Failing the CFP® exam costs more than the retake fee. It could cost you months of study time. In my years reviewing professional prep courses, I’ve seen firsthand how much harder this test becomes without the right guidance. The CFP Board reports that only 62% of first-time test takers passed in November 2024, and those odds aren’t something you want to gamble with.
This is where solid prep becomes a hero.
I won’t sugarcoat it—Kaplan isn’t the cheapest option out there. But their adaptive learning tech and expert instruction can save students significant study time. Instead of rehashing materials you’ve already mastered, the platform zeroes in on what you actually need to work on. Plus, their practice questions adapt to your weak spots, helping you improve exactly where it counts.
The question isn’t whether you need a top CFP® review course (you do), but if Kaplan’s aligns with your learning style and budget. I’ve compared several options, and what follows is an honest review of Kaplan’s CFP program.
Kaplan CFP® at a Glance
- If you’re a visual learner, then Kaplan’s video lessons break down complex concepts with clear graphics and examples.
- If you need flexibility, then the mobile app lets you study anywhere, anytime—perfect for busy professionals.
- If you prefer live instruction with real-time Q&A, then the huge bank of practice questions covers everything you’ll face on test day.
- If you need structured guidance, the weekly study plans provide you with a clear outline of what to learn and when to learn it.
- If you want the most budget-friendly option, then weigh Kaplan’s price tag against the pass rate before deciding.
What’s Inside Kaplan CFP® Review
Kaplan’s CFP® exam prep follows a three-phase system: Learn, Apply, Perform. Having tried other prep methods that left me overwhelmed, this structure made the huge content load easier to handle—especially with my busy schedule.
The adaptive QBank quickly became my evening ritual, so I could get the data to track my improvement. It’s loaded with questions that change based on performance. No joke, after two weeks of focused practice, my weakest areas became some of my strongest.
Now, the Kaplan CFP® Review program has two packages. There’s Essential (self-study with core study materials). Then there is the Premium (adds live instruction and a PassProtection™ guarantee).
What impressed me most were the quality questions. They’re written just like the real exam: same style, same difficulty level. Plus, thanks to the practice exams, I could easily uncover what was working and what needed more work in my study sessions.
Kaplan helped beyond just understanding the content. By the end of my time with the course, I could spot tricky question patterns, pace myself, and build confidence—something I wouldn’t have managed without this study method. Naturally, not everything is perfect, and there are some serious issues we’ll talk about. However, overall, Kaplan has a lot to offer aspiring certified financial planners.
Pros
- Adaptive learning technology. The system finds your weak spots and helps you improve them. For example, when I missed a few insurance questions, my practice switched to focus more on those.
- Realistic exam simulation. The mock exam feels just like the real test. The timer, interface, and question style matched what I later saw on the actual exam.
- Strong reputation. Over 76,000 financial professionals have used Kaplan’s courses to prepare, which is reflected in their structured materials and high pass rates.
- Helpful CFP® instructors. When I got stuck on complex calculations, I emailed the question and got a custom video explanation within 24 hours.
- Flexible learning options. As someone with a busy schedule, I liked that I could choose between on-demand videos or live online classes.
Cons
- Limited basic package. The Essential Review Package doesn’t include live review classes, so it might not be ideal for those who need more structure or help from an instructor.
- Extensive library of materials. Some modules have a lot of detailed info, which can feel overwhelming for those who prefer a simpler, more focused study plan.
Kaplan CFP® Review
Kaplan CFP® Courses: Which Package Fits Your Needs?
| Package | Essential | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $1,399 |
| Discounts | Save $549 | Save $549 |
| Pre-Study Assessment |  | |
| Question Bank | | |
| Study Checklists | | |
| Calculator Videos/Workbook | | |
| Activity Feed and Tracking | | |
| InstructorLink™ Access | | |
| Review Lessons |  | |
| Video Library | | |
| Exam Prep Podcasts | | |
| Topic Summaries | | |
| Case Studies | | |
| Mock Exam | | |
| PassProtection™ | | |
| Start Now | LEARN MORE | LEARN MORE |
Essential Review Package
This one’s perfect if you like to study solo. So what comes with Essential? You’ll get exam books in digital form, plus a huge bank of practice questions, plus a study calendar you can customize to fit your schedule. You also get email support when you need it and ways to track your progress. It’s a great choice if you’re on a budget and comfortable keeping yourself on track.
Premium Review Package
Now, if you want more support, the Kaplan premium review package gives you everything from the Essential and then some. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone who wants extra guidance.
Sure, it costs more, but here’s why I think it’s worth it. You get 11 online classes (live or recorded), three practice exams instead of one, and a pass guarantee. There’s also a 4-day crash course before the exam, printed books, and quick access to teacher support.
The weekly office hours were super helpful—students with burning questions could get their questions answered right away. It costs more, but the extra guidance made all the difference in my studying.
Inside Kaplan’s Study Plan
Fancy marketing aside, what exactly do you get when you sign up for Kaplan’s CFP® review? After many late nights using the program (and lots of coffee) to write this very article, I can tell you how Kaplan helps you prep for the exam.
First, the Study Setup
Kaplan’s 10-week study plan doesn’t leave you guessing what to study or when. It follows the Certified Financial Planner Board exam blueprint, building your knowledge one step at a time.
The online dashboard is super easy to use. I’m not big on tracking stuff, but seeing my progress numbers go up kept me going during long study sessions.
What sets Kaplan’s CFP materials apart?
- Case studies that apply theoretical concepts to real client scenarios
- Supplemental resources like calculator tutorials that address specific exam challenges
- Pre-study assessments that identify your starting knowledge gap
I also love the performance tracking. The system remembers which concepts you’ve mastered and which need work, helping you study smarter, not harder.
Premium Kaplan students get extras like strategy videos, exam podcasts, and calculator tutorials. These aren’t just random add-ons; they do help with the tricky parts.
“I really liked Kaplan’s program from the perspective that it gives you a customizable structure… I could go through it as quickly or as slowly as I wanted, and could adjust my pace as real-life events occurred… The actual review program itself was similar in nature because I could customize my day-to-day as well as my week-to-week studies & reading that needed to be done.”
GoodLifeWM, Reddit review
Video Content & Live Learning: Quality Where It Counts
The Kaplan CFP® prep courses rely on video instruction, and thankfully, the teaching quality is strong where it counts.
The videos aren’t fancy—think professional but straightforward. But the instructors? They know their onion. They’re experienced CFP® professionals who know exactly what trips up exam takers. They don’t just teach concepts; they tell you what the test makers love to ask and how to spot the right answers.
The live sessions are pretty good, too. Instructors often pause for questions and use real-world examples to illustrate complex concepts. What I think is most beneficial is how they show you how everything connects. Instead of just memorizing a bunch of facts, they’ll outline how concepts all work together.
If you pick the Premium Review Package, you’ll get access to strategy-focused video content. These cover how to interpret tricky questions, manage your exam time, and stay calm under pressure. Sounds basic, but trust me – these skills are just as important as the technical knowledge you’ll need on test day.
“Happy to say I passed this morning using Kaplan. I used Kaplan for the educational coursework as well as the exam prep… I felt so prepared for the exam that there was not one item on my exam that I hadn’t previously read or discussed in a live class session.”
dahusar, Reddit review
Value Beyond the Price Tag
Kaplan CFP® Review gives you a study plan that actually works. The program covers everything, so you don’t miss important topics that could hurt your score on exam day.
The Premium package also comes with a PassProtection™ Guarantee. Here’s the deal: finish 90% of the work and score at least 70% on practice tests. And if you still don’t pass, you get a free retake. That made me feel better—I knew I wasn’t taking a huge risk.
I recommend taking advantage of the 5-day free trial. Check out the virtual classroom, test drive the teaching style, and see how everything works.
Support System: Strengths and Limitations
Kaplan gives you access through your selected exam cycle, which usually works well if you follow their 10-week plan. Need more time? Extensions are available at fair rates (though I wish they were a bit more generous here).
You can reach support by phone, email, or live chat during business hours (9–6 ET, weekdays). One downside is the potential 48-hour wait for email responses—not ideal when you’re stuck on a concept during the weekend.
That said, the instructor’s support during scheduled sessions more than compensates for this. The personalized guidance I received during office hours addressed my specific questions. Instead of searching for answers from various sources, you get clear, expert help from pros who know what the exam requires.
“…Kaplan is VERY responsive to questions, which I also liked. I would ask a question using their online form and someone would get back to me usually within a few hours. Even on the weekends.”
zigzagcow, Reddit review
Comparing Kaplan vs Other CFP® Courses
| Feature |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study Style | Modular, Multimedia-rich, Flexible pacing | Structured 8-week calendar | Exam-focused, high-intensity | Lecture-based, story-driven |
| Live Classes | (Live Online, Onsite) | (Live Q&A + mini-sessions) | (Live Online + coaching) | (Live Immersion) |
| Practice Questions | 2,500 + Qbank + Mock exams | 3 QBanks (pre-study, exam, calculator) | Robust QBank + simulated exams | 6 full-length practice exams |
| Best For | Self-paced learners who want variety | Visual learners who want structure | Students who want coaching + strategy | Auditory learners who prefer live lectures |
| Price Range | $599–$1,399 | ~$1,295–$1,495 | ~$1,395–$1,895 | ~$1,295–$1,495 |
| Pass Guarantee | (PassProtection™ with Premium) | (terms vary by package) | (Guarantee to Pass™) | No formal guarantee |
| Access Duration | Through the selected exam cycle + extensions | Through the exam window | Until the exam date + retake access | Until the exam date |
| Instructor Access | InstructorLink™ email + live sessions | Live Q&A + email | Office hours + coaching | Direct access during live sessions |
| Mobile Access | (browser-based, no dedicated app) | | | Limited (mostly desktop-based) |
| Free Trial | (5-day trial with sample content) | | | |
Kaplan vs Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) CFP® Review
BIF CFP Review gives you an 8-week program with super-clean visual study materials—you can actually understand what you’re looking at. Pretty handy if graphs and charts are your thing. What’s cool is you can do both your education and exam prep in one place. Kaplan has built a strong community, too, with live Q&A sessions where you can learn from other students.
Kaplan, however, offers a flexible course with full-length tests and podcasts for study breaks. And yes, you get to learn how to work that confusing financial calculator. And thanks to Kaplan’s modular format, you can speed through or take it slow—it is totally up to you. After all, you can always contact instructors when you get stuck.
- Choose BIF if you want a quick, community-driven program with integrated education and review.
- Pick if you prefer a flexible, multimedia-rich course with deep content coverage.
🏆 Winner: BIF — for its streamlined structure and strong student community.
Kaplan vs Dalton
Dalton Education focuses on getting you that passing score. They offer one-on-one coaching and regular office hours. Plus, if you need to retake the review, they’ll let you do it for free (that’s their Guarantee to Pass™ program). They cut out the fluff and zero in on what you need – the material that makes up 90 to 95% of the actual exam.
Kaplan also has the Guarantee to Pass™program plus an adaptive study platform to boot. You get the Activity Feed and Performance Tracker that show weak areas and help you stay on schedule. It’s great if you like setting your pace but still want live classes mixed in.
- Choose Dalton if you want coaching, accountability, and a focused curriculum.
- Pick if you value adaptive tools, self-paced structure, and a wide range of study formats.
🏆 Winner: Kaplan — for its tech-forward platform and customizable study experience.
Kaplan vs Brett Danko
Brett Danko teaches in a classic style—live classes filled with energy and real-life examples. He knows how to make tough concepts click, and his students love how he builds their confidence for exam day. You’ll get six practice exams (85 questions each), case studies, and a study schedule. Just keep in mind—this is mostly lectures, with fewer tech features and not as many review questions.
Kaplan offers a more tech-forward, modular experience with a toolbox of study options. Want to quiz yourself? They’ve got tons of questions. Need to study during your commute? Pop on their podcast. Kaplan fits whatever style works for you.
- Choose Brett Danko if you want a lively instructor and a simple lecture-based approach.
- Pick Kaplan if you want more tech features, flexible study options, and a full set of study tools.
🏆 Winner: Kaplan — for its versatility, tech tools, and structured support.
Should You Bet on Kaplan CFP® Review for Exam Success?
Absolutely! Kaplan CFP® review offers what most CFP® candidates need—structured guidance without handcuffs. You’re paying for tested study materials, smart tech tools, and help from expert instructors who know what it takes to pass. The bottom line? Choose what matches your learning style because that may just determine your success on exam day.
Ready to take the next step toward your CFP® certification? Check out Kaplan’s options here.
FAQs
Yes, if you buy the Premium Review Package and meet the requirements, you get a PassProtection™ Guarantee. If you don’t pass the CFP® exam, you can retake the course for free.
You have access until your chosen exam date. If you need more time, you can buy a 30-day extension if you request it within 14 days after your course ends.
Kaplan’s QBank features over 2,500 practice questions with detailed explanations. It allows you to create custom quizzes, track performance, and simulate exam conditions.
Yes! There’s a 5-day free trial. It includes sample access to OnDemand videos, the QBank, digital textbooks, and performance tracking tools.
You can contact instructors through InstructorLink™, join live sessions, and get help via phone, email, or live chat during business hours.
