Best CFA Exam Prep & Courses Online (2026): Schweser, Meldrum & More

Last updated: August 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology.

Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission if you buy through some of the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides the ranking — where a provider isn’t one of our partners, we say so and link it anyway.

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter is one of the most respected — and most demanding — credentials in finance, requiring you to pass three levels with pass rates that regularly sit below 50%. The right prep provider makes a real difference to whether you pass on the first attempt. We focused on the providers serious candidates actually use across all three levels, checked every price at the provider’s own checkout in August 2026, and flagged the two places where the received wisdom about CFA prep is now out of date.

Best CFA Prep Providers at a Glance

Prices checked at each provider’s own site in August 2026. Providers run frequent promotions, so treat these as list prices and confirm at checkout.

The Best CFA Prep, Reviewed

1. Kaplan Schweser — The Gold Standard

Schweser is the prep provider the largest share of CFA candidates use. Its condensed “SchweserNotes,” large question bank (QBank), and full-length mock exams are the backbone of most study plans, and it sells structured packages for all three levels. The Level I ladder runs Basic $429, Essential $799, Premium $1,099 and Ultimate $1,499; Level II costs $50 more at each tier and Level III $100 more, so the full three-level journey on Premium packages is roughly $3,400 at list price. Schweser attaches a PassProtection guarantee to its Essential, Premium and Ultimate packages, which gives you a second attempt if you don’t pass.

It is the safest, most-trodden path, and for an exam with pass rates often below 50% most candidates consider it money well spent. The honest caveat is density: SchweserNotes compress an enormous curriculum, and some candidates find they need a lecture provider on top to make the compression make sense.

2. AnalystPrep — Best Value, and Best Practice Volume

Passing the CFA is ultimately about doing questions, and AnalystPrep’s question bank is its strongest asset: 4,000+ curriculum-aligned practice questions, five full-length mock exams, around 60 hours of video lessons and roughly 2,000 pages of study notes across the program. Pricing is where it separates from the field. The Practice package is $349 for 12 months’ access to the question bank and mocks for one level; Learn + Practice is $499 and adds the video lessons, study notes and review summaries; and the Unlimited package is $799 for lifetime access to all three levels, with unlimited Ask-a-Tutor questions and annual curriculum updates included.

That $799 number is the one worth sitting with. Buying Schweser Premium at each level costs roughly four times as much, and even Mark Meldrum’s cheapest self-study tier is $440 per level. If you expect the charter to take you three or four years — which is normal — AnalystPrep is the only provider here whose lifetime option removes the risk of paying again after a failed attempt or a curriculum change.

What it isn’t: the most polished lecture experience. Its videos are concise and functional rather than charismatic, and candidates who need a teacher to bring the material alive often pair AnalystPrep’s questions with someone else’s lectures. That combination — strong lectures plus AnalystPrep’s bank — remains the most common value setup we see.

3. Mark Meldrum — Best Teaching, No Longer the Budget Pick

Dr. Mark Meldrum’s video courses became a candidate favourite because the teaching is genuinely excellent: lectures follow the CFA curriculum learning-outcome by learning-outcome, and his study-plan guidance is a big part of the appeal. Every guide on the internet, including our own previous version of this page, has described him as the budget option. That is no longer accurate.

The 2027 Level I ladder is Self-Study $440, Self-Study + Applied Analysis $750, Instructor-Led Online $1,310, and Instructor-Led + Applied Analysis $1,630. The cheapest tier is now line-ball with Schweser’s Basic package, and the top tier costs more than Schweser’s Ultimate. There is a pay-per-section option if you want to sample before committing, and the upper tiers bundle six mentor hours. The business has also changed shape: Meldrum now sits alongside Bionic Turtle, the well-regarded FRM provider, under one platform covering both credentials.

None of this makes Meldrum a bad choice — the instruction is still among the best available, and the instructor-led tiers are a real alternative to AnalystPrep’s live classes. It just means you should choose him for the teaching, not because you think you’re saving money.

4. UWorld CFA — Best Question Explanations

UWorld built its reputation on medical and accounting exam prep, and its CFA offering carries the same signature: answer explanations that teach rather than justify. Packages run $399, $699 and $999 at list price, frequently discounted to around $595 and $850 for the upper two, and the top tiers include StudyPass — access continues until you pass, which is a meaningfully different promise from a fixed 12-month window.

We’re including UWorld because leaving it out would misrepresent the market: it is one of the two or three providers candidates most often weigh against Schweser, and it wasn’t mentioned on this page before. UWorld is not one of our affiliate partners, so we earn nothing if you choose it — we’ve linked it anyway because a comparison that only names the providers we’re paid for isn’t a comparison.

5. Wiley Efficient Learning — The Structured Alternative

Wiley’s CFA Review (built on the well-regarded former Elan Guides material) is the most common alternative to Schweser. It breaks the curriculum into short, focused lessons and pairs them with a solid test bank and study-planning analytics that track your readiness by topic. Candidates who find Schweser’s density overwhelming often prefer Wiley’s bite-sized structure. Pricing sits in the same premium tier as Schweser. Wiley is not an affiliate partner of ours either.

6. CFA Courses on Udemy — Budget & Supplements

Udemy has affordable, topic-specific CFA Level 1 courses — quantitative methods, financial reporting, equity, and so on — that are handy for shoring up weak areas without buying a full package. They’re best as a supplement rather than your primary prep, and you should check that a course targets the current curriculum before enrolling, since the CFA syllabus changes yearly.

Two other names come up often and are worth knowing: IFT (Institute of Financial Training), whose Arif Irfanullah video lectures are a long-standing budget favourite, and Bloomberg Exam Prep. Both are legitimate; we’ve focused the reviews above on the providers we see candidates rely on most across all three levels.

CFA Live Online Classes: What AnalystPrep’s Level I Course Actually Includes

Until recently, choosing AnalystPrep meant choosing self-study. That changed in 2026 with the launch of Live CFA Level I Classes, and because “are there live CFA classes online?” is one of the most common questions we get, it’s worth spelling out exactly what the package is.

The product is the full AnalystPrep platform plus scheduled, instructor-led sessions every week aligned to the Level I curriculum. Sessions are taught by CFA charterholder James Forjan and by Martin Stoynov, CFA, FRM, and they follow a structured progression through the exam topics rather than being ad-hoc Q&A. Each session mixes walkthroughs of the harder material with polls and moderated discussion, and anything still unresolved at the end goes to the Ask-a-Tutor team.

Two details matter practically. First, there is no fixed cohort — you can join sessions at any point in your study cycle regardless of when you started or when your exam is scheduled, which is unusual for live prep and removes the “I’ve missed the intake” problem. Second, if you already hold an AnalystPrep package with platform access, you upgrade by paying the difference rather than buying again.

Is it worth $1,299 when the same platform is $499 without the live classes? That’s an $800 premium for accountability. If you have already failed a level or abandoned a self-paced course, that’s a rational price for structure. If you reliably finish what you start, put the money toward the $799 lifetime package and keep the change — the underlying study materials are identical.

Two details checked on 3 September 2026. AnalystPrep is currently advertising the $1,299 as a launch rate (“limited time — save $300”), so treat the list price as likely to rise once the launch window closes. On recordings, the picture is mixed: AnalystPrep told us that attendees receive the session PDFs after each class and that premium users can access recordings through the platform, but the course page’s own FAQ says recordings arrive with its “Version 2.0” rollout, appearing in the portal a week after class. Until that ships, plan to attend live.

AI Study Tools and Tutoring: What’s Real Today

Every prep provider is now marketing artificial intelligence, so it’s worth being precise about what CFA candidates can actually use right now, because the gap between announced and available is wide.

Ask-a-Tutor is human, not AI. AnalystPrep’s tutoring service — included without limit on the $799 Unlimited package and capped at five questions on the cheaper tiers — routes your question to CFA charterholders, with support available through live chat. That’s a strength, not a caveat: for a conceptual misunderstanding on a Level II vignette, a charterholder’s explanation beats a generated one.

The AI Study Planner is announced, not shipped. AnalystPrep lists an AI Study Planner on its Live Online package, labelled “coming soon” at the time of writing. We’re flagging it rather than describing it because we haven’t been able to use it, and a feature you can’t test is a feature we won’t rate. If a personalised AI-built study schedule is the reason you’d choose a provider, wait until it ships and is reviewable.

More broadly: the study tool that moves CFA scores is still a large, well-explained question bank reviewed honestly. Be sceptical of AI features sold as a shortcut through 300 hours of work per level.

How Much Does CFA Prep Actually Cost?

Candidates routinely underestimate the total, because prep materials are only one of three costs. Here is the full picture for one level, at list prices verified in August 2026.

So a realistic all-in figure for a single level is roughly $1,500 at the frugal end (early registration plus AnalystPrep’s practice package) and $2,600–$3,100 at the premium end (standard registration plus a live or top-tier package). Across three levels, a disciplined candidate registering early and using one lifetime package can complete the program for around $4,200 in total; the same candidate registering late every time on premium packages will pay well over $8,000.

Two levers matter far more than provider choice. Register early — the $350 gap between early and standard registration is larger than the difference between most prep packages. And don’t fail: a retake costs another full registration fee, which is why the guarantees (Schweser’s PassProtection, UWorld’s StudyPass, AnalystPrep’s lifetime access) are worth reading closely before you buy.

Always confirm current fees with the CFA Institute dates-and-fees tool, which shows the exact fee for your level and exam window — the figures above are for a Level I candidate and the structure is adjusted periodically.

What Is the CFA, and How Is It Structured?

The CFA charter is awarded by the CFA Institute and is one of the most respected credentials in investment management. Earning it means passing three sequential exams — Levels 1, 2, and 3 — and meeting a work-experience requirement (currently around 4,000 hours of qualified experience). Each level builds on the last: Level 1 tests foundational knowledge across the curriculum, Level 2 focuses on asset valuation and application, and Level 3 emphasises portfolio management and synthesis. Most candidates take 2–4 years to complete all three, assuming they pass each on the first attempt — and many don’t, given the pass rates.

CFA Level 1: What to Expect (and the Best Prep)

Level 1 is where everyone starts, and it’s the broadest of the three. It covers ten topic areas — ethics, quantitative methods, economics, financial statement analysis, corporate issuers, equity, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management. The exam is computer-based, offered several times a year, and consists of multiple-choice questions split across two sessions. Ethics carries significant weight and is often the difference between passing and failing, so don’t leave it to the end.

Because of its breadth, Level 1 is where a good prep provider pays off most — structured lectures plus a large question bank keep you from drowning in the curriculum. Best Level 1 prep: AnalystPrep for a cost-conscious candidate, its Live Level I package if you need the accountability of scheduled classes, Mark Meldrum if teaching quality is your priority, and Schweser if you want the industry-standard package. Plan your study around your weakest topics, not the ones you already enjoy.

CFA Level 2: What to Expect (and the Best Prep)

Level 2 is the level most candidates find hardest. The format shifts to item sets — “vignettes,” each a mini case study followed by several questions — and the emphasis moves from knowing concepts to applying them, especially in equity, fixed income, and financial-statement analysis. You can no longer skim; you have to work problems under time pressure using information buried in the vignette.

Best Level 2 prep: this is where practice volume matters most, so a heavy question bank is essential — AnalystPrep or Schweser’s QBank paired with strong lectures. Note that AnalystPrep’s live classes currently cover Level I only, so at Level 2 you’re back to self-paced study with either provider. Candidates who passed Level 1 on light prep often underestimate Level 2; give it the full ~300 hours and prioritise timed vignette practice over re-watching lectures.

CFA Level 3: What to Expect (and the Best Prep)

Level 3 is different again. It centres on portfolio management and wealth planning, and historically includes a constructed-response (essay) section alongside item sets, though the CFA Institute has been evolving the format — check the current structure when you register. The essay portion trips up strong test-takers because it rewards concise, correctly-framed written answers, not just recognising the right multiple-choice option.

Best Level 3 prep: a provider with strong essay/constructed-response practice and graded feedback is worth more here than raw question volume. Mark Meldrum and Schweser both invest heavily in Level 3 essay strategy; practice writing full answers under time and compare them against the official guideline answers relentlessly.

CFA Pass Rates

Pass rates have historically sat below 50%, and recent Level 1 results have hovered around the 40% mark, with Levels 2 and 3 varying year to year. The CFA Institute publishes results after each exam window, so check its latest figures rather than any provider’s marketing. The practical reading of those numbers is simple: roughly six in ten Level 1 candidates are paying a second registration fee. Disciplined prep and full-length practice exams are what move you above the line — and, as the cost section above shows, they’re cheaper than a retake.

How to Study for the CFA

The CFA Institute recommends roughly 300 hours of study per level, and most successful candidates take that seriously. A proven approach:

• Start early (4–6 months out): work through video lectures from Mark Meldrum or Schweser topic by topic.
• Practice relentlessly: a question bank like AnalystPrep is where real learning happens — do questions as you finish each topic, not just at the end.
• Master ethics: review the Code and Standards multiple times; it’s heavily weighted at every level and very learnable.
• Use your tutor allowance: if your package includes Ask-a-Tutor questions, spend them on concepts you’ve failed to fix twice on your own — not on things a second read would solve.
• Mock exams: in the final 4–6 weeks, sit full-length timed mocks and review every miss until you’re consistently above the curriculum’s passing range.

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Match the provider to your budget and how you learn:

• Want the safest, most-used package? Schweser or Wiley Efficient Learning — premium price, complete ecosystems, used by most candidates.
• On a budget, or in it for the long haul? AnalystPrep’s $799 lifetime package covering all three levels is the cheapest complete route by a distance.
• Need someone to teach you? Mark Meldrum for recorded instruction, or AnalystPrep’s Live Level I classes if you want a schedule and a room.
• Learn best from worked explanations? UWorld, whose answer explanations are its whole proposition.
• Just filling gaps? Topic-specific Udemy courses or the official CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem, which is included with your registration.

Is the CFA Right for You? (And the Alternative)

The CFA is ideal for investment management, research, and portfolio roles — but it’s a multi-year commitment, and the cost table above should be read as a four-figure annual expense for three or four years running. If you want a faster, more practical finance credential focused on modelling and analysis, the CFI Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) takes months rather than years and is more hands-on. We compare the two in depth in our FMVA vs CFA guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best CFA prep provider?

For most candidates, Kaplan Schweser. For value, AnalystPrep — $799 buys lifetime access to all three levels. For teaching quality, Mark Meldrum. For a structured alternative to Schweser, Wiley Efficient Learning. Many candidates combine video lectures from one provider with a question bank from another.

Are there live online CFA classes?

Yes. AnalystPrep runs weekly instructor-led Live CFA Level I classes as part of a $1,299 package that also includes its full study platform, and you can join at any point without enrolling in a fixed cohort. Mark Meldrum also sells instructor-led tiers at $1,310 and $1,630 for Level I. Live classes for Levels 2 and 3 are far less common.

How much does CFA prep cost in total?

Budget roughly $1,500 per level at the frugal end — about $1,140 for early exam registration plus $349–$499 for a prep package — and $2,600–$3,100 per level for standard registration with a premium or live package. Registering early rather than standard saves $350 per level, which is more than the price gap between most prep providers.

What is the cheapest way to prepare for the CFA?

The official curriculum is included with your registration, so the cheapest legitimate route is that curriculum plus a question bank. AnalystPrep’s $349 practice package is the cheapest serious option for one level, and its $799 lifetime package is the cheapest way to cover all three.

Does AnalystPrep have an AI tutor?

Not yet. Its Ask-a-Tutor service is staffed by human CFA charterholders, and an AI Study Planner is listed as coming soon on its Live Online package. We’ll review it once it ships.

What is the best CFA prep for Level 2 and Level 3?

For Level 2, prioritise practice volume — a heavy question bank like AnalystPrep or Schweser’s QBank paired with strong lectures. For Level 3, prioritise constructed-response (essay) practice with guideline-answer review; Mark Meldrum and Schweser both invest heavily in Level 3 essay strategy.

Can I pass the CFA with free materials?

The official CFA Institute curriculum is included with your exam registration and is comprehensive, so a disciplined candidate can pass using it plus practice questions. Most people add a paid provider for efficiency and structure.

How long does it take to pass the CFA?

CFA Institute recommends ~300 hours per level, and the charter typically takes 2–4 years across all three levels (assuming you pass each on the first attempt).

Is the CFA worth it?

For investment management and research careers, yes — it’s a globally respected credential. For corporate finance or modelling-heavy roles, a faster credential like the FMVA may fit better.

Are Udemy CFA courses good enough on their own?

Generally no — they’re best as affordable supplements for specific topics. For a full study plan, use a dedicated CFA provider plus the official curriculum.

Related guides: FRM Certification · FMVA vs CFA · Best Financial Modeling Courses · CFI Certifications · Best Online Courses