5 Best CFA® Study Materials & Prep Courses of 2026
Picking out the best CFA® study materials and courses to help you pass the Chartered Financial Analyst exam isn’t as easy as it seems. There are many different test prep companies that all claim they’re the best at helping you prepare for the exam, but how can you know for sure which is the best CFA® course for YOU?
There’s only one way: closely examine each one and compare how well they will function for you.
Despite each company’s claims, there is no single best CFA® prep course. There are a number of study guides and practice exams out there, each with its own benefits and downsides, meaning they work well for some people and not as well for others.
That’s why I personally tested and evaluated all the top-rated CFA® exam prep materials on the market and reviewed them below. Furthermore, we will walk through the benefits and drawbacks of each platform, along with their unique characteristics. This means you don’t have to rack your brain over which course to use and can simply focus on taking the exam.
Top 5 Best CFA Prep Courses & Study Materials
- Top Rated: CFA® Prep Course: UWorld CFA® Review
- Runner-up Best CFA® Study Materials: Analyst Prep CFA® Review
- Best Live Online Options: Kaplan Schweser
- CFA® Study Materials on a Budget: Salt Solutions CFA® Prep Course
- Best CFA® Practice Tests: Bloomberg CFA® Review Course
Here are the best CFA® study materials to help you pass the exam on your first try and become a Chartered Financial Analyst!
1. UWorld CFA® Prep Course Review
Financial analysis today depends heavily on technology, especially when dealing with large datasets efficiently. From reviewing UWorld’s CFA® platform, it’s clear that their prep mirrors this reality. The tools and question formats are designed to feel closer to how analysts actually interact with data, making it a practical introduction to the type of technology-driven analysis candidates will encounter both on the exam and in real-world finance roles.
UWorld’s packages not only cover all of the material for every level of the CFA® exam, but also integrate adaptive technology to keep you on track throughout your study plan. From smart flashcards to target your weak areas to TotalPrep Series, creating a 3-phase CFA® prep system for all levels to boost your confidence and get you exam-ready. Not only are the video lectures led by experts, but there are live Q&As so your questions can be answered in real time.
Course Features
- Thousands of questions across the different exam level packages.
- UAsk AI CFA Tutor.
- Digital flashcards, mock exams, and study guides.
- Mobile-friendly app.
- Expert-led videos.
Pros
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Realistic Exam-Style Questions: With 5 full-length exams, this is one of the closest experiences to the real exam questions you can get from a review course. -
Strong Explanations: Each question has explanations that walk you through the reasoning behind each choice, so it’s actual learning instead of memorization. -
Efficient Targeted Review Tools: Performance tracking uses your progress to adapt your study tools to target weaknesses, helping you avoid wasting vital study time. -
UAsk AI Powered CFA Tutor: Trained by experts, this AI tool can instantly provide guidance to any question you may have.
Cons
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Highest Package StudyPass: Despite offering access until you pass, this is only available in the most expensive package. -
Questions More Difficult Than Real Thing: Some find that the questions are harder than the actual exam, which can be intimidating. -
Package Pricing: To get all of the features, you need the premium package, which can be expensive for some students.
If you want more information on UWorld specifically, check out this UWorld CFA review.
Bottom Line
UWorld offers a focused, exam-relevant CFA® prep experience built around realistic practice and clear explanations. For candidates who want modern tools, strong mock exams, and prep that emphasizes application over memorization, UWorld is a reliable and effective choice, especially for those comfortable with a digital-first study environment.
2. AnalystPrep CFA® Study Materials
AnalystPrep is a company that offers a uniquely streamlined online education platform. CFA® students who are tired of slow, outdated online classes will definitely want to see what this company has to offer.
AnalystPrep emphasizes both content quality and user experience, ensuring an optimal online learning environment. With over 5,000 questions across all 3 level packages and 100s of hours of video lectures, I got the most study material from this program. Another feature that stood out to me was how much AnalystPrep valued my opinion; they allowed me to provide my own feedback on questions, so their material is tailored to what is best for students working through it.
Course Features
- Thousands of practice exams.
- Study notes for all levels.
- Lifetime access with yearly updates to curriculum.
- Performance tracking tools.
- Tutors available for questions.
- Free trail available.
Pros
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Interactive Feedback: AnalystPrep’s feedback is unique because not only do they receive feedback, but they can also vote on the effectiveness of questions, ensuring the platform remains dynamic and improves based on user feedback. -
Flexible Course Selection: There is a range of tailored courses so students can choose the one best suited to their needs. -
Try Before You Pay: Their free trial period lets students test whether the program is a good fit before paying for a package. -
Performance Tracking: With adaptive tech that targets your weaknesses, you can avoid wasting study time on material you already know.
Cons
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Premium Live Classes: Despite offering live classes, they are only available in the most expensive package. -
Short Access Period: If the exam has multiple parts to study for, some students may need more time than just 12 months. -
Lack Mobile App: Without an app, students who have to optimize on-the-go studying will struggle with accessing the material without a computer or browser.
Bottom Line
AnalystPrep offers a modern, streamlined online platform tailored for today’s CFA® students. By seamlessly integrating instant access, expert-designed materials, and a vibrant community forum, they have created an educational experience that is both efficient and engaging. For those seeking a refreshing and interactive approach to CFA® preparation, AnalystPrep stands out as a top choice.
3. Kaplan Schweser CFA® Prep Course
If you’re looking for study materials to help you pass the CFA® exam, another excellent resource is Kaplan Schweser. Also sometimes referred to as Schweser CFA®, this is a long-standing educational company that is very inclusive of all study types, offering self-paced packages and live classroom environments; every student can find a package that suits their study style.
Personally, I found their over 35 years of experience impressive. Maintaining a highly praised program over the years speaks for itself as to how effective it is. With highly structured study plans, students who need day-by-day planning and thorough material will find this program suited to them. This study material is also adaptive, tracking progress and integrating AI tutors trained by experts, as well as the Schweser CFA® program.
Course Features
- Printed, eBook, and Online study materials.
- Flashcards, workbooks, and 6 mock exams.
- Pass guarantee.
- Mobile-friendly platform.
- Adaptive tech for track progress.
- AI tutors.
Pros
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Comprehensive Content Coverage: Kaplan Schweser’s materials are known for their thorough and in-depth curriculum. -
Diverse Learning Formats: From self-study to live online to in-person classes, Kaplan offers a variety of learning styles for students to choose from. -
Quick Workshops: Short review workshops can be used for cram sessions right before the exam. -
Pass Guarantee: Most packages offer a pass guarantee.
Cons
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Limited Customizability: With highly structured study materials, students who prefer tailored study plans may struggle with the lack of flexibility. -
Expensive Courses: Their packages are considerably more expensive than competitors’. -
Dense Material: Some students find the material dense and hard to work through.
Bottom Line
Kaplan Schweser is a respected name in the education sector, offering a range of CFA® exam prep materials to meet every student’s needs. From their Essential self-study package to the comprehensive PremiumPlus with added workshops, they ensure quality across the board. While they’re prominent for other test preps, their CFA® offerings stand out, making them a viable choice for aspiring finance professionals.
4. Salt Solutions CFA® Review Course
Salt Solutions CFA® is a one-stop shop for CFA® exam prep. It allows students to prepare for each level of the CFA® test and offers intuitive video lectures that are head and shoulders above most other offerings in this arena. With bite-sized video lessons, this program can be completed by students who are already working professionals and need shorter study sessions.
Although this is a relatively new program, Salt Solutions offers high-quality exam prep materials for students. These include many hours of video lectures, most of which feature high-quality animated graphics to break down and anchor the discussed materials, as well as mock exams and multiple-choice test questions with detailed answers. Students can study for the entire CFA® exam or just one level, depending on their preferences.
Salt Solutions CFA® Course Features
- Nearly 4500 multiple-choice test questions*
- Over 160 hours of video lectures*
- Nine practice exams in total*
- Note-taking, test review, and performance analytics tools
- Set weekly goals and track tasks with the CheckPoints Dashboard
- Multiple types of study materials are available
*Total amount across levels I, II, and III packages.
Pros
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Bite-Sized Video Lessons: With video lessons typically only 10 minutes long, students can work through their study material on the go or in easy-to-digest segments. -
Modern Program: Salt Solutions is a relatively new program, with newer features like study checkpoints and engaging animations integrated. -
Affordable Pricing: With their complete study packages being less than $600, Salt Solutions is definitely budget-friendly. -
Access Until You Pass: You can access your program until you pass, including new material that is updated every year.
Cons
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Less Practice Exams: Salt Solutions offers only 3 practice exams, significantly fewer than its competitors. -
Upper Level CFA Packages Are Lacking: Many students report that, despite their Level I CFA® course being sufficient, their Level II and Level III courses are not enough to pass those exams. -
Surface Level Material: The question-and-answer explanations are not as in-depth as in other courses.
Bottom Line
Salt Solutions provides a tailored approach to CFA® preparation, delivering fresh perspectives and methodologies. Though they don’t have the lengthy track record of some peers, their innovative tools are noteworthy. Candidates should consider this mix of uniqueness and relative novelty when making their choice.
5. BloomPrep CFA® Exam Prep
BloomPrep CFA® utilizes advanced adaptive learning software that actually learns what you know and what you don’t know as you go through the course. It sounds kind of creepy, but it’s actually pretty cool. As you answer questions, the program keeps track of your wrong answers and retests you on the topics you struggle with most. This way, you aren’t constantly studying the same information that you already know and understand. You only focus on the stuff you don’t know.
As with any adaptive course, it comes with awesome analytics and a sweet dashboard that displays all the features and functions. This course also includes the industry’s largest CFA® test bank, with more than 10,000 practice questions and 11 full-length mock exams. That’s plenty of stuff to practice. The one big downside to this course is that there are no video lectures, so if you learn best by watching them, this might not be right for you.
Course Features
- Micro-lessons.
- 11 mock exams.
- 8,000+ practice questions.
- 1:1 tutoring.
- Adaptive Learning with AI software.
- Mobile-friendly platform.
- 100% money back guarantee.
Pros
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The Most Study Material: This program has 11 mock exams and 10,000 practice exams. -
Up-to-Date Material: BloomPrep has study material that will be included in next year’s exams. -
100% Money Back Guarantee: Every package has a complete money-back guarantee if you fail the exam. -
Adaptive Learning: AI analyzes your performance and customizes your study material to focus on your target areas.
Cons
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Instructor Support Limited: A limited number of Ask-a-Tutor questions is allowed, and zero questions are allowed in the cheapest package. -
Expensive Packages: With the cheapest package starting at $700, the available material does not justify the cost. -
Scheduled Access Times: Courses begin every six months, which lacks the flexibility some students may need.
Bottom Line
BloomPrep is unmatched in the sheer number of practice questions and mock exams, ideal for students who want the most practice material. This program is ideal for students who do not want repeated questions and tech that can adapt to their progress. While their program may be centered on their study material, 1:1 tutoring is also available for students who want expert instruction. BloomPrep stands out as a viable choice when preparing for the CFA® exam.
Which Course is Best for You?
- I need in-depth explanations → All of UWorld’s questions have detailed explanations.
- I want to be in a community → AnalystPrep not only values customer feedback, but also hosts forum discussions and peer-learning.
- I want an accredited program → Kaplan has over 35 years of experience in exam prep.
- I need budget-friendly programs → Salt Solutions offers complete study packages under $600.
- I’m looking for the most study material I can possibly get → BloomPrep’s program has the most practice exams and questions in this article.
Honorable Mentions
These courses have good programs, but they didn’t outranked the others to earn a spot in our top 5.
CFA® Test Prep Frequently Asked Questions
The total exam time for Level I is 4.5 hours, separated into two 135 minute sessions. Level II and Level III are also 4.5 hours with two 132 minute sessions.
CFA® Institute offers some study materials for students preparing to take the CFA® exam on its Exam Support page. This includes sample questions and study tips from experts. Additionally, they have a list of CFA® review courses that are approved by the CFA Institute.
While the content and format of the CFA® exam are frequently updated to reflect current changes in the industry, it doesn’t always update each year.
The best way to study for your CFA® exam is to establish a routine and stick to it. A well-designed review course can assist with this.
A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) is a specialist in the area of investment management. An individual is certified by the CFA® Institute as a CFA® charterholder only after that person has undergone a rigorous education and training process.
The best way to study for your CFA® exam is to establish a routine and stick to it. A well-designed review course can assist with this. Focus on the different exam weights and core areas. Outcome statements, in particular, are critical. Practice applying concepts to real-life situations.
CFA Institute does not endorse, promote or warrant the accuracy or quality of AIS-CPA.com. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.
