Wiley vs Kaplan Schweser CFA: The Definitive Comparison Guide

CFA test prep courses can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to wade through page after page of super-dense text provided by the CFA Institute. This is why taking a CFA study course is such a massive predictor of exam success.

But which CFA prep course is better? Two great options are Wiley Efficient Learning CFA and Kaplan Schweser CFA Review. But of course, the answer to the question is subjective since both offerings are solid CFA exam prep options.

To help you decide, let’s evaluate each course’s platform, value, and other important features.

Once you’ve read the comparison, you can also read the full, individual breakdown of both Wiley CFA® and Kaplan Schweser CFA®.

Summary of Course Features

 Let’s compare the features of Wiley Essential Learning CFA and Kaplan Schweser CFA below:

	Kaplan Schweser CFA	Wiley CFA
Video Lectures
Manageable Lessons
Study Notes
Practice Questions
Flashcards
Formula Sheets
11th Hour Final Review
Performance Tracker
Score Predictor
Mock Exams with Simulator
Diagnostic Exam
Live Review Workshop
Instructor Support
Community Access (Forums)
Adequate Pass Guarantee	(Limited)

How does Wiley’s platform compare with Kaplan Schweser’s technology?

Both Wiley and Kaplan Schweser provide tech-based options that open up opportunities for their students.

Wiley was the 2021 SIIA CODiE award winner for the best adaptive-learning platform. Their CFA review materials are geared toward your learning style. This helps you retain more when studying and build confidence leading to success.

Wiley’s main selling point is that their platform offers bite-sized lessons that can be taken in 30-40 minutes. This is a great time-saver, especially since each is broken down into sections, allowing you to focus on the topics you really need help with.

Where Wiley is leading with content, Kaplan is leading with platform options. Mobile is the new frontier for education and most students like being able to access their materials on a tablet or phone. Both Wiley and Kaplan recognize this, but only one offers a truly intuitive mobile experience.

With Kaplan’s CFA prep course, you can access all of their material no matter where you are. Additionally, they provide supplementary features to help you manage your time and track your performance. Wiley attempted to offer something similarly impressive, but it just doesn’t compare. So, you’ll want to stick to Kaplan if you want to learn on your phone!

How does Wiley’s CFA video compare with Kaplan Schweser’s?

Both providers offer live online instruction in the form of virtual classes. They also offer on-demand video lectures. However, it’s important to note that Kaplan Schweser only includes video lectures in their top-tier PremiumPlus Package. On the other hand, Wiley offers video lessons in their platinum and gold courses.

Feedback from CFA candidates who have taken advantage of both prep courses finds value in both options when preparing for the CFA. However, there seems to be a clear contender regarding video lectures, and that is Wiley.

Wiley’s videos are broken down a lot better, and they offer double the number of video hours that Kaplan does. So, if you choose Wiley vs Kaplan Schweser CFA review, you’ll get 90+ hours of video lectures (for CFA Level I or II) instead of 40. If you’re studying for the CFA Level III exam, Wiley provides 50+ hours of video. Their instructors are also a hit!

It’s important to note that Kaplan Schweser does offer audio notes that students seem to like. This isn’t something that is focused on by Wiley.

Does Wiley have a better question bank and resources?

Question banks are one of the most important study materials that candidates are looking for in an online class. Regardless of learning styles, candidates need lots of practice with CFA material to be ready for exam day. This is especially true for CFA Level I test takers since the material is heavily repetitive.

When it comes to CFA question banks, both of these prep providers have around the same number of questions available, offering thousands for each level.

The key difference seems to be that Kaplan Schweser’s bank seems to cover more foundationally, giving candidates a solid understanding of the core information provided by the CFA Institute.

Wiley’s bank offers more rigorous questions that better mimic the actual CFA exam. Their lessons are also targeted. For this reason, candidates who choose the Wiley CFA review seem to be better prepared during their exam sitting.

When it comes to other study resources, Kaplan’s SchweserNotes are another great add-on. This 5-volume set breaks down the CFA Program curriculum and is excellent for self-study. While both offer flashcards that help you prepare for your exam date using CFA curriculum materials, Wiley’s is a cut above.

This brings us to an important feature: practice exams.

One area where Kaplan really stands out over Wiley CFA Platinum is the number of practice exams provided. They offer four mock exams compared to the two exams that Wiley provides. This is a legitimate reason to stick with Kaplan for candidates who want a lot of extra practice.

But more doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily better. CFA candidates who have explored both programs tend to agree that Wiley’s mock exams are the closest thing to the real test offered by the CFA Institute. This makes them tougher and more difficult to pass. However, it also makes you more prepared.

So, if you want to self-study with lots of questions, Kaplan may be your best bet. If you want to be better prepared for what your exam day will feel like, Wiley is a better exam prep provider.

Go To Wiley

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Does Kaplan Schweser have better value?

Kaplan is a well-known name in the test prep world, and for good reason. They’ve been offering study tools for many years, bringing a lot of value to their offerings. But of course, this comes with a trade-off, usually in the form of a higher price tag.

Surprisingly, CFA prep price points between both Kaplan Schweser study materials and Wiley courses run neck and neck.

Here’s a pricing overview for both Kaplan Schweser and Wiley prep courses:

Kaplan Schweser	Wiley Efficient Learning
PremiumPlus Package   $1299 – $1598	Wiley CFA Platinum Course  $1395
Premium Package $999	Wiley CFA Gold Course                           $995
Essential Package $699	Wiley CFA Self-Study Course $645

It’s important to note that both offer CFA free trials. Kaplan offers one week, while Wiley will let you test drive their CFA materials for 14 days. If you decide you want to commit, Wiley also offers 0% financing for up to a year for those who qualify.

You could save a couple of dollars by going with one or the other (the leading prep provider depends on the course you choose.) However, we recommend you make your decision based on other factors since there isn’t much of a difference in price tag.

One said factor is access. Wiley CFA Review offers access to materials and updates until you pass, while Kaplan only allows you a year.

Another thing Wiley does have that Kaplan doesn’t regarding value is a solid guarantee. Kaplan does offer one free subscription round if you fail, but the better deal is Wiley. Their pass guarantee has no exceptions and no terms and conditions.

Go To Kaplan Schweser

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Does Wiley have better support?

When it comes to support, Kaplan Schweser definitely has a better reputation. In the past, some CFA candidates have complained that Wiley’s support was lacking. Kaplan has always been known for the superior way they handle customer needs.

This is something that Wiley seems committed to fixing though. Their Ask and Instructor Feature is another great offering as it provides answer explanations to tough CFA questions that candidates want to know. They’ve also hired a live support team that can answer customer calls and concerns. Still, the information on how and who to call isn’t as readily available as Kaplan’s is.

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. They also have a great Youtube channel with a lot of helpful information. This is a huge benefit over Wiley.

Both have places to get CFA questions answered in terms of community support, but the Kaplan Schweser community forum does seem a little more useful.

So, if you’re a student who is prone to tech issues or tend to need extra help, Kaplan CFA is the way to go.

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Final Review

So, which course is better? Wiley has some real benefits, like their video content and rigorous test questions. Kaplan steals the show with their notes, audio offerings, and student support.

Here’s a final recap:

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 complex concepts. Thanks to the 30-minute lessons and top-notch videos, you’ll make it through the lengthy studying periods without wanting to quit or pack it in for good.

Wiley is reasonably priced, has lots of test questions, and offers mock exams that are like the real deal. Not only do they have great financing options, but they’ll also let you take a two-week test run and guarantee you’ll pass the CFA with their course. In addition, you’ll have updated access until you do.

When it comes to access and guarantees, Wiley wins, without a doubt. You just can’t beat their access until you pass promise. Kaplan is the champion when it comes to support, offering several different types of assistance for candidates as they prepare for their CFA exams.

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, we suggest checking out both of their free demos to see which course fits your learning style.