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Studying for the CFA exam is a massive undertaking. Between keeping a full time day job and studying for the test, it really requires dedication and time. One of the most efficient ways to prepare for the exam is to utilize a CFA prep course that offers a high quality study program. When I studied for the exam, I followed a self study program. I found that the single most effective method was to regularly practice test questions from a software program.
By regularly utilizing practice questions paying attention to the results, it was much easier to identify areas I needed to spend more time reading the original material. Conversely, it was also far easier to identify sections that I didn’t need to spend as much time studying. With so many available CFA prep course options, its really hard to identify a program that makes sense for you. I created a detailed grid to help highlight the major differences among the best CFA prep course providers so you can make a more informed decision.
We will continue to update the page over time with more CFA prep course providers.
Prep Course Providers
|
Adapt Prep |
Apptuto |
Analyst Prep |
Bloomberg |
Schweser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $89 to $299 | $199 to $1,499 | $129 to $599 | $599 to $1,599 | $379 to $1,799 |
| Programs | 3 choices | 3 choices | 2 choices | 3 choices | 4 choices |
| Practice Questions | 3,000 | 3,500 | 3,000 | 8,000 | not disclosed |
| Mock Exams | in question bank | unlimited | 4 | 10 | 6 |
| Study Notes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Online Question Bank | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Online Video Lessons | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Live Classroom Lessons | no | yes | no | no | yes |
| Optional 1 on 1 Instruction | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Access via Mobile & Tablet | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Downloadable App | no | yes | no | no | pending |
| Free Trial | Adapt Free Trial | yes | yes | yes | Schweser Free Trial |
| Pass Guarantee | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| More Information |
Click Here |
Click Here |
Adapt Prep
Adapt Prep is a relatively recent entrant in the CFA exam prep industry. The cornerstone of the company’s program is its adaptive software developed using proprietary algorithms. Using these algorithms, Adapt offers a highly tailored study program geared toward your personal efficiency and study habits. Adapt offers 3 study package options.
Read our full review of AdaptPrep here.
Practice
Basic Option with Question Bank Access
$89
Access to 3,000 question adaptive online question bank
Online access packages ranging from 30 days ($89) to 180 days ($149)
Question bank includes video solutions
Learn
Question Bank & Full Course Curriculum
$199
Available as a 180 day subscription
Over 40 hours of video instruction
Nearly 500 page curriculum manual
Includes full access to the adaptive question bank
Complete
Full Program Access with Pass Gurantee
$299
Provides full access to the Learn and Practice curriculum packages without the day limitations
Free access to the Complete curriculum until you pass
Bloomberg Exam Prep
The Bloomberg name carries serious cachet in the financial world. The Company used its considerable resources to develop a comprehensive CFA review course program. The program includes a range of options to meet the needs of a wide range of student learning types. Highly disciplined students will find self study options and students interested in more personalized study programs will find valuable resources as well. Bloomberg offers 3 study programs.
For more information, see our review of Bloomberg Exam Prep.
Essential
Basic Self Study Plan
$599
Full Access to online curriculum and question bank
Online tutoring from expert instructors (20 questions)
Access to 6 mock exams
Not included
Premium
Comprehensive Self Study Plan
$999
Full Access to online curriculum and question bank
Online tutoring from expert instructors (80 questions)
Access to 8 mock exams
Not included
Ultimate
Self Study and Tutoring Plan
$1,599
Full Access to online curriculum and question bank
Online tutoring from expert instructors (No limit)
Access to 10 mock exams
2 full tutoring sessions from expert instructors
Apptuto
Apptuto’s CFA prep program offers an innovative online platform designed to increase study efficiency by offering easy access to program materials wherever you study. Apptuto’s program offers a comprehensive question bank designed with an adaptive algorithm. The unique, gamified program offers students an engaging online platform with a downloadable app so you can study offline wherever you want.
Read our full review of Apptuto.
Premium
Full Self Study Program
$199
Video and Study material organized by LOS
Adaptive question bank available online and offline with downloadable app
Unlimited online mock exams
Bootcamp
Self Study Program with Additional Video Instruction
$599
Includes all Premium material
4 Full days of bootcamp style instruction
Bootcamp instruction is recorded for your review as needed
Available 1 on 1 coaching
Free access to program until you pass
Live
Self Study Program with Comprehensive online classes
$1,499
Includes all Premium material
Access to 16 weeks of live online classroom instruction
The live online classes are recorded to access as needed
Available 1 on 1 coaching
Free access until you pass
Analyst Prep
Analyst Prep offers two focused curriculum options. Students most comfortable with a disciplined self study program have access to detailed study notes and a comprehensive question bank. For those students that prefer a combination of classroom learning and self study, Analyst Prep offers a more personalized tutoring option. Analyst Prep also offers one of the more comprehensive free trial options which includes free access to 150 questions and a sample of the video curriculum.
Premium
Comprehensive Self Study Package
$129
Question bank includes over 3,000 questions
4 full mock exams
Study notes covering full curriculum
Free access to the program until you pass
Coaching
Self Study Package + Tutoring
$599
Full access to the premium self study package
5 hours of 1 on 1 tutoring
Personalized study plan with Final Review
Free access to the program until you pass
Kaplan Schweser
Kaplan Schweser offers a variety of product options that range from self study to comprehensive and in depth classroom programs. Kaplan offers some of the most comprehensive personalized instruction options. The classroom instruction options include live instruction in select cities with options for additional 3 and 5 day in person extra instructional programs.
See our full review of the Kaplan Schweser CFA Prep Course here.
Study Notes
Basic Self Study
$349
Access to Schweser study notes which cover each LOS
3 full mock exams
Ability to ask questions to instructors during set office hours
Formula card with quick access to most important formulas and concepts
not included
not included
Essential
Comprehensive Self Study
$649
Access to Schweser study notes which cover each LOS
6 full mock exams
Ability to ask questions to instructors during set office hours
Formula card with quick access to most important formulas and concepts
Access to online question bank
Free access if you don’t pass
Premium
Self Study & Classroom
$1,099 to $1,399
Full access to everything included in the Essential Package
Weekly classroom instruction available online or in person at select locations
Over 40 hours of recorded instruction by LOS
Ability to ask unlimited instruction questions
Final review workshop not included
Premium Plus
Self Study & Enhanced Classroom
$1,499 to $1,799
Full access to everything included in the Essential Package
Weekly classroom instruction available online or in person at select locations
Over 40 hours of recorded instruction by LOS
Ability to ask unlimited instruction questions
Final review workshop available online or in person
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