Thinking about starting your CFA® journey? This Kaplan CFA® review is what you need.
Choosing the right prep course can shape your entire exam experience. According to “10 Study Tips” from Harvard, figuring out your learning style, planning your schedule ahead, and avoiding last-minute cramming all influence how well you move through the CFA® Program curriculum.
As an exam prep course reviewer, I test a bunch of different setups, so I ran through Kaplan Schweser to see how it holds up in actual use.
Will Kaplan CFA® Fit Your Learning Style?
- Do you like clear structure? Kaplan Schweser gives you a step-by-step plan, so you always know what to study next.
- Do you want a huge library of practice questions? The SchweserPro QBank is one of the largest and most active question banks in CFA® prep.
- Do you want multiple ways to learn? You can switch between print books, videos, audio, or live online classes, depending on what you vibe with that day.
- Do you like quick tools that help things stick? QuickSheet and Secret Sauce make repetition and formula review way easier.
- Do you get overwhelmed by too much content? Schweser can feel heavy if you want a minimal setup, since the higher-tier packages come with a lot of moving parts.
Kaplan Schweser CFA® at a Glance
After testing the Kaplan Schweser CFA® program, the first thing I noticed was how easy it is to get started. No guessing or digging around. The mock exams feel close to the actual exam, and the materials follow the CFA® curriculum in a way that makes sense when you’re studying after work.
The Masterclass helped the most. When I was tired, I could open a lesson and still make progress without overthinking. The Workbooks keep things simple with short examples and EOC-style questions instead of long, overwhelming text.
The QBank became my go-to. I’d build quick quizzes during lunch and immediately see what I kept missing. The practice feels close to real exam style.
“The study materials provided by Kaplan are far better than those provided by the CFA® Institute itself. It’s straightforward, really easy to understand. The study plan is well structured in order to help retain the maximum of the knowledge reviewed. If you really want to increase your chances of success, I would recommend using Kaplan”
Student Review.
There is a lot of material, which I liked, but it can stack up if you ignore the schedule. If you follow it, Schweser stays organized and manageable.
Packages Options Across All Levels
- Ultimate Package: Print, digital, and audio notes; Live or On-Demand Masterclass; Review Workshop; six mocks; flashcards; Secret Sauce®; InstructorLink; QBank; and full performance tools. Level III adds the Essay Workshop and Workbooks.
→ Best for students who want the most complete, multi-format prep. - Premium Package: Print and eBook notes; Masterclass (Live or On-Demand); Review Workshop; six mocks; QBank; and digital Secret Sauce®.
→ Best for candidates who want strong structure without all the extras. - Essential Package: eBook notes; On-Demand Masterclass; four mocks; QBank; and core digital tools.
→ Best for motivated learners who want full content coverage without live instruction. - Basic Package: On-Demand Masterclass; QBank; two mocks; QuickSheet; and core tools.
→ Best for independent, budget-conscious students who want a simple study plan
Package Comparison Table
| Featured Package | Basic | Essential | Premium | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $429-$529 | $799-$899 | $1,099 | $1,499-$1,599 |
| Masterclass (On-Demand) |  | | | |
| Live Online Masterclass |  | | | |
| SchweserPro QBank | | | | |
| Full-Length Mock Exams | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Checkpoint Exams | | | | |
| Schweser Notes (Print) | | | | |
| Schweser Notes (Digital) | | | | |
| Secret Sauce (Digital) | | | | |
| Flashcards | | | | |
| Review Workshop | | | | |
| QuickSheet | | | | |
| PassProtection Guarantee | | | | |
Best Features
- 2,600+ QBank Questions: Tons of exam-style practice.
- 70+ Hours of Masterclass: Clear lessons with structured Workbooks.
- 2–6 Full Mock Exams: Realistic practice depending on the package.
- 3 Checkpoint Exams: Quick milestones to test progress.
- Secret Sauce®: Fast formula and strategy review.
- Flashcards: Print + digital for quick memorization (Ultimate).
- QuickSheet: One-page formula and concept reference.
- Performance Tracker: Topic analytics and peer comparison.
- Instructor Access: Available in Premium and Ultimate.
- Activity Feed: Weekly tasks that keep your study schedule organized.
Pros
- Clear Structure: The layout makes it easy to know exactly what to study next, so you never feel lost.
- Masterclass Guidance: The lessons help a lot on days when you come home tired and still want to make progress without overthinking.
- Fast QBank Practice: You can build quick quizzes during short breaks and instantly see what you keep missing.
- Realistic Mock Exams: The mocks feel close to the actual CFA® format, which helps build confidence and exam stamina.
- Simple Workbook Examples: I liked how the workbooks break topics into small, clear steps so you are not rereading the same thing.
Cons
- Content Can Stack Up: If you skip the schedule for a few days, the material starts to feel a bit crowded, especially during busy weeks.
- Needs Light Routine: You get the best results when you check the tracker regularly, so it helps to stay loosely consistent even when life gets hectic.
Kaplan CFA®
“I just passed L3 using exclusively Kaplan material and did so without opening a single CFA® I book or even using the CFA® I learning ecosystem. I totally agree that using practice material that is overly difficult and not representative of what you will see on the exam is counterproductive. I was worried I might regret that decision, but I ended up feeling extremely confident walking out of the exam and found out yesterday that I passed.”
Student Feedback.
A Closer Look: My Honest Take & Ratings
Setup & Design
8.7/10
Honestly, Kaplan Schweser was very easy to use, and I mean that in a way where the platform actually reduces stress instead of adding to it. The moment you log in, everything feels intuitive. I never had that overwhelming “where do I start” feeling, even on the days when I was mentally drained. The dashboard literally tells you what to do next, which removes the burden of making decisions when your brain is already tired. The entire setup feels clean and intentional; nothing is buried, nothing feels like clutter, and nothing tries too hard to be fancy. It’s the kind of layout that quietly supports you and makes the process feel manageable instead of chaotic. If you like studying with a sense of order, this design genuinely makes the routine easier to stick to.
Where It Actually Delivers
- You open it, and the study plan is just there
- Stuff loads quickly, no weird bugs
- Masterclass and Workbooks sit right in the flow
- Good if you want a prep provider that keeps the chaos away
Video Lessons & Content
8 /10
The video content is straightforward and easy to follow, especially when your brain is running on low battery. The instructors keep things clear instead of dragging you through long explanations you don’t need. Everything is broken up into pieces that match the workbooks and study materials, so the flow stays organized instead of chaotic. It feels like the lessons were built for people who don’t want to waste time trying to figure out what matters. A few videos move slower than you’d expect, but overall, it’s structured well enough that you can get through multiple topics without zoning out. It’s solid, simple content that gets the job done without feeling heavy.
What Stood Out for Me
- You can jump into a lesson half-dead after work and still get something done
- Workbooks keep things simple, not overwhelming
- QuickSheet and Secret Sauce make formulas way easier to remember
- Good mix of video, reading, and practice without feeling scattered
The videos are solid overall, but a few explanations move a little too slowly when you’re trying to power through your study plan.
“Is great to have thevideos, however I found sometimes lost on the explanation. Sometimes concise helps to focus the learning. I think there are some errors in thecontent.
Student Feedback.
Overall, I can’t imagine taking theexam without Kaplan’s program.”
Student Support
8.4/10
The support is simple and helpful. When you send a question through InstructorLink, you get an actual answer from a real instructor, not some generic reply. It makes it easier to clear things up without wasting time. They don’t hover over you or overload you with messages, but they respond when you need something and keep it straight to the point. Having the option to use the Masterclass live or on-demand is nice too, especially if your schedule changes a lot. Overall, it’s support you can rely on without feeling like you’re stuck in a customer service loop.
What You’ll Get
- Actual instructor replies
- Live or On-Demand Masterclass options
- Active community if you want it
- More help in the higher packages, but nothing is empty or scripted
Practice Exams & Practice Tools
9/10
This was the part I used the most because it actually feels close to the real exam. The questions aren’t weird or off, and the full-length exams make you realize pretty quickly where you’re strong and where you’re struggling. The QBank has more than enough to keep you busy, and it’s easy to pull up quick quizzes if you only have a few minutes. The analytics help you see what you keep missing, which makes adjusting your studying so much easier. It’s just a solid setup that supports you without making things complicated.
What Really Helps:
- You can make quick quizzes when you only have 10 minutes
- Analytics show what you keep missing so you can tighten your weak areas fast
- Full-length practice exams feel like the real CFA® exam day vibe
- Checkpoint exams keep you honest
If you learn by doing, this is where Schweser really shines.
Overall Value
8.5/10
If you want something that gives you a plan and keeps you on track without making everything harder, Schweser does that well. It’s structured, but not in a suffocating way. You basically follow the plan and stay consistent, and it ends up working. It’s not the lightest program, and it won’t magically make studying fun, but it does make the process feel manageable. For busy schedules or people who don’t want to build a whole study routine from scratch, it fits really well. It’s steady and dependable, which is honestly what most people need.
Bottom Line:
- Great if you want someone to basically tell you what to do
- Works with busy schedules
- Not great if you hate structured plans
- Best if you want a mix of video, reading, and a huge question bank
Like most things, it is not perfect, but overall, it’s a really solid CFA® prep setup. It kept me consistent on the days I didn’t even want to open my laptop.
Kaplan vs. Other CFA® Prep Providers
Not sure how Kaplan stacks up against the best CFA® review courses? I ran through each platform myself, so here’s the honest, side-by-side look.
Kaplan Schweser vs. AnalystPrep
AnalystPrep has a clean, simple study flow that makes it easy to sit down and get work done without feeling overloaded. The question bank is smooth to work through, and the CBT full-length exams give a realistic test-day feel. Kaplan Schweser takes a more structured approach with Schweser Notes, study plans, and organized lesson paths, which works well if you like having everything clearly mapped out.
See more details in this comparison of Kaplan vs AnalystPrep CFA®.
Bottom Line
- ➡️ Kaplan Schweser fits candidates who want a structured CFA® prep plan with multiple ways to learn.
- ➡️ AnalystPrep fits candidates who prefer a clean interface, strong practice tools, and an easier daily workflow.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Bloomberg CFA® Prep
Bloomberg has a polished interface with adaptive learning tools. It feels modern, but the extra features can get distracting if you prefer simple CFA® prep. Kaplan Schweser stays practical with a clear study plan, live classes, and mock exams that match the CFA® exam format more closely.
Bottom Line
- ➡️ Kaplan Schweser works well if you want a straightforward study plan, performance tracking, and consistent exam prep.
- ➡️ Bloomberg works better if you like premium design and AI-driven study paths.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Salt Solutions
Salt Solutions delivers clean videos and a modern platform, but the content library is still smaller and not as comprehensive yet. Kaplan Schweser’s CFA® program has fully built-out study packages, review courses, and practice exams that cover every CFA® level. It feels more like a trusted provider with long-term materials and topic coverage.
Bottom Line
- ➡️ Kaplan Schweser fits students who want deep coverage of the CFA® curriculum and long-standing study materials.
- ➡️ Salt Solutions fits students who want a newer, video-driven format.
Kaplan Schweser vs. UWorld
UWorld offers detailed explanations and strong visuals, especially for individual questions. The downside is that the amount of detail can slow you down if you want direct CFA® prep. Kaplan Schweser keeps things cleaner with a study plan, key formulas, and mock exams that feel similar to the real exam day experience.
Bottom Line
- ➡️ Kaplan Schweser supports students who want exam-focused practice without extra noise.
- ➡️ UWorld works for students who prefer long explanations and visual learning.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Mark Meldrum
Mark Meldrum is lecture-heavy, straightforward, and good for students who like university-style teaching. Kaplan Schweser adds more structure with the QBank, review workshops, and tracking tools, which make it easier to stay steady through the whole exam window.
Bottom Line
- ➡️ Kaplan Schweser fits candidates who want full CFA® prep coverage and multiple learning formats.
- ➡️ Mark Meldrum fits students who like simple professor-style video lectures.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Chalk & Board
Chalk & Board is small and personal, almost like having a tutor guiding your CFA® study plan. Kaplan Schweser is built for self-study programs, giving you a wide range of materials, mock exams, and a structured CFA® prep course you can use anytime.
Bottom Line
- ➡️ Kaplan Schweser fits students who want a complete, self-paced CFA® prep system with consistent resources.
- ➡️ Chalk & Board fits students who learn best with personal coaching and hands-on instructor support.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Kaplan?
Kaplan Schweser gives you everything you need to actually sit down and study without guessing your next step. The structure, mock exams, and QBank make things a lot smoother across all three CFA® levels.
I’d say that Kaplan works best for people who want a clear study path and don’t want to figure things out as they go. The setup is steady and organized, which keeps studying from feeling chaotic. If you prefer a lighter layout and want to stay focused on practice without all the extras, something like AnalystPrep leans more in that direction.
FAQs
Yes. It is one of the prep providers that gives beginners a clear CFA® study schedule, simple video lectures, and Schweser Notes to help you understand the basics of the CFA® I curriculum.
Yes, many students say the mock exams feel close to the actual exam format and use question styles that match CFA® I material, so candidates get a realistic test experience on their first attempt.
Yes. Live online courses and video lectures are included in the Premium and Ultimate packages, which work well if you prefer guided learning instead of pure self-study.
Kaplan offers a PassProtection Guarantee that gives you access to the next program package if you do not pass, which is helpful for students preparing for another attempt.
Yes, every package includes the SchweserPro QBank with thousands of exam-style questions, similar to EOC questions, which makes it a strong practice resource.
