CRUSH RATING:
Kaplan Schweser CFA® offers a comprehensive suite of prep courses for the CFA® exam. You can choose from various online or in-person options, 또는 3 일 또는 5 일 라이브 교실 검토 세션과 온라인 리뷰 과정을 결합 (가능한 경우).
시험 준비 카플란의 오랜 성공과 명성 사람들은 시험이 도전 시리즈를 전달하는 시도 실망하지 않을 것이다.
A full complement of study guides, workbooks, online materials, practice questions, explanations, study plans, a condensed version of the CFA® curriculum, actionable tips and pointers, and help from instructors result in a time-saving albeit pricey course.
Many of Kaplan Schweser’s learning options come with a 3-day or 5-day exam review workshop immediately prior to the exam to give you focused practice and additional confidence. Live, in-class review sessions are the most expensive; 하나, an online exam review is also available.
In addition to a question bank with more than 4,000 practice questions, you can take up to six full practice exams. These tests will help you gauge your progress and give you the confidence to succeed on the actual exam.
In addition to any live course options, enjoy access to on-demand content, including classes and videos. The convenience of pre-recorded classes and video lessons allows you to study according to your own busy schedule from your home or office. Free CFA® study materials, exam review workshops, and CFA® classes are available on the Kaplan Schweser website along with a free CFA® assessment exam.
You can email or chat with your instructors at any time to get help with a course, ask questions, or seek advice. Because Kaplan Schweser instructors are located around the world, mentors are available during most times of day to help with any questions or issues that arise.
Kaplan’s course is popular because it condenses the CFA® curriculum into a manageable body of information. The 5-volume study guide is considerably shorter than the official CFA® curriculum guide, but includes all the information you need to pass the exam.
Kaplan Schweser is one of the few CFA® prep courses to release a new version of products every year as the CFA® test changes, so that you can be confident that everything you study is up-to-date. When you buy one of these review courses, you won’t waste your time studying material from older exams or experience any surprises on exam day.
To get a great deal on the course, enter in a Kaplan Schweser CFA® promo code.
Premium packages cost upwards of $1,799, which is considerably more expensive than most industry competitors. More affordable packages are available, but they are not as comprehensive and often do not include live or in-person components. If you are on a budget, you will have fewer opportunities to interact with instructors, fewer study materials and practice exams.
These courses will appeal to both online learners who want the convenience of studying whenever they have time from their home or office, and traditional learners who prefer a classroom setting. The popular 3-day exam workshops helps you separate yourself from your job and focus your study efforts while expert instructors teach you what you need to know to pass your CFA® exam.
If you are a traditional learner, you will appreciate the clear and concise 5-volume SchweserNotes and the detailed examples that highlight what you must know. The printed QuickSheet study aid provides a quick reference of key formulas, definitions, and concepts of the CFA® curriculum in a 6-page, laminated brochure. If you prefer pencil and paper, you can use the workbooks to go over material, examples, and questions in conjunction with live courses. Online access to thousands of multiple-choice questions in the question bank help you review critical concepts and Learning Outcome Statements (LOS) (also available offline).
Those who prefer to study online can build their own customized exam for specific topics and take advantage of the Online Resource Library, a collection of videos about the core concepts of the CFA® curriculum. The ever-popular “Schweser Secret Sauce” is a portable, compact book that offers a clear, concise review of the core elements of the CFA® curriculum and provides tips on how to apply your knowledge to the exam in the final weeks before the test.
Kaplan offers numerous options for you, including live and online classes, seminars, mock exams, and self-directed study programs. You can mix and match online and live course options and review sessions, or choose an entirely online course.
The “Secret Sauce” books and SchweserNotes allow you to focus on the most important topics that are tested on the CFA® exam instead of becoming overwhelmed by the information in the CFA® curriculum. By choosing a Kaplan Schweser review course, you can adequately prepare yourself for the exam in less time than it would take to study the traditional CFA® curriculum.
Online Mock Exam Only
Price: $100
Includes: Printable answer key, online scoring and performance tracking by topic area and comparison to other Mock Exam candidates, and explanations that include LOS and CFA® curriculum page references for every question.
SchweserNotes Package
Price: $379
Includes: SchweserNotes, 3 연습 시험, QuickSheet, access to expert CFA® instructors and Study Calendar.
Essential Self-Study Package
Price: $649
Includes: Question bank, SchweserNotes, 6 연습 시험, QuickSheet, access to instructor office hours and Study Calendar.
Premium Instruction Package (online weekly class)
Price: $1099 – $1,399
Includes: Online weekly class, additional video classes, Schweser’s Secret Sauce, question bank, SchweserNotes, 6 연습 시험, workbooks, QuickSheet, Study Calendar, Ask Your Instructor, Online Resource Library, PassProtection (50% discount on next course if you do not pass).
Premium Plus Package (online weekly class plus online 3-day exam review)
Price: $1,399
Includes: Final Review Option (online review included in price, in-person review costs up to $400 more), online weekly class, additional video classes, Schweser’s Secret Sauce, question bank, SchweserNotes, 6 연습 시험, workbooks, QuickSheet, Study Calendar, Ask Your Instructor, Online Resource Library, PassProtection.
(The Premium Plus Package is also available with live weekly classes and a live 3-day or 5-day Exam Review workshop, for a total price between $1799-$2099.)
Compare Kaplan Schweser to other CFA® prep courses by clicking the button below:
| Kaplan Schweser CFA® Review |
Strengths |
| 1. | Final Exam Review |
| 2. | 6 Full Practice Tests |
| 3. | On-Demand Learning |
| 4. | Availability of Instructors |
| 5. | Focused and Concise |
CRUSH RATING:
Fitch Learning CFA Exam Review offers a comprehensive prep course for all 3 levels of the CFA® exam. Choose from multiple learning packages to customize your learning experience and study more effectively. Various options include classroom learning, e-learning, and video courses, in addition to stellar user support and 24-7 help desk access.
Fitch Learning’s most attractive feature is the promise of up to 400 hours of student support. You can contact customer support by email and call your mentors as often as necessary during the course. More than 20 CFA® instructors worldwide are available to take your questions when you need them most.
Fitch Learning’s award-winning online learning portal features built-in analytics and recorded video lessons. The learning portal is accessible via app or computer, making it easy to study wherever you go. Learning options include recorded video lessons, live webcasts, teacher interaction, eBooks, questions and quizzes, and much more. You can try the online portal for free for a limited time before you buy. Free questions and videos are also available on the Fitch Learning website.
One of the best features of this course is the degree of personalized student support. You may receive periodic calls from mentors to discuss your progress. You will also have 24/7 access to the help desk, where you can get in touch with more than 20 qualified instructors in different parts of the world.
Fitch’s Online Learning Portal integrates multiple practice exams and learning hurdles to gauge your progress, help you learn, and test your knowledge. These include over 3,000 relevant questions, 5 full practice quizzes of 6 hours each, as well as smaller tests to check your knowledge while you study. You will also receive a daily test question by email to keep your skills sharp and to help you identify areas that need improvement.
The integrated analytics program automatically tracks and checks your progress to determine your strongest and weakest areas. In addition, mentors talk to you to gauge progress, and offer specific study advice to improve memory and performance. A personalized study plan based on your results allows you to tackle your weak spots so that you can take and pass the test as soon as possible.
The mobile Exam Prep App allows you to access key course features on the go. It is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores and is compatible with iPhone, Android, tablets, and mini tablets. Course content can be searched and downloaded in advance for offline studying. Additional features include 3,800+ test questions, 90 hours of instruction videos, slides, and instructor-annotated notes. This is great because it allows you to take your CFA® prep anywhere you go on your mobile device.
Fitch offers a “no pass, no pay” policy. If you do not pass the Level I CFA® exam the first time you take it after you follow their program and meet the prescribed milestones, you will receive a refund for the entire course. (Only available for the Level I CFA® exam and for first-time Fitch Learning candidates).
Live CFA® course options are available, but only in a limited number of cities. If you are interested in attending an in-person CFA® course, you have to be near one of the following cities: New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Chicago, Denver, or Washington, D.C., Boston, London, Hong Kong, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Edinburgh.
The online Fitch Learning course is intended for busy professionals who want to maximize their learning in the least number of hours. The app in particular is aimed at those with a demanding schedule, who are short on study time, and want the freedom of studying anywhere at anytime, both on and off-line. The app is updated every time you enter a wifi area, so the progress reports and study planner are always up-to-date. Some lessons are only a few minutes long, allowing you to take in a lesson during a break or while you are waiting for a bus or train.
The repetitive nature of going through practice questions reinforces learning, and the app retests knowledge until the required level is achieved. The online portal is accessible from tablets and mini tablets as well as other devices for maximum flexibility while studying. Classroom courses are available on nights and weekends if you are a traditional learner who is located near one of the cities that have live, in-person courses.
Fitch Learning is a large international company that offers an extensive suite of online business courses and employs very well-regarded professors and instructors for its classes. The most unusual aspect of this course is the personal attention you get from mentors and instructors, even if they are enrolled in an online class. 24/7 access to instructors around the world and calls from instructors to check on your progress can be very helpful to keep you on track.
Question Bank Only
Price: $195
Includes: Qbank is a new feature that allows people to create customized quizzes on whatever topic, study sessions, or reading they like.
Proctored Mock Exam Only
Price: $79
Includes: Online mock exams, online review courses, review materials, proctored review courses. Online or proctored.
Live 2 Day Review Course
Price: $299
Includes: 2-Day in class review of the CFA® Level I curriculum with guided question practice.
2 Day Review + Proctored Mock Exam
Price: $349
Includes: 2-Day in class review of the CFA® Level I curriculum plus proctored mock exam (savings of $50).
Online Review Kit
Price: $300
Includes: Mock exam generator with unlimited mock exams, instructor recordings and webcasts, Final Countdown revision guide, revision mind maps, revision summaries and exam style questions.
Full Online Only Course
Price :$695-895 (depending on Level of CFA® exam)
Includes: Online study portal, instructor recordings, question bank, mock exam, global instructor help desk, online key point slide packs, mobile app, exam companion eBook, Final Countdown review guide.
Online + 2 Day Review Course
Price: $995-1195 (depending on Level of CFA® exam)
Includes: 2-day classroom review, online study portal, instructor recordings, live webcasts, question bank, mock exam, global instructor help desk, online key point slide packs, mobile app, exam companion eBook, Final Countdown review guide.
Full Classroom Course
Price: $1,395-$1,595 (depending on Level of CFA® exam)
Includes: 15 evenings or 8 days in class sessions, 2-day classroom review, online study portal, instructor recordings, live webcasts, question bank, mock exam, global instructor help desk, online key point slide packs, mobile app, exam companion eBook, Final Countdown review guide, Texas BA II plus calculator.
| Fitch Learning CFA® Review |
Strengths |
| 1. | Adaptive Online Learning w/ Integrated Mobile App |
| 2. | Consistent Contact and Support From Mentors |
| 3. | Practice Exams and Hurdles |
| 4. | Analytics and Progress Tracking |
| 5. | Money Back Guarantee |
CRUSH RATING:
Bloomberg CFA Exam Prep has delved deep into its bank of financial and technical resources to produce one of the top CFA® review courses on the market. Their coursecomes with one-on-one tutoring and targeted micro-lessons.
This course is so optimized for potential CFA exam passage that Bloomberg offers an unmatched pass insurance. This is a decent course for you if you want to save time, guarantee success, and use the best available test-prep technology and tools that the industry has to offer.
PROSVisually speaking, you’re not going to find a more well designed layout than the Bloomberg Dashboard. The main page is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also it’s extremely well-crafted to keep you focused on the important components of the exam prep plan. You’re going to see your progress tracker (broken down by section and percentage of completion), a breakdown of the courses in which you’re excelling or failing, a topical layout, and an overall analysis of your performance.
If you’re not someone who is looking for the standard test prep course layout, this tool has another option for you: the Knowledge Map. Using this tool, you can see a breakdown of each section within a non-traditional mapping system. If this unique look scares you, revert back to the standard layout, but it’s definitely a great option for you if you want to look at the overall test content in a different manner.
Bloomberg’s AI software analyzes your performance and really caters the course to focus on the areas in which you didn’t excel. The more hours that you put in, the more customized the program becomes. 그래서, don’t worry if you’re not crushing a certain section early on in studying – this tool will ensure that you circle back to this topic in due time. Other tools may have similar options, but the level to which this AI operates isn’t likely to be reached.
The ability to save time also means that you’re going to save money, as any future CFA® will tell you. Therefore, by using the Bloomberg CFA Exam Prep tool, you’re going to be able to put plenty of study hours back into the bank – students who complete the course spend only 185 hours on average studying, which is well below the 287 hours that is the industry average.
Some test prep tools give you a couple of days or up to a week to see if you like the style and layout of the course. Bloomberg doubles the high end of that range, as it gives you a full 14 days to determine whether or not it is the exam preparation platform that fits your needs.
While other courses may offer some type of tutoring services, the qualifications of the Bloomberg CFA® sages is unmatched. You can even check out their credentials before signing up for the trial, which is a testament to their level of expertise.
While many users appreciate the extensive layout and multitude of features available in this tool, others may find the sheer number of clickable areas to be daunting. There are so many different tools that you could use, and ways in which you can track/see your progress, that people who are looking for a simple test prep tool may not prefer this platform. It’s not going to be the best option for you if you like to simply go to the home page, click into their lesson, and dip out once finishing.
As briefly mentioned above, the ideal user for this course isn’t going to be someone who considers themselves tech-averse or simple with regard to online tools. This course is designed to give you the best of what the web has to offer, and it’s not going to shy away from potential clicks.
Bloomberg’s CFA® exam prep materials are aimed at busy working professionals who like to see their progress tracked in an efficient way. There are the basic metrics and layouts that provide an encompassing look at your CFA® journey, but there’s also in-depth tools to really delve into a high-level analysis of how you’ve done.
Another time-saving tool is the ample amount of tutor help that’s included in the tool. If you have a question that’s really delaying your progress, don’t think too hard on it. Ask one of the highly respected tutors that Bloomberg has on staff and quickly find out where you’re going wrong. There’s no point in hitting a snag in your studying just because you don’t know one methodology.
Ultimate Package
Price: $1,599
Includes:
| Bloomberg CFA® Review |
Strengths |
| 1. | Unlimited Help Questions |
| 2. | Excellent Dashboard |
| 3. | Knowledge Map |
| 4. | Progress Tracking |
| 5. | Expert Tutors |
| 6. | 2-Week Trial |
Which CFA exam prep course is better, Wiley CFA Review or Fitch Learning CFA Review? In this head-to-head comparison, I rate its software, practice tests, cost, and other important features to help you decide which review course is a better fit for you.
I have used both of these courses and found some very significant differences that every CFA® candidate should know about when considering both of these options.
(You can also read our full, individual breakdown of both Wiley CFA® & Fitch Learning CFA® to further understand which course best suits your needs)
Wiley offers different options for courses that range in price, but the platinum course is the most inclusive and most popular. The Wiley CFA® Platinum Review Course for Levels 1 과 2 is $1,295 과 $995 for Level 3. Fitch, on the other hand, is slightly cheaper at $995 per level. 하나, the value that Wiley offers is tough to match—paying a little more for a better course makes sense if you want to pass the exam the first time around!
All content updates and software upgrades for Wiley CFA® are not only free, but also provide unlimited access to users after purchase. Most other courses are not so generous and they usually expire on your exam day.
Fitch Learning is like other courses and provides you with full access until your exam date. This could end up costing you more if you fail and need to take the course again, even if it is offered for a discounted price to re-enroll. Both courses do offer a pass or refund guarantee, but make sure to read the fine print to make sure that you can qualify.
Both Wiley and Fitch have comparable practice questions. Wiley comes with 4,000 practice questions while Fitch has 3,000. Though it’s only 1,000 questions, that’s quite the difference maker when it comes time to study.
The quality of the questions is pretty similar, so the sheer number that Wiley provides really adds to the value of the course overall.
Fitch has a unique student support system that you may find helpful. You will have 24/7 access to the help desk, where you can get in touch with more than 20 qualified instructors all over the world. 또한, you will receive periodic calls from mentors to talk about your progress or any questions you may have. This can be annoying if you like to study on your own and reach out only when you’re confused. You may like the extra support Fitch offers because it will keep you motivated.
Wiley also has a support system in place because it knows you’re not alone on your CFA® journey. You can connect with fellow peers and join a community that understands the brutal commitment you made to become a CFA® because it is in the same boat as you. Wiley has tools directly built into the content that will allow you to interact with subject matter experts 24/7. This makes it extremely easy to ask questions while studying the material.
Wiley understands how difficult it is to stay engaged with CFA® topics. That is why it has formatted its course into bite-sized lessons. There is a huge amount of material you need to cover before test day, so why not have it organized into small short lessons that aren’t as intimidating to take on. You will be able to retain more information and stay engaged with the 30 minute lessons that can easily fit into your schedule.
Fitch Learning is also formatted for those with a busy schedule. It has lessons that range in length with some that are only a couple minutes long, making it easy to sneak in a quick study session. There is also a live classroom option that is available in only a few select cities. The limited locations make the live class option less than ideal for many, but the overall course format is similar to Wiley’s reputable course.
Fitch has put more than 31,000 CFA® Exam candidates through since 2000. It offers a “No Pass No Pay” guarantee because it is so confident in its course and wants to show how committed it is to you and your CFA® journey. 하나, the guarantee is only available for the Level 1 course, not Level 2 or 3.
Wiley has a pass guarantee for all three levels of the CFA® Exam and will give you access to its up-to-date course until you pass. Wiley has been in Test Prep game since 1974 and has helped thousands of finance pros pass their CFA® certification exams. Its “pay only once until you pass” guarantee is evidence of Wiley’s years of excelling as a top ranked CFA® prep course.
So which course is better? Wiley beats Fitch Learning in almost every category except two: amount of practice questions and cost. I would say Wiley is the better CFA® test prep course because Wiley still provides an ample amount of practice questions that are not too much more expensive than Fitch (especially with the discounts available for Wiley).
Wiley is the best course out there for the price. Its clear format, bite-sized lectures, and incredible reputation makes it Crush’s number one recommended course. I suggest checking out the the free demos to see which course fits your learning style before deciding because everyone is different. 행운을 빌어 요!
GO TO WILEY CFA® REVIEW
CRUSH RATING:
AdaptPrep CFA Review is quickly gaining popularity as a time efficient and tech-savvy way to study for the CFA® exam. 이 회사는 완전히 속도와 효율성에 초점을하기 위해 준비 자료와 플랫폼을 재 설계했다.
You can choose from “Complete,” “Practice,” or “Learn” for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
Their adaptive learning technology and Progress Tracker keeps you focused on the essentials, and the new platform was designed to load quickly, especially during the busy weeks before the CFA® exam when many students are trying to study at the same time.
AdaptPrep’s affordable prices are well below the industry average and make it even more attractive if you are on a tight budget.
This course cuts right to the chase because there are no distractions on the course dashboard. You can choose from three options: “Learn,” “Review,” or “Practice” for Level I, Level 2 and Level 3 of the CFA® exam.
Readings that accompany the video lectures are located in the same module as the videos and can be downloaded and printed as a PDF. You can click on the reading from the electronic manual and then watch the related videos from one central location.
Readings and lectures are grouped by topic area so that you can easily target those areas that need the most review. The mobile version is even easier to navigate, which brings us to our next pro:
AdaptPrep CFA® is designed to accommodate mobile users. There is no need for an app because you can upload the course right from your browser. The mobile version is perfect for busy professionals as the interface works very well on smartphones, the audio is crystal clear, and the graphics are relevant and memorable.
Customizable quizzes are easy to access from your mobile device or smartphone as well. Just select the sections you want to test yourself on and the quiz will contain practice questions that apply to those topics. Score your exam and find out which answer was the correct choice and why.
AdaptPrep has worked hard to make the site faster in terms of response time. By adding additional databases and servers to create redundancy, Adapt Prep ensures that you won’t be slowed down by the sudden spike in users in the last few weeks before your exam.
The videos we watched loaded and played without slowdowns or buffering and exams were scored quickly. You can take advantage of the offline mode if you have already started watching the videos or taking an exam, 하나, you’ll have to reconnect to the internet in order to have it graded.
Mike Carmody’s short and to-the-point instructional videos only last about 10 minutes each! You’ll have access to 40+ hours of instruction per level that have been broken down into more manageable chunks of time so you can learn and retain information more efficiently.
Carmody is an experienced and engaging instructor who focuses on the most essential material. With his instruction you’ll be able to gain a solid understanding while still having enough time to tackle a large number of practice questions in the test bank.
A split screen with his lecture on the left allows for graphics and animations on the right that emphasize the most important information to remember. Questions are worked out by the instructor in the videos on an easy-to-read, typed screen. Many practice questions are accompanied by video explanations of the correct answer.
AdaptPrep’s Topic Mastery report provides feedback assessing your preparation for your next CFA® Level I exam. Predicted Scores range between 0%-100% for each topic, consistent with the CFA® Institute grading. Scores above 70% are presented in green, scores between 50%-70% in yellow, and scores below 50% in red.
Topic Mastery estimates your score Prediction Range on a topic once you’ve answered 10 practice questions on that topic, and then after each quiz you take on that topic. Once you’ve completed at least one quiz in all 10 topics, we calculate a Prediction Range for your score on the entire exam.
Topic Mastery serves as a guide to your preparation. The CFA® exams are broad in scope, and understanding the concepts in the syllabus thoroughly is essential. We encourage you to dedicate more time to topics that need more improvement. With Topic Mastery, you can study more efficiently and master the CFA® exam.
AdaptPrep has many more innovations in the pipeline too. The company is constantly adding new features like study tips and video explanations.
We hope to see more features like the “Level I in 60 minutes” for their Level II and III courses as well. This is a great video series which gives you a quick overview on the major Level 1 topics likely to be tested on.
Pull out your smartphone right now and try the course for FREE! The free trial gives you access to their CFA® Formula Sheets (downloadable PDF) which contain all of the key formulas found on the exam. You literally have nothing to lose so even if you don’t intend on purchasing their course, I highly recommend that you take advantage of this.
No credit card is required to access to the trial version, simply enter your email address and you’ll be setup within a matter of seconds. Also included in the free trial are sample video lessons, practice problems and quizzes, and a study schedule planner.
AdaptPrep is now offering Crush readers an exclusive CFA® discount. Just type in the Adapt Prep coupon code and get a great deal!
Some of the AdaptPrep products are recently updated and released, which means there isn’t as much user feedback. From all reviews so far, 하나, the updated materials are great and in line with the rest of the company’s great course components.
This course is a great find if you prefer to study from your smartphone or tablet. The user-friendly mobile site and the high definition videos and direct links to pertinent readings make this a very organized and efficient way to study for the three levels of the CFA® exams.
AdaptPrep will appeal to self-motivated learners because its topic mastery feedback system promotes efficient studying for the CFA® exam. If you are on a tight budget and are a good self-studier, AdaptPrep would definitely be an excellent choice.
AdaptPrep offers a great product for a relatively low price. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about an app crashing while you study because the platform was developed especially for mobile devices and smartphones. You will definitely appreciate that the videos are short (10 minutes) and that you can always turn to the 490+ page electronic manual for additional information as necessary.
AdaptPrep offers the best bang for your buck study materials on the market and costs less than half as much as the average CFA® review course. Regardless of which CFA® exam course you decide on, I highly suggest that you at least check out their free trial.
Choose from products for either the December 2017 or June 2018 시험
Price: $299
Includes:
Price: $199
Includes:
Price starts at: $149
Includes:
Price: $449
Includes: Learn and Practice products
Price: $299
Includes:
Price starts at: $249
Includes:
Price: $599
Includes:
Price: $399
Includes:
Price starts at: $249
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CRUSH RATING:
와일리 CFA 검토 has combined forces with Elan Guides in an attempt to offer one of the best CFA® courses on the market. Their comprehensive CFA® review course comes with unlimited access to all their study materials, but is it really worthwhile?
This course is decent if you want to save time on video lectures and just focus on drilling with practice questions. 하나, it has some serious issues when it comes to studying on the go from various mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones. Keep reading and see for yourself what makes this course both good and bad:
Wiley CFA® Exam Review course materials come with unlimited access, so you never have to worry about expiration dates. You have access to the course until you pass the exam and all course content updates and software upgrades are free. These are great features for a CFA® course; most competitors restrict use to a specific time frame.
There is a huge amount of material to cover for the CFA® Exam. Fortunately, Wiley has organized it all into clear and concise lessons. Shorter lessons allow you to stay more engaged, retain more information, and monitor your progress. Wiley allows you to cover most lessons in approximately 30 minutes, so you can easily fit short study sessions into your schedule.
With Wiley’s adaptable Exam Planner, you can enter the date of your exam and it will provide you with a customized study plan so you know exactly what to study each day. This takes the guesswork out of how much time you should spend studying for the exam.
You can go to Wiley’s website and try the online study materials for 24 hours for free. Your email and password will give you access to the exam planner, short lessons and video lectures, the study text, 연습 시험, practice questions, and performance metrics, so you can try it before you buy it. A free pop quiz and eBook on how to pass the CFA® exam are also available under the CFA® Exam Program Resources tab.
Although it is nice to be able to customize the exact study plan that works best for you, the website offers 5 different courses (platinum, gold, silver, self study, and 11th hour) for the level 1 and level II CFA® exams, along with a series of optional supplements and add-ons that may be bought separately for an additional fee. You will have to consider price, your schedule, and how much preparation you think you need in order to determine which course is best for you.
Wiley CFA® Exam Review is supposedly optimized for tablet use for studying on the go. The idea is to work through lessons on various mobile devices that are synced so you can switch between them and pick up exactly where you left off each time you log in. In reality, the actual user experience is far from ideal. According to angry reviews left by disappointed students, these apps are prone to disconnections and limit your access to Wiley’s full course material.
Wiley’s CFA® exam prep materials are aimed at busy working professionals. These courses are ideal for audio visual learners who are looking for a comprehensive yet flexible course. The lessons are taught by experienced instructors and are designed to make studying efficient and effective.
The idea is that you should be able to complete a short lesson that consists of a video, reading a study text, and answering a few assessment questions on your lunch break or in a 30-45 minute study session whenever you can squeeze it into your day.
With that being said, you’ll only have satisfactory results if you study on a laptop or desktop. Any other device will require their notoriously unreliable app, which can be aggravating and stressful to manage. If you like to study on an iPad or smartphone, this is definitely not the right course for you!
Wiley CFA® offers a comprehensive and portable way to prepare for the CFA exam on your own terms. The bite-sized lessons fit into even the busiest of schedules, and the ability to use the course as long as you need it is a nice bonus. Having over 3,000 questions is nice, but it would be even nicer if you could reliably access them no matter where you are.
Honestly, you’re probably better off trying a different CFA review course. For instance, take a look at the way Wiley compares to Kaplan’s CFA review courses in our side-by-side comparison.
Which CFA® prep course is better, Wiley or Kaplan Schweser CFA Review? To help you decide, I’ll evaluate the software, practice tests, cost, and other important features of each course to help you decide which is a better fit for you.
I have used both of these courses and through my experience found there are some stark differences between the two.
(You can also read my full, individual breakdown of both Wiley CFA® & Kaplan Schweser CFA® to further understand which course best suits your needs)
Wiley offers different options for courses that range in price. 하나, their Platinum course is the most popular and the easiest to use for the sake of comparison. The cost of the Wiley CFA® Platinum Review Course for Levels 1 과 2 is $1,295, and Level 3 is $995.
Kaplan, on the other hand, is more expensive, as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses are all priced at $1,499. This isn’t a huge increase in cost, and you get a lot out of the minor bump in price. 하나, the fact remains that Wiley offers the better deal– especially if you’re only interested in the bare essentials.
All content updates and software upgrades for Wiley CFA® are free, and students get unlimited access after the purchasing date. This can be helpful if you’re short on free time and can’t fit your study schedule into a small length of time.
On the other hand, Kaplan’s courses expire at the end of the year, which also means you’ll need to re-up if you want to receive updated materials. Their pass guarantee does allow you a free subscription if you fail, but the better deal is ultimately with Wiley.
Both of these courses have well-sourced practice questions to prepare professionals who are studying for the CFA® exam. Wiley and Kaplan both offer over 3,000 practice questions covering all levels of the exam in their highest-priced courses.
The quality of the questions is pretty similar, but Kaplan has one key difference. The seamless integration of SchweserNotes with every question makes them a much more potent study tool than Wiley’s offerings. Essentially, you’re going to want to choose Kaplan if you’re primarily interested in studying with practice questions.
Wiley has a support system in place to help you with any course issues. Additionally, you can connect with fellow peers and join a community for even more collaborative assistance. These tools are directly built into the course, but not every question will get answered in a short period of time. Since this type of service could make or break certain study sessions, it can be frustrating when dealing with Wiley.
On the other hand, Kaplan offers a much more helpful support team. Not only do they have multiple contact methods you can use to make your voice heard– they also have dedicated support channels for both studying and technical issues. This is a huge benefit over Wiley, since they often have technical issues that frustrate students. (more on that later!)
Wiley understands the challenges that CFA® candidates face with regard to staying engaged while studying. That is why it designed its course with brevity in mind—the bite-sized lessons are easy to get through and won’t seem clunky or overbearing. There is a significant amount of material you need to cover before test day, so the smaller lesson sizes may help with understanding difficult concepts. Thanks to the 30-minute lessons, you’ll make it through the lengthy studying periods without wanting to quit or pack it in for good.
Kaplan also has a great course with many similar benefits to Wiley, but there’s one killer app that puts it over the edge. Premium and PremiumPlus students can attend live, in-person classes on a weekly basis for additional instruction. There’s no point of comparison with Wiley’s digital course and print supplements– so the winner is clear!
Wiley has a pass guarantee for all three levels of the CFA® Exam– full course access until you pass! By eschewing the chance to earn extra money from customers, this “pay only once until you pass” guarantee is evidence of Wiley’s confidence in their products.
Fortunately, Kaplan also offers students a guarantee if they fail to pass their exams. Much like Wiley, you can receive full access to next year’s course with all updates included. This means you’re guaranteed to be in good hands no matter which course you choose.
The modern student doesn’t just learn in a classroom– and they don’t just learn on their computer at home, either! Mobile is the new frontier for education, and most students like being able to access their materials on a tablet or other smart device. Both Wiley and Kaplan recognize this, but only one offers a truly intuitive mobile experience.
With Kaplan’s CFA prep course, you can access their complete 3,000+ QBank no matter where you are. Additionally, they provide supplementary features to help you with time management and to track your performance. Wiley attempted to offer something similarly impressive, but the unfortunate result is a buggy, frustrating mess. So stick to Kaplan if you want to learn on your phone!
So which course is better? Wiley has some real benefits, like their video content and lower cost. 하나, they’re hopelessly out of their depth when compared to the excellent benefits provided by Kaplan.
Hopefully you’ve got a clear enough idea of both CFA review courses to make the right decision. But if you’re still on the fence, I suggest checking out both of their free demos to see which course fits your learning style. After all, everyone is different. 행운을 빌어 요!
AnalystPrep:
It seems that there’s always some additional task or certification for Financial professionals. Whether you have to pass a certification exam or pursue courses to continue your professional education, finding a place to prepare you for these career milestones can be just as much work as the job you’re trying to pursue.
But where do you start your search? How do you know that you’ve found the best options available to you? 걱정하지 마세요, we’ve got a shortcut for you:
Keep reading to learn more about AnalystPrep and their treasure trove of review content.
AnalystPrep is an educational company that strikes a difficult balance of information and accessibility. They do this through technological refinement by creating a high-tech online dashboard, as well as a focus on providing in-depth study materials for different finance-related certifications.
Log into your user account with AnalystPrep and you’ll see a ton of useful sections and tools to help you succeed. Let’s start with the Dashboard, since it’s essential for accessing the rest of this course.
The Dashboard section of your account clearly displays your current lesson progress and the lessons that you still have to complete. There’s also a breakdown of each subject and a progress bar that updates as you complete materials like lectures and practice tests.
Keep in mind that this dashboard is used for both Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 과 Financial Risk Manager (FRM) exam study materials. Whether you’re enrolled in one, the other, or both, you’ll interact with this exact course dashboard— although it will only display info for one course at a time in order to prevent confusion.
Looking past your personal Dashboard within your AnalystPrep account, you’ll see a section that’s filled with all the different subjects pertaining to your exam. Click one of these subjects and you’ll see a practice question to help prepare you for the real test.
AnalystPrep pulls these practice questions from a qBank of over 3,000 test questions. When answering them, you also have the choice of rating each question if you “loved” or “hated” it. This helps other students too, since the question bank is updated regularly to replace unpopular questions.
Once you’re ready to move onto the next step in your CFA or FRM study schedule, you can click on the Mock Exams section of your dashboard. By practicing in this way, aspiring financial professionals can adjust to the format and structure of the exam before test day, relieving any pre-exam jitters.
There are a couple of specific features worth mentioning when it comes to AnalystPrep’s Mock Exams. First, you’re allowed to print out the full exam and/or its answers— allowing you to even more accurately set up conditions at home to simulate your actual test day. Second is that you can compare your results with other students after completing your tests online. This means you’ll know exactly where you stand when compared to your fellow CFA Level 1 or FRM Part 2 test takers.
You may be thinking, “Aren’t mock exams and practice quizzes essentially the same thing?”
Not exactly. Here’s what makes AnalystPrep’s practice quizzes different:
AnalystPrep provides you with a section in your login titled Practice. After specifying your chapter and subject of study, you also have the option to filter down the content that you want to review even further with more descriptors. Once you do, this platform will generate a unique practice quiz based on your parameters.
Do you want to include questions you haven’t answered yet? What about questions that you’ve previously answered incorrectly? You can select these criteria, in addition to specifying the amount of questions on each quiz. This is a source of endless review and improvement of trouble areas— an incredibly helpful resource for you to pass your exams.
Mobile access is important to many students who like to study on their smartphone or tablet. But what about offline access?
AnalystPrep easily meets the first criteria by supporting mobile devices without the need of a dedicated app. But here’s how it approaches the second criteria:
AnalystPrep’s Notes section has several downloadable files that can be taken with you anywhere. Much like the practice quizzes mentioned earlier, you can even print these items out should you need to take your review somewhere without a solid internet connection. Essentially, this allows you to maximize your studying anytime and anywhere— no more excuses!
The last piece that really rounds out this CFA/FRM prep company is their library of video lectures. These are broken down by topics in each chapter and are a great supplement for those who prefer to learn in this way. They’re all taught by Prof. James Forjan, a charismatic and knowledgeable CFA with a PhD level education. Since he’s written several instructional materials relating to financial markets and risk management, you’ll be in the best possible hands when learning from one of his lectures!
Now that you know what AnalystPrep provides, we’re sure you’ll want to know the price. Luckily for you and countless other students, this company provides these quality bundles at prices that are lower than the rest of the industry.
Your price will vary depending on which exam you want to study— as well as which part (or parts) of these multi-part exams you want to cover.
AnalystPrep has a more limited package option for those on a tight budget, but you’re far better off paying a bit more for the higher-priced packages. If you enroll in the middle or top tier package for CFA or FRM, you’re guaranteed access to the question banks, practice tools, video library and study notes for less than a couple hundred dollars.
Here’s the best part:
Signing up for a premium package will give you unlimited lifetime access to your account. This is a steal considering that AnalystPrep will continue to update your materials with new and relevant information. Ultimately, the total cost is fairly priced at less than $500, and we recommend you choose this option for that reason.
Time to break down the good and the bad with this prep course provider:
Still have questions? Let’s get you some answers:
The next CFA Exam has been delayed to December of 2021. There will also be a test in February of 2021.
In order to enroll with AnalystPrep, you must either be in your last year of college, already have your college degree, or have a total of 4 years of professional working experience.
According to AnalystPrep’s website, students spend approximately 308 hours preparing for each exam.
Here’s our analysis of who would be a good fit with AnalystPrep:
AnalystPrep’s tech-focused approach to exam review really stands out among other FRM 과 CFA providers. For the student who wants to take full control of their studying, have up-to-date tracking of their progress, and not have to pay an arm and a leg, there really is no better choice than AnalystPrep!
Choosing the best CFA® exam study material is the single most important decision you will make on your journey towards becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst.
A good CFA review course needs to be as comprehensive and versatile as the professionals who hold this certification. Since CFAs often work in industries ranging from portfolio management and risk analysis to research and strategy1, you’ll want to be an expert in these subjects when you sit for the exam.
But in order to become an expert, you’ll need to devote hundreds of hours to studying— so it’s crucial to find the CFA prep course that best fits your learning style and background.
Here’s the good news:
We have researched and reviewed every major online CFA exam prep course on the market so you don’t have to! The comparison chart below will help you determine which course best fits your needs.
| CFA COURSES | Analyst Prep | Illumeo | Princeton Review | Bloomberg | Fitch Learning | Kaplan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| RANKINGS | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 |
| OVERALL RATING | ||||||
| PRICE | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | $1,599 | $695 | $1,499 |
| DISCOUNT | Save 20% | No Discount | Save $200 | No Discount | No Discount | No Discount |
| VIDEO LECTURE HOURS | 40+ | 18+ | 50 | 0 | 120+ | 40 |
| PRACTICE QUESTIONS | 3,000 | 90+ | 1,500 | 8,000+ | L1: 3,000+L2: 3,700+L3: 2,200+ | 4,000 |
| FULL MOCK EXAMS | 8 |  | 2 | 8 | 5 | 6 |
| COURSE FORMATS | Online Self-Study, Live Tutoring | Online Self-Study | Online Self-Study | Online, App | Online Self-Study & Virtual Classes, Classroom, App | Self-Study & Online Class Room |
| PASS GUARANTEE | | |  | | | |
| FREE TRIAL | Free Practice Questions | | | | | |
| LEVEL 2 COURSE OPTION | | | | | | |
| LEVEL 3 COURSE OPTION | | | | | | |
| INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT | | | | | | |
| EBOOK | | | | | | |
| FINAL REVIEW | | | | | | |
| FINANCING OPTIONS | | | | | | |
| COURSE EXPIRATION | 12 Months or Unlimited Access | 12 Months | 12 Months | Until You Pass | Until You Pass | After Exam |
| READ MY FULL ANALYSIS | Read Full Review | Coming Soon! | Coming Soon! | Read Full Review | Read Full Review | Read Full Review |
| GET STARTED | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy |
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
Multitasking: Although AnalystPrep offers an intuitive and calming interface, it does come with some limitations. The most notable of these is the inability to multitask— you can’t play videos next to text passages or compare community forum posts to practice tests.
Bottom Line: There are so many reasons to choose AnalystPrep as your CFA® review course. Whether you’re trying to relieve pre-exam anxiety or you just want the most up-to-date learning materials possible, this is the best possible choice!
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
Limited Content: As I previously mentioned, there’s a reason this is the most affordable option on this list. You’ll only have materials that cover Level 1 of the exam— bad news if you’re planning to take the next two levels after. 또한, they don’t offer nearly as much content as AnalystPrep’s course.
Bottom Line: If you’ve already got other certifications, Illumeo can help you earn CPE credits while preparing to take the Level 1 CFA® 시험. This is just one of the many ways it offers you a stress-free study experience!
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
Versatility: Any well-made self-study course is going to need a variety of materials for students to learn from in order to keep them motivated. Fortunately, The Princeton Review provides this versatility to all their CFA® Level I candidates. With study note-filled slideshows, several hours of video lectures, and some mock exams, there’s enough for students to work with that they won’t feel bored.
Teachers With Experience: The Princeton Review has always prided themselves for having excellent instructors who really grasp the material they teach. With their CFA® Level I exam prep course, this is no exception. The six instructors highlighted on their course page are all professionally certified and experienced CFAs®; in fact, many of them actually have several finance-related certifications under their belts!
Limited Curriculum: With so much to love about this prep course, there’s one major omission that’s cause for concern. The Princeton Review currently only offers review materials for students looking to pass Level I of their CFA® 시험. This means that any students looking to take their education and financial expertise to higher levels will need to supplement with additional courses from other companies.
Bottom Line: If you have the discipline and motivation to complete a self-study course and want to save as much time and money as possible without sacrificing quality, The Princeton Review is an excellent choice. They may not offer all the bells and whistles that other courses do, but they’re still a fantastic option and will only get better as they add updates to their test prep library!
GO TO THE PRINCETON REVIEW CFA®
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
No Final Review: There are many excellent study tools available to students who enroll in one of Bloomberg’s CFA® exam review courses. 하나, something that is conspicuously absent from all of them is a final review cram course. Although you can definitely live without it, the lack of any cram materials can leave some Bloomberg students with pre-exam anxiety.
Bottom Line: Bloomberg’s CFA® prep course provides an intuitive dashboard and adaptive learning technology.
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
Limited Live Classroom Availability: Fitch Learning’s live Classroom Review Courses are an excellent way to learn important CFA® exam concepts and test-taking strategies. 하나, their availability is extremely limited to any students who don’t live near New York or Toronto.
Bottom Line: Fitch Learning ensures students truly understand the material included in their program with the aid of expert instructors and over 120 hours of video content. And if you’re still not satisfied, they offer a forgiving return policy.
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
Bottom Line: With regular updates and instructor support, students who enroll in Kaplan Schweser’s CFA® review course can rest assured that they will receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT KAPLAN SCHWESER
Currently, the best review course for aspiring Chartered Financial Analysts can be found at AnalystPrep. This is because their team of highly qualified instructors provide a well-made and conveniently accessible curriculum of practice questions, video lectures, and mock exams.
The answer to this question will depend on your preferred learning style. If you’re interested in live instruction, Kaplan’s CFA® Level 1 study packages will be your best bet. But if you prefer learning independently through rigorous practice, AnalystPrep’s CFA® Level One Mock Exams will be your most effective resource.
Ultimately, you’re not going to be able to take the Chartered Financial Analyst exam on your own. You’ll need to have the test administered to you at a CFA® Institute-approved testing center. 하나, you can certainly study for the exam on your own with extremely positive results; just check out our list of the best CFA exam prep courses!
Still can’t decide which course is right for you? 걱정하지 마세요, I’ve got your back! I’ve created some invaluable resources for selecting the best CFA® review course. Check out my comparison articles:
Wiley vs. Kaplan CFA® 과Wiley vs. Fitch CFA®.
For information on why you should become a CFA®, click here.
And if you have any specific CFA® questions, just drop a comment below and I’ll personally help you find the right course for you!
Although you don’t need to become CFA certified to work as a financial analyst, there are several benefits to certification that make it worthwhile. 예를 들면, you can make significantly more money— CFAs earn around $90,000 a year on average2, whereas ordinary financial analysts have an average annual salary of $60,000.3
Crush the CFA® Exam requires writers support their work by using primary sources. These include the exam’s governing body, white papers, government data, and interviews with leading experts in the field. You can learn more about the standards we follow by checking out our editorial guidelines.
