Ready to put your plan into motion and work toward earning a CFP® certification?
In July 2024, the CFP® exam had 2,999 candidates with an overall pass rate of 65 percent, according to the CFP Board. It’s one of the toughest steps in financial planning, and preparation is everything. With 92,000+ professionals already certified and thousands more testing each year, the competition is real.
That’s why your CFP® prep course needs to deliver more than just the basics.
I tested both Dalton and Kaplan’s CFP® programs. Some features impressed me, others felt like filler. On paper, they look alike, but once you dive in, the differences are clear.
In this breakdown, I’ll compare Dalton and Kaplan across classes, practice exams, guarantees, and support so you can decide which course fits your style best.
Picking the Right CFP® Exam Prep Course: Kaplan or Dalton?
- Pick Kaplan if you want flexible study formats and modern tools, with live online classes, On-Demand videos, and self-paced programs.
- Pick Kaplan if you value stackable credits toward a Master’s, adding long-term career benefits through the College for Financial Planning®.
- Pick Kaplan if you want smart, customizable practice tools, though Dalton edges ahead in total question volume.
- Pick Dalton if a strong pass guarantee gives you peace of mind, with the Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass offering a full refund or retake.
- Pick Dalton if you prefer structured deadlines and instructor accountability, with weekly live sessions and coaching.
- Pick Kaplan if you want affordable and modern CFP® prep materials with solid guarantees.
Overview: Dalton vs. Kaplan CFP®
When it comes to CFP® prep, is flexibility or structure the better bet? Dalton and Kaplan both prepare you for the CFP® exam, but the experience feels very different. One is more modern and flexible, the other is more structured and traditional. Each has strengths that stand out, but that’s only the surface.
Let’s break down how Kaplan and Dalton compare where it matters most.
Dalton CFP®: Structured and Traditional
Dalton has prepared more than half of today’s CFP® professionals for certification, and it definitely feels like a boot camp. The structure is front and center, weekly live classes, a set pace, and instructor-led review sessions mean you can’t coast. For some learners, that accountability is a big win.
The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass™ is their signature feature. It goes beyond practice questions with mini-cases, mock exams, live office hours, and even one-on-one coaching. That extra layer of support shows why Dalton has such a strong reputation with CFP® candidates. I liked that the review materials felt exam-focused instead of just broad financial theory.
That said, the setup isn’t perfect. The platform feels dated compared to Kaplan, and the text-heavy coursework can drag if you’re used to modern dashboards or interactive tools. Dalton works best if you thrive on deadlines and live instruction, less so if you need flexibility or prefer a polished online experience.
Dalton CFP®: Package Options
- Instructor-Led Online: Live classes twice a week, followed by review + Dalton Review® Guarantee to Pass™
➡️ Best for students who want structure and direct instructor guidance. - FastPass: Accelerated 6-month program with condensed live sessions + Dalton Review CFP® Guarantee to Pass™
➡️ Best for professionals who want a faster path without losing support. - Self-Study: Text-based learning with support from a Student Success Coach (Does not include the Guarantee to Pass.)
➡️ Best for motivated learners who prefer working at their own pace.
Best Features
- Thousands of practice questions in the Dalton QBank
- Comprehensive mock exams
- Exam readiness quiz to identify strengths and weaknesses
- Instructor-led classes with scheduled pacing and deadlines
- Weekly office hours for live Q&A with instructors
- Personalized coaching through Student Success Coaches
- Structured study plan to keep you accountable
Pros
- Strong Live Instruction: Classes felt more like advanced financial planning workshops than lectures.
- Pass Guarantee: Unlike many CFP® prep courses, Dalton refunds your tuition or gives a free retake if you don’t pass.
- Weekly Office Hours: I liked being able to drop in for live support when I hit tough topics like estate planning.
- Respected Reputation: Their comprehensive curriculum is used in 200+ universities and has long been trusted in the industry.
Cons
- Traditional Platform: The online system works, but it doesn’t feel as modern as Kaplan’s CFP® courses.
- Heavy Workload: Expect long hours each week. Dalton’s structure is serious and demanding.
💬 Student Review: “I liked the exam readiness quiz (66%) and used it as tool as to where to focus, but I think the practice exam should have followed the same logic and been used as a predictor… I did not like the Dalton study plan as it required an absurd amount of reading (which I don’t enjoy), so I made my own plan using the past recorded lectures.”
Ultra_Lord1250.
Dalton CFP®
Kaplan CFP®: Flexible and Polished
Kaplan’s College for Financial Planning has helped more than 74,000 professionals prepare for the CFP® exam, and there’s a reason so many students stick with Kaplan. When I tested the Kaplan CFP® courses, the platform felt smooth and professional. The dashboard was clean, the OnDemand videos ran without hiccups, and the progress tracking kept me on pace during long study weeks.
What stood out most were the tools that actually made studying less stressful. The QBank let me build custom quizzes around weak topics instead of wasting time on what I already knew. The readiness predictor gave me a real sense of how close I was to being exam-day ready, which felt more useful than a generic score report. And the mock exams and case studies felt like real CFP® scenarios, not just filler questions. Add in podcasts and flashcards for review on the go, and Kaplan’s system felt like it thought of everything.
Another standout was Kaplan’s flexibility with options for self-paced, on-demand, or live online classes, or add on CFP® review. It’s one of the best CFP® prep courses I reviewed.
Kaplan CFP®: Package Options
- Premium Review Package: Live online courses with Premium Review included
➡️ Best for students who want a guided path through all seven courses. - EssentialPlus Package: On-Demand video classes with flexible pacing (review optional)
➡️ Best for independent learners who like video structure without fixed schedules. - Essential Package: Fully self-paced, text-based program (review optional)
➡️ Best for motivated students who prefer reading and working at their own pace.
Best Features
- CFP Board–approved education curriculum
- Digital education books (eBooks) with optional print versions
- Financial calculator videos and digital workbook
- Topical videos, module quizzes, and a practice exam
- Access to the Kaplan QBank for practice questions
- Learning tools like the Activity Feed and Performance Tracker
- Instructor email access through InstructorLink™
- Option to add Exam Review
- Eligibility for stackable credit toward a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning
💬 Student Review: “Kaplans CFP Prep Review was very helpful. I passed the exam on my first try.”
Sawyer Shank
Pros
- Flexible Study Formats: I could switch between self-paced modules, on-demand videos, and live online courses, depending on my week.
- Engaging Review Materials: The mock exams, podcasts, and flashcards made challenging concepts like behavioral finance and tax planning feel more manageable.
- Polished Platform: The learning dashboard and performance tracker kept me organized.
- PassProtection™ Guarantee: Took pressure off knowing I had retake access if I didn’t pass the CFP® exam the first time.
- Stackable Credit: Coursework contributes toward a Master’s in Financial Planning through Kaplan’s College for Financial Planning.
Cons
- No In-Person Classes: Everything is online, so if you want a physical classroom, this isn’t the right prep course.
💬 Student Review: “I was able to complete 60+ hours of continuing education credits in a relatively short period of time which allowed me to keep my CFP. The courses were challenging and client centric. I will be able to use the information with current and prospective clients.”
Monica Vidger-Trent.
Kaplan CFP® Review
Feature Comparison: Dalton vs. Kaplan CFP®
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Access Length | Varies by exam date(6–12 months) | Varies by exam date(6–12 months) |
| Price | $5,595 – $7,395 | $5,350 – $8,049 |
| Video Content | Live online classes (fewer OnDemand) | On-Demand + live online classes |
| Guarantees | Guarantee to Pass™ (refund or retake) | PassProtection™ (retake support) |
| Study Notes | Text-based materials, calculator book, readiness quiz | Case studies, podcasts, flashcards, study checklists |
| Support | Weekly office hours, Student Success Coach, 1:1 coaching | InstructorLink™ email, live office hours, coaching |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
Head-to-Head: Why Choose Kaplan or Dalton?
Kaplan offers flexibility and a polished online setup, while Dalton leans on structure and a strong pass guarantee. Kaplan may appeal if you want options to fit your schedule, and Dalton works better if you like accountability and deadlines.
Each has an edge in different areas, and we’ll break those down next so you can see which fits your CFP® exam prep style.
Course Setup: Flexibility vs Structure
- Kaplan: Offers flexibility with live online classes, on-demand videos, and self-paced study. Easy to fit around work and life commitments.
- Dalton: More traditional with scheduled live classes and strict pacing. Works well if you need deadlines to stay accountable.
🏆 Winner: Kaplan – More study formats mean you can stay consistent without rearranging your work or personal schedule.
Tech and Videos: Modern vs Old-School
- Kaplan: Smooth platform with a clean dashboard and high-quality On-Demand videos that make long study sessions manageable.
- Dalton: Platform is functional but feels dated. The main strength is in the live instruction rather than the tech or video quality.
🏆 Winner: Kaplan – Smoother platform and higher-quality videos that make long study sessions less draining.
Value and Guarantees: Your Safety Net
- Kaplan: Comes with PassProtection™, so you get retake support if you don’t pass the CFP® exam. Plus, credits from Kaplan’s CFP® courses can stack toward a Master’s in Financial Planning, a bonus for career growth.
- Dalton: The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass™ is one of the best refund guarantees available. Follow their system and fail? You get a refund or a free retake.
🏆 Winner: Kaplan – More than a test prep course, it sets you up for both CFP® success and ongoing professional development.
Support: Who’s Got Your Back?
- Kaplan: Reliable support with InstructorLink™ email, live office hours, and coaching built into the review. Good coverage, though not overly personal.
- Dalton: More one-on-one. Weekly office hours, a Student Success Coach, and individual coaching before and after the review add accountability.
🏆 Winner: Dalton – Direct access to instructors and success coaches keeps you accountable if you need more one-on-one guidance.
My Final Verdict
Kaplan takes the win for me. The platform feels modern, the tools actually help, and the flexibility makes studying less of a grind. Dalton has its place if you want structure and heavy instructor time, but it feels dated. If you want a course with balance, value, and less stress, Kaplan is your better pick.
Prefer strict structure and more one-on-one accountability? Dalton could be a good fit.
If you’re looking for flexibility, modern tools, and long-term career value, Kaplan is tough to beat. Explore Kaplan’s CFP® Prep options.
FAQs
Access typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on your package and exam date. This gives you enough time to study at your own pace while staying aligned with your scheduled exam window.
Kaplan gives you options: On-Demand for anytime access, Live Online for real-time classes, and even in-person classroom formats where available. You can choose whichever matches your learning style.
One of Kaplan’s biggest strengths is the QBank, which lets you build custom quizzes by topic, difficulty, and length. You’ll also get full-length mock exams and performance tracking to mirror the real CFP® test experience.
Not exactly. Kaplan doesn’t refund if you fail, but its PassProtection™ policy lets you retake the whole course once at no additional cost, giving you a second chance without paying again.
Yes. Some Kaplan packages let you apply credits toward a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning, turning your CFP® prep into a career-building opportunity beyond just the exam.
