Best CFA® Prep Courses & Study Materials for 2027
Choosing the right Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) prep course can make a difference in how effectively you study and prepare for exam day. With several providers offering practice questions, video lectures, mock exams and study guides, finding the best option means comparing more than just pricing.
Compare CFA Prep CoursesSurgent is now part of UWorld. Last updated: Oct 2026.
UWorld, Kaplan Schweser, Mark Meldrum and AnalystPrep are among the popular CFA prep providers. Each takes a different approach to learning, but UWorld stands out as our best overall choice for its exam-style practice questions, detailed answer explanations and personalized study tools.
Best CFA Prep Courses Compared
The best CFA prep courses combine comprehensive study materials with effective practice tools. Some providers emphasize structured reading and instructor-led learning, while others focus on video lectures, practice questions and performance tracking.
Here’s how four leading CFA prep providers compare.
| Feature | UWorld Top Pick | Kaplan Schweser | Mark Meldrum | AnalystPrep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best Overall | Structured Learning | Video-Based Learning | Budget-Friendly Prep |
| CFA Levels Covered | Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Levels 1, 2 and 3 |
| Question Bank | Exam-style questions with detailed explanations | Extensive practice QBank | Concept-focused questions | Topic-based practice questions |
| Mock Exams | Full-length exam simulations | Full-length mocks | Mock exams | CBT mock exams |
| Video Lectures | Expert-led lessons | Live and on-demand | In-depth conceptual lectures | Video lessons |
| Study Guides | Digital and printed guides | SchweserNotes, digital and print | Digital notes | Digital notes |
| Performance Analytics | Topic-level tracking | Performance diagnostics | Performance tracking | Performance tracking |
| Study Planning | Personalized planner | Structured study calendar | Study guidance | Study resources |
| Mobile Learning | Dedicated app | Mobile learning options | Digital access | Online access |
| Pricing (USD)* | $399–$999 | $379–$1,549 | $399–$1,630 | $349–$799 |
*Approximate package price ranges at the time of publication. Pricing and package inclusions vary by provider, level and package and can change, so check each provider’s website for current details.
While all four providers offer core preparation resources, UWorld is our top recommendation for candidates who value detailed explanations, exam-style practice and performance insights in one platform.
Best CFA Prep Course Providers Reviewed
Each provider offers a different combination of learning resources and instructional formats. The following comparison highlights their key strengths, limitations and ideal learners.
UWorld CFA Review: Best Overall Top Pick
UWorld CFA Review combines practice-driven learning with detailed answer explanations, video lectures and personalized performance tracking. Its platform helps candidates apply CFA curriculum concepts through exam-style questions while identifying areas that need additional attention.
UWorld’s approach emphasizes learning from every question, making it a strong option for candidates who want to improve both conceptual understanding and exam readiness. Its comprehensive CFA exam prep resources combine practice questions, detailed explanations and personalized study tools to support effective preparation across all three CFA levels.
Pros
- Exam-style questions with detailed explanations
- Personalized performance analytics and study planning
- Video lectures, mock exams and supporting study materials
Cons
- Comprehensive packages may cost more than basic alternatives
- Detailed explanations can require additional review time
Best For: Candidates seeking a comprehensive, practice-focused CFA exam prep experience with personalized study support.
Kaplan Schweser: Best for Structured Learning
Kaplan Schweser is known for its structured CFA preparation programs, condensed SchweserNotes and instructor-led learning options. Its courses provide organized study schedules and resources designed to help candidates work through the curriculum systematically.
Pros
- Condensed study notes covering key curriculum concepts
- Structured study plans and instructor-led options
- Practice questions and mock exams
Cons
- Comprehensive packages can be expensive
- Multiple package options may require careful comparison
Best For: Candidates who prefer guided study schedules, traditional learning materials and instructor support.
Mark Meldrum: Best for Video-Based Learning
Mark Meldrum focuses on concept-driven CFA preparation through detailed video lectures. Its instructional approach emphasizes understanding financial theories, calculations and practical applications before reinforcing knowledge through practice.
Pros
- In-depth video lectures explaining complex concepts
- Strong focus on conceptual understanding
- Practice questions supporting lesson content
Cons
- Detailed lectures may require significant study time
- Less suited to candidates seeking quick, condensed explanations
Best For: Independent learners who prefer video instruction and want to develop a strong understanding of CFA curriculum concepts.
AnalystPrep: Best for Budget-Conscious Candidates
AnalystPrep provides CFA preparation resources, including practice questions, mock exams, video lessons and study notes. Its course options appeal to candidates looking for essential learning materials while considering overall preparation costs.
Pros
- Practice questions and mock exams
- Video lessons and digital study resources
- Multiple preparation packages
Cons
- Features and support vary by package
- Candidates seeking advanced personalization should compare available tools
Best For: Self-directed candidates looking for core CFA study resources at a competitive price.
How to Choose the Best CFA Prep Course
The right CFA prep course depends on your learning preferences, available study time and budget. Before selecting a provider, consider these four factors:
- Question Bank QualityLook for exam-style questions with detailed explanations that help you understand both correct and incorrect answers.
- Study MaterialsCompare video lectures, study guides and curriculum coverage to find resources that match your preferred learning style.
- Mock Exams and AnalyticsChoose tools that help you practice under timed conditions, monitor progress and identify weaker topics.
- Pricing and AccessEvaluate package features, access duration and overall value rather than comparing prices alone.
Candidates who prioritize active learning may benefit from incorporating CFA practice questions throughout their study schedule instead of saving them for final review.
Ultimately, the best course is one that supports consistent preparation and helps you strengthen your understanding of the material.
Prepare for the CFA Exam with UWorld
Build confidence with exam-style practice questions, detailed explanations and personalized study tools.
Explore UWorld CFA Exam PrepFrequently Asked Questions
Which CFA prep course is best?
UWorld is our top overall recommendation for candidates seeking detailed answer explanations, exam-style practice questions and personalized study tools. Kaplan Schweser is a strong option for structured learning, while Mark Meldrum and AnalystPrep cater to video-focused and budget-conscious learners.
How much do CFA prep courses cost?
CFA prep course prices vary by provider, exam level and package. Entry-level packages may start around $350–$400, while comprehensive packages can exceed $1,000. Compare pricing, included study resources and access duration before purchasing.
Which CFA prep course offers the best practice questions?
UWorld is a strong choice for candidates who prioritize exam-style questions and detailed answer explanations. Its QBank helps candidates understand why answers are correct or incorrect, reinforcing conceptual understanding and identifying areas that need improvement.
How do I choose the right CFA prep course?
Consider your learning style, budget and available study time. Look for comprehensive curriculum coverage, quality practice questions, realistic mock exams and progress-tracking tools. Choose a provider that offers the resources and flexibility you need for consistent preparation.
Is UWorld good for CFA exam preparation?
Yes. UWorld combines exam-style practice questions, detailed explanations, video lectures, mock exams and performance analytics. These resources help candidates strengthen their understanding of CFA concepts, track progress and prepare more effectively for exam day.
Provider features and pricing are based on publicly available information at the time of publication and may change. Verify current details directly with each provider.
CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute. Kaplan Schweser, Mark Meldrum and AnalystPrep are trademarks of their respective owners and are not affiliated with Surgent or UWorld.
