The 10 CFA Exam Prep Courses and Books to Consider

Becoming a chartered financial analyst means first passing the CFA exam. It’s not uncommon to spend 300 hours or more studying for each of the three levels of the exam, meaning you’re looking at a total investment of 900+ hours to prepare. If you’re going to be spending that much time studying, it’s important to choose CFA exam prep courses and materials that can help you achieve the results you’re seeking.

SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform offers financial advisors services like client lead generation, automated marketing and more. Learn about SmartAsset AMP today.

1. AnalystPrep

AnalystPrep has built a strong reputation among CFA candidates for offering an affordable yet thorough exam prep solution. The platform combines a wide library of practice questions, mock exams, customizable quizzes and study notes, packaged into individual learning modules for Levels I, II and III of the CFA exam. 

You can purchase modules separately or packaged together, with the option to pay a yearly fee or a one-time fee to gain lifetime access. Compared to the cost of other CFA exam prep courses, AnalystPrep is an affordable option. You can sign up for free to access 150+ exam questions covering each level of study. 

One of the standout features of AnalystPrep is its adaptive learning technology. The platform tracks your performance and adjusts question sets accordingly, helping you focus on weak areas without wasting time on concepts you’ve already mastered. This personalization makes studying more efficient and keeps you on track as the exam approaches.

Pricing: Starting at $349 annually

2. UWorld (Wiley)

UWorld, formerly Wiley, is another leader in CFA exam prep that offers multiple course packages. For each level of the exam, you can choose from Core, Advanced or Elite courses that progressively offer a broader range of benefits and features. If you’d like to get the most comprehensive study experience, Elite courses include access to:

• An extensive library of mock exam questions (QBank)
• Study guides
• Performance tracking and analytics
• Expert-led video lectures
• ReadyDeck flashcards
• Live Q&A (ExpertConnect)
• Intensive review bootcamp

The Elite package also includes StudyPass, which ensures you have access to all course materials until you successfully complete your exam.  

If you’re concerned about cost, UWorld offers affordable solutions. 

• FlexiPay allows you to finance your courses in 3, 6 or 12 fixed monthly installments at competitive interest rates, with no hidden fees. This program is offered in partnership with Affirm. 
• FreshStart offers a 50% discount on pricing if you’ve spent $399 or more on another CFA exam prep course but have yet to pass your certification exams.

UWorld periodically offers discounts on Advanced and Elite study packages. For example, you may qualify for 15% off the regular purchase price when you apply UWorld’s code at checkout.

Pricing: $399 to $999

3.Salt Solutions

Salt Solutions offers a modern, practical take on exam preparation. The platform focuses on real-world applications of CFA concepts, giving learners not only the technical knowledge to succeed on test day but also the confidence to see how these skills translate into finance careers. This approach makes the material more relatable and easier to retain.

The platform uses a two-stage approach to help students prepare for exam day.

• In stage one, you acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding of core CFA concepts, topics and terms. 
• Stage two is the application stage, in which you practice the knowledge you’ve gained. 

Throughout each stage, you’ll have access to 

robust practice tools, including quizzes, mock exams, and spaced-repetition flashcards. The system emphasizes regular feedback, so candidates can monitor their progress and stay accountable to their study goals. This focus on continuous practice mirrors the structure of the actual CFA exam, helping candidates build stamina and confidence.

Pricing: $169 to $749

4. Chalk & Board

Chalk & Board offers CFA exam prep courses spanning all three levels of the exam. The program was designed by Nathan Ronen, a CFA with 30 years of experience. Course-takers get access to:

• Personalized study plans
• Bi-weekly progress updates to help you stay accountable and on-track
• Mock exams
• One-on-one support with Nathan
• Nathan’s Notebook, which includes must-know information about the CFA exam, drawn from Nathan’s experience

Students can purchase mock exams by themselves, or choose from one of three learning packages. Essential has everything you need to prepare for a single level of the CFA exam, while Premium includes two mock exams. The Pass Protection Package offers multi-year access to study materials for all three exam levels at one price.

Pricing: $70 per mock exam; packages starting at $280

5. Mark Meldrum (CeriFi)

Mark Meldrum has become one of the most recognizable names in CFA prep, and his courses—now part of CeriFi—are known for their clarity and depth. Meldrum’s teaching style emphasizes breaking down complex material into digestible lessons, helping candidates grasp even the most intimidating topics in the curriculum. His reputation as a trusted CFA educator adds an extra layer of credibility to the program.

Study packages are available for all three levels of the CFA exam, and you can choose from four package options:

• Self-study
• Self-study + applied analysis
• Instructor-led online
• Instructor-led online + applied analysis

Instructor-led packages offer access to interactive live classes, weekly update videos and mentoring hours. You may choose one of these packages in lieu of self-study if you would prefer to have an expert guide you through each phase of your study plan. A free trial is available that offers insight into how the exam prep works at each level. 

Because the course is fully online, candidates can tailor their study schedules to fit their personal and professional lives. The ability to learn at your own pace while still benefiting from Meldrum’s expert instruction makes this program a strong choice for busy professionals balancing exam prep with work.

Pricing: $399 to $1,575

6. IFT

IFT is best known for its straightforward teaching style that simplifies complex CFA concepts. The founder, Arif Irfanullah, has built a reputation for breaking down the curriculum into clear explanations that resonate with candidates who may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material. This clarity makes IFT a go-to resource for first-time test takers and repeat candidates alike.

At each exam level, you’ll have access to:

• 90+ hours of video instruction
• Detailed question banks
• Mock exams
• Live classes
• Topic tests

One of IFT’s standout qualities is its affordability compared to other CFA prep providers, and your ability to build a curriculum that fits your needs and budget.If you’d like to explore the benefits before you commit, you can start your studies at any exam level for free. There’s no credit card required to get free access and it’s good until the end of the year in which you sign up.

Pricing: Starting at $199 for Level I Basic Package

7. Princeton Review

The Princeton Review offers CFA exam prep for Levels I, II and III of the exam with a uniquemoney-back guarantee. If you don’t pass the CFA exam after completing either study program, you can get your course fees refunded.

The Essential Course is offered on-demand and includes 3,150+ practice questions with solutions, 50+ hours of video lectures, four mock exams, 900 slides of study notes and key definition flashcards. All of the material covers the 10 study areas included in the Level I exam.

If you’d like live instruction, you can choose the Ultimate Course instead. This course package comes with everything you’d get with the Essential Course, along with live classes and the option to ask your professor questions one-on-one. All live instructors are CFA charterholders, university professors and/or experienced financial professionals.

Pricing: Starting at $999 for Level I Ultimate Course

8. Kaplan Schweser

Kaplan Schweser offers some of the most popular CFA prep courses on the market. There are  packages to choose from: Basic, Essential, Premium and Ultimate.

The Ultimate Package is the most expensive, but it’s also the most comprehensive. Students have access to:

• Live online masterclasses
• SchweserNotes and QuickSheet study aids
• Digital and printed flashcards
• Live online review workshops
• Review workshop workbooks
• Mock exams
• Question banks
• Schweser’s Secret Sauce, which offers tips and strategies for passing the CFA exam
• CFA Institute question review videos
• Print, digital and audio study notes

You’ll also have access to a performance feed and study tracker, so you can monitor your progress and adjust your study plan based on your needs. Schweser’s Pass Protection ensures that if you don’t pass on exam day, your next study package is free. 

Pricing: $429 to $1,599

9. Bloomberg CFA Exam Prep

Bloomberg’s CFA Exam Prep program leverages the credibility of one of the most recognized names in finance. With Bloomberg’s established reputation for financial data and insights, candidates can feel confident that the prep materials are grounded in real-world expertise and designed to meet the demands of a competitive exam.

Learning packages include:

• Micro-lessons covering the entire CFA exam curriculum
• Up to 10 simulation exams
• 10,000 practice questions

One-on-one tutoring is available from CFA charterholders if you need a helping hand with studying. Bloomberg uses artificial intelligence (AI) software to analyze your study progress and assess your performance. The more you study, the more customized the analysis becomes.

Bloomberg’s platform is designed for busy professionals, offering both desktop and mobile access. The ability to study on the go, combined with customizable study plans, allows candidates to fit preparation around their personal and professional schedules without losing consistency.

Pricing: $699 to $1,999; free trial available

10. Fitch Learning

Fitch Learning is a long-standing name in professional finance training, and its CFA prep program reflects that legacy. With decades of experience teaching finance professionals, the provider offers a level of credibility and structure that appeals to serious candidates seeking a proven path to success.

One of Fitch Learning’s strengths is its variety of study formats. You can attend in-person classes taught by global CFA faculty, or take advantage of Fitch’s adaptive digital learning platform. In-person courses are taught on weekdays, weekends and evenings, while online learning offers guided instruction at your pace.

Fitch Learning also provides tailored support, including access to instructors for Q&A and performance tracking to monitor progress. This individualized guidance helps ensure that candidates not only understand the material but also know how to strategically allocate their study time. If you completed CFA exam prep courses elsewhere but were unsuccessfully in obtaining certification, Fitch offers a discount on study materials.  

Pricing: Starting at $975

How to Choose the Right CFA Exam Prep Materials

When comparing CFA exam prep materials, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s important to decide how you want to consume the materials. For example, are you interested exclusively in using books to study or are you open to video lessons or live classes? The answer will help you find the right type of preparation path to go down.

Next, it’s helpful to weigh the total cost of each option. Some CFA study programs or books are more expensive than others, and you might not be able to afford a certain path. If you’re going to purchase study materials or courses that come with a higher price tag, it’s important to consider how that fits into your budget.

At the same time, if you’re looking for lower-cost materials or courses, consider how much value they offer. You might save money by choosing inexpensive or free resources but it’s important to ensure that those materials cover all of the bases so you’re not going into the exam with any knowledge gaps.

Finally, think about the pacing that’s required to complete all of the prep materials before your scheduled exam date. If you only have 10 hours a week to study, for example, and a program you’re looking at recommends 20 hours a week of study time then you might need to consider how you could rework your schedule to allow for that. Ultimately, the best CFA exam preparation is going to depend on your unique situation.

Bottom Line

Earning a CFA certification is something you might consider if you’re hoping to grow your advisory practice. Investing in high-quality CFA exam prep courses can help you ensure the greatest odds of success on test day. This can be an expensive process so you want to make sure you pass on your first try, if at all possible, and many people will need this type of preparation in order to achieve their goal.

Tips for Growing Your Financial Advisory Business

• SmartAsset AMP (Advisor Marketing Platform) is a holistic marketing service financial advisors can use for client lead generation and automated marketing. Sign up for a free demo to explore how SmartAsset AMP can help you expand your practice’s marketing operation. Get started today.
• Expand your radius. SmartAsset’s recent survey shows that many advisors expect to continue meeting with clients remotely following COVID-19. Consider broadening your search and working with investors who are more comfortable with holding virtual meetings or spacing out in-person meetings.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Drazen_, ©iStock.com/fizkes, ©iStock.com/Ridofranz