Best CFA Prep Courses (2025): Top 5 Ranked & Reviewed
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is the gold standard in the investment world, but earning it is a grueling process. With pass rates often hovering below 40% for Level 1, choosing the right prep course isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival.
For 2025, the landscape has shifted. Kaplan Schweser remains the titan of the industry, but modern challengers like Salt Solutions and UWorld (which recently acquired Wiley’s CFA materials) are offering compelling, tech-forward alternatives.
We’ve analyzed the top providers based on curriculum quality, QBank difficulty, instructor support, and value to help you pass on your first try.
The CFA Institute has introduced Practical Skills Modules (PSMs) for Level 1. You must complete one PSM (Financial Modeling or Python Programming) to receive your exam results. Ensure your prep provider covers these new requirements or accounts for the time you’ll need to complete them on the CFA Institute’s platform.
Quick Summary: The Best CFA Prep Courses for 2025
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan Schweser | Overall Winner | ~$329/mo | Comprehensive |
| Salt Solutions | Visual Learners | ~$149/mo | Video-First |
| AnalystPrep | Budget / Value | $249 | Self-Paced |
| UWorld | Practice Questions | $299 | QBank-Focused |
| Princeton Review | Guarantees | $699 | Structured |
1. Kaplan Schweser: The Industry Standard
Best Overall CFA Prep Course
If you ask any CFA charterholder how they passed, there’s a high probability they’ll say “SchweserNotes.” Kaplan has dominated the CFA prep market for decades for a reason: their materials are concise, reliable, and perfectly aligned with the CFA Institute’s Learning Outcome Statements (LOS).
For 2025, Kaplan continues to refine its “SchweserNotes,” which condense the massive CFA curriculum into digestible readings. Their Masterclass series provides instructor-led video lectures that walk you through complex topics, and their mock exams are widely considered the closest benchmark to the actual exam difficulty.
Pros
- **SchweserNotes:** The gold standard for summarizing the curriculum.
- **Community:** Massive user base means you can easily find study groups.
- **Mock Exams:** 4-6 full-length mocks that accurately mimic the real test.
- **PassProtection:** Free access to the next session if you fail.
Cons
- **Price:** One of the most expensive options on the market.
- **Video Quality:** Lectures can be dry compared to newer competitors.
- **No Free Trial:** You have to commit without testing the platform first.
Verdict: If you want the “safe” choice that has worked for thousands of candidates, Kaplan Schweser is it. It’s expensive, but it provides a complete ecosystem for passing.
2. Salt Solutions: The Modern Challenger
Best for Visual & Video Learners
Salt Solutions is the antithesis of the dry, textbook-heavy approach. Built from the ground up as a modern learning platform, it focuses heavily on high-quality video production and a sleek, intuitive interface.
Instead of 30-minute lectures, Salt breaks topics down into bite-sized videos (usually 5-10 minutes) with high-end animations that explain complex financial concepts visually. Their dashboard automatically schedules your study tasks based on your exam date, removing the guesswork from your daily routine.
Pros
- **Production Value:** Best-in-class video quality and animations.
- **Scheduling:** Automated study planner adapts to your progress.
- **Focus:** Eliminates 'fluff' to focus strictly on what's tested.
- **Pricing:** Subscription model makes it accessible for shorter study periods.
Cons
- **Newer Player:** Less track record than Kaplan or UWorld.
- **QBank Depth:** Practice questions are good, but fewer in number than competitors.
- **Text Materials:** Notes are secondary to the videos.
Verdict: If you struggle to read dense textbooks and prefer learning through engaging video content, Salt Solutions is a game-changer.
3. AnalystPrep: The Value Pick
Best Budget CFA Prep
AnalystPrep has carved out a niche by offering high-quality study materials at a fraction of the cost of the big names. Their selling point is simple: lifetime access and a massive question bank for a low one-time fee.
While their video content isn’t as polished as Salt Solutions, their QBank is extensive (3,000+ questions) and their study notes are surprisingly detailed. For candidates who are self-motivated and just need a lot of practice material without breaking the bank, AnalystPrep is the logical choice.
Pros
- **Price:** Significantly cheaper than Kaplan or Princeton Review.
- **Lifetime Access:** Pay once, use it until you pass (all 3 levels available).
- **QBank:** Huge database of practice questions with detailed solutions.
- **Notes:** Concise summaries of the official curriculum.
Cons
- **Platform:** Interface is functional but feels dated.
- **Video Depth:** Lectures cover the basics but lack the depth of Kaplan.
- **Support:** Instructor support is limited compared to premium courses.
Verdict: Perfect for budget-conscious students or as a supplement to the official CFA Institute materials.
4. UWorld: The QBank Kings
Best Practice Questions & Explanations
UWorld made waves by acquiring Wiley’s CFA materials, combining Wiley’s comprehensive text with UWorld’s legendary QBank technology. UWorld is famous in the medical field (USMLE) for having the best explanations in the business, and they’ve brought that same rigor to the CFA.
The strength of UWorld lies in its rationales. When you get a question wrong (or right), UWorld explains why with detailed diagrams, calculations, and logic steps. This turns every practice question into a mini-lesson.
Pros
- **Explanations:** Industry-leading rationales for every question.
- **Interface:** Replicates the actual Prometric exam interface perfectly.
- **Integration:** Wiley's legacy text materials are excellent.
- **Flashcards:** Smart flashcard system with spaced repetition.
Cons
- **Transition:** Still integrating Wiley content, which can cause minor friction.
- **Video:** Video lectures are solid but not the main attraction.
- **Price:** Has increased since the Wiley acquisition.
Verdict: If you learn best by doing practice questions, UWorld is unbeatable. The explanations alone are worth the price of admission.
5. The Princeton Review: The Guarantee
Best Money-Back Guarantee
The Princeton Review entered the CFA market with a bold promise: a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass. They aim to be the most efficient course, claiming to prepare you in 120 hours (vs. the standard 300).
Their course is highly structured, with live online classes and a focus on test-taking strategy. However, the “120 hours” claim is controversial; many students find they still need significantly more time to master the material.
Pros
- **Guarantee:** Full refund if you don't pass (terms apply).
- **Live Classes:** Excellent for students who need accountability.
- **Drills:** Focuses on high-yield topics to save time.
- **Mock Exams:** rigorous and difficult.
Cons
- **Cost:** One of the most expensive options ($699+).
- **Depth:** Some students feel the 'efficiency' approach skips nuance.
- **Newer:** Less history in the CFA space than Kaplan.
Verdict: Good for students who need the structure of a live class and the security of a refund policy.
Conclusion: Which Course Should You Choose?
- Choose Kaplan Schweser if you want the proven, safe path and don’t mind paying for quality.
- Choose Salt Solutions if you are a visual learner who hates reading dry textbooks.
- Choose AnalystPrep if you are on a budget or want a lifetime access supplement.
- Choose UWorld if you want the best practice questions and detailed explanations.
Passing the CFA Level 1 exam requires discipline, but the right tool makes the suffering manageable. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CFA prep course for 2025?
Kaplan Schweser remains the best overall CFA prep course for 2025 due to its comprehensive SchweserNotes, extensive QBank, and proven track record. However, Mark Meldrum offers better value, Salt Solutions is best for visual learners, and AnalystPrep is the top budget option.
How much does CFA exam prep cost?
CFA prep courses range from $249-$1,500+ depending on the provider and package. AnalystPrep starts at $249, Mark Meldrum at $419, Kaplan Schweser at $429-$1,499, and Salt Solutions at $499-$899. Most candidates spend $500-$1,000 on third-party prep materials.
Is Kaplan Schweser worth it for CFA?
Yes, Kaplan Schweser is worth it for most candidates. The SchweserNotes are the industry standard for condensed study materials, and their mock exams accurately simulate real exam difficulty. The PassProtection guarantee adds value if you're concerned about failing.
Can I pass CFA without a prep course?
Yes, some candidates pass using only the official CFA Institute curriculum, but pass rates are significantly lower (35-45%) compared to candidates using prep courses (55-65%). The official curriculum is comprehensive but lengthy—prep courses condense the material and provide essential practice questions.
What is the CFA Level 1 pass rate?
The CFA Level 1 pass rate has averaged 41% over the past 10 years. Recent pass rates (2024-2025) have ranged from 43-45%. First-time candidates pass at higher rates (50-52%) compared to those who deferred from previous windows (28-30%).
How many hours should I study for CFA Level 1?
CFA Institute recommends 300+ hours of study for Level 1. Passing candidates report averaging 303 hours, with a typical range of 250-400 hours depending on your finance background. This translates to 12-20 hours per week over 4-6 months.
Is Mark Meldrum good for CFA?
Yes, Mark Meldrum is excellent for CFA prep, offering the best combination of teaching quality and value. His video lectures explain concepts from first principles rather than just summarizing. MM is especially recommended for career changers and those who prefer video-based learning.
Which is better: Kaplan or Mark Meldrum for CFA?
Both are excellent but serve different needs. Kaplan Schweser is better for candidates who prefer print materials and structured study paths. Mark Meldrum is better for video learners who want deeper conceptual understanding at a lower price. Many successful candidates use both.
Do I need to buy the CFA Institute curriculum?
No, the CFA Institute curriculum is included free with your exam registration. However, most candidates find it too lengthy (3,000+ pages) and use third-party prep courses that condense the material. Some candidates use both the official curriculum and a prep course.
What's the best CFA prep course for Level 2?
For Level 2, Mark Meldrum is often recommended because his deep explanations help with the more complex valuation and analysis topics. Kaplan Schweser remains popular for its structured approach. Many charterholders report that Level 2 required more comprehensive prep than Level 1.