According to Google, 53% of shoppers always check multiple options before making a purchase—and you’re one of them! Whether it’s scrolling through reviews, comparing features, or reading recommendations, you’re part of the savvy majority that knows the value of doing your homework.
And when it comes to something as important as the Series 3 exam, research isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Why?
The Series 3 exam isn’t just any test—it’s your gateway to becoming a licensed commodities and futures professional. Passing Series 3 can open doors to exciting opportunities in the financial industry, so choosing the right prep course is crucial.
Whether you’re looking for live classes to keep you accountable, performance-tracking tools to measure your progress, challenging practice questions to simulate the exam, or simply the best overall course, my guide has you covered.
Series 3 Review Courses
- Best Overall: Securities Institute of America (SIA)
- Best Live Classes: Securities Training Corporation (STC)
- Best Reputation: Kaplan
- Best Bonus Tools: ExamFX
Series 3 Prep Course Comparison
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| Price | $149-$259 | $297-$474 | $209-$299 | $240-$305 | $435 |
| Discounts | No Discounts | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 20% | No Discounts |
| Access Length | 6 Months | 6 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months |
| Guarantee | GreenLight Guarantee™ | STC Pass Guarantee |  | | |
| Practice Exams | Yes, Unlimited | Yes, Dozens | Yes, Limited | Yes, Dozens | Customizable Practice Question Sets |
| Live Instruction | | Yes, 20+ Hours | Yes, ~12 Hours | | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Chat | Instructor Hotline, 24/7 Tech Support | InstructorLink™, Phone, Email, Social Media | Phone and Chat Instructor Support | Phone and Email, Instructor Email, Strategy Calls |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Quick Picks for Key Features
- Pass Guarantee: Go with SIA or STC.
- Budget-Friendly: Choose SIA for the best value.
- Interactive Classes: Pick STC for live instruction.
- Challenging Practice: Opt for Kaplan if you want tough, realistic practice exams.
- Personalized Tools: ExamFX offers a variety of extras like study plans and custom exams.
- High-Touch Support: Knopman Marks excels at guided study plans and 1-on-1 strategy calls.
1. Securities Institute of America: Best Overall
The Securities Institute of America is as professional and prestigious as it sounds. SIA boasts a 90% pass rate for students, calculated using data collected across 400,000 exam attempts and almost 30 years in the industry.
If that isn’t enough, they offer a 100% money-back pass guarantee on every exam prep package they offer, whether it’s priced at $50 or $300. Compared to other packages, SIA offers the most well-balanced, well-priced, and high-quality materials, and that’s why they rank #1 on this list.
Plus, I believe a psychological effect happens with a pass guarantee. When you’re studying for an exam, you’re worried about passing, but you’re also concerned about the money you’ll have wasted if you fail. SIA’s GreenLight Guarantee™ doesn’t just give you an excellent deal; it gives you peace of mind so you can focus on the material, not a wasted investment.
“I had tried to pass the Series 65 using another provider. I wish I had used your materials from the start. The course is incredibly well designed. The videos really helped me understand the topics I was reading. I passed and I am so excited. Many thanks.”
Bryan Zimmerman
Course Features
- GreenLight Guarantee™
- 228-Page Textbook (Physical and/or Digital)
- 9 Hours of Video Content Across 14 Videos
- 14 Section Tests
- 900-Question Test Bank
- 15 Ways to Customize Exams
- Unlimited Practice Exams and Final Exam Simulations
- Checkpoint Exams and the Green Light Exam
- Detailed Question and Exam Reports
- Personalized Study Calendar
- Test Tips and Cheat Sheets
Securities Institute of America Discount
Save on SIA’s Series 3 prep course with our exclusive coupon codes – start studying for less today!
Pros
- Pass Guarantee: Spend less time worrying about your finances and more time focusing on your studies with SIA’s GreenLight Guarantee™.
- Concise Learning Materials: I always appreciate SIA’s ability to condense everything you need to know into fewer pages and hours of content than their competitors. Spend less time studying!
- Unlimited Practice: Few providers offer unlimited practice exams, let alone unlimited mock exams. SIA breaks the mold and does exactly that.
- Won’t Break the Bank: SIA’s Series 3 prep course is the most budget-friendly on the list, with their lowest package costing $300 less than the highest-priced competitor’s package.
- Brilliant Bonuses: SIA’s personalized study calendar, test tips, and cheat sheets are all worth their weight in gold.
Cons
- Best for Self-Study: If you struggle to learn without traditional live classes and additional support, SIA may not be the best fit for you.
Bottom Line
Best For: Students looking for an affordable, self-paced course with a pass guarantee.
SIA delivers high-quality materials, unlimited practice exams, and a budget-friendly price, all backed by their GreenLight Guarantee™. If you’re confident in self-study and want the best value for your money, this is your ideal pick. However, those who prefer live instruction may need to look elsewhere.
Securities Institute of America: Pick or Pass?
✅ Pick SIA if you:
- Enjoy self-study courses
- Are on a tight budget (or simply want the most bang for your buck)
- Want a time-effective study solution
- Value top-notch practice questions and exams
- Study more confidently with a pass guarantee
⛔ Pass on SIA if you:
- Learn best with live, interactive classes
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation: Best Live Classes
Like SIA, the Securities Training Corporation is a highly polished and professional organization. From 95% first-time pass rates to 1,500,000 professionals trained across 50 years, STC is a company you can trust.
They bolster that trust even further with their STC Pass Guarantee, available for their Series 3 Premier and Premier Plus packages. Complete a few steps, and you’ll be eligible for a 100% refund if you fail your Series 3 exam.
But wait, there’s more! STC is also one of the few providers that offers live virtual classes for their courses. So, STC is a strong contender if you value live content and interaction with your instructors.
“I passed the exam recently, and used STC for my prep. It’s a one-stop shop which includes all reading material, questions bank of 1000+ questions, progress exams and final/greenlight exams which make you feel ready for the D-day. Don’t know much about Kaplan, but I can vouch for STC without a doubt.”
u/DetectiveOk3858
Course Features
- STC Pass Guarantee (Details here)
- Study Manual (Printed and/or Digital)
- 6 Hours of On-Demand Video Lessons
- ~12 Hours of Live Online Instruction
- 10 Progress Exams, 7 Final Exams, and 2 Green Light Exams
- 1,000+ Question Test Bank
- Crunch Time Facts
- Flashcards
- 24/7 Tech Support
- Instructor Hotline
Securities Training Corporation Discount
Save on STC’s Series 3 exam packages and enjoy top-notch live instruction at a discounted price.
Pros
- STC Pass Guarantee: STC’s courses are sometimes on the pricey side, but they back it up with their pass guarantee. They trust their materials and their students enough to bet on them!
- Live Instruction: Unique in the securities training world, STC offers excellent live online courses for students who purchase the Premium Plus package.
- Great Support Options: Whether you need personalized help with the content or tech assistance at any time of the day, STC has resources to help.
- Crunch Time Facts and Flashcards: The Securities Training Corporation offers fantastic bonuses like flashcards and written summary sheets for last-minute review sessions.
- One-Stop Shop: I love the review I shared above because it’s so true. You don’t need supplements; STC has everything you need to succeed.
Cons
- High-End Price: STC offers high-end materials. Unfortunately, a somewhat high-end price comes with it. Luckily, that guarantee makes investing a lot less scary.
- Minimal Live Class Options: Some of STC’s courses have what seems like dozens of time and spacing options for online classes, but this is missing for Series 3.
Bottom Line
Best For: Students who thrive on live instruction and need structured guidance.
STC offers top-notch live and on-demand classes alongside a robust pass guarantee, ensuring you’re fully supported throughout your studies. While it’s one of the pricier options, the value of real-time interaction and comprehensive support makes it worth the investment for many students.
Securities Training Corporation: Pick or Pass?
✅ Pick STC if you:
- Need more support than a self-study course alone can offer
- Want a comprehensive package for every learning style
- Want a pass guarantee
- Feel anxious about your lack of tech-savvy
⛔ Pass on STC if you:
- Have a tight budget
- Want live classes but can’t attend during weekdays
Securities Training Corporation
3. Kaplan: Best Reputation
Whether you’ve been looking for your perfect Series 3 prep course for a few months or a few hours, chances are, you’ve heard of Kaplan—whether from prepping for your college admissions days or on your high school textbooks. After all, Kaplan has been around for over 80 years. They’re still here, so they’re clearly doing something right!
While Kaplan doesn’t offer a pass guarantee, they offer study materials backed by the greater part of a century’s worth of expertise and refinement. As a result, students can confidently invest in Kaplan with the knowledge that they’ll have everything they need to succeed.
“Kaplan is the best resource–the gold standard, IMO. I used it to pass the 65 and am using it now to pass the series 3.”
Reviewer
Course Features
- License Exam Manual and Class Notes
- On-Demand Video Lessons
- Unit Intro and Wrap-Up Videos
- 1 Practice Exam, 1 Midterm Exam, and 1 Mastery Exam
- Checkpoint Exams for Each License Exam Manual Section
- SecuritiesPro™ QBank
- Performance Tracker
- Study Plan
- Exam Tips
Pros
- Top-Tier Reputation: Kaplan is almost always a safe investment, regardless of which exam you’re taking. Their 80+ years of experience makes them one of the best prep providers in the world.
- Big Brand Support: Kaplan’s InstructorLink™ allows students to get their content questions answered within 2 days of submission. Plus, they offer solid customer service.
- Performance Tracking: Kaplan is excellent at tracking your performance and helping you recognize your knowledge weaknesses for more efficient use of your study time.
- Difficult Exams: Yes, this is a pro! Kaplan’s tough questions make students really use their brains and study hard to pass every practice test, so the actual exam is child’s play.
Cons
- No Guarantee: It’s surprising that a company as big as Kaplan doesn’t offer a pass guarantee, but maybe it’s because they’re so trustworthy that you practically have a guarantee by using them.
Bottom Line
Best For: Students who want a reliable, proven course from an established brand.
Kaplan’s 80+ years of expertise shine in their challenging practice exams and performance tracking tools, helping you prepare thoroughly for the Series 3 exam. However, the lack of a pass guarantee and live instruction may make it less appealing for students who need extra assurance or real-time support.
Kaplan: Pick or Pass?
✅ Pick Kaplan if you:
- Want the biggest, most reliable provider available
- Have used them before and enjoyed their materials
- Want challenging practice exams
- Appreciate technology like performance tracking tools
⛔ Pass on Kaplan if you:
- Want a pass guarantee
- Want live instruction
- Would lose confidence from “failing” difficult practice exams
Kaplan
4. ExamFX: Best Bonus Tools
ExamFX acquired the company Training Consultants in 2021. ExamFX has always had decent reviews in its own right, but Training Consultants was especially highly regarded, and I feel the acquisition made for the best of both worlds.
ExamFX’s Series 3 prep course isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid choice—especially if you enjoy bonus resources because they have a plethora. Whether you’re after a personalized study plan, an online glossary and acronym database, learning test-taking best practices, flashcards, or TC Critical Facts for last-minute review, ExamFX has something that will excite you.
Course Features
- 9 Hours of On-Demand Lectures
- 111-Page Textbook (Physical and/or Digital)
- SpotCheck Quizzes and Practice Question Sets
- 4 Standard Final Exams
- Custom Exam Generator
- Personalized Study Plan
- Best Practices, Glossary and Acronyms, Flashcards, TC Critical Facts
ExamFX Discount
Save on ExamFX’s Series 3 exam packages.
Save Up to 20% on ExamFX Securities Review Courses
Pros
- Excellent Bonus Tools: From ExamFX’s personalized study plan to their best practices guide, you’re getting plenty of fun tools with ExamFX’s Series 3 packages.
- Custom Exam Generator: Looking for a more specific exam? Make one yourself based on the topics you most need to practice via ExamFX’s custom exam generator.
- Flexible Practice Options: ExamFX offers a variety of practice exam types, including SpotCheck Quizzes and four full-length finals.
Cons
- No Guarantee: Again, we face the lack of a pass guarantee, which has a number of negative effects in terms of both study success and your personal finances.
- Limited Interactivity: ExamFX lacks live instruction or real-time Q&A features, which could be a drawback for students who prefer direct interaction and personalized guidance.
Bottom Line
Best For: Students who love extra study aids like flashcards and personalized study plans.
ExamFX provides a solid course with plenty of bonus tools, but it falls short in terms of live instruction and interactive features. While it’s great for those who value flexibility and additional resources, the lack of a pass guarantee and a relatively limited question bank might leave some students wanting more.
ExamFX: Pick or Pass?
✅ Pick ExamFX if you:
- Value extras and bonus tools
- Want flexible practice materials
- Appreciate personalized study plans
⛔ Pass on ExamFX if you:
- Want an in-depth question bank
- Prefer a pass guarantee
- Enjoy live classes
- Want a more budget-friendly option
ExamFX
5. Knopman Marks: Best Study Support
Knopman Marks is expensive—let’s get that out of the way. However, if you struggle to know what to focus on and how to study strategically, Knopman Marks may be able to help.
KM provides study journey emails to guide your efforts, client experience support via phone and email, email-driven content Q&A with the faculty, and 1-on-1 strategy calls with the faculty to build a more effective study plan.
Course Features
- On-Demand Video Lectures
- Textbook (Physical and/or Digital)
- Study Essentials Course
- Customizable Practice Questions
- Automated Performance Tracking and Intervention (If you fall behind or are doing poorly)
- Private Faculty Strategy Calls
- Study Journey Emails and Guidance
Pros
- Difficult Practice Materials: If you want to overprepare, Knopman is one of many options on this list with challenging practice tools.
- Progress Tracking and Analytics: Knopman Marks provides performance-tracking tools that allow you to monitor your study progress, identify weak areas, and stay on schedule.
- Top-Quality Instruction: Again, most other entries share this pro, but Knopman Marks is known for its expert instructors who have lots of experience in the industry.
Cons
- Pricey But Not Guaranteed: If you’re spending this much on a course, I think you deserve a pass guarantee. STC is also on the high end, but the guarantee makes it a safer bet. KM does not.
- Limited Tools: While KM has good support options, the amount of learning materials you get for $435 is limited, particularly when it comes to bonus and practice materials.
- Lack of Practice Variety: While Knopman Marks excels in support and guidance, its practice materials are somewhat limited in variety compared to competitors, which may leave students wanting more diverse tools to reinforce their learning.
Bottom Line
Best For: Students who need personalized guidance to stay on track.
Knopman Marks offers excellent support with strategy calls, study journey emails, and performance tracking. However, the high price tag and limited practice materials make it hard to justify unless you truly need the extra help. Without a pass guarantee or live instruction, there are better options for the cost-conscious.
Knopman Marks: Pick or Pass?
✅ Pick Knopman Marks if you:
- Appreciate progress tracking tools to monitor performance
- Want tough practice materials
⛔ Pass on Knopman Marks if you:
- Need a pass guarantee
- Prefer live classes
- Want a more budget-friendly option
- Want more flexible or high-tech content
- Value bonus resources
Knopman Marks
Series 3 Prep Matchmaker: Find Your Perfect Fit
If you want the best all-around option…
✅ Choose Securities Institute of America (SIA).
SIA offers everything you need to succeed, from a 90% pass rate and GreenLight Guarantee™ to unlimited practice exams and concise learning materials. It’s affordable, effective, and well-rounded, making it the #1 pick for most students.
If you need live classes and real-time support…
✅ Choose Securities Training Corporation (STC).
STC is the only provider on this list with live virtual classes, making it the ideal choice for students who want interactive learning. Combine that with their STC Pass Guarantee, comprehensive materials, and stellar support, and you’ve got a top-tier option.
If you value experience and reputation…
✅ Choose Kaplan.
With over 80 years of expertise, Kaplan is the “gold standard” in test prep. Their tough practice exams and excellent performance tracking tools ensure you’re fully prepared, even if they lack a pass guarantee.
If you love bonus resources and study extras…
✅ Choose ExamFX.
ExamFX is perfect if you enjoy extra tools like glossaries, flashcards, and personalized study plans. While it lacks live classes, it makes up for it with a variety of bonus features to enhance your study experience.
If you struggle with study strategy and need extra guidance…
✅ Choose Knopman Marks.
Knopman Marks shines in providing personalized support with tools like strategy calls, study journey emails, and performance tracking. If you’re someone who needs help staying on track, this is a great option—despite its high price and lack of variety in practice materials.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, everyone is a little different (and so are their brains), so the best course for one person might be the worst for the next. However, I can confidently say that SIA, STC, and Kaplan are safe choices for most students.
SIA is the best overall due to its affordable pricing, pass guarantee, and comprehensive, well-balanced study materials. STC takes second due to their phenomenal live instruction options and pass guarantee, even though they’re on the pricier side. Finally, Kaplan is a safe bet in third due to their stellar reputation and high-quality materials.
Whichever you pick, if you put in the time and effort, I know you can succeed. You got this!
FAQs
You should study for about 50–100 hours, depending on your familiarity with the material.
The pass rate isn’t published by the National Futures Association, but it’s estimated to be approximately 70%–75%.
The exam costs $140, paid online when you register.
Use a mix of video lectures, textbooks, and practice exams, and focus on understanding futures, options, and regulations.
You need a score of at least 70% on each part of the two-part exam.
