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

Last updated: June 2026. Written by the Online Courseing team. See our review methodology.

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 notoriously low pass rates. The right prep provider makes a real difference. We focused on the providers serious candidates actually use, plus affordable options if you’re testing the waters or supplementing.

Best CFA Prep Providers at a Glance

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,” massive question bank (QBank), and full-length mock exams are the backbone of most study plans. It’s not cheap, but for an exam with pass rates often below 50%, most candidates consider it money well spent.

2. Mark Meldrum — Best Value

Dr. Mark Meldrum’s video courses have become a candidate favorite for a fraction of the big-provider price. His lectures are thorough and clear, and many candidates pair his videos with a question bank like AnalystPrep. If budget matters, start here.

3. AnalystPrep — Best Practice Questions

Passing the CFA is about doing questions, and AnalystPrep’s question bank and mock exams are well-regarded and affordable. It works well as your practice engine alongside Schweser or Mark Meldrum’s lectures.

4. 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 check that a course targets the current curriculum before enrolling.

What Is the CFA, and How Is It Structured?

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) 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 work-experience requirements. 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 emphasizes portfolio management and synthesis. Most candidates take 2–4 years to complete all three, assuming they pass each on the first attempt.

CFA Level 1: What to Expect

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 video lectures plus a large question bank keep you from drowning in the curriculum. Plan your study around your weakest topics, not the ones you already enjoy.

CFA Exam Costs & Pass Rates

• Enrollment fee: a one-time fee of around $350 when you register for Level 1.
• Exam registration: roughly $940–$1,250 per level depending on how early you register (early-bird pricing saves meaningfully).
• Prep materials: separate — budget anywhere from ~$300 (Mark Meldrum) to $1,000+ (full Schweser packages).
• Pass rates: historically below 50%; recent Level 1 pass rates have hovered around 40%, which is why disciplined prep and practice exams matter so much.

Always confirm current fees on the CFA Institute website, as they’re adjusted periodically.

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 and very learnable.
• 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.

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. If you want a faster, more practical finance credential focused on modeling 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 best value, Mark Meldrum. For practice depth, AnalystPrep. Many candidates combine video lectures from one with a question bank from another.

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 modeling-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