The Best 9 CFP Exam Prep Courses and Materials

Taking the CFP exam can be an important step in advancing your career, so it is important to prepare for it thoroughly. Utilizing CFP exam prep materials and resources can help you better understand the scope of the test and what to expect on exam day. A self-guided study is always available, but if you want something more structured, these best CFP exam prep courses.

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What Does the CFP Exam Cover?

The CFP exam, administered by the CFP Board, is required to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). 

It consists of 170 multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge of financial planning. Questions span eight principal knowledge categories, including professional conduct standards, tax optimization and estate planning.

Taking the exam is a prerequisite to earning a CFP designation and working as a Certified Financial Planner. The exam is less focused on getting a right or wrong answer and more concerned with testing your ability to apply financial planning concepts to real-world scenarios.

These best CFP exam prep courses can help get you ready.

Data and Methodology

We identified the plan options below through exhaustive research and analysis of CFP exam prep courses for advisors. They are listed in an order that’s in direct correlation with their individual composite score based on our methodology, which includes how much the accounts typically charge in fees for the course and the class time required.

1. Pro Exam Tutors

Cost: $100-125 per hour

Pro Exam Tutors distinguishes itself with a focus on individualized coaching. Group sessions are available, too, but this program emphasizes flexibility, with one-on-one tutoring that adapts to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. This personalized structure can be especially valuable for candidates who need targeted help on specific CFP exam topics or for those who benefit from direct feedback.

The program’s tutors are often industry professionals who not only know the exam content but also understand how to simplify complex material. Their ability to break down difficult concepts into manageable lessons makes the program approachable for students who may struggle with traditional, lecture-heavy formats. This expertise provides reassurance to learners who want guidance from those who have successfully navigated the CFP process themselves.

2. College of Financial Planning (Kaplan)

Cost: $5,350 – $8,049

The College for Financial Planning is a Kaplan company well-known in the test prep space, with more than 74,000 finance professionals having successfully completed this CFP® exam prep course.

The top-tier Premium package is created for those students for prefer instructor-led study. It includes the program’s key seven courses with live online classes and access to archived sessions. You can choose to have your exam prep on-site, live online or via OnDemand Class. 

There are two other cheaper options, including the Essential and EssentialPlus plans. These offer OnDemand (EssentialPlus) and self-study (Essential) options. 

All of these programs require a hefty investment compared to some of the other best CFP exam prep courses. However, for many aspiring financial planners, it is well worth it because at the end of the day, Kaplan is a tried and true name in the industry with the results to back it up.

3. Florida Atlantic University

Cost: $850

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers a CFP exam prep program that blends academic rigor with practical training. 

As part of a well-established university, the course benefits from a structured curriculum designed to cover all areas of the CFP Board exam. Students gain a strong foundation in topics ranging from retirement planning to estate strategies, with content carefully aligned to the exam’s learning objectives.

One of FAU’s strengths is the variety of learning formats it provides. Candidates can choose between traditional classroom instruction, live online sessions or self-paced online modules. This flexibility enables students to tailor their learning experience to fit both their personal schedule and preferred study style, making the program accessible to a wide range of learners.

4. Zahn Associates

Cost: Varies by style; $595 – 695 per course for OnDemand courses

Zahn Associates is a leading provider of live CFP® study courses, whether you attend them in person or online. However, it also offers on-demand courses if you prefer self-study. You can choose from in-person or virtual classes with weekly or weekend options, depending on your preferred style of study. Classes are led by actual CFP professionals who apply classroom principles to real-world scenarios. 

There is a pre-study period before live classes begin, with Zahn recommending a 100-to-120-hour time commitment. There are two workbooks, complete with quizzes and mock exams, and a recommended study guide, as well as supplementary videos and Zahn’s Ask Instructor bulletin board.

Once you complete your classes, there is a post-study period lasting 60 to 80 hours before you take the CFP® exam. If you need more help, Zahn also offers one-on-one private tutoring for an additional fee

5. University of Wisconsin – Green Bay

Cost: $995

The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay offers a CFP exam prep program that combines the credibility of an accredited university with an emphasis on practical application. It is a live, four-day course that teaches key concepts supported by real case studies, along with study strategies and practice questions.

The curriculum is designed to cover all principal knowledge areas required by the CFP Board, while also helping students understand how to apply these concepts to real-world situations. This balance makes the program attractive to those just starting out, as well as seasoned professionals.

With its flexible structure, strong academic reputation and practical teaching methods, UW–Green Bay’s CFP exam prep program is particularly well-suited for working professionals. Students who need a program that respects their time while still delivering comprehensive preparation will find this option a dependable path to exam success.

6. Dalton Education

Cost: $1,395 to $2,395

Dalton Education offers an intensive CFP® study program that spans three phases:

• Pre-study, providing foundational knowledge with over 100 to 125 hours of study time
• Live review, with 36 hours of live instruction offered virtually or in person
• Post-study, last 40 to 60 hours and including access to office hours with an instructor and 2,800 practice exam questions, as well as mock exams that mimic the CFP® test.

Despite its 99% pass rate, Dalton offers a Guarantee to Pass bundle, which guarantees you willget a refund if you do not pass the exam. It’s exceptionally comprehensive and comes with numerous resources to help you study for the CFP exam as effectively as possible.

7. Boston Institute of Finance

Cost: $995 to $1,795

The Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) is one of the more recognized names among the best CFP exam prep courses, offering a program that has been trusted by financial professionals for years. Its long-standing presence in the field gives candidates confidence that BIF’s course materials and teaching methods are both tested and effective.

Students at BIF can choose from self-paced online courses, live online classes or a blended approach. This flexibility allows students to tailor their study plan to their schedule and preferred learning style. Many students appreciate the balance of guided instruction with the freedom to revisit materials at their own pace.

8. JR Financial Group

Cost: $1,395

JR Financial Group takes a boutique approach to CFP exam prep by emphasizing personalized coaching. 

Unlike larger programs that cater to hundreds of students at once, JR Financial Group maintains small class sizes and tailors study strategies to each candidate’s unique strengths and weaknesses. This individualized support helps students stay motivated and accountable throughout their preparation.

The program integrates practical applications into its teaching, ensuring that students not only memorize formulas and rules but also understand how to apply them in real-world client scenarios. This emphasis on connecting theory to practice not only prepares candidates for the exam but also equips them for the challenges of a career in financial planning.

9. Brett Danko Comprehensive Review

Cost: $1,270 to $2,970

The Brett Danko Education Center program is another option to consider if you prefer a live review. Three course packages are available: Signature, Comprehensive and Plus.

• The Signature Live Review package includes access to pre-study materials, 35 hours of live classroom instruction, 16 hours of online group study sessions, bonus practice exams and case studies, flashcards, course playbacks and a virtual retake exam.
• The Comprehensive package includes six additional quizzes and six additional case studies, plus access to Signature Calls with 16 hours of online group sessions..
• The Plus Live Review option includes 12 additional quizzes, nine additional case studies and 20 to 25 hours of recordings of pre-study class materials presented by instructors.

Lunch is provided for the first three days, regardless of which package you choose. As with the other CFP® exam prep courses listed here, students are expected to complete a pre-study and post-study period prior to taking the exam.

5 Tips to Help You Study for the CFP Exam

The CFP Board offers some tips and strategies to help you prepare for the CFP® exam, including these best ways to prepare.:

• Develop a study plan leading up to the exam that allows you to cover all areas of the test in the timeframe you have allowed yourself.
• Make time to study consistently on a weekly basis and include exam prep as part of your regular routine.
• Ask for support as needed to maintain your study routine and ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the exam.
• Take advantage of CFP® exam prep materials, including courses, workbooks, practice tests and flashcards.
• Practice good self-care to maintain your physical, mental and emotional health during the study period.

Forming a study group or finding a study buddy may also be helpful if you have a similar study style. You can divide up study tasks or quiz one another to test your knowledge. 

If you would rather study alone, consider asking someone to be an accountability partner to help track your progress.

Bottom Line

Taking the CFP® exam can be intimidating, but it is a necessary step if you want to pursue a job in the financial planning industry. Comparing the best CFP® exam prep courses and study materials can help you put together a plan so that you can approach the test with confidence. This can make all the difference in not only passing the exam but also ensuring you become the best financial advisor possible for your future clients.

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