Best CFA® Study Materials & Prep Courses [Updated 2026]

The CFA® exam is no joke. With pass rates that regularly hover below 50%, you can’t afford to rely on average prep. 

Not all courses are built the same. Some focus heavily on video lectures. Others prioritize massive question banks or adaptive practice tools. The problem is figuring out which approach actually works for how you learn.

As an exam prep reviewer, I tested popular CFA® study providers to see what lives up to the hype and what falls short. In this breakdown, I’ll walk you through what each course includes, who it’s best for, and what my real experience was using the materials.

Best CFA® Prep Courses at a Glance

• Best Overall: UWorld
• Best for Exam-Level Practice: AnalystPrep
• Best for Structured Study Plans: Kaplan Schweser
• Best for Technology & Analytics: Bloomberg
• Best for Independent Learners: Mark Meldrum
• Best for Affordable Self-Paced Study: Salt Solutions
• Best for Live Instruction: Chalk & Board

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1. UWorld: Best CFA® Review Course Overall

UWorld is built around its question bank. The layout pushes you into practice right away instead of long reading sessions. I started with a mixed quiz, and that’s where it stands out.

I thought the explanations clearly broke down why each answer choice is right or wrong. Many include charts or step-by-step math, so it feels more like a worked example than a quick answer key. It can feel dense at times, especially if you prefer short summaries, but that depth is what makes it strong. The digital study guides follow the CFA® curriculum and connect directly to the questions, though they act more as support than the main driver.

I loved how the mock exams match real timing and format closely and feel more serious than many competitors.

This is best for students who want detailed explanations, realistic mock exams, and strong performance tracking, not just high question volume.

Check out my full UWorld CFA prep review for more details or continue reading.

Course Ratings Table

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Package Options

• Core: QBank, digital study guides, one mock exam, performance tracking, study planner, flashcards, and formula summaries.
  Best for students who want a question-first, self-paced setup.
• Advanced: Everything in Core plus expert-led video lessons and one additional mock exam.
  Best for students who want video instruction layered onto practice.
• Elite: All digital tools, printed study guides, up to five mock exams, structured review sessions, and live support access.
  Best for students who want maximum simulation and full resource access.

Package Perks

• QBank with detailed rationales
• 1–5 full-length mock exams
• Digital study guides (LOS-aligned)
• Printed study guides (Elite)
• Performance analytics dashboard
• Study planner
• Digital flashcards
• SimpleSheets+ formula summaries

Pros

Detailed Explanations: Questions include clear, step-by-step reasoning tied to learning outcomes.
Strong Mock Quality: Simulations reflect timing and interface expectations.
Clear Performance Tracking: Analytics highlight weak areas quickly.
Consistent Structure Across Levels: Materials remain aligned from Level I through Level III.
Access Until You Pass: StudyPass extends access in full packages.

Cons

Video Starts at Advanced: Core does not include lecture support.

Bottom Line: Should You Choose UWorld?

If you learn best by working through problems and really understanding why answers are right or wrong, UWorld makes a lot of sense. The explanations are thorough, and the mock exams feel close to what you’ll see on test day. The main downside is that the full video experience requires a higher tier. It’s a strong fit for candidates who want detailed breakdowns and steady performance tracking, not just condensed notes to skim.

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2. AnalystPrep: Best for Exam-Level Practice Volume

AnalystPrep feels built for drilling. The question bank is the main focus, especially at Level I, with 3,000+ practice questions you can filter by topic and difficulty. I focused mostly on mixed quizzes to test the wording, and it tracks closely with standard CFA® phrasing. The explanations are clear, but they’re shorter and more direct than UWorld’s.

At Level II, the structure shifts into vignette-style item sets with four to six questions tied to one case. That format adjustment matters, and the layout reflects it well. Mock exams are offered in CBT format and printable PDFs, which gives flexibility. The analytics and answer breakdowns just aren’t as detailed as UWorld’s.

Study notes follow every Learning Outcome Statement, and video lessons are available in higher tiers. This is about volume and repetition. If UWorld teaches through depth, AnalystPrep strengthens through frequency.

Read my full review of AnalystPrep CFA prep for more analysis.

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Package Options

• Practice: 3,000+ practice questions, 5 full-length mock exams, performance analytics dashboard, desktop + tablet access.
  Best for students who want question-focused drilling.
• Learn + Practice: Everything in Practice plus study notes, 50+ hours of video lessons, downloadable formula sheets, and live chat with CFA® instructors.
  Best for students who want structured content with practice.
• Unlimited: Lifetime access across Levels I, II, and III, full question bank, video lessons, unlimited Ask-A-Tutor questions, and future curriculum updates included.
  Best for students who want long-term access across all levels.

Package Perks

• 3,000+ Level I practice questions
• Vignette-style Level II item sets
• CBT-format mock exams
• Printable PDF mock exams
• Study notes covering every LOS
• 50+ hours of video lessons
• Performance analytics dashboard
• Ask-A-Tutor access

Pros

High Question Volume: Thousands of practice questions across levels.
Level II Format Alignment: Item sets mirror the real vignette structure.
Flexible Mock Formats: Practice in CBT or printable PDF format.
LOS-Tracked Notes: Study notes follow official learning outcomes.
Lifetime Access Option: Unlimited package covers all three levels.

Cons

Straightforward Explanations: Less layered than more visual platforms.
Mock Volume Varies: Level II includes fewer full-length exams.
Basic Interface: Functional, but not highly advanced.
Live Support Requires Upgrade: Instructor chat starts in higher packages.

Bottom Line: Should You Choose AnalystPrep?

If you want a lot of practice questions and steady drilling, this one delivers. The Level II format feels close to the real exam, and the mock options give flexibility. But the platform is better for repetition than full concept development. It makes the most sense for students who already know the material and mainly want volume, not for those who want the most complete prep experience.

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3. Kaplan Schweser: Best for Structured Study Materials

Kaplan Schweser’s materials feel built around a reading framework first and practice second. I spent time inside SchweserNotes™ before touching the QBank, and it’s clear the notes are the anchor. They condense the CFA® curriculum into organized volumes that move topic by topic without drifting. It’s more structured than AnalystPrep, but not as drill-heavy.

Once I shifted into the SchweserPro™ QBank, the system tied everything back to those notes. You can build custom quizzes, track performance by topic area, and benchmark against other candidates. The explanations are shorter and more direct than AnalystPrep’s.

The materials emphasize clarity and repetition. The tradeoff is that explanations stay concise rather than being deeply analytical.

See how Kaplan compares to UWorld CFA prep or read this detailed review of Kaplan CFA courses.

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Package Options

• Basic: Online tools, QBank, two mock exams, Checkpoint Exams, Masterclass OnDemand, QuickSheet, and performance tracking.
  Best for students who want digital study tools.
• Essential: Adds SchweserNotes™ (eBook) and expanded mock access.
  Best for students who want structured notes with practice.
• Premium: Includes print + digital notes, Secret Sauce, six mock exams, and review workshop access.
  Best for students who want high mock volume and condensed review tools.
• Ultimate: Adds print flashcards, audio notes, InstructorLink access, and expanded live options.
  Best for students who want every format available.

Package Perks

• SchweserNotes™ (print and digital, depending on tier)
• SchweserPro™ QBank
• 2–6 full-length mock exams
• 3 Checkpoint Exams
• QuickSheet formula reference
• Secret Sauce summaries (upper tiers)
• Performance Tracker
• PassProtection™ Guarantee

Pros

Condensed Study Notes: SchweserNotes™ simplifies the curriculum into organized volumes.
Strong Mock Structure: Multiple full-length exams plus Checkpoint Exams.
Clear Progress Tracking: Benchmarking tools show where you stand.
Multiple Formats: Print, digital, and audio options available.

Cons

Shorter Explanations: QBank answers are concise rather than deeply detailed.
Print In Higher Packages: Physical books are not in the base option.
Reading-First Approach: May not suit heavy question-first learners.
Premium Pricing: Full access increases overall cost.

Bottom Line: Is Kaplan Right For You?

Kaplan is a good fit if you like structure. The notes are organized, the progress checkpoints are clear, and the CFA mock exams feel serious. The explanations are shorter than some competitors’, but the system is steady and reliable. If you want a defined path to follow, this one makes sense.

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4. Mark Meldrum: Best for Depth and Concept Breakdown

Mark Meldrum’s materials are built around full LOS-by-LOS instruction. The lecture videos follow the CFA®  curriculum line by line, and that structure carries into the reading videos, end-of-chapter walkthroughs, and seminar content. Instead of condensed summaries like Kaplan, the material leans into full conceptual development.

The question bank includes thousands of CFA®-style questions with a quiz builder that allows targeted practice. End-of-chapter question videos walk through solutions step-by-step, which adds reinforcement beyond static explanations, though the platform itself feels less structured and streamlined than Kaplan’s organized note system.

PDF lecture notes and formula sheets supplement the videos, and archive access extends for three years after subscription ends. The overall approach prioritizes deep understanding over condensed organization.

Course Ratings Table

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Package Options

• Self-Study: Lecture videos, reading videos, seminar videos, question bank, mock exams, PDF notes, formula sheet, performance stats, and archive access.
  Best for students who want full content depth without live instruction.
• Self-Study + Applied Analysis / Applied Asset Management: Everything in Self-Study plus applied modules and instructor comments.
  Best for students who want practical application layered onto core material.
• Instructor-Led Online: Core materials plus live classes, weekly updates, mentor hours, and extended instructor comments.
  Best for students who want structured oversight and direct interaction.
• Instructor-Led Online + Applied Analysis: Includes live instruction, applied modules, mentor hours, and extended instructor access.
  Best for students who want the most guided format available.

Package Perks

• LOS-by-LOS lecture videos
• Reading videos
• End-of-chapter solution walkthrough videos
• Seminar videos
• Full-length mock exams
• Question bank with quiz builder
• Lecture PDF notes

Pros

Deep Curriculum Coverage: Videos walk through topics in full detail.
Strong Reinforcement: Solution videos explain answers step by step.
Full Mock Exams: Realistic exam-style simulations included.
Long Access Window: Archive remains available for three years.

Cons

Video-Heavy Format: Requires more time commitment.
Basic Interface Design: Functional but not highly modern.
Higher Cost For Live Options: Instructor-led tiers are more expensive.
Fewer Quick-Summary Tools: Focuses more on depth than condensed review.

Bottom Line: Should You Choose Mark Meldrum?

If you want deep explanations and full walkthroughs, this is strong. The videos go topic by topic without skipping steps, and the teaching is thorough. But it is not the most efficient or streamlined option. This works best if you want depth first and are willing to spend more time getting through the material.

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5. Bloomberg (Bloom Prep): Best for Adaptive Technology

Bloom’s material is structured around short micro-lessons instead of long lectures or dense notes. I moved through several in a row, and everything is broken into compact segments tied directly to the CFA®  curriculum. After each lesson, it pushes you straight into adaptive practice, which is clearly the core of the platform.

The question bank is large, with up to 10,000 questions and more than the other options. Weaker areas resurface automatically based on performance. Mock exams go up to 10 full simulations in higher tiers and follow the CBT format cleanly. The explanations are more streamlined than Mark Meldrum’s and don’t go as deep conceptually.

The adaptive engine is strong, but it’s more about smart repetition than heavy conceptual breakdown.

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Package Options

• Essential: All micro-lessons, adaptive question bank, simulation exams, performance dashboard, 100% money-back guarantee.
  Best for students who want full adaptive tools.
• Premium: Everything in Essential plus 20 Ask-a-Tutor questions.
  Best for students who want limited instructor clarification.
• Ultimate: Everything in Premium plus 100 Ask-a-Tutor questions and expanded tutor interaction.
  Best for students who want ongoing expert access.
• Endurance: Four-year access, full content, four exams.
  Best for students who want long-term access.
• Sprint: Five-week access, full content, four exams.
  Best for final review.

Package Perks

• Micro-lesson curriculum coverage
• Adaptive learning engine
• Up to 10,000 practice questions
• Up to 10 full-length simulation exams
• Ask-A-Tutor messaging system
• One-on-one tutoring (upper tiers)
• Performance tracking dashboard
• 100% money-back guarantee

Pros

Adaptive Learning Engine: Weak areas resurface automatically.
High Question Volume: Large practice bank across levels.
Micro-Lesson Format: Short segments are easy to move through.
Strong Technology: Clean interface with smart tracking tools.

Cons

Shorter Explanations: Less detailed than walkthrough-style platforms.
Fast Pace: Micro-lessons may feel brief for complex topics.
Higher Pricing at Top Tier: Upper packages increase cost.
Tech-Heavy Feel: May not suit traditional note-based learners.

Bottom Line: Should You Choose Bloom Prep?

Bloom is a good fit if you like fast lessons and smart tracking. The platform keeps practice focused, and the adaptive system is one of its best features. The downside is that the content can feel a little too streamlined for complex topics. If you want tech-driven efficiency, this works well. If you want stronger teaching depth, there are better options.

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6. Salt Solutions: Best for Structured Weekly Study Tracking

Salt Solutions study materials are built around short, 10–15-minute lessons rather than long lecture blocks. I worked through a Level I section, and everything is segmented into manageable assignments followed by concept checks and practice questions. It’s clearly designed for steady daily progress instead of marathon study sessions.

The platform includes mock exams modeled after the real CFA® format, a question bank with a custom quiz builder, video and written solutions, and a Focus Analysis tool. What stood out most was the CheckPoints dashboard. It assigns weekly goals and recalibrates if you fall behind. It’s more guided than Bloom, but not as tech-driven.

The structure feels organized, though it doesn’t have the same question volume as larger providers.

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Package Options

Salt provides full Level I, II, and III materials, including mock exams, question bank access, video lessons, manuals, concept-checking assignments, Focus Analysis, and CheckPoints tools.
Best for students who want structured pacing built in.

Package Perks

• 10–15 minute video lessons
• Mock exams modeled afterthe  real format
• Question bank with custom quiz builder
• Focus Analysis tool
• CheckPoints weekly pacing dashboard
• Discussion boards per question
• Video and written explanations
• Dedicated support team

Pros

Short Lesson Blocks: Easy to fit into a daily schedule.
Built-In Weekly Tracking: CheckPoints keeps you on pace.

Cons

Fewer Mock Exams: Lower simulation volume than larger providers.
Less Robust Overall: Lighter platform depth than stronger competitors.
Less Condensed Notes: Not as streamlined as Kaplan.
Structured Flow: Helpful for some, but not a major advantage for everyone.
Smaller Brand Presence: Less established than bigger names in the space.

Bottom Line: Should You Choose Salt Solutions?

Salt is strong if you want structure built into your week. The pacing system helps you stay on track without guessing what to study next. It’s less about massive question volume and more about steady progress. If you like guided accountability, this makes sense.

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7. Chalk & Board: Best for Personalized Instructor Support

Chalk & Board is centered on its instructor. It’s not built around a huge question bank or tech tools. The core includes recorded lectures, three mock exams, and detailed answer keys. Compared to Salt, it feels less platform-driven and more instructor-led.

The lectures are on demand, and everything ties back to Nathan’s “Must Knows” notebook. If you upgrade, you build a study plan directly with him and get bi-weekly check-ins. You can message him with curriculum questions.

The difference is scale. You’re not getting thousands of practice questions or heavy analytics like the bigger providers. It’s smaller, more personal, and more dependent on one teaching style. If you want hands-on guidance instead of a large self-study system, that’s what this is.

Course Ratings Table

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Package Options

• Essential: Recorded lectures, unlimited viewing, forum access, three mock exams with answer keys, and multi-year access.
  Best for students who want lecture-based material.
• Premium: Recorded lectures, three mock exams, pass protection, multi-year access.
  Best for students who want full lecture and mock access.
• Upgrade: Personalized Service Model: Study plan session, progress monitoring, Nathan’s Notebook, direct instructor access, bi-weekly updates.
  Best for students who want one-on-one support.

Package Perks

• Recorded lecture library
• Nathan’s “Must Knows” notebook
• Three full mock exams with detailed answer keys
• Personalized study plan (upgrade)
• Bi-weekly progress monitoring
• Direct instructor access
• Forum access
• Multi-year content access

Pros

Direct Instructor Access: Communicate directly with Nathan.
Personalized Study Plan: Built around your exam timeline.
Concept-Focused Teaching: Strong emphasis on understanding.
High Support Level: Ongoing check-ins available.

Cons

Lower Mock Volume: Only three full-length simulations.
Smaller Question Bank: Not built for heavy drilling.
Basic Technology: Less automated than larger platforms.
Instructor-Centered Model: Experience depends on one teaching style.

Bottom Line: Should You Choose Chalk & Board?

Chalk & Board makes the most sense if you know you need personal guidance and accountability. But if you are mainly looking for the strongest overall CFA® study platform, this is a weaker value than bigger providers like UWorld, Kaplan, or AnalystPrep. It’s more specialized, more limited, and not the best fit for most self-directed students.

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Other CFA® Exam Supplements To Consider

These are a few solid add-on options if you don’t need a full prep course but still want some extra support. They’re more supplemental than all-in-one, so they work best for candidates who just need targeted help, extra practice, or a lighter layer of reinforcement instead of a complete study system.

1. FinQuiz (Notes, Visual Summaries)
2. MyGuru (Expert Tutoring)
3. Quintedge (Video Content)
4. CFA® Institute (Mock Exams)
5. Varsity Tutors (1-on-1 Tutoring)

Head-to-Head: How The Courses Differ Close Up

UWorld vs. AnalystPrep

Both focus on practice, but the approach is different. UWorld prioritizes explanation depth and realism, with up to five full mock exams and detailed answer walkthroughs. AnalystPrep leans into scale, offering 3,000+ Level I questions and five mocks, but with more straightforward explanations and lighter analytics.

Bottom line:
Choose UWorld if you want deeper breakdowns and more realistic exam simulations.
Choose AnalystPrep if you want maximum volume and nonstop drilling.

Kaplan vs. Bloom

Kaplan is structured and note-driven, with up to six full mock exams plus three Checkpoint Exams. Bloom is tech-forward, offering up to 10,000 questions and as many as 10 adaptive mock simulations. Kaplan feels organized and steady. Bloom feels fast and algorithm-powered.

Bottom line:
Choose Kaplan if you want a clear study path and staged progress checks.
Choose Bloom if you want adaptive practice and high question volume.

UWorld vs. Salt Solutions

UWorld focuses on detailed explanations and up to five full-length mocks that closely mirror the real exam. Salt centers on pacing, with 10–15 minute lessons and built-in weekly CheckPoints. UWorld feels intense and performance-driven. Salt feels guided and schedule-focused.

Bottom line:
Choose UWorld if you want depth and strong tracking tools.

Choose Salt if you want a built-in structure and weekly accountability.

AnalystPrep vs. Chalk & Board

AnalystPrep delivers 3,000+ Level I questions and five full mock exams. Chalk & Board includes three mocks and emphasizes instructor access over large-scale drilling. One is about repetition and scale. The other is about mentorship and direct support.

Bottom line:
Choose AnalystPrep if you want heavy question practice.
Choose Chalk & Board if you want personal guidance and live support.

Kaplan vs. Mark Meldrum

Kaplan condenses the curriculum into structured SchweserNotes™ and includes up to six mocks. Mark Meldrum goes deeper, with LOS-by-LOS lectures and detailed solution walkthroughs. Kaplan feels streamlined. Mark Meldrum feels thorough and more time-intensive.

Bottom line:
Choose Kaplan if you want organized notes and efficient review.
Choose Mark Meldrum if you want deeper concept mastery.

How I Tested and Rated Each Course

I began each course the same way: starting with the core lessons, moving into the question bank, and finishing with full mock exams. As I worked through them, I tracked how each platform performed in the areas that actually matter during prep.

Some categories carried more weight in my scoring, especially question quality, mock exam realism, answer explanation depth, and how well the course handled calculation-heavy material. Those factors have a bigger impact when you’re studying, so they influenced the final ratings more heavily. Each score came from hands-on use and direct comparison across platforms.

Rating Criteria Table

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My Final Thoughts

CFA® materials matter more than most people expect. The exam is long, technical, and detail-heavy, so you need resources that actually prepare you for that level of pressure. The right prep can make the difference between feeling lost halfway through and feeling steady going in.

UWorld ended up first because it felt the most complete overall. The questions were realistic, the explanations were strong without being overwhelming, and the mock exams felt close to the real thing. Nothing felt like a weak spot.

That said, AnalystPrep is great if you want heavy question volume, and Kaplan makes sense if you prefer structured notes and a clear study path. It really comes down to how you like to study.

FAQ