CFA Prep Provider Comparison (Content and Price)

Using a CFA test prep provider can mean the difference between passing and failing. Though many candidates are able to pass the exam with only CFA material, most people who use a test prep provider myself included, will tell you it helped them pass the exams. There are many differences between the prep providers out there. Kaplan, Wiley, Mark Meldrum and others have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here is a comparison of the CFA exam prep providers out there today.
If you have an idea of something you want me to cover in depth, please let me know because I take your requests seriously. Will be back with more CFA Exam tips in a couple of weeks so please submit more questions you would like to hear answered. Love you all!
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** The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional financial advice. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your financial or tax professional**

[@constantinoszoppis5353]

Mark Meldrum - All-knowing Master Jedi. Currently a Level I candidate and I am using Mark Meldrum’s material to prepare. Most fun I’ve ever had learning anything and most value for money thing I’ve ever bought.

[@zarazafar4886]

Hey, jm also a level 1 candidate. Does he have free videos for Level 1 ?

[@brethitmanhart275]

Couldn't agree more with this.

[@cobbybaffourawuah8247]

Hey which package did you go for level 1?

[@brethitmanhart275]

@@cobbybaffourawuah8247 I went for the full package. Obviously depends on your budget

[@constantinoszoppis5353]

@@cobbybaffourawuah8247 full package

[@johnrichardson9386]

Mark Meldrum is great. Couldn’t be happier with picking him doing level 1.

[@Lhawga]

Hey mate, I've got a question, please consider answering. I recently signed up for L1. I began by buying the equity section separately (Probably should have gone with something else like quant). I get to Long & short positions part of first reading video. He doesnt explain a thing about what the long & short position thing is at all, he just talks about its good for long if this happens etc etc. Is there such thing as assumed knowledge in L1? Did I miss that part due to it being covered in other areas? TIA

[@johnrichardson9386]

@@Lhawga Hi, he mentions it when he talks about positions briefly in the first reading like you said. In the text book, short positions is a small portion of the positions part of the Reading. Most of the positions sub sections talks about a leveraged position.

[@Lhawga]

@@johnrichardson9386 So does that mean that I should familiarise myself with the readings before watching the video?

[@angeloseconomopoulos8918]

Is mark meldrum enough to actually learn and pass the level 1? Do I need any additional videos, books…? Thank you

[@johnrichardson9386]

@@angeloseconomopoulos8918 If you have a finance background I think you could just use the videos, but I would use the videos and use the text when caught by complicated material.

[@MitchellC03]

I use Mark Meldrum and I'd say between his videos and the books (Blue Boxes, EOCs, CFAI Online Q-Bank), all you need is time to get through it all.

[@ankuryadav5512]

Please reply, I'm planning to marks course for level 1 but how does he help if we get doubts while watching certain videos? How can we ask him? Are there any comments options or frequent live sessions?

[@MitchellC03]

@@ankuryadav5512 No live sessions that I am aware of, however he does have a team that will answer any questions you have. I only asked him 1 question and he responded within a couple of hours. I can't remember the format exactly on how to ask, it was either through email or the online platform. I will say that his program is not really setup well for answering questions, more just providing the materials. If you have questions, you can always ask people on the CFA Reddit page.

[@andrewl1190]

Hey Mitchell how many questions were in the qbank?

[@mihail4391]

Thanks for putting this content together. I did try personally BPP and Mark Meldrum, day and night, MM is by far better.

[@luyangathe3rd713]

Seems like Mark has emerged as the undisputed champion in the comments.

[@Steve7li]

Definitely recommend Mark Meldrum. Mark's content would be more than enough if you spend the time going over and understanding it, at least for levels 1 & 2 (I haven't taken level 3 yet).

[@PasionDeArgentina]

You have a few subscribers but very loyal ones. I have been using Mark Meldrum for Level 1 and 2 and it seems that he is by far the best out there. There is also another one lesser know, Fintree, from India and their coach Utkarsh Jain is a good teacher as well.

[@prashizzle]

How is he for level 2, I took him for level 1

[@PasionDeArgentina]

@@prashizzle He is equally good for L1 , 2 or 3,

[@sholafatus1]

@@prashizzle please use Jain for derivatives(and or fixed income and maybe quants !) I am a MM stan but deivatives was a challenge, used Fintree for Derivatives and Jain killed it !!!!

[@sholafatus1]

Jain's Derivatives is fire

[@sakshamsharma9677]

Hi, does mark meldrum L1 course cost gst in india?

[@jazelletenukirehara]

Thanks for mentioning mark meldrum. He’s the best, in my opinion and his Q bank is very good. And he provides 2 difficult mock exams as well. Additionally he provides seminars on certain topics to clarify them more, relevant documentaries, interesting and relevant other courses, and book recommendations, apart from the cfai textbook based lectures and reviews at the end of each lecture. There is an awesome study planner also, where you can track your progress. All in all, mark is a fantastic resource for cfa students at all levels.

[@richardgarciamazzini2912]

have you passed the exam?

[@jazelletenukirehara]

@@richardgarciamazzini2912 I’m a level 1 candidate for May this year.

[@jazelletenukirehara]

@@marketmr5161 thanks 😊 and good luck for L 3. Yup, couldn’t agree more.

[@richardgarciamazzini2912]

@@jazelletenukirehara Good luck in the exam...I'm lev. 1 candidate for February..

[@jazelletenukirehara]

@@richardgarciamazzini2912 thanks and good luck 🤞 to you too. Feb z getting closer by the day, hope you’re studying your butt off 😊

[@m.emrulhasan6625]

CFAI already provides 100s of very high-quality flashcards, so if a prep provider selling flashcards, that would be redundant I believe. Unless the prep provider is providing 50-60 must-knows flashcards. Just my opinion. I agree that candidates should consider buying content from more than one prep provider (especially if one is providing a money-back guarantee) just to get more practice questions and condensed notes.

[@daniellopezborgecfa3970]

I used AnalystPrep for L1 and it was great, cheap and good depth (bit easy questions). Meldrum for L2 is insanely good.

[@sushil6509]

If you understand hindi, there cannot be a better teacher than sanjay saraf All you need is patience to get through his 500 hrs of material

[@toniinvestiert]

Please use chapter breaks in your videos for this kind of content. It makes sense for people which are interested in only some of the parts of the video - just constructive critique point :) nevertheless, good summary! 👍

[@danielgutierrez9452]

I didnt use any provider for level 1 and 2. Due to the second level being such a challenge I wanted to slow down and get a provider for level 3. Thus, I got the 300 CAD package from Mark Meldrum. It was BY FAR the most I've learnt in preparation for an exam and it is also BY FAR the most confident I've been in the real deal. I will be receiving the result hopefully in the next month, but in case I didnt pass, I am 100% going to get MM materials again. Im also buying material from previous levels as it may be helpful for my current job, and it is alarmingly cheap

[@farooqalam9454]

Thanks for your insights. Correction about IFT. They DO have level 3 covered! This has been the case for over 8 years so not sure where you got that from. For 2023 exams you get 1 whole topic free, forever... For each level. Regards.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Got it, thanks!

[@ashishphansopkar7874]

Incorrect info on IFT - they do offer CFA level 3 course prep. In my personal opinion, they stick very close to CFAI curriculum.

[@s.m.hassan3887]

good content, u didnt mention passmax, krikor cfa from toronto. his all 3 levels r absolutely free due to students facing difficulties due to covid. he is also 5 star rated.

[@AgricEcon]

I would highly recommend Mark Meldrum. If you’re going to use the CFA books, this is a great supplement.

[@LordLevan]

which CFA books? does the official CFA provide books?

[@sushil6509]

@@LordLevan Yes they do

[@ericanidiobi]

Registered to take the L1 this August. Read all the comments here and it seems most people are talking about MM as the go-to guy. Seems he is very good. Can I combine MM and Analyst Prep or are both similar in terms of delivery and content depth?. Also, can I still get the 20% discount as shown on your profile?

[@Dan-nf8vk]

I didn't even know that WIley has a 14 day free trial.

[@ianmurdoch6315]

Currently starting studying for level 1 in may, went with mark Meldrums package

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck, Ian!

[@faith_full51]

​@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323what about analyst prep? What do you think?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@faith_full51 Not bad but not very tested.

[@michelm.1564]

Nice video bro! What do you think about Salt Solutions? Best Regards,

[@monumentalshots3556]

Mark Meldrum the Guru

[@Abhishek-gr7rp]

Hey I'm thinking to purchase Wiley question bank for CFA level 2. Do you think it's good given you must've used it as well?

[@soussoukarim937]

Actually IFT offer CFA 3 material as well. I've used their materials in level 1 and 2, they're good.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Do you have a link showing this?

[@soussoukarim937]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 ift.world/product-category/level-3/

[@danish_aq]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 ift.world/product-category/level-3/

[@zarazafar4886]

Hi, is his material good for level 1?

[@soussoukarim937]

@@zarazafar4886 yes they are. The thing i liked most is the material is litteraly the summary of the currculum, no addition, no removal of any part. They take you right to the point, in less time. If you want to stick to the curriculum material, use IFT as a concise summary of the content (videos and PDFs). In addition, you'll have access to their Q. bank and Mocks. They're really decent. Of course you need to go over all CFA blue boxes, end of chapter questions and mocks. Good luck!

[@dennisb.3485]

Your t-shirt matches Australia - very rive gauche

[@aperson1181]

Which Wiley package did you choose?

[@mosw8288]

Hi quick question, I'm studying CFA level 2 using Mark Meldrum paid package can I use he's videos as the only source for the readings with EOCQ & mock exams of both the institute & other providers and that would be enough ? because due to my work schedule i don't have the time to read the institute books it's too long ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Personally, I don't think that would be enough.

[@MrOsha7]

Hey AJ, thank you so much for the feedback on content providers, but one question i have is do content providers have videos/guidelines on how to use the financial calculator, or do i have to figure it out on my own?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Wiley had some pretty helpful videos on using the BA2+. I'm not sure about the others.

[@andreward8510]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Why are more and more people enrolling in the CFA even though finance jobs are being automated away?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@andreward8510 Because there are still millions of finance jobs, and not enough CFAs.

[@andreward8510]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thanks, I'll get back to you after economies crash, should not take long.

[@Sawubona2007]

Mark Meldrum #1

[@pulkitanand9854]

I'm kind of confused, it says 315 cad for the full access of mark Meldrum level 1. I only see the one package in level 1.

[@ashijain1463]

did you purchased it ?

[@ajeet_upadhyay]

nice t shirt... thank you.

[@yadavinas]

Mark meldrum is the best It's been 1 year

[@miguelfernandes2914]

Mark Meldrum is a hero

[@andrewl1190]

Hey Miguel I’m considering getting his material for level 1. Is Mark’s program that great?

[@molinierscadoganpedroivan8828]

Can you make a cfa vs msf video?

[@francoisd7026]

Those who have chosen Mark Meldrum, have you also bought the respective books from CFA or relied only on the videos from Mark as the sole material? Thanks.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I think most people use Mark as a supplement to the CFA text.

[@discretetantrum]

Hello AJ Insightful content. Which resource provides most mock exams template (10 - as recommended by you!)?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

There isn't one good resource, they are all over the place on the internet. Check old forums from Analyst Forum or Wall St Oasis

[@puggi1997]

Personally, I would say do the content from CFAI itself and the mocks obviously, but do use mocks by other providers

[@jonmaster5000]

What Wiley level do you recommend?

[@nicolepoire7546]

Any recommendations on where to find/purhcase mock exams for the 1st CFA level? Thanks!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

All the top test prep providers offer good mock exams!

[@dieg000n]

Mark Meldrum is a god on earth

[@abotalha3007]

You are infidal

[@miketumato6472]

Your sick

[@theantisemitichammer4952]

​@@miketumato6472 Why?

[@jameljeanjacques8511]

Hello today I am a little lost and I do not know what to choose. I would like to become a trader for an institution (before going independent) in 3 years for that in addition to my university degree I would like to pass a professional certification. I wanted to take the CMT, but I have the impression that institutions are no longer looking for people with technical analysis knowledge (I intend to make a track list from my m2 to ensure everything else beforehand). Does it still make sense to pass this certification or would it be better if I passed the FRM or another certification to accompany my CFA?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

CMT can be helpful when looking for a trading role. But the most important thing will be a trading track record.

[@jameljeanjacques8511]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks for the response

[@brethitmanhart275]

@@jameljeanjacques8511 have a look at Anton Kreil!s videos.

[@AquaMARio4za]

If my dad has the kaplan videos from 2015, could i use that material to study or shpuld i get the new material? thanks

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I guessing here but probably about 75% of that material is still good. Some of it will be irrelevant now though.

[@yuxichen8661]

Great info, thanks. I just passed level2, and signed for Level3. I am wondering if Wiley gold package has any mock exams?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yea I think it has 2.

[@cbulnes77]

Who did you use for level 1 and 2?

[@mohamadadel2013]

Just purchased Wiley CFA level one “Gold” and found that the content is too long and has so many details and kind of boring, I’m thinking of refund, any recommendations?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yea, watch my video that is coming out tomorrow or Saturday.

[@husseinjaber3526]

Man did you find Wiley study guides helpful for level 3?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Definitely.

[@mohammedadnankhan4008]

Can you also provide some insight on 11th hour?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I personally feel that memorizing formulas is more important than 11th hour.

[@vastcapital]

Mark Meldrum all the way...

[@larsbjerre1]

important knowledge or indifferent info ???

[@thatswhatshesaidbro]

Review on analystprep?

[@pratiksurve6745]

IFT offers level 3 material too. Please do not share wrong info.

[@ansshanand]

The left earphone is always louder than the right in all your videos

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Hmmm. Never knew this, thanks.

[@jaikrishnan6982]

I’m not good is the basics of finance. Which prep provider could be helpful to understand the whole concept and help make through all the 3 Levels.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I liked Wiley. But MM may be a better value.

[@jaikrishnan6982]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks for your suggestion

[@sabareeshs6314]

Do they give any hard copies for mm

[@kunalpawar5546]

Can you please make video about what we do other professional course with CFA Eg. FRM ,ACCA , CFP Which course is best with CFA and help us in getting job in USA .. ?

[@Lolalai]

What about Fitch Learning???

[@Ayaa404K]

Any opinion on Fitch Learning as an APP?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Nope, haven't used it sorry.

[@robixmor5857]

What about prepAnalyst ? How much do you rate it for CFA ?

[@faith_full51]

I'd really love a review on them too

[@zarazafar4886]

Is the question bank by IFT good?

[@ahmedsanya6414]

Yes

[@ahmedsanya6414]

But their lectures are best

[@zarazafar4886]

@@ahmedsanya6414 have you used their question bank?

[@ahmedsanya6414]

@@zarazafar4886 I have used IFT lectures for preparation and as far as qbank is concerned curriculum Eoc and Examples are best and after that schweser eoc questions.

[@Memento-_-Mori-_-982]

All Hail MM

[@mufazzalmansoorali3284]

Is Kaplan schweser good ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Its good yea, but I like Wiley more.

[@shivanshshukla5883]

I find Sanjay Saraf Sir the best with knowledge and conceptual teaching....check his you tube SSEI CFA awesoem

[@supriyasingh1186]

Mark meldrum 2024 level 1 not releasing

[@solomonshabat4542]

If I select Sir Mark meldrum ,can I pass CFA level 1, Thanks

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Sure can!

[@cool_cat6698]

I just subscribed to IFT for the basic plus package at $275 as I'm retaking CFA level 1 exam, and TBH I'm regretting this. The summary notes and videos are great that's a fact, but I find that they use the same questions a lot in different quizzes. Also, it happens often that the links to the 30 questions quizzes don't work, so I'm wasting a lot of time switching between different browsers to see if I might access the tests. I have a mac and a pc, and I've tried launching the quizzes on both, with chrome, safari and explorer, and the issue is still there. I can tell you there's definitely something wrong with their website.

[@farooqalam9454]

Hey mate, if its a technology issue you should reach out to them.

[@fahimfaisal7385]

As an Indian student whom should I go for?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

It doesn't matter where you are from, just try some free trials and pick the one you like the most!

[@crentistDaDentist]

Ssei Sanjay Saraf is very famous in India.. watch his videos on KZbin

[@himanshusinghal3334]

@@crentistDaDentist sanjay saraf has timed videos, took his course last year. you can not view videos again once viewed. if u stop to write notes and time gets over then, the video is ended irrespective of fact that u may or may not have completed the video

[@crentistDaDentist]

@@himanshusinghal3334 I've taken his classes and I'm not facing any such issue. Total duration is somewhere around 550hrs and u get 1.5x that time , I didn't run out of time at all. Must have addressed those complaints now.

[@himanshusinghal3334]

@@crentistDaDentist bro i faced issues. Plus i want to watch videos again for revision which is not possible. Good to know that u had good experience.

[@user-or5ji1te3s]

From an OCD perspective, your background is killing me.

[@ridazahoor4985]

Do some research before making a video please. IFT covers all 3 levels. Level 2 material is just amazing

[@parthpatel1032]

@Rida Zahoor did you pass level 2 using IFT?

[@namok6143]

More like can you do some research on how to give constructive comments and be grateful pls? lmao

[@MagicMike_101]

Make a video comparing the competitors, not showing you.

[@amarjyotisingh5856]

What's ur qualifications

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

CFA, CFP.

[@amarjyotisingh5856]

I'm going to give CFA L1 exam in August can I get a healthy salary job after L1

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@amarjyotisingh5856 I don't think passing L1 usually results in a pay raise, no. Watch my video on CFA salary.

[@Stephen-ny9yy]

Can you tell everyone how much the CEO of Uworld, or CEO of Kaplan or CEO of Magoosh make? Is there any relevancy between the wealth of the test prep course business man relevant to the quality of the service they provide? If there is any degree of relevancy, then how about FB, NETFEX,..TELSA.....YOU know what I mean.