handy for squeezing in quick reviews during breaks, definitely a plus for busy candidates. My favorite feature, however, was UWorld’s mobile app; navigation was smooth, loading speed was quick, and I could jump between my tablet and phone without losing progress.
All in all, UWorld’s crisp interface, realistic practice questions, comprehensive mobile app, and live interactive features struck me as a great fit for modern learners.
Package Options
- Core
➡️ Best for candidates who just want the basics- QBank, study guides, and performance tracking. - Advanced
➡️ Best for students who want video lectures, flashcards, and a study planner on top of the QBank. - Elite
➡️ Best for learners who want the full set of add-ons- extra mocks, live sessions, bootcamps, and StudyPass guarantee.
(Packages are the same across Levels I, II, and III.)
Course Features
📚 Course Format: Core, Advanced, and Elite tiers for all CFA® levels
🔍 QBank: Thousands of CFA-style practice questions
🗒️ Study Guides: Concise CFA® curriculum summaries
✍️ Mock Exams: Up to five per package, decreases in lower tiers
📊 Performance Tracking: Dashboards that highlight strengths and weaknesses
📱 Mobile App: Study on the go with synced progress
Real Student Feedback
“great questions above all! a bit pricey, but they put a lot of work into really great questions.”
Student Review.
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Pros
- Polished QBank: Thousands of excellent questions with clear explanations
- Helpful Add-Ons: Flashcards, bootcamps, and study planner included
- Mobile-Friendly: Smooth app makes it easy to study anywhere
- Choose Your Price: Budget-friendly and premium-priced options
- Questions Answered: Ask the experts with ExpertConnect
Cons
- No Lifetime Access Like AnalystPrep: Access tied to package length
Bottom Line: Why Choose UWorld?
UWorld is best if you value learning on the go with a polished mobile app. Further, they deliver some of the best CFA practice questions available; I loved the thorough, clear explanations that broke down the content in a simple way.
From excellent practice materials to a reliable reputation, UWorld is a safe choice for most CFA candidates.
UWorld
AnalystPrep: Best Video Lessons
When I first tried out AnalystPrep, it immediately felt different from other CFA® prep courses. I tested the question bank, video lessons, and mock exams, and all three impressed me. The QBank had over 6,000 exam-style questions that actually felt like the real thing, the 120+ hours of video lessons broke down tough concepts in a way that clicked, and the mock exams gave me a real exam-day vibe without the stress.
What I loved most was how simple it all felt. The study notes were clear and to the point, and I could build custom quizzes that targeted the topics I struggled with most. No extra clutter, no overwhelming dashboards, just tools that helped me study smarter. If you want an affordable, no-fuss CFA® prep course that covers what you really need, AnalystPrep is a solid pick.
Package Options
Here’s where AnalystPrep really stands out: flexible options that fit different types of students:
- Practice Package
➡️ Best for self-studiers who only need practice questions, CBT mock exams, and progress tracking. - Learn + Practice Package
➡️ Ideal if you want study notes, video lectures, and summaries along with the practice tools. - Unlimited Package
➡️ The best value if you’re tackling all three levels of the CFA® exam and don’t want your access to expire.
Course Features
📚 Course Format: Self-paced with optional tutor support
🔍 Question Bank: 6,000+ real CFA® exam-style practice questions (across all three levels)
🎥 Video Lessons: Clear, instructor-led videos breaking down tough topics
🗒️ Study Notes: Concise summaries tied directly to the CFA® curriculum
✍️ Mock Exams: CBT and printable practice tests that replicate the actual exam
📊 Performance Tracking: Algorithms compare your results against thousands of other CFA® candidates
❓ Ask-a-Tutor Support: Live help available with higher packages
Real Student Feedback
“Analyst Prep. is a smart choice for CFA exam preparation!
Analyst prep notes and video sessions by Prof. James Forjan for CFAprograms 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. 🙂”
Pros
- Budget-Friendly Pricing: Lower cost compared to Kaplan Schweser or Bloomberg
- Huge Question Bank: Over 3,000 exam-style practice questions
- Lifetime Access Option: Perfect for candidates moving through all three levels
- Customizable Quizzes: Focus on weak areas and simulate exam timing
- Engaging Video Lessons: Easy-to-follow explanations of complex concepts
Cons
- Limited Live Instruction: Mostly self-study, so not ideal if you want live classes
Bottom Line: Why Choose AnalystPrep?
From my experience, AnalystPrep is a wonderful CFA® exam prep course overall if you want affordability, flexibility, and high-quality practice materials. The unlimited package is a game-changer for CFA® candidates who don’t want to worry about renewals, and the question bank is one of the strongest in the industry.
If you’re a self-motivated learner who values practice over pricey extras, AnalystPrep is absolutely worth it.
AnalystPrep
Kaplan Schweser: Best for Comprehensive CFA® Prep
If you’ve been around CFA® prep, you’ve definitely heard of Kaplan Schweser. They’ve been the go-to name for years, and when I tested their course, I could see why. The SchweserNotes are crystal clear, the QBank has thousands of solid practice questions, and the mock exams feel almost identical to exam day. It’s a professional, polished setup that makes studying structured and predictable.
That said, Schweser comes at a premium price, and it’s not as budget-friendly or flexible as AnalystPrep. For me, AnalystPrep edged it out with value and lifetime access, which is why Schweser sits at a close #2. Still, if you want the most comprehensive, all-in-one prep course and don’t mind paying more for it, Kaplan Schweser is hard to beat.
Package Options
- Ultimate Package
➡️ Best for CFA® candidates who want everything: print and eBooks, flashcards, Secret Sauce, review workshops, mock exams, and Live or On-Demand classes. - Premium Package
➡️ Best for learners who want print and digital SchweserNotes, review workshop access, Secret Sauce, mocks, and the full QBank. - Essential Package
➡️ Best for candidates looking for a streamlined bundle with digital SchweserNotes, QBank, four mock exams, and the QuickSheet. - Basic Package
➡️ Best for budget-conscious candidates who just need On-Demand Masterclass, QBank, and two mock exams.
Check out this detailed Kaplan CFA® review to find out more about their courses.
Course Features
📚 Course Format: On-Demand, Live Online, or Hybrid options
🔍 Practice Questions: 2,600+ CFA-style questions in the QBank (per-level estimate)
🎥 Video Lessons: 70+ hours of guided instruction (varies by package)
✍️ Mock Exams: Up to 6 full-length CFA® exam simulations
📊 Performance Tracking: Topic-level analytics to monitor progress
📑 Secret Sauce®: Exam-day strategy guide included in higher packages
👥 Instructor Support: InstructorLink in Ultimate packages for one-on-one Q&A
Real Student Feedback
“They have helped me get through CFA Level 1 in the 90th percentile and have also helped tremendously in preparing me for level 2. The combination of thorough exposition of difficult topics and hands-on assistance make Kaplan great.”
Nicholas Bralczyk
Pros
- Most Comprehensive CFA® Prep: Tons of resources covering every exam topic
- High-Quality Mock Exams: Closely replicate the real CFA® exam format
- Trusted Brand: Used by thousands of CFA® candidates worldwide
- Flexible Study Formats: On-Demand, Live Online, or hybrid packages
- PassProtection Guarantee: Free retake if you fail the CFA® exam
Cons
- Higher Price Tag: More expensive than other CFA® prep providers
- Can Be Overwhelming: So many study materials that some candidates don’t use everything
Bottom Line: Why Choose Kaplan Schweser?
From my experience, Kaplan Schweser is the most comprehensive CFA® exam prep provider on the market. The study notes, video lessons, and mock exams are unmatched, and the structured study plans are perfect if you need accountability.
If you want a complete CFA® exam prep course and don’t mind paying a premium, Schweser is worth it. But if you’re more budget-focused and don’t need all the extras, a provider like AnalystPrep might fit better.
Kaplan Schweser
Salt Solutions: Best for Streamlined Study
When I tested Salt Solutions, it felt a lot lighter than Kaplan Schweser or AnalystPrep. The big selling point here is short 10–15 minute video lessons paired with adaptive CheckPoints that reset every week to keep you moving. I also tried the custom quiz builder, which was helpful for targeting weak areas without flipping through a huge textbook.
Still, Salt doesn’t give you the same depth of materials as Schweser or the long-term value of AnalystPrep’s lifetime access. The platform is clean and efficient, but it feels more like a supplemental tool than a full CFA® prep course. If you’re looking for something quick and minimalist, Salt can work. But if you want the comprehensive prep and proven resources, Schweser and AnalystPrep are the stronger picks.
Package Options
- Complete
➡️ Best for CFA® candidates looking for lifetime access to Salt’s streamlined platform with manuals, quizzes, and mock exams. - Focus Express
➡️ Best for candidates who want a short 45-day final review, not a full prep course.
Course Features
📚 Course Format: Self-paced online with streamlined tools
🔍 Practice Questions: Several thousand CFA-style questions
🎥 Video Lessons: 10–15 minute lessons taught by Mike Carmody, CFA
✍️ Mock Exams: Full-length CFA® exam simulations with solutions
📊 CheckPoints Dashboard: Adaptive weekly goals that reset every Monday
👥 Instructor Support: Responses to candidate questions within 24–48 hours
Real Student Feedback
“The videos are not that great tbh, you have to do additional research on your own. Qbanks and mocks are effective tho.”
Jose-Lim.
Pros
- Short Video Lessons: 10 to 15 minutes that fit busy schedules
- Adaptive CheckPoints: Weekly goals auto-reset to keep you on pace
- Targeted Quizzing: Custom quiz builder focuses on weak areas
Cons
- Less Comprehensive Than Schweser: Smaller notes library and fewer live options
- Fewer Questions Than AnalystPrep: Practice volume and variety feel lighter
- No Pass Guarantee: Lacks a safety net if you fail
Bottom Line: Why Choose Salt Solutions?
Salt Solutions is best if you want a minimalist CFA® prep course that emphasizes short lessons and steady pacing. The adaptive goals and streamlined dashboard make studying simple, but it’s missing a pass guarantee and the depth of bigger providers.
For serious CFA® candidates, AnalystPrep gives you more practice questions for less money, while Kaplan Schweser offers the most complete prep package. Salt is fine as a backup or supplemental resource, but it’s not my top choice for a main CFA® exam prep course.
Salt Solutions
Mark Meldrum: Best for Lecture-Driven Prep
Mark Meldrum’s CFA® courses are built around one thing: lectures. If you learn best by listening to an instructor break down every LOS in the CFA® curriculum, his platform delivers exactly that. I tested his Level I package, and honestly, his videos feel like sitting in on a university lecture, detailed, methodical, and very professor-like.
The extras, like applied analysis modules and live online classes, are useful if you want deeper explanations. But I’ll be upfront: the interface feels dated compared to Salt Solutions or Schweser, and the learning style is very academic. If you like old-school lecture formats, you’ll probably love it. If you’re looking for modern dashboards or adaptive learning, it may feel clunky.
Package Options
- Instructor-Led Online + Applied Analysis
➡️ Best for students who want full live classes, mentor hours, and applied analysis modules. - Instructor-Led Online
➡️ Best for learners who want live classes without the applied analysis add-ons. - Self-Study + Applied Analysis
➡️ Best for candidates who prefer self-study but still want applied analysis content. - Self-Study
➡️ Best for budget-conscious candidates who only want the core lectures and notes.
(Level II and III packages follow the same structure at higher price points.)
Course Features
📚 Course Format: Lecture-based, with self-study or live online options
🔍 Question Bank: Thousands of CFA-style practice questions + quiz builder
🎥 Lecture Videos: LOS-by-LOS instruction by Dr. Meldrum and CFA® instructors
🗒️ Study Notes: PDF notes paired with lectures
✍️ Mock Exams: Full-length CFA-style practice exams
📊 Performance Stats: Benchmark scores against other candidates
Real Student Feedback
“CFA charterholder here. For level 1 and 2 MM is really good but for level 3 MM material sucks. From my level 1 and 2 experience, I took his content for granted and failed twice in level 3…”
Visible-Parking-9792
Pros
- Applied Modules: Extra analysis content adds real-world context
- Solid Question Bank: Thousands of items with instructor walkthroughs
- One-Fee-To-Pass Option: Retake coverage available on select tiers
Cons
- Old-School Platform: Interface feels dated next to Salt or Schweser
- Lecture-Heavy Pace: Minimal adaptivity or interactive practice flows
- Higher Cost for Live: Pricing climbs quickly versus AnalystPrep
- Limited Tech Features: Lacks robust analytics like Schweser’s tracker
Bottom Line: Why Choose Mark Meldrum?
Mark Meldrum’s CFA® prep courses are best for candidates who value detailed lectures and academic-style teaching. The applied analysis modules and mock exams add real value, and his teaching reputation is strong.
That said, this is not the most modern or flexible platform. If you prefer adaptive learning dashboards or more streamlined interfaces, Salt Solutions is more modern, and Kaplan Schweser is more comprehensive. For affordability and practice, AnalystPrep still wins out. An Schweser might be a better fit.
Mark Meldrum
Chalk & Board: Best for Personalized Instruction
Chalk & Board is unlike any other CFA® prep provider I tested. Instead of a giant corporate platform, this one feels like working directly with a seasoned CFA® coach. Nathan Ronen, a chartered financial analyst himself, runs the whole show. That extent ranges from one-on-one Zoom study plan sessions to his “Nathan’s Notebook,” which boils down the CFA® curriculum into what you actually need to know.
If you’re the kind of candidate who benefits from accountability and direct instructor access, Chalk & Board delivers in spades. I appreciated how personal it felt. That said, it’s not as tech-driven or flashy as you’re here for the instructor support, not a gamified dashboard.
Package Options
- Essential
➡️ Best for self-studiers who want Nathan’s lectures, personalized study planning, and accountability check-ins. - Premium
➡️ Best for candidates who want all Essential features plus pass protection. - Essential Plus
➡️ Best for candidates who want multi-level pass protection with long-term coverage. - Level III Premium
➡️ Best for Level III candidates who need graded essay practice and personalized feedback.
Course Features
📚 On-Demand Lectures: 50+ hours of recorded CFA® curriculum sessions
🔍 Nathan’s Notebook: Condensed “must-know” lists from 25+ years of CFA® teaching
🗒️ Study Plan + Accountability: Personalized Zoom plan and bi-weekly check-ins
✍️ Mock Exams: Graded essay and item set practice with detailed solutions
📊 Progress Monitoring: Track study progress with instructor support
👥 Instructor Access: Direct Q&A with Nathan via text, email, phone, or WhatsApp
Real Student Feedback
One Reddit user put it bluntly:
“After so much time spent on researching providers on L1 I would honestly just recommend Kaplan to all newcomers. You won’t have to dug deep to find testimonies about it, and in fact the seniors at your firm probably used it to pass all 3 levels because they don’t have the time to be scrolling Reddit and getting tricked by the mm/nathan bot armies.”
Pros
- Personalized Study Plan: One-on-one kickoff with accountability check-ins
- Nathan’s Notebook: Distilled “must-know” lists that save time
Cons
- Not Tech-Forward: No adaptive systems or slick dashboards
- Level III Pricing: Premium tiers can be expensive for solo candidates
- Instructor-Dependent: Fit depends on liking one teaching style
- Smaller Content Library: Less breadth than Kaplan Schweser and less value per dollar than AnalystPrep
Bottom Line: Why Choose Chalk & Board?
Chalk & Board is the most personalized CFA® prep provider I’ve used. If you want direct mentorship and accountability from a CFA® instructor with decades of teaching experience, this is the pick. The mock exams and Nathan’s Notebook add real value for exam-day readiness.
If you prefer a polished platform with adaptive learning technology, Kaplan Schweser is stronger.
Chalk & Board
Bloomberg: Best for Adaptive Learning Technology
When I tried Bloomberg CFA® Prep, the adaptive learning tech stood out right away. It adjusted my study plan automatically and kept me focused on weak spots. I liked the massive 10,000+ question bank and multiple mock exams, but the high price made it hard to justify.
I did appreciate the money-back guarantee, which added some peace of mind, but the fact that access isn’t lifetime made me hesitate. AnalystPrep, for example, lets you keep materials forever, and Bloomberg’s expiration policy felt like a drawback given the price. Bloomberg works best if you want smart AI-driven study help, but it’s not the most budget-friendly choice.
Package Options
- Essential
➡️ Best for candidates who want the full platform with practice questions, videos, and 6–7 full-length exams, but no tutor access. - Premium
➡️ Best for students who want extra support with 20 Ask-a-Tutor questions and 8–9 full-length exams. - Ultimate
➡️ Best for learners who want maximum tutor access (100 questions) and the most full-length exams (up to 11).
(Packages apply across Levels I–III. The number of mock exams varies slightly depending on level.)
Course Features
📚 Course Format: Self-paced with AI adaptive learning
🔍 Practice Questions: 10,000+ CFA-style questions
🎥 Video Lessons: Micro-lessons covering every topic
✍️ Mock Exams: 6–11 full-length practice exams depending on package
📊 Adaptive Study Plans: Personalized paths based on strengths and weaknesses
👥 Tutor Support: Ask-a-Tutor questions included in Premium and Ultimate tiers
💸 Money-Back Guarantee: Full refund if you don’t pass
Real Student Feedback
“I have subscribed for Level 1, 2, 3 – It is useful to some extent but I must say, customer service does not respond timely. They explain you concept, end of concept summary is given, followed by practice questions. Sometimes summary does not reflect necessary things concept explained – so summary is not useful every time…”
Student Feedback.
Pros
- Huge Question Bank: 10,000+ practice questions across all levels
- Plenty of Mock Exams: Up to 11 full-length practice exams
Cons
- High Price Point: Significantly more expensive than AnalystPrep
- Less Structured Than Schweser: The Adaptive system is great, but some candidates may prefer Schweser’s traditional structure
- Tutor Questions Limited: Only Premium and Ultimate packages include them
- Not Lifetime Access: Unlike AnalystPrep, packages expire
Bottom Line: Why Choose Bloomberg?
Bloomberg is the best choice if you want AI-driven adaptive learning with one of the largest question banks in the CFA® prep industry. The sheer number of mock exams and the money-back guarantee add extra peace of mind.
But if cost is a concern, AnalystPrep offers better value with lifetime access. Bloomberg is strong, but it is best for candidates who value adaptive tech and don’t mind paying more for it.
Bloomberg
Other CFA® Prep Courses Worth a Look
Not every provider made my top list, but these are still out there if you want to explore more options:
- FinQuiz (Notes + Question Bank)
- MyGuru (1-on-1 Tutoring)
- Quintedge (Video Courses)
- CFA Institute (Official Curriculum + Mocks)
Side-by-Side CFA® Prep Comparisons
AnalystPrep vs. Kaplan Schweser
AnalystPrep delivers affordability, lifetime access, and one of the largest CFA® question banks. It is straightforward, making it easy to focus on practice. Kaplan Schweser offers a massive library of study notes, live classes, mock exams, and adaptive tools for a more structured study plan. See my full comparison of AnalystPrep vs Kaplan.
Bottom Line:
🆚 Choose AnalystPrep if you want budget-friendly prep with plenty of practice questions. Save even more with an AnalystPrep promo code.
🆚 Choose Kaplan Schweser if you prefer the most comprehensive and structured program.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Salt Solutions
Kaplan Schweser gives you in-depth study notes, multiple mock exams, and expert-led classes for complete CFA® exam prep. Salt Solutions provides a modern, simplified platform with short 10–15 minute videos and adaptive weekly CheckPoints.
Bottom Line:
🆚 Choose Kaplan Schweser if you want a proven, all-in-one prep solution.
🆚 Choose Salt Solutions if you want a lightweight, minimalist course for quick study sessions.
AnalystPrep vs. UWorld
AnalystPrep emphasizes affordability and flexible practice across all CFA® levels, making it a solid option for candidates who want a lot of reps at a lower cost. UWorld focuses more on question quality and explanation depth, with study tools designed to reinforce exam logic. Both are effective, just geared toward slightly different study styles.
Bottom Line:
🆚 Choose AnalystPrep if you want high-volume practice and flexibility.
🆚 Choose UWorld if you want deeper explanations and exam-style questions.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Mark Meldrum
Kaplan Schweser provides structure, modern tools, and extensive practice resources across formats. Mark Meldrum focuses heavily on lectures, with LOS-by-LOS videos and applied analysis modules, though the platform is less modern.
Bottom Line:
🆚 Choose Kaplan Schweser if you prefer structure, analytics, and variety.
🆚 Choose Mark Meldrum if you learn best through detailed, traditional lectures.
AnalystPrep vs. Chalk & Board
AnalystPrep gives you flexibility, affordability, and thousands of practice questions with mock exams. Chalk & Board emphasizes personal coaching, study planning, and accountability with direct access to Nathan Ronen, CFA.
Bottom Line:
🆚 Choose AnalystPrep if you want self-paced prep and strong practice materials.
🆚 Choose Chalk & Board if you prefer one-on-one instructor guidance and accountability.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Bloomberg
Kaplan Schweser offers structured notes, classes, and up to 6 realistic mock exams.
Bloomberg focuses on AI-driven adaptive learning with 10,000+ questions and more mocks, but it’s pricey.
Bottom Line:
🆚 Choose Schweser for structure and proven resources.
🆚 Choose Bloomberg if you want adaptive tech and can pay more.
Check out these exclusive CFA® prep course coupons.
My Final Verdict
Finding the right CFA® prep course is key to staying focused and confident through hundreds of study hours. UWorld is the best all-around choice if you want flexibility, portability, and quality. Following is AnalystPrep, featuring engaging videos and a reasonable price tag.
For a more structured path, Kaplan Schweser delivers with SchweserNotes™, live classes, and a pass guarantee. Both give you what you need, but in different ways. Go with the course that suits your style, commit to it, and you’ll head into exam day confident.
FAQs
Level II is often considered the hardest because of its vignette-style questions and heavier focus on application.
Most candidates spend about 300 hours per level, though it depends on your background and study efficiency.
No provider can guarantee a pass, but some, like Kaplan Schweser, offer a PassProtection™ policy that gives you a free retake package if you fail.
Yes. While you can study directly from the CFA Institute curriculum, prep courses save time by organizing material, offering practice questions, and simulating the real exam.
UWorld is best overall, AnalystPrep is best for value and videos, while Kaplan Schweser is best for comprehensive coverage and structured study plans.
