The CFA® prep industry is probably bigger than you think, with dozens of top CFA® Level 3 prep courses to choose from. And, now that you’re finally at the last stage in your three-part journey, you really don’t want to fail—not when you’re at the finish line.
As a professional course reviewer, I’m here to help.
I dug through some of the best CFA® Level 3 study materials to find the best fits for a variety of learners, covering everything from practice questions to live, personalized support options. In this guide, I’ll give you the honest truth about which courses are worth picking, and which you should pass on.
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Which CFA® Level 3 Prep Course Should You Choose?
UWorld: Best CFA® Level 3 Prep Course
AnalystPrep: Best Video Lessons
Kaplan Schweser: Most Complete Course
Bloomberg: Largest Question Bank
Salt Solutions: Most Efficient Prep Course
Mark Meldrum: Best Mobile App
Chalk & Board: Most Supportive Course
1. UWorld – Best CFA® Level 3 Course Overall
What’s in Store (Advanced Package)
When I reviewed UWorld’s CFA® course, the flashcards genuinely stood out. Their ReadyDecks system isn’t just some throwaway feature—it’s polished, easy to use, and clearly built with retention in mind. I found myself using them more often than I expected, especially on my phone when I had five minutes to kill between tasks. The mobile app, overall, is a high point. It’s stable, fast, and makes it easy to squeeze in short study bursts throughout the day. For students juggling a full-time job or family responsibilities, I think that kind of flexibility is essential.
Plus, while the pricing is higher for UWorld’s top-tier package, there’s a lot of variety among the three; so, regardless of your budget or needs, there’s a strong possibility that UWorld has a great fit.
That said, UWorld takes a more focused approach in a few areas. The question bank is smaller than some competitors, but it’s clearly designed around quality and exam-level difficulty, which I personally found effective once I settled in. The difficulty curve is steeper, but for candidates who already have some foundation, that challenge can be productive rather than discouraging. Overall, the platform’s strong flashcards, clean interface, and mobile-friendly design make it a solid, efficient option for self-directed learners who want a modern prep experience.
Course Feature Breakdown
- Access Period: Until Your Exam
- Practice Questions: Hundreds of Questions
- Mock Exams: Two
- Video Lessons: Included
- Written Materials: Digital Study Guides and Notes
- Tech: Performance Tracking and Analytics, Mobile App
- Pass Guarantee: N/A
- Student Support: Standard Customer Service
- Bonus Tools: Digital Flashcards, ReadyDecks, Study Planner, Formula Sheets
Additional Package Options
Elite Package: It costs more than the Advanced Package, but includes several valuable bonuses, like an additional mock exam, access until you pass, physical study guides, instructor communication options, a question-answering masterclass, and a 2-day bootcamp.
➡️ If you do best when you go above and beyond, the Elite Package is the best match UWorld offers.
Core Package: Core is much easier on the wallet, but has more limited materials, focusing on the question bank, digital study guides, mobile app, and performance tracking.
➡️ If you want a strong set of fundamental materials, this is a solid option.
Take 15% Off UWorld CFA Level 3 Review Course
Pros
- Affordable Core Package: If you don’t want to pay over four figures for your prep course, UWorld is one of the options on this list that could fit the bill.
- Solid Bonus Tools: With digital flashcards divided by topic and a customizable virtual study schedule, UWorld’s bonuses were a real treat to experience.
- Live Q&A: Live support options are available in group settings, like ExpertConnect Q&A sessions and live boot camps covering question-solving strategies.
- Mobile Learning: UWorld offers a robust mobile app available for CFA® students, allowing you to bring your learning with you to use during breaks in your busy day.
- Understanding Over Memorization: UWorld doesn’t sugarcoat, and their difficult practice questions made me focus on learning, not just loose word association.
Cons
- Challenging Question Bank: To be clear, this is a pro for many students. However, if you’ve struggled with exams in the past, it might be demoralizing to start with an uphill battle.
- Lacks Personalized Support: Where AnalystPrep and Bloomberg both offer “ask-a-tutor” questions for 1:1 help from experts, UWorld only includes basic customer service in this package.
Bottom Line
UWorld is a great choice for learners looking for a contemporary answer to the “exam prep question.” The mobile app was a huge plus for fitting in mini study sessions during the day (say, during my lunch break), and I enjoyed using the digital flashcards to reinforce key points. However, while the practice questions were high quality, I can easily see them being more frustrating than helpful, depending on your relationship with learning. However, if you have the guts for it, I truly believe UWorld can skyrocket your readiness with their focus on understanding and comprehension; they’re one of the best courses out there.
UWorld
2. AnalystPrep – Best Video Lessons
What’s in Store (Learn + Practice Packages)
AnalystPrep CFA® has a lot of excellent features, but based on my experience, I’d argue their biggest boons include their video lessons, customer service, and, of course, having the most affordable price on the list (and that’s before adding any coupon codes).
In my opinion, after reviewing every course on this list ad nauseam, AnalystPrep definitely has some of the most engaging video lessons. Lead instructor, Professor James Forjan, really knocks it out of the park. He’s a chartered financial analyst himself with a PhD in finance, but more importantly, he talks in a conversational way, tells relevant stories, and gives examples, all of which bring the content to life while making it easier for me to pay attention (even if, in my opinion, the hour-long videos could be a little shorter). Let’s be real: finance isn’t always riveting, but I truly think Forjan made it fun.
Further, I’m a big note taker. If I write it down, chances are, I’ll remember what it was. And the video slides made that process much easier, using quick sentences, bolding, bullet points, color, and visual aids. It was so simple for me to move from the slide into the notebook—and consequently, into my brain. And there’s so much more to love, too. I compared the practice questions to the real thing, and they were spot on. The study notes were simple to read, and I was able to understand them quickly. Navigation was so simple and quick. Plus, the customer service was lightning fast, and my tutor went above and beyond to answer my questions as thoroughly as possible. AnalystPrep isn’t exceptionally robust or tech-driven, but I think a lot of students will appreciate what they have to offer.
“James Forgan, AnalystPrep instructor, is a bona fide professor and teaches the subject matter like an experienced teacher. The one-time low cost is a bonus–and it applies to all three levels. The study notes are very good.”
Reddit Review
Course Feature Breakdown
- Access Period: 12 Months
- Practice Questions: 100+ MCQ-Style Vignettes and 50+ Essay Cases
- Mock Exams: One
- Video Lessons: Over 60 Hours
- Written Materials: 2,000+ Pages of Study Notes
- Tech: Performance Tracking
- Pass Guarantee: N/A
- Student Support: Messaging-Based Tutoring
- Bonus Tools: Formula Sheet
Additional Package Options
Practice Package: Includes nearly everything in the Learn + Practice Package, save for the 60+ hours of video lessons and 2,000+ study note pages.
➡️ If you’d rather spend a bit less and don’t mind foregoing the videos and study notes, this could be a solid alternative for your budget.
Pros
- Quality On-Demand Instruction: Professor James Forjan, AnalystPrep’s lead instructor, is known for his engaging teaching style and easy-to-understand explanations.
- Low Cost: If you’re on a strict budget, AnalystPrep’s value becomes even clearer, thanks to their affordable pricing made lower with available discounts.
- High-Quality Questions: The question bank includes hundreds of practice questions that are surprisingly similar to real CFA® questions.
- Well-Written Materials: I found AnalystPrep’s study notes and formula sheets easy to read, understand, and put to work in my mock study sessions.
- Helpful Customer Service: The student support services were unmatched, with quick, thorough responses and a team that actually cared and empathized with my struggles.
Cons
- Small Bonus Tool Collection: Compared to courses like Kaplan Schweser and UWorld, AnalystPrep doesn’t include many bonus study tools.
- Less 1:1 Support: While the customer service was excellent, personalized support, like tutoring or live instruction, is limited.
Bottom Line
AnalystPrep offers a unique blend of quality materials, an efficient strategy for covering every testable topic, and over 60 hours of engaging on-demand lectures. But the real surprise is how affordable the price is compared to the competition. While some students may need a more thorough approach with personalized support and extensive prep resources, this is a low-cost, low-stress CFA® course that busy students on a budget can find some serious value in.
AnalystPrep
3. Kaplan Schweser – Most Complete CFA® Level 3 Course
What’s in Store (Premium Package)
Some students can “dip” into a subject and pass an exam, but that’s probably the 1% of all learners. For the rest of us who do better with a “deep dive” strategy, Kaplan Schweser’s comprehensive content library is an outstanding choice. Where AnalystPrep offers over 60 hours of on-demand instruction—which is nothing to sneeze at—Kaplan CFA® more than doubles it with 125 hours. Where other providers offer several hundred practice questions per level, the SchweserPro™ QBank contains thousands. Where other providers offer one to three full-length mock exams, Kaplan features six. Basically, whatever any other company has, Kaplan has more, and that can make a big difference for some learning styles.
As for my experience with Kaplan Schweser, I actually think my favorite part was their written materials. While four reference guides can feel like a lot, I didn’t find them to be particularly dense or intimidating. In fact, they were pretty concise and easy to read; it felt like they were designed for actual people, not the traditional textbook that seems like it was written by pretentious professors, for pretentious professors.
The same is true of Schweser’s Secret Sauce®, a compact book available in physical, digital, or online formats. Where the textbooks focused on learning the content, Secret Sauce focused on study strategies and exam tips, and learning those tips in a memorable way. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. While there are flaws, which we’ll get into, Kaplan Schweser offers high-quality resources for real students, particularly those who enjoy getting into the weeds of their study subjects.
“Kaplan’s learning ecosystem was far and away the best of all the resources I relied upon. For ALL LEVELS the readings concentrated on testable material and were light on chaff. Similarly the mock exams for ALL LEVELS were surprisingly consistent with the actual exam.”
Reddit Review
Course Feature Breakdown
- Access Period: Until the Last Day of the Month After Your Exam Date’s Month
- Practice Questions: Thousands of Questions in the SchweserPro™ QBank
- Mock Exams: Six (+ Three Checkpoint Exams)
- Video Lessons: Over 125 Hours (50+ for Modules, 40+ for Masterclass, 30+ for Review, 5+ for Question Walkthroughs)
- Written Materials: Schweser’s Secret Sauce®, QuickSheet, Four Print or Digital SchweserNotes™ Textbooks
- Tech: Performance Tracking, Activity Feed, Mobile App
- Pass Guarantee: Schweser’s PassProtection™
- Student Support: Customer Service, Online Student Community
Additional Package Options
Ultimate Package: Like Premium, but with even more study tools. Most notably, the Ultimate Package includes live online classes.
➡️ If you learn best with real-time support, this is the best Kaplan Schweser prep course for you.
Essential Package: The Essential Package is more digitally based, lacking the Premium Package’s physical study tools. Further, it doesn’t have the same review materials, so if you don’t have the best memory, that could be an issue.
➡️ This is the best pick if you want eBooks and PassProtection™, but don’t need physical tools or review-driven topics.
Basic Package: This package’s main features are the on-demand video lessons, a handful of study tools, and practice exams. It’s lighter than the others, but offers a more affordable price tag, as well.
➡️ If you like Kaplan’s style but want the bare minimum you’d need to pass (with a more budget-friendly price), this is for you.
Pros
- Exceptional Textbooks and Study Notes: I personally think Kaplan Schweser does the best of any provider on this list when it comes to written materials, ideal for reading-driven learners.
- Guarantee to Pass: While Schweser’s PassProtection™ isn’t a money-back guarantee, students who fail the exam are eligible for extended access to their course materials for peace of mind.
- Large Test Bank: With six mock exams, three checkpoint exams, and thousands of practice questions, Kaplan’s a great choice if practice is your #1 priority.
- Expansive Video Library: With over 125 hours of video lectures, covering everything from question walkthroughs to final review, video lovers can take advantage of Kaplan’s content.
- Engaging Interface: With weekly goals to complete available in the activity feed and visual performance and progress tracking, Kaplan delivers a modern, motivational experience.
Cons
- Limited Access: Where other providers like AnalystPrep and Bloomberg offer 12 months of course access, Kaplan’s access periods are limited to a timeframe dependent on the date of your exam.
- Unaffordable for Many: While I think Kaplan’s courses are well worth the price, it can cut off some students from access due to charging an unreachable amount.
Bottom Line
If you want everything you could ever possibly need to pass Level 3 of the CFA® exam, Kaplan Schweser is an excellent choice. With thousands of practice questions and well over 100 hours of video lessons, Kaplan delivers the definition of “go big or go home.” However, it’s worth thinking about whether Kaplan Schweser’s high price tag is worthwhile for your needs before making that investment. For a more affordable option, consider AnalystPrep.
Kaplan
4. Bloomberg – Largest CFA® Level 3 Question Bank
What’s in Store (Premium Package)
Bloomberg’s CFA® course stands out for one major reason: the sheer size of its question bank. I tested thousands of practice questions while reviewing this course, and I can confirm the volume is impressive—there’s more than enough to work through every topic from multiple angles. That said, quantity didn’t always equal quality. I ran into several answer explanations that were either unclear or flat-out incorrect. It wasn’t constant, but it happened enough that I found myself double-checking answers more than I wanted to. If you’re someone who already has a strong foundation and can self-correct without second-guessing your own logic, this may not bother you too much—but it’s something to keep in mind.
What Bloomberg does best, in my opinion, is keep things streamlined. The platform is clean and intuitive, and the adaptive learning tech helped me focus on weak areas without wasting time. Their claim that you can shave ~140 hours off your study time might sound bold, but honestly? I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s a lean, targeted course that gets out of your way. Just know that this simplicity comes at a surprisingly high price—especially considering the lack of deep video instruction or robust written materials. For busy, test-savvy candidates who want a no-fuss, question-heavy prep tool, Bloomberg gets the job done. Just be ready to spot-check the occasional error along the way.
Course Feature Breakdown
- Access Period: 12 Months
- Practice Questions: Thousands of Questions (10,000 Across All Three Levels)
- Mock Exams: Eight
- Video Lessons: Information Unavailable
- Written Materials: Limited
- Tech: Adaptive Learning Technology
- Pass Guarantee: Pass Insurance
- Student Support: Ask-a-Tutor Questions
Additional Package Options
Ultimate Package: Ultimate is significantly more expensive, but includes two additional mock exams and 80 extra ask-a-tutor questions (for a total of 100).
➡️ If you tend to generate a lot of questions while you study and learn best from having things explained to you in a personal way, pick this package.
Essential Package: Though this bundle includes two fewer mock exams and zero ask-a-tutor questions, it’s by far the most affordable.
➡️ If you have no issue with a 100% self-study prep strategy, this is a smart way to save.
Pros
- Thousands of Practice Questions: Bloomberg challenges the top competitor on this list, AnalystPrep, with thousands of questions compared to AnalystPrep’s hundreds.
- Pass Guarantee: Bloomberg is one of the only CFA® providers to offer a money-back pass guarantee, where eligible students can choose between a refund and an access extension.
- Streamlined and Straightforward: Bloomberg reports that their program can reduce study hours by ~140 on average, making them a sound choice for hectic lifestyles.
- High Satisfaction: Bloomberg reports a satisfaction rate higher than 98%, which can be especially appealing when choosing the right course is so anxiety-inducing.
Cons
- On the Higher End of Prices: Bloomberg is efficient and simple, and while that usually translates to a lower cost, Bloomberg charges more.
- Errors in Practice Questions: Several Reddit reviews mention that there are errors in the answers and explanations in Bloomberg’s test bank.
Bottom Line
Bloomberg boasts high pass and satisfaction rates, which might make you feel a little more at ease during your study sessions. After all, it’s a hefty investment, and you want to feel like you made a smart decision. However, I (and some other reviewers) found several errors in the question bank. This is pretty normal, not every provider has everything 100% correct—sad but true—but it was pretty startling at times, even with the high volume of questions to choose from. Overall, Bloomberg is a sound choice if you’re pretty savvy when it comes to exams and you want to speedrun your study experience.
Bloomberg
5. Salt Solutions – Most Efficient CFA® Level 3 Prep Course
What’s in Store (Complete Package)
When I worked through Salt Solutions’ platform, I immediately noticed how clean and minimal everything felt. There’s a definite “get in, get out” vibe to the whole experience. If you’re the type of learner who wants to study efficiently without being buried in optional extras, Salt really delivers. The interface is one of the sleekest I tested—visually appealing, fast-loading, and totally intuitive. Their Checkpoints system and Focus Analysis tool helped me stay on track without overthinking it.
That said, Salt’s efficiency comes at a cost. I noticed a few gaps in topic coverage where the content felt a little too trimmed down. Compared to Kaplan’s deep dives and AnalystPrep’s engaging lecture formats, Salt’s 40-ish hours of video content felt a bit sparse—especially when I ran into topics I didn’t feel fully prepped for. The question bank was solid and actually pretty challenging, which I appreciated. But with only three mock exams and less instructional depth overall, I don’t think Salt is the best fit for students who need more hand-holding or want to leave zero points on the table. If you’re a confident test taker with good time management, Salt could be a fast, stylish way to study without overspending or burning out.
Course Feature Breakdown
- Access Period: Lifetime, Unlimited Access
- Practice Questions: 1,000+ Questions and a Quiz Creator
- Mock Exams: Three
- Video Lessons: Over 40 Hours
- Written Materials: Manuals, Formula Sheets, Reading Assignments
- Tech: CheckPoints Pacer, Focus Analysis Analytics
- Pass Guarantee: No
- Student Support: Discussion Forums
Additional Package Options
Focus Express Package: Though you save several hundred dollars compared to the Complete Package, your access is limited to 45 days. You’ll also miss out on key perks like the pass guarantee, CheckPoints Pacer, manuals, videos, reading assignments, and answer explanations.
➡️ This is a cheap choice, but it isn’t comprehensive. This package would only make sense if you want something supplemental.
Pros
- Quick and Easy: Like Bloomberg, Salt Solutions emphasizes how they speed up the CFA® prep process, focusing only on the absolutely necessary topics to pass.
- Modern Interface: If aesthetics matters to you, you’ll appreciate Salt’s sleek, contemporary interface, which makes studying feel more serious.
- 1,000+ Questions: The question bank is impressive, including over 1,000 entries that are particularly difficult to overprepare you for exam day.
- Reasonably Priced: I’m reviewing Salt’s most expensive Level 3 package in this guide, and it’s still one of the most affordable on the list.
Cons
- Efficient = Less Content: The problem with highly efficient programs is that they can sometimes skimp on concepts that might be tested, leading to some candidates losing precious points.
- Fewer Video Lectures: While over 40 hours of video content is still a solid amount, it doesn’t compare to AnalystPrep’s 60+ and Kaplan Schweser’s 125+ hours.
- Fewer Mock Exams: With just three mock exams available, Salt struggles to compete with up to eight mock exams from providers like Bloomberg.
Bottom Line
Salt Solutions has a lot to offer for a low price, making them a good pick for students on a budget who still want a comprehensive prep course. However, that lower price can sometimes translate to “less,” particularly when it comes to topic coverage, video lectures, and mock exams. However, like Bloomberg, that just means it’s a better fit for students who are naturally gifted test takers, which may very well be you. If you want a better fit for most students at a budget-friendly price, consider AnalystPrep instead.
Salt Solutions
6. Mark Meldrum – Best Mobile App
What’s in Store (Self-Study + Applied Asset Management)
Mark Meldrum’s course is one I really wanted to love. There’s a loyal fanbase for a reason, and I can see the appeal—particularly the variety of video formats. I watched walkthroughs of reading assignments, question breakdowns, and seminar-style lectures that gave some useful insight into exam strategy. The mobile app was another high point. It’s well-designed, fast, and surprisingly robust, especially considering how barebones some competitors’ apps feel. I liked being able to access materials on the go without a hitch.
But the more I studied the Level 3 content, the more the cracks started to show. I noticed entire readings that were either skipped or brushed over quickly, and I wasn’t alone—other students online pointed out the same issues. The course doesn’t offer much in the way of bonus tools or extra learning mediums, and the overall experience felt a bit dated compared to more modern platforms like Salt or Bloomberg. The question bank is solid, but there aren’t enough questions to fully reinforce trickier topics. Overall, I think Mark Meldrum works best for students who already have a strong foundation and just need some extra structure and commentary—but I wouldn’t recommend it as your sole prep tool.
“I think you might struggle with MM videos. Some chapters he skips EOC altogether and/or he skips very difficult in-text/end of chapter questions. Because of this, I failed using MM and stopped altogether my last and final attempt.”
Reddit Review
Course Feature Breakdown
- Access Period: 12 Months
- Practice Questions: Hundreds of Questions
- Mock Exams: One
- Video Lessons: Reading, End-of-Chapter Question, and Seminar-Style Videos
- Written Materials: PDF/Downloadable Lecture Notes and Formula Cheat Sheets
- Tech: Mobile App (4.8 Stars on Apple App Store)
- Pass Guarantee: N/A
- Student Support: Up to 10 Instructor Questions + Comments
- Bonus Tools: Bonus Videos in the App
Additional Package Options
Self-Study Package: This package is priced lower, and the only difference is that it doesn’t include the Applied Asset Management section.
➡️ If you aren’t interested in learning extra tips about the industry and you’re more concerned with passing the CFA® exam right now, especially if you’re trying to keep your spending low, this is a better choice than the Self-Study + AAM package.
Pros
- Quality Questions: Some students argue that Mark Meldrum has some of the best practice questions out there, and I do think they’re a good representation of the actual Level 3 exam.
- Variety of Videos: Like Kaplan Schweser, MM’s videos cover much more than the content alone. You’ll cover the readings, question walkthroughs, and seminars on essential topics.
- High-Rated Mobile App: The mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, has consistently maintained a 4.8-star rating based on over 400 reviews.
Cons
- Videos Have a Different Vibe: Mark Meldrum is really known for their live and in-person classes, and the video lessons felt like a different “brand.”
- Small Library: MM really doesn’t have any bonus tools here, which isn’t ideal for students who value a wide range of mediums for learning.
- Skipping Topics: I noticed—and multiple other students have mentioned—that Meldrum skips over several crucial topics in his video lessons for Level 3.
Bottom Line
Mark Meldrum’s course delivers decent value if you’re looking for a straightforward video-first study option with a great mobile app and a bit of academic flair. But if you need thorough coverage, robust support, or a more complete resource library, you may find yourself frustrated by the gaps. For students who are self-driven and supplement with other tools, though, it could still get the job done. If that isn’t you, Kaplan is a complete solution that might fit your needs.
Mark Meldrum
7. Chalk & Board – Most Supportive CFA® Level 3 Course
What’s in Store (Premium Package)
Chalk & Board is unlike any other CFA® prep course I reviewed—and not necessarily in a bad way, just a very specific way. The biggest draw here is the personalized service model. I tried out the tier that includes bi-weekly check-ins, essay grading, and a custom study plan, and I can say the accountability piece really is valuable. If you’re someone who struggles to stay on track and would benefit from having a real human check in with you regularly, there’s something comforting and motivating about the setup. It felt more like a coach than a course.
However, the course felt pretty limited overall. Most of the instruction is video-based—there’s no real study guide, no interactive features, and the tech is bare minimum. I didn’t mind watching the lectures, but I couldn’t shake the sense that something was missing when I wasn’t able to cross-reference with written materials or visual outlines. I also want to flag that while some students rave about the experience, others have left some pretty blunt reviews—particularly about the founder’s approach. That’s not something I personally encountered, but it does raise a red flag if you’re investing in a course that’s this hands-on and this expensive. If you’re an independent learner who values flexibility or wants a well-rounded content library, Chalk & Board probably isn’t for you. But for those who thrive under structured support and want personalized essay feedback, it might be worth exploring—just with your eyes open.
Course Feature Breakdown
- Access Period: Depends on Exam Date
- Practice Questions: Hundreds of Questions
- Mock Exams: Three
- Video Lessons: 50+ Hours
- Written Materials: N/A
- Tech: N/A
- Pass Guarantee: N/A
- Student Support: Forum Access (Opportunities for Constructed Response Grading, Instructor Access, a Personalized Study Plan, and Bi-Weekly Progress Check-Ins)
- Bonus Tools: N/A
Additional Package Options
Essential Package: Only includes on-demand access to the video lessons and forum access, but the price is not as low as it should be for those minimal features.
➡️ Full disclosure and total honesty: I wouldn’t recommend this package for anyone, as C&B’s main draw is the personalized support and grading features. It’s way too expensive for what you get.
Pros
- Highly Personalized: Though it costs more, students can add the “Personalized Service Model” to their package for bi-weekly check-ins, a customized study plan, and direct access to the instructor.
- Graded Mock Exams: Again, it’s an additional cost, but you can have your essays graded to see how well you’re actually performing on them.
- Built-In Accountability: Though only available in high-tier packages, the addition of bi-weekly check-ins can help you if you struggle to motivate yourself to study.
Cons
- Video-Heavy: If you want a variety of prep materials to guide your learning, this probably isn’t the right pick for you, as it relies heavily on video content to teach the learning outcome statements.
- Mixed Reviews: Where some reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, others have been pretty negative, particularly regarding the persona and actions of founder Nathan Ronen.
- Personalization is Pricey: This isn’t really a surprise, but high-level personalized services can cost a pretty penny, making the course too expensive for the average CFA® aspirant.
- Minimal Study Materials: Chalk & Board offers significantly fewer resources in their packages, and doesn’t go nearly as in-depth as providers like Kaplan Schweser.
Bottom Line
Chalk & Board isn’t the right fit for everyone, and I’d highly recommend reading additional reviews if it interests you, since they can vary so widely. However, if you need tight, no-wiggle-room accountability, a guided study plan customized to your life, and value professional essay grading, C&B could be worth your while. However, with a small study resource library, a lack of written materials, mixed reviews, and a steep price tag, AnalystPrep, Kaplan, and Bloomberg are much safer options.
Chalk & Board
CFA® Level 3 Prep Courses That Didn’t Make the List
Here’s a quick list of other courses I reviewed that didn’t quite make the list, but may be worth considering.
How the CFA® Level 3 Courses Were Ranked
I evaluated each CFA® Level 3 prep course based on a combination of content quality, user experience, and effectiveness—drawing from extensive firsthand testing (and a hefty amount of caffeine). Here’s how each course stacked up in the most important categories:
📚 Course Content Quality – Depth and Accuracy of Study Materials
Kaplan Schweser stood out here. Its written materials, especially the SchweserNotes™ and Secret Sauce® guide, were not only comprehensive but also digestible—something I rarely say about CFA® content. UWorld also impressed me with its clear, well-structured study notes and formula sheets, which made it easy to absorb the essentials. On the other hand, Chalk & Board offered minimal written material, which limited its depth significantly.
🎯 Effectiveness – Proven Success Rates and Student Outcomes
While I can’t independently verify every provider’s CFA® pass rate claims, some backed them up more convincingly than others. AnalystPrep’s and UWorld’s question banks mirrored the real CFA® exam very closely in my tests, and Bloomberg cited a 98% satisfaction rate, which was reassuring—though I did notice some quality issues in their questions. Chalk & Board offered personalized support to boost results, but the inconsistency in reviews gave me pause.
Salt Solutions was one of the smoothest experiences I had during this review cycle. The platform is modern, intuitive, and clearly built for real people—not just finance pros. Kaplan also deserves a mention here, with its clean design and smart performance tracking. UWorld’s mobile app was excellent for on-the-go learning, while Mark Meldrum’s platform felt more dated and a bit clunky in comparison.
📊 Practice Questions & Exams – Quantity and Quality of Test Simulations
Kaplan leads the pack here with six full-length mock exams and thousands of questions. AnalystPrep also offered a strong mix of vignette and essay-style problems that closely resembled official questions. Bloomberg’s 10,000-question bank sounds great in theory, but I ran into several answer errors that made me question the overall reliability. UWorld and Mark Meldrum both offered fewer mocks and more limited banks, which might not be enough for every student, but the difficulty of UWorld’s questions is still worth considering if you want to be overprepared.
🎥 Instructor Engagement – Teaching Style and Clarity of Explanations
AnalystPrep takes the crown in this category. Professor James Forjan’s conversational tone and storytelling approach made even dry topics feel approachable. Both Kaplan’s and UWorld’s instructors were also clear and structured, though more traditional in style. Mark Meldrum’s seminar-style videos had value, but I noticed he skipped some key topics—something several other students flagged too.
💰 Value for Money – Pricing vs. Features
AnalystPrep offers incredible value. With over 60 hours of lectures, a solid question bank, and excellent support, it’s one of the most affordable courses I’ve tested. UWorld was also well-priced for what it included, especially the video content and tech tools. In contrast, Chalk & Board’s high-touch service model was expensive and didn’t offer enough study materials to justify the cost for most users.
🔄 Flexibility – Self-Paced vs. Structured Learning Options
Salt Solutions and AnalystPrep were both flexible and well-suited for independent learners. Chalk & Board was the most structured (if you pay extra), with scheduled check-ins and a guided plan—great for accountability, but too rigid and costly for some. However, UWorld’s mobile app, live options (at the premier tier), digital and printed textbooks, and flashcards make them the most flexible of all. Kaplan landed somewhere in the middle, offering clear pacing suggestions through its dashboard, but still allowing students to move at their own speed.
How to Choose the Best CFA® Level 3 Prep Course for You
The best CFA® prep course for someone else might not be the best one for you. Your learning style, schedule, support needs, and budget all play a role in what will actually help you succeed. Below, I’ve broken down the key factors to consider—along with my personal recommendations based on extensive hands-on testing.
Learning Style
Do you thrive on structure and accountability? Or do you prefer to study on your own terms?
- If you prefer self-paced learning with on-demand content, AnalystPrep and UWorld are strong options. Both allow you to move at your own speed without compromising on content quality.
- For students who need structure and personal check-ins, Chalk & Board offers the most accountability with its personalized service model and bi-weekly check-ins—though it comes at a higher price.
Course Format
Some courses are heavy on video instruction, while others rely more on written notes, interactive tools, or mobile access.
- Kaplan Schweser offers the most complete mix, with detailed textbooks, video walkthroughs, and tools like Secret Sauce for strategic prep.
- If you’re mostly looking for video-based learning, Mark Meldrum provides a wide range of lecture types (though coverage can be inconsistent).
- For mobile-first learners, UWorld and Salt Solutions both offer clean, modern interfaces with strong app support.
Practice Questions & Exams
Practice makes perfect—especially when it mimics the real thing.
- Kaplan leads here with six mock exams and thousands of practice questions. AnalystPrep also stood out for having high-quality, exam-like questions and a good mix of formats (MCQs and essays).
- Bloomberg offers one of the largest question banks by volume, but I found enough errors in the explanations to recommend it cautiously.
- UWorld’s tricky practice questions make for a smart pick for students focused on actually learning the content instead of just memorizing it.
Adaptive Learning
Some platforms use smart tech to focus your time where it matters most.
- Salt Solutions‘ Focus Analysis and Checkpoints features helped me hone in on weak spots and avoid overstudying what I already knew.
- UWorld’s SmartPath and performance analytics made my study sessions more efficient, and visualizing the process simpler.
- Bloomberg also claims adaptive benefits, though I found its implementation a bit more rigid and harder to verify in practice.
Instructor Support
If you like being able to ask questions and get help when stuck, not all courses are created equal.
- Chalk & Board offers the most personalized support, with access to instructors, mock essay grading, and one-on-one check-ins in premium tiers.
- AnalystPrep has a simple but effective “ask a tutor” messaging system that got me fast, helpful responses.
- UWorld, by contrast, didn’t offer much in the way of live or personalized support, which may leave some students feeling on their own.
Budget
Your ideal course might come down to what you can afford.
- AnalystPrep is one of the most affordable options I reviewed—and it doesn’t skimp on quality, which makes it a standout for budget-conscious learners.
- Salt Solutions also offers solid value for the price, especially considering its polished tech and efficient structure.
- Kaplan and Chalk & Board are both higher-cost investments. Kaplan offers a ton of material for the price, while Chalk & Board’s personalized services may only be worth it for students who truly need intensive support.
Pass Guarantee
While a pass guarantee isn’t everything, it can give peace of mind—especially for first-time test takers.
- Bloomberg is one of the few providers to offer a money-back pass guarantee or access extension for eligible students.
- Kaplan’s PassProtection™ offers extended access if you don’t pass, though it’s not a refund.
- AnalystPrep and most others on this list don’t include formal guarantees but do offer quality content at a lower price point.
Course Access Length
The longer the access, the more flexibility you have—especially if life gets in the way.
- Salt Solutions wins here with lifetime access, which is extremely rare in the CFA® prep space.
- AnalystPrep, UWorld, and Mark Meldrum offer ~12 months of access, which should be plenty for most students.
- Kaplan limits access to the end of the month following your exam date, which can feel restrictive.
- Chalk & Board ties access to your specific exam timeline, making it less flexible if plans change.
CFA® Level 3 Course Comparisons: Which is Better?
AnalystPrep vs. Kaplan Schweser: Affordable Focus vs. Comprehensive Coverage
AnalystPrep and Kaplan Schweser were easily two of the strongest contenders I reviewed, but they cater to different types of learners. AnalystPrep shines for its affordability and efficiency. I found Professor James Forjan’s videos to be some of the most engaging CFA® lectures available—his ability to make complex material conversational was a big plus. The slides were well-designed, the question bank was exam-relevant, and the customer support was quick and helpful. For budget-conscious learners who want quality without spending four figures, AnalystPrep is hard to beat.
That said, Kaplan Schweser delivers sheer scale and polish. If you’re the kind of student who wants to go deep into every reading with written guides, review notes, and six full-length mocks, Kaplan gives you more content—period. While I found the interface slightly less modern than Salt or Bloomberg, Kaplan’s systemized approach and well-structured curriculum made it easy to track progress. I’d personally recommend Kaplan to students who value textbook learning, test simulation, and content redundancy. AnalystPrep is more nimble; Kaplan is more exhaustive.
Kaplan Schweser vs. Bloomberg: Study Depth vs. Study Speed
Kaplan Schweser is a better fit if you want to master the CFA® curriculum inside and out. From the SchweserNotes™ to the Secret Sauce® review guide, I appreciated the way Kaplan divided and reinforced the content. I also liked having six mock exams to build up endurance and confidence. It felt like a course built for long-haul learners who aren’t afraid to immerse themselves fully in CFA® material.
In contrast, Bloomberg is all about speed and efficiency. The platform was designed to cut out excess study time, and the adaptive tech helped me zero in on weak areas quickly. But while the 10,000-question bank sounds impressive, I encountered multiple answer explanations that were either confusing or inaccurate, which made me second-guess the material. If you’re a confident test taker and want to avoid overstudying, Bloomberg might suit you—but Kaplan is the safer, more complete option for the average student.
AnalystPrep vs. Salt Solutions: Engaging Lectures vs. Streamlined Interface
I found AnalystPrep to be surprisingly robust for the price. The video lectures were some of the most engaging I tested, and the blend of written notes, practice questions, and formula sheets made it easy to build a structured study routine. It’s especially strong if you’re a visual/auditory learner who benefits from a charismatic instructor breaking down topics step by step.
Salt Solutions, on the other hand, is all about modern minimalism. The platform is sleek, the pacing tools are helpful, and it genuinely feels efficient to use. I liked their Focus Analysis tech for cutting through the noise, but their video content didn’t hold my attention quite as well as AnalystPrep’s did. Plus, the limited number of mock exams (only three) might not satisfy students looking for intense test-day prep. In the end, AnalystPrep offers a deeper instructional experience, while Salt Solutions favors clean, focused design and flexibility.
Bloomberg vs. UWorld: Quantity vs. Portability
When I tested Bloomberg, I was impressed by the sheer amount of content. Thousands of CFA® practice questions, eight mock exams, and adaptive learning tools gave it an edge in terms of raw features. But I also encountered more errors in the question bank than I did with any other course, and the lack of polished written materials left me feeling like something was missing. It’s a powerful course, but best suited for independent learners who can identify and correct mistakes on their own.
UWorld doesn’t offer as many questions or mock exams, but the ones that are offered are of a much higher quality, in my opinion. The flashcards were top-notch—I used them frequently on the mobile app—and the whole platform is extremely portable. It’s a lot more flexible than Bloomberg, allowing students to “choose their own adventure,” regardless of what you’re looking for from a prep course. Overall, of the two, UWorld has a strong lead.
Mark Meldrum vs. Chalk & Board: Academic Rigor vs. Personalized Accountability
Mark Meldrum offers a strong academic vibe, and I appreciated the variety of video formats—lecture-style, question walkthroughs, and seminar discussions. The mobile app worked well, and the materials felt targeted. That said, I noticed (and confirmed through other reviews) that some key topics were either skipped or underexplained. While the question bank was good, the absence of supplemental tools or full content coverage made it feel incomplete without outside resources.
Chalk & Board, by contrast, doesn’t offer much in terms of tech or content variety, but it’s hands-down the most supportive course I tested. With add-ons like bi-weekly check-ins and personalized study plans, the structure worked well for me when I wanted extra accountability. That said, it’s expensive—and the limited resource library makes it a tough sell for anyone looking for depth or independence. For highly motivated students, Meldrum might be the better deal; for those who need guidance and a structured path, Chalk & Board could be worth considering despite its limitations.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right CFA® prep course for you can be tough, but I sincerely hope this guide made making that decision a little bit easier. I also realize that this is a long article, and you might need a quick refresher.
UWorld is a great overall pick for most students, with a mobile app, live Q&A, and balanced packages for all budgets. AnalystPrep is the most budget-friendly option on the list, with stellar video lextures. Kaplan Schweser is a little more expensive, but they have an outstanding reputation, and they’re a great pick if you need something that leaves no stone unturned. Want a massive question bank? Look no further than Bloomberg. Finally, Salt Solutions is great if you want to get to the finish line faster.
Now, it’s time to pick. Which CFA® Level 3 provider is the best match for you? Hopefully, you have a pretty good idea of your perfect match.
FAQs
UWorld offers the best value overall, while AnalystPrep is the perfect choice for a limited budget. Kaplan Schweser is ideal if you want maximum depth, structure, and mock exams.
Kaplan is better for full-scope CFA® prep; UWorld works best as a supplemental tool for flashcards and mobile review.
Chalk & Board provides the most personalized CFA® coaching with one-on-one check-ins and essay grading—at a premium price.
AnalystPrep is the most affordable full-course option with strong content, engaging lectures, and quality support.
Bloomberg offers a money-back pass guarantee; Kaplan provides extended access through its PassProtection™ program.
