Kaplan Schweser CFA Review (2025): Is It Still the Gold Standard?

For decades, “Kaplan” and “CFA Prep” have been synonymous. If you walk into any investment bank or asset management firm and ask for study advice, you’ll likely hear one word: Schweser.

But being the incumbent doesn’t always mean being the best. With agile competitors like Salt Solutions and UWorld entering the market, does Kaplan Schweser still justify its premium price tag in 2025?

The short answer: Yes, for most people. It remains the safest, most comprehensive route to a passing score, even if it’s not the most exciting.

The Kaplan Schweser Experience

Kaplan’s philosophy is simple: The CFA curriculum is too big (3,000+ pages). You can’t read it all and retain it. Kaplan’s job is to condense that material into something digestible without losing the nuance needed to pass.

1. SchweserNotes: The Core

The heart of the course is the SchweserNotes. These are legendary for a reason. They take the official CFA Institute curriculum and strip away the academic fluff, leaving you with clear, exam-focused explanations.

• Format: Available in print, eBook, and audio.
• Quality: Excellent. They use bolding, bullet points, and “Module Quizzes” to keep you engaged.
• Verdict: Still the best text-based study material on the market.

2. Masterclass & Video Lectures

Kaplan has revamped its video content under the “Masterclass” brand. These are instructor-led sessions that walk through the SchweserNotes.

• Pros: The instructors are seasoned CFA charterholders who know exactly where students trip up.
• Cons: They can feel a bit “old school.” It’s often a recording of a slide presentation. It lacks the high-production animation of Salt Solutions.

3. The QBank & Mock Exams

Kaplan’s QBank contains thousands of questions. They are generally considered to be slightly easier than the actual exam, which can be a double-edged sword. It builds confidence, but you shouldn’t rely on it exclusively.

• Mock Exams: This is where Kaplan shines. Their mock exams are notoriously difficult and are excellent predictors of your actual exam performance. If you can pass a Kaplan mock, you are ready.

Pricing & Packages (2026 Exams)

Kaplan is not cheap, but offers a 7-day free trial to test the platform.

• Basic Package ($429): SchweserNotes, QBank, and 2 Mock Exams. Good for self-starters.
• Essential Package ($799): Adds more mock exams and study tools.
• Premium Package ($1,099): Adds Masterclass videos, OnDemand classes, and more mocks. Most popular choice.
• Ultimate Package ($1,499): Adds live online instruction, printed materials, and maximum support.

Final Verdict

Kaplan Schweser is the “IBM” of CFA prep: nobody ever got fired for buying it. If you have the budget (or if your employer is paying), it is the most robust, reliable system available. The SchweserNotes alone are worth the price of admission for many candidates.

However, if you are a visual learner who struggles with reading, you might find Salt Solutions more engaging. If you are on a strict budget, AnalystPrep is a viable alternative. But for the vast majority of candidates, Kaplan remains the king.