Best CFA® Level 2 Prep Providers: Comparing Top Courses

Ask almost any CFA® charterholder, and they’ll tell you: Level II is where things get serious. It’s often considered the hardest of the three exams, and the prep course that got you through Level I might not be enough this time around.

But here’s the good news—financial analysts earn a median salary of over $100K, and those with certifications like the CFA® can earn even more. So investing in the right study tools isn’t just smart—it’s strategic.

I’ve tested some of the top CFA® Level II prep courses myself, looking for the best options for different learning styles. In this guide, I’ll share the providers that deliver the strongest practice questions, video lessons, and all-around value.

CFA® Level II Review Course Comparison

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Top CFA® Level II Providers

1. Best Overall: UWorld
2. Best Video Lectures: AnalystPrep
3. Best Deep Dive: Kaplan-Schweser
4. Best Practice Library: Bloomberg
5. Budget Option: Salt Solutions

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2. AnalystPrep: Best Video Lectures

Provider Overview

Package Reviewed: Level II Learn + Practice Package

In reviewing AnalystPrep’s Level II Learn + Practice Package, what stood out immediately was its efficient, no-frills approach to CFA® exam prep. I appreciated how the course struck a balance between thoroughness and accessibility, particularly in the way it presents over 50 hours of video lectures and 1,500 pages of study notes. The content didn’t feel bloated or needlessly dense. Instead, I found the lessons clear, well-paced, and aligned with the kinds of conceptual depth CFA® candidates actually need.

One feature I especially liked was the item set practice structure. With over 225 item sets (each containing several questions), it mimics the exam format more closely than many other providers. That level of realism is invaluable for students trying to bridge the gap between theory and exam-day performance. The two full-length mock exams also help in that regard, providing a solid benchmark without feeling repetitive.

And while the package doesn’t include unlimited tutor support, the five “ask-a-tutor” questions and round-the-clock customer service felt more than sufficient for typical roadblocks. In fact, take a look at this in-depth customer service exchange I had with an outstanding rep:

Taken together, the course feels like it was built with a keen awareness of how candidates actually study—not just how providers think they should.

What AnalystPrep Offers

• Over 50 hours of video lectures
• 1,500 pages of study notes
• 225 practice item sets (with 4-6 practice questions per set, so ~1,100 questions)
• Two complete, full-length mock exams
• Five ask-a-tutor questions
• 24/7 customer service for tech issues

Check out my full review of AnalystPrep CFA® here.

Pros

• Engaging, easy-to-understand video lectures
• Significantly more affordable than competing courses
• Excellent study notes, accurate and easily digestible
• Fast and thorough customer service and 24/7 tech support
• Option for lifetime Level II and Level III package upgrade

Cons

• Only two mock exams, which may not be thorough enough for some students
• No live classes, unlike live options available from UWorld and Kaplan Schweser

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3. Kaplan Schweser: Best for “Deep Dive” Students

Provider Overview

Package Reviewed: Level II Premium Package

Kaplan Schweser’s Level II Premium Package is what I’d call the “all-in” option—tailored for students who don’t just want to pass the CFA® exam but want to truly master the material. Right from the start, I was struck by the sheer depth of resources. Five full volumes of SchweserNotes™ anchor the course, offering thorough yet well-organized coverage of every topic in the CFA curriculum. As a reviewer, I found it refreshing that the material didn’t just repackage curriculum content—it reshaped it with clarity and purpose, making even dense concepts more manageable.

I particularly appreciated the structure of the video content. The 30-hour Masterclass dives into advanced concepts, while the 60-hour Review Workshop walks learners through what they need to know—and remember—come exam day. Combined with more than 10 hours of question walkthroughs, it all felt like a guided journey rather than a content dump. The inclusion of six full-length mock exams, three intermediate checkpoint exams, and over 2,400 practice questions makes this one of the most robust practice environments I’ve seen.

And features like the activity feed and performance tracker subtly gamify the study process, making it easier to stay consistent over the long haul. This is a course built for students who want to leave no stone unturned—and who are willing to invest both time and money to get there.

What Kaplan Schweser Offers

• Five volumes of SchweserNotes™, covering all exam topics
• 30-hour On-Demand Masterclass and 60-hour CFA® Review Workshop
• 10+ hours of question walkthrough videos
• Kaplan Schweser student community forums
• 2,400+ practice questions in SchweserPro™ QBank
• Six mock exams and three “checkpoint exams”
• Schweser’s Secret Sauce® and QuickSheets
• Activity feed and performance tracker

Get more details about Kaplan CFA® in this review.

Pros

• Over 100 hours of high-quality video content
• 2,400+ exam-quality practice questions
• Six mock exams, double or higher than the number from AnalystPrep and Salt Solutions
• Activity feed and performance tracking tools gamify the study experience
• Student forums help students socialize, stay accountable, and get questions answered

Cons

• The large material library may overwhelm some students
• Significantly more expensive than competitors, AnalystPrep and Salt Solutions

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4. Bloomberg: Best CFA® Level 2 Practice Material Library

Provider Overview

Package Reviewed: Level II Premium Package

Reviewing Bloomberg’s Level II Premium Package, I was immediately drawn to its efficiency-focused design. This course doesn’t just aim to teach—it aims to streamline. The structure is built around mini-lessons that are sharp, targeted, and surprisingly effective at covering the full CFA® Level II syllabus. I liked how these bite-sized segments let me quickly jump into specific topics without wading through long-winded lectures or bloated modules. It’s clear the intent is to get students exam-ready in less time, and for many, that’s a major selling point.

What impressed me most, though, was the sheer volume of practice material. With roughly 3,000 practice questions and eight full-length mock exams—the most of any provider I reviewed—Bloomberg’s offering is a goldmine for learners who believe repetition is key. I also appreciated the inclusion of 20 ask-a-tutor credits and optional one-on-one tutoring, which provide helpful fallback support if the fast-paced format feels too lean.

The daily study tasks and performance tracker kept things moving and made it easy to monitor progress. While the course leans more minimal in bonus materials, it makes up for it in practice depth and adaptive pacing. It’s a smart fit for focused, self-motivated learners who want to drill down on what matters most.

What Bloomberg Offers

• Mini lessons covering every CFA® Level II testable topic
• ~3,000 practice questions
• Eight full-length mock exams
• 20 ask-a-tutor questions
• One-on-one tutoring available
• Performance tracking and daily study tasks

Pros

• High number of practice questions, comparable to Kaplan Schweser
• Highest number of mock exams on the list at 8 (the second-highest is Kaplan at 6)
• Bite-sized lessons covering exam topics
• Focus on efficiency and speed for a quicker study route

Cons

• The speedy strategy leaves some students in need of more comprehensive coverage
• Minimal bonus materials, unlike Kaplan Schweser

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5. Salt Solutions: Best Budget CFA® Level 2 Course

Provider Overview

Package Reviewed: Level II Complete Package

Salt Solutions’ Level II Complete Package gets a lot right, especially for the price. It’s noticeably more affordable than many of the big-name providers, and while that comes with a few trade-offs, there’s still plenty here to work with. The course leans heavily into modular, time-efficient learning, with content broken into short 10-minute lessons. I found this structure helpful for building consistency, particularly for candidates trying to slot study time into a busy schedule.

There’s a decent range of features—three mock exams, end-of-reading assignments, and a custom quiz generator that includes questions from both Salt and the CFA Institute. The platform also uses gamified tools like weekly goals and visual trackers to keep users engaged. That said, in my review, the materials didn’t go quite as deep as some of the higher-ranked courses.

Some explanations felt a bit surface-level, and while the practice questions are challenging, they might feel discouraging for learners who aren’t already confident in the material. Still, for self-motivated students who value affordability and a clean, tech-forward interface over exhaustive content, Salt Solutions delivers a respectable prep experience.

What Salt Solutions Offers

• Content manuals and video lectures
• Solution and review materials
• Three mock exams and a custom quiz generator
• End-of-reading assignments to gauge your comprehension
• Weekly study goals and visual analytics
• Discussion forums to ask questions to your instructors

Pros

• Hundreds of dollars less than competitors like Bloomberg, Kaplan, and UWorld
• Gamified tech with study goals, earning points, and visual progress tracking
• Custom quiz generator includes questions from Salt Solutions and the CFA Institute
• Videos and written materials are divided into 10-minute chunks for quick study sessions

Cons

• Quicker study sessions mean less of a deep dive into key topics
• Some students have said their Level I materials are better than Level II and III
• Demanding practice questions may be demotivating

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6. Mark Meldrum: Best CFA® Level 2 Live Classes

Provider Overview

Package Reviewed: Level II Instructor-Led Online Package

Mark Meldrum’s Level II Instructor-Led Online Package is a deep-dive option built around extensive video instruction and direct access to experienced educators. It’s a course clearly designed for students who thrive in structured, instructor-led environments. I appreciated the sheer range of resources—30+ hours of live classes, a dedicated question bank, end-of-chapter walkthroughs, and frequent mentor support. There’s no denying the thoroughness of the material, and for learners who want to be guided every step of the way, that structure can be reassuring.

However, in my review, I also found the time investment to be significant, sometimes to the point of being excessive. The content is undeniably in-depth, but it can feel unwieldy, especially if you’re trying to fit study time into a tighter schedule. The pacing demands a lot, and the premium price point doesn’t leave much room for casual commitment. This package will appeal most to learners who value live instruction and aren’t put off by a longer, heavier study journey, but it may not be the right fit for students who need flexibility or a more concise review.

What Mark Meldrum Offers

• 30+ hours of interactive live classes
• Weekly update video, extended instructor comments, and six mentor hours
• Reading, seminar, and end-of-chapter question videos
• Question bank and mock exams
• PDF lecture notes and formula sheet for critical equations
• Archived videos are available via the mobile app

Pros

• Known for outstanding live instruction
• A good amount of in-depth instructor support
• Videos centered on learning outcome statements, practice questions, and topic deep dives

Cons

• Easily the most expensive provider on the list
• Live classes and a high level of structure are not ideal for self-paced students
• The in-depth approach results in increased study hours
• The number of videos is so large that you can easily forget topics between watches

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7. Chalk & Board: Best In-Depth Support

Provider Overview

Package Reviewed: Level II Premium Package

Chalk & Board’s Level II Premium Package is easily the most hands-on, high-touch CFA® prep course I reviewed, down to the fact that your study plan is built one-on-one with founder Nathan Ronen. From there, the program delivers frequent check-ins, personalized feedback, and near-constant instructor availability through virtually every communication channel imaginable. I found this level of access unique in the CFA space, where most providers rely on forums or pooled tutor support. It’s clear that Chalk & Board is aimed at students who want not just structure, but real mentorship.

That said, this isn’t a course for everyone. With only two mock exams and a relatively modest question bank, it doesn’t compete on volume. The heavily structured format may also feel overbearing for learners who prefer to move at their own pace or who don’t need regular nudging. And as a smaller provider without the brand recognition of Kaplan or Bloomberg, it might require a leap of faith for some, particularly with the mixed reviews.

Still, if you’re the kind of student who performs best with direct accountability and one-on-one support, Chalk & Board offers a level of personal investment that no other course on this list really matches.

What Chalk & Board Offers

• 50+ hours of on-demand video instruction
• A personalized study plan created with the founder based on your exam date
• Bi-weekly progress check-ins with Nathan Ronen
• Exam “must know” tips and tricks guide
• Instructor access via text, phone, email, Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp
• Two complete mock exams are included

Pros

• One of the most support-heavy prep courses out there
• High levels of accountability to ensure you study consistently

Cons

• Only two mock exams included, far fewer than Kaplan Schweser and Bloomberg
• The rigid structure may feel like a constraint for self-study aficionados
• The high level of support may be too much for introverts
• A smaller name, so students may not have the same confidence as with a u0022brand nameu0022

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Other CFA® Courses Reviewed

• CFA Institute
• FinQuiz
• MyGuru
• Quintedge
• Wiley Publishing

How to Choose the Best CFA® Level II Course for You

Choosing the right CFA® prep course isn’t just about rankings—it’s about finding the right match for your study habits, learning preferences, budget, and schedule. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider and which courses best serve each need:

Learning Style

If you prefer structured learning with a clear plan and regular check-ins, Mark Meldrum or Chalk & Board offer live classes and direct instructor engagement that provide strong external accountability. On the other hand, if you thrive with self-paced study, AnalystPrep, UWorld, and Salt Solutions give you the flexibility to learn on your own time with accessible, on-demand content.

Course Format

Courses differ in how they deliver material. Kaplan Schweser stands out for variety, combining video lectures, written guides, live workshops, and extensive reading materials. If you prefer short, focused video content and interactive tools, Bloomberg and UWorld provide clean, modern formats designed for quick study sessions.

Practice Questions & Exams

Realistic, high-volume practice is crucial. Bloomberg leads the pack with 3,000+ questions and eight mock exams, closely followed by Kaplan Schweser with six full-length mocks and over 2,400 questions. These two are ideal for students who want to drill hard before test day.

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive tools can make studying more efficient by focusing on your weak areas. Salt Solutions uses gamified goals and personalized analytics to guide your progress. UWorld’s system also nudges you with daily study tasks and performance tracking that help maintain consistency.

Instructor Support

If you learn best with regular expert input, Mark Meldrum offers detailed live instruction and mentor hours, while Chalk & Board goes even further with one-on-one planning, bi-weekly check-ins, and multi-channel instructor access. UWorld and Kaplan both have live options as well.

Budget

For those looking to keep costs low without sacrificing quality, AnalystPrep offers exceptional value with comprehensive features at one of the most affordable prices on the list. Salt Solutions also caters to budget-conscious learners with a solid course structure and interactive platform at a lower price point.

Pass Guarantee

If a pass guarantee gives you peace of mind, it’s worth checking the fine print. While not all providers offer one, Kaplan Schweser includes a PassProtection™ policy that allows eligible students to retake the course if they don’t pass—something to consider if you’re risk-averse or on a tight timeline.

Course Access Length

Access timelines can vary. AnalystPrep offers a lifetime upgrade option for Level II and III, making it a good fit if your exam schedule might shift. In contrast, courses like Chalk & Board often operate within fixed access windows, which can be fine if you’re confident in your timeline but restrictive if you need more flexibility.

Final Thoughts

So, let’s review the top three. AnalystPrep is both balanced and budget-friendly, making it suitable for most students. Kaplan Schweser caters to candidates who want large learning libraries and in-depth concept coverage. Finally, Bloomberg focuses on efficiency and has the largest number of practice materials.

However, you’re here, which means you’re putting in the work and research. That’s more than what most candidates can say. No matter which course you choose, know that you have what it takes, and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

FAQs