Why this list?
Preparing for the CFA exam is a marathon, not a sprint. With pass rates hovering between 30% and 50% across levels, candidates need more than just determination—they need the right study resources. This list focuses on CFA exam prep courses that are proven, widely used, and effective for candidates at all levels—especially those tackling Level I for the first time or advancing through Level II and III.
Our selection process prioritized courses with strong conceptual teaching, quality practice questions, instructor credibility, flexibility, and value. We evaluated platforms based on curriculum alignment, user feedback, cost-effectiveness, and support features like progress tracking and mock exams. The list includes a mix of free and paid options, beginner-friendly formats, and advanced-level prep, ensuring every candidate—regardless of background or budget—can find a suitable path.
Quick comparison: top 7 picks
| Course | Provider | Level | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Meldrum CFA Prep | Mark Meldrum | I, II, III | 30–100 hours per level | Candidates wanting deep conceptual mastery |
| UWorld CFA Review | UWorld | I, II, III | Self-paced | Practice-heavy learners |
| Kaplan Schweser CFA | Kaplan | I, II, III | 150+ hours | Structured learners who want live instruction |
| Wiley Efficient Learning | Wiley | I, II, III | 200+ hours | Comprehensive coverage seekers |
| CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem | CFA Institute | I, II, III | Self-paced | Official curriculum users |
| FinQuiz CFA Prep | FinQuiz | I, II, III | Self-paced | Affordable mock exam takers |
| IFT Level I CFA | Investment Foundations Training (IFT) | I | 100+ hours | Free or low-budget learners |
The 7 best CFA Exam Prep courses, ranked & reviewed
1. Mark Meldrum CFA Prep
Provider: Mark Meldrum | Length: 30–100 hours per level | Level: I, II, III
What you learn: Comprehensive coverage of all CFA curriculum topics, with an emphasis on conceptual clarity and real-world application. Meldrum breaks down complex material into digestible lessons, especially strong in quantitative methods, financial reporting, and ethics.
Who it's for: Candidates who want a deep understanding over rote memorization—especially those who struggle with technical topics or prefer learning from a seasoned instructor.
- Pros:
- Extremely thorough and conceptually rigorous
- Engaging, conversational teaching style
- Free YouTube content available for trial
- Includes practice questions and mock exams
- Cons:
- Can feel slow-paced for advanced learners
- Less flashy interface compared to Kaplan or Wiley
Pricing notes: Subscription-based, approximately $499–$699 per level. Often discounted during exam registration periods.
2. UWorld CFA Review
Provider: UWorld | Length: Self-paced | Level: I, II, III
What you learn: High-yield question review with detailed explanations. UWorld focuses on adaptive learning and mastery through repetition, particularly effective for ethics, portfolio management, and item set practice.
Who it's for: Candidates in the final 6–8 weeks of prep who want to sharpen test-taking skills and improve accuracy under timed conditions.
- Pros:
- Best-in-class question bank with realistic vignettes
- Detailed answer rationales and performance tracking
- Excellent for diagnosing weak areas
- Mobile-friendly platform
- Cons:
- Limited video instruction—best paired with another course
- Less effective as a standalone for beginners
Pricing notes: $299–$399 per level. Often bundled with other review materials. No free tier, but sample questions available.
3. Kaplan Schweser CFA
Provider: Kaplan | Length: 150+ hours | Level: I, II, III
What you learn: Full curriculum review with live and on-demand lectures, study notes, practice exams, and SchweserNotes™. Strong focus on exam strategy and time management.
Who it's for: Learners who thrive in structured environments and benefit from live instruction, office hours, and progress milestones.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive and polished platform
- Live instructor support and Q&A sessions
- Strong brand recognition and long-standing reputation
- Available in multiple study packages (Essentials, Premium)
- Cons:
- Can be expensive—up to $1,599 for top-tier packages
- Some content feels repetitive or overly simplified
Pricing notes: Essentials package starts at $999; PremiumPro with live classes exceeds $1,500. Frequent discounts for early registrants.
4. Wiley Efficient Learning
Provider: Wiley | Length: 200+ hours | Level: I, II, III
What you learn: Full-spectrum prep including video lectures, adaptive quizzes, digital textbooks, and six full-length mock exams. Strong in quantitative methods and financial modeling topics.
Who it's for: Self-directed learners who want a complete, all-in-one solution with minimal need for supplemental resources.
- Pros:
- Highly adaptive learning engine
- Excellent progress dashboards and study planners
- Includes official CFA Institute content in some packages
- Good mobile app
- Cons:
- Interface can feel cluttered
- Video instruction less engaging than Mark Meldrum’s
Pricing notes: $999–$1,299 per level. Often bundled with CFA Institute materials. Free trial available.
5. CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem
Provider: CFA Institute | Length: Self-paced | Level: I, II, III
What you learn: Direct access to the official CFA curriculum, including readings, practice questions, and mock exams. Updated annually to reflect exam changes.
Who it's for: Cost-conscious candidates who want to stick strictly to official materials and don’t need video instruction.
- Pros:
- 100% aligned with actual exam content
- Free for registered candidates (Level I candidates get 300+ hours of content)
- Includes two full mock exams per level
- No additional cost
- Cons:
- No video lectures or guided instruction
- Dry, academic tone makes it hard for beginners
- Limited interactivity
Pricing notes: Free for enrolled candidates. Access granted upon registration for the exam.
6. FinQuiz CFA Prep
Provider: FinQuiz | Length: Self-paced | Level: I, II, III
What you learn: High-quality question bank, formula sheets, and mock exams. Known for accurate item set simulations and detailed performance analytics.
Who it's for: Candidates looking for an affordable way to boost mock exam performance and reinforce key formulas.
- Pros:
- Affordable compared to big-name providers
- Excellent mock exams that mirror real test difficulty
- Strong formula tracker and flashcard system
- Good for last-minute review
- Cons:
- Limited video content
- Not ideal as a primary learning tool
Pricing notes: $199–$299 per level. Often discounted during exam season. Free trial with limited access.
7. IFT Level I CFA
Provider: Investment Foundations Training (IFT) | Length: 100+ hours | Level: I
What you learn: Full Level I curriculum coverage with video lectures, notes, and practice questions. Covers ethics, FRA, quantitative methods, and economics in clear, beginner-friendly language.
Who it's for: First-time CFA candidates on a tight budget or those new to finance who need a gentle on-ramp.
- Pros:
- Free video lectures on YouTube
- Clear, concise teaching style
- Strong community support via Discord and forums
- Additional paid materials available at low cost
- Cons:
- Only covers Level I
- Production quality not as high as premium providers
- Ads in free version
Pricing notes: Free on YouTube. Paid packages with extra questions and support start at $99.
How to choose the right CFA course
Selecting the right CFA prep course depends on your learning style, timeline, and budget. Here are key criteria to consider:
- Curriculum coverage: Ensure the course aligns with the current CFA Institute syllabus. Avoid outdated materials, especially for evolving topics like fintech and ESG.
- Learning format: Do you prefer video lectures, reading, or practice questions? Visual learners benefit from Mark Meldrum or Kaplan, while drill-focused candidates may prefer UWorld.
- Time commitment: If you're balancing work and study, self-paced platforms like IFT or Wiley offer flexibility. Live classes (Kaplan) help keep you accountable.
- Budget: Free options like the CFA Institute’s ecosystem and IFT are great for frugal candidates. Premium courses like Wiley or Kaplan are investments—only worth it if you’ll use them fully.
- Support and community: Look for courses with active forums, instructor access, or study groups—especially helpful during stressful prep periods.
FAQ
Is there a free CFA exam prep course that works?
Yes. The CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem is free for registered candidates and includes official readings, practice questions, and mock exams. IFT also offers a full free Level I video course on YouTube, making it a solid zero-cost option for beginners.
Which CFA prep course has the best pass rates?
No provider publishes verified pass rates, but Kaplan and Mark Meldrum are frequently cited by successful candidates. That said, individual effort matters more than any course—consistency and practice are key.
Can I use multiple prep courses together?
Absolutely. Many candidates combine resources—e.g., Mark Meldrum for learning and UWorld for practice. Just avoid spreading yourself too thin; stick to one primary course and supplement strategically.
When should I start preparing for the CFA exam?
Most candidates need 300+ hours. Starting 4–6 months before the exam is ideal. Level I candidates with no finance background may need more time.
Are CFA prep courses worth the cost?
For many, yes—especially if you struggle with self-discipline. Premium courses offer structure, motivation, and high-quality practice. But disciplined learners can succeed with free or low-cost options.
Do I need different courses for Level I, II, and III?
Not necessarily. Most top providers (Mark Meldrum, Kaplan, Wiley) offer full curricula across levels. However, Level II and III require more focus on item set analysis and portfolio management, so choose a course strong in those areas.
Is the CFA Institute’s material enough to pass?
It’s sufficient for some, especially those with strong finance backgrounds. However, most candidates benefit from supplemental instruction (videos, Q-banks) to reinforce concepts and improve retention.
Final recommendation
The best CFA exam prep course depends on your needs, but Mark Meldrum stands out for teaching depth and value, while UWorld excels in practice rigor. For a free, credible option, the CFA Institute’s own materials are indispensable. Pair a strong learning platform with consistent practice, and you’ll be well-positioned to conquer the CFA exams in 2026.