Cracking the Series 79 on your first attempt isn’t easy, and finding the best Series 79 prep course can make all the difference. According to the Securities Institute of America, the passing score for students taking the exam is 73%.
Most first-time passers are those who use a dedicated prep program and complete all assigned practice exams.
To make your search for the best Series 79 prep courses easier, I took a close look at each provider’s testing dashboard, exploring each platform firsthand and examining all the study features. As someone who reviews certification courses for a living, I scrutinize every detail. Here’s what actually helps first-timers pass, and what you can skip.
Top Best Series 79 Prep Courses
- Securities Institute of America – Best Overall
- Securities Training Corporation (STC) – Best for Live Class Support
- Kaplan – Best for Customization and Adaptive Practice
- ExamFX – Best Budget-Friendly Preparation
Series 79 Course Comparison
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $159–$259 | $349–$699 | $249–$449 |
| Access Duration | 6 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months |
| Practice Tools | 1,800+ Questions, GreenLight | Flashcards, Final Exams, Drills | QBank, Readiness Indicator |
| Guarantee |  (GreenLight) | |  |
| Live Classes | | | |
| Mobile-Friendly | | Desktop Best | Yes |
| Discount Code | No Discounts | Save 15% | No Discounts |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Securities Institute of America – Best Overall Series 79 Prep
Securities Institute of America’s Series 79 course stands out immediately for its laser focus on helping you pass the actual exam. The dashboard is uncluttered and efficient. I appreciated how the GreenLight Exam offers a go/no-go signal before you book your licensing exam, which is crucial for first-time test takers.
SIA Series 79 Packages
Securities Institute of America offers three Series 79 packages: Complete Self-Study, Exam Prep, and Review Only, so you can choose the level that fits your needs.
Complete Self-Study includes a print and digital manual, video lectures, a practice question bank, unlimited practice exams, a quiz builder, a study planner, and email instructor support.
Exam Prep includes the digital manual, practice question bank, unlimited practice exams, quiz builder, and study planner. You get everything but the print manual and video lectures.
Review Only gives you access to the practice question bank, checkpoint exams, and final review tools, but does not include any manuals or video content.
What You Get at Each Level:
- Complete Self-Study: Print & digital manual, video lectures, instructor email support, unlimited practice, GreenLight pass guarantee
- Exam Prep: Digital manual, unlimited practice, GreenLight pass guarantee
- Review Only: Practice questions, review tools
Students consistently mention that SIA’s study materials help with their test scores, as one student claimed, “I passed on the first try! I supplemented with some additional material as well, but I felt prepared and it turned out well.”
Reddit User
Course Features
- 1,000+ practice questions & simulated exams
- GreenLight final exam
- 400+ page digital textbook
- 12 hours of video lectures
- 6-month access
- Progress dashboard and exam tips
Pros
- Pass guarantee: If you pass the GreenLight but not the Series 79, you get a refund.
- Exam-aligned questions: Practice exams mimic the real licensing exam in length and difficulty.
- Efficient layout: Track your progress, identify weak areas, and get right back into the material.
- Mobile-friendly: The eBook and online tools work seamlessly on any device.
- Custom quizzes: Target specific key concepts and exam details with flexible review sessions.
Cons
- No live classroom sessions: study is fully self-paced.
- No dedicated mobile app: web-based only.
Bottom Line
When I tested the Securities Institute of America’s Series 79 course, I was honestly impressed by how efficient and no-nonsense the setup felt. The interface is clean, it’s easy to jump straight into practice, and every package comes with unlimited exams and a GreenLight pass guarantee—no strings attached. That’s a big deal, especially compared to STC, where you have to follow strict study plans to qualify for a pass guarantee, and live classes cost extra. With SIA, you get everything you actually need to pass, right out of the box.
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation – Best for Instructor Support
STC felt like a premium experience from the start. I like that STC offers three levels of Series 79 Top‑Off prep: Standard, Premier, and Premier Plus, which are designed to meet a range of study needs and learning preferences.
- Top‑Off Standard is a self-paced package that includes both printed and online study manuals, access to STC’s 24/7 instructor hotline, Crunch-Time Facts summaries, chapter quizzes, and final exams. It’s a solid choice for independent learners who prefer to move through the material on their own schedule.
- Top‑Off Premier includes everything in the Standard package, plus additional tools like progress exams, the Greenlight Exam, on-demand video lectures, and online flashcards. This tier is ideal for students who want more structure, multimedia resources, and extra checkpoints to gauge their progress.
- Top‑Off Premier Plus adds even more support by including live virtual classes (with access to recordings), offering the most comprehensive experience. This is a great fit for students who thrive with real-time instruction and prefer a more interactive learning environment.
All packages come with six months of access, up-to-date content, and STC’s Pass Guarantee. If I were taking the Series 79 exam and wanted the extra features, I would go with Premier Plus. The dashboard was easy to use. I didn’t have to click around to figure out where things were.
One feature that really stood out to me was the study hotline, which lets you call or email instructors directly for quick help with course questions and concepts during your Series 79 prep.
Course Features
- Live instructor hotline and chat support
- Online study manual & chapter quizzes
- Crunch Time Facts & detailed rationales
- 24/7 tech support
- Structured study calendar
Pros
- Live classes & hotline: Real-time instructor access for fast answers.
- Multiple learning formats: Videos, study manuals, and quizzes for all styles.
- Structured schedule: Weekly calendar keeps you accountable.
- Robust exam reports: Get breakdowns of performance by topic.
- Focused on first attempt success: Designed for busy investment bankers.
Cons
- For those who prefer mobile usage: The Mobile experience is best on desktop.
- Price: there are cheaper options but with less quality
Bottom Line
From looking at the dashboard and materials, it’s clear that Securities Institute of America puts exam readiness at the center of their Series 79 prep. Unlike Study.com, I noticed the practice questions closely mirrored the real test, and the overall structure made it easy to track progress and focus on what matters. I liked how streamlined everything felt, no distractions, just exam-focused prep. For anyone wanting practical, no-nonsense tools and extra peace of mind from a pass guarantee, this is a great choice. /p>
Securities Training Corporation
3. Kaplan – Best for Custom Quizzes & Tracking
Kaplan offers two main Series 79 prep packages: Essential Self-Study and Basic Self-Study. Both are focused on flexible, self-paced learning.
Essential Self-Study includes the License Exam Manual (LEM), Exam Tips and Content Updates, Practice Exam, SecuritiesPro™ QBank for custom quizzes, Performance Tracker, Checkpoint Exams, customizable Study Plan, unit intro and wrap-up videos, a midterm exam, and five months of online access.
Basic Self-Study is a streamlined version that includes the LEM, Exam Tips, Content Updates, Practice Exam, SecuritiesPro QBank, Performance Tracker, and a customizable Study Plan. This package is for self-starters who don’t need as many review tools or video content.
What you get at each level:
- Essential Self-Study: LEM, custom quizzes (QBank), checkpoint exams, performance tracker, practice exam, study plan, some video content, midterm exam
- Basic Self-Study: LEM, custom quizzes (QBank), performance tracker, practice exam, study plan
Both packages offer five months of online access (with an option to extend for a fee).
Unlike STC, Kaplan does not bundle live classes or a pass guarantee into their Series 79 packages. Kaplan’s main strengths are the customizable QBank and a clear, self-paced study path.
Course Features
- QBank with thousands of practice questions
- Readiness Indicator & performance dashboards
- Printed/digital study guide aligned to FINRA outline
- Custom quizzes and simulated exams
- Mobile access
“They were always easy to contact if I had questions about tech issues. Questions about the material were answered in a timely manner. Only reason I am giving them a 4-star vs. 5-star is because they don’t have a mobile app that I can use when I’m on the go.”
TrustPilot User
Pros
- Fully customizable quizzes: Focus on weak areas or key concepts.
- Readiness Indicator: Always know how close you are to exam day.
- Deep content alignment: All material matches the actual exam outline.
- Flexible study program: Self-paced or scheduled options.
- Reliable, trusted provider: Used by investment bankers for years.
Cons
- Some advanced features: Require higher-tier packages.
- No live instructor hotline: Instructor support not included.
Bottom Line
After looking through Kaplan’s Series 79 prep, I saw that customizable quizzes and real-time analytics are at the heart of the platform. The QBank and Readiness Indicator offer strong progress tracking, and the dashboard is intuitive and user-friendly. This program is ideal for candidates who want control and clear feedback as they prepare.
Kaplan
4. Knopman Marks – Highly Structured, Traditional Format
Knopman Marks is known for its rigid structure and detailed study materials. You get a printed study guide, video lectures, and a set of comprehensive practice exams.
You can pick between their Exam Prep package or the All Access Pass, depending on how much support you want.
Exam Prep – gives you a full year to use everything. You get both a physical and digital textbook, video lectures, digital flashcards, and a big set of customizable practice questions. There are also preset exams to help you see how ready you are, plus extra resources like key concepts and helpful study emails. For support, you can reach out by call or email, ask faculty content questions over email, and even join a public onboarding call when you start. You’ll also get automated performance tracking and a few private strategy calls with their team to keep you on track.
All Access Pass – includes everything in the Exam Prep package, but adds unlimited blended classes, unlimited live review sessions, and even more strategy calls with the faculty. This one’s perfect if you want a lot of live help and personal check-ins along the way.
Here’s what you get:
- Exam Prep: Print and digital textbooks, video lectures, digital flashcards, tons of practice questions, preset exams, onboarding call, faculty and email support, performance tracking, a few private strategy calls
- All Access Pass: Everything in Exam Prep, plus unlimited live classes, unlimited review sessions, and extra strategy calls
You’ll get a whole year of access with both packages, but unlike SI, they do not offer a Greenlight Pass.
If you want a little extra help from the pros and lots of live class time, the All Access Pass is the better pick. If you’re comfortable studying on your own but still want strong materials and some support, Exam Prep will cover you.
What You’ll Get:
- On-demand video lectures
- Physical and digital textbook
- Custom quizzes and preset exams
- Strategy emails and performance tracking
- Onboarding session plus a few strategy calls
- Option to upgrade for live classes and extra faculty access
Pros
- Comprehensive materials: Print and digital formats included.
- Onboarding and faculty Q&A: Access to live sessions and instructor support.
- Progress dashboard: Track your study performance.
Cons
- Higher cost: More expensive than most competitors.
- No pass guarantee: No refund or free retake.
- Desktop-focused: Mobile experience is limited.
Bottom Line
After testing out Knopman Marks’ dashboard and materials, I noticed an emphasis on structure. The onboarding and performance tracking are robust, though the interface is more traditional and less mobile-friendly than the SIA’s prep. It’s best suited for those who want step-by-step guidance and a conventional study approach.
Knopman Marks
5. Pass Perfect – In-Depth Content, Less Usable
Pass Perfect gives you two ways to prep for the Series 79: Pass Plus Pro and Pass Plus. Both are totally online and focus on self-study. Their courses are pretty dense, but Pass Plus Pro throws in a few extras for students who want a little more support.
Pass Plus Pro is good if you want to supplement your studies. It comes with on-demand virtual review sessions, instructor support when you need answers, and a mix of chapter, mastery, and final exams. You also get “Check Your Understanding” quizzes, chapter intro videos, a dynamic study calendar, an interactive dashboard, and the full study guide in both online and eBook formats.
Pass Plus is the go-to for independent learners who just want the basics. You still get on-demand virtual review, instructor support, all the practice exams, quizzes, and chapter intro videos. The main difference is that you get the comprehensive study guide online only (no eBook), but the interactive dashboard and study calendar are all there to help you stay organized.
Here’s what’s included:
- Pass Plus Pro: On-demand virtual review, instructor support, all types of exams, check-your-understanding quizzes, chapter intro videos, dynamic study calendar, interactive dashboard, and the study guide, both online and as an eBook
- Pass Plus: On-demand virtual review, instructor support, chapter mastery, and final exams, check-your-understanding quizzes, chapter intro videos, dynamic study calendar, interactive dashboard, and an online study guide.
Both packages are designed for flexible, at-your-own-pace learning. If you want a few more study tools and prefer having your study guide as an eBook, I would consider Pass Plus Pro. If you’re fine with just the essentials, Pass Plus will do the job.
What You’ll Get:
- Over 170 test-aligned lessons
- 34 short video modules
- More than 860 practice questions with detailed explanations
- Diagnostic feedback and progress tracking
- Topic filters to help focus your study
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Extensive practice exams: Deep question banks included.
- Video classes available: Offered for an extra fee.
- Thorough concept coverage: Covers all exam topics in detail.
Cons
- Expensive access: Higher cost and limited duration.
- Outdated dashboard: Clunky and less user-friendly.
- Missing Live Options: Not every test (like 79) has live options on the schedule.
- Overly technical: Too complex for most test takers.
Bottom Line
Examining Pass Perfect’s Series 79 platform, the depth and breadth of content are hard to miss. While the course offers comprehensive practice, I found the layout more complex and less intuitive than others. It fits candidates who prefer dense materials and are comfortable navigating a traditional interface. That being said, those who seek interactive and live instruction may benefit from other courses provided by Knopman Marks or ExamFX.
Pass Perfect
6. Study.com – Flexible, Self-Paced Learning
Study.com takes a flexible, video-focused approach to Series 79 prep, making it better as a supplement than a full primary course. The questions are numerous, but practice exam difficulty doesn’t always match the actual Series 79 exam. It’s mobile-friendly and works well for independent learners, but it lacks interactivity.
I find the diagnostic features to be helpful, and being able to filter study topics was a nice touch. The interactive dashboard helps you track your progress, while the digital study guide keeps everything accessible and straightforward to navigate.
What’s included:
- Short video lessons and matching quizzes
- Interactive study dashboard for tracking progress
- Practice exams and chapter reviews
- Self-paced access from any device
Pros
- Extensive video lessons: 170+ videos and 800+ questions.
- Self-paced access: Study online on your own schedule.
- Mobile-friendly: The Platform works well on phones and tablets.
Cons
- No live instruction: No interactive support available.
- Variable question quality: Practice questions may not reflect the real exam.
- Limited analytics: Lacks deep review tools and progress tracking.
Bottom Line
Examining Pass Perfect’s Series 79 platform, the depth and breadth of content are hard to miss.. While the course offers comprehensive practice, I found the layout more complex and less intuitive than others. It’s candidates who prefer dense materials and are comfortable navigating a traditional interface. That being said, those who seek interactive and live instruction may benefit from other courses provided by Knopman Marks or ExamFX.
Study.com
Honorable Mention: Varsity Tutors
I reviewed the best series 79 exam prep courses, and a couple didn’t quite make the cut.
Mometrix
Varsity Tutors (doesn’t currently offer a Series 79 study program, but a good option if you’re looking for tutoring).
How I Chose These Series 79 Exam Prep Courses
I tested each Series 79 prep course using only what an actual student receives: all practice exams, study materials, and dashboards. I paid close attention to how well the content aligned with the actual exam, how easy it was to identify weak areas, and how much support was offered.
Most important factors:
- Real exam alignment
- Customizable practice and review tools
- Multiple study formats (video, quizzes, reading)
- Progress tracking and readiness reports
- Mobile access and flexibility
- Pass guarantee or instructor support
Every provider here has helped students pass the Series 79 licensing exam. Which one is right depends on your learning style, your schedule, and the level of support you need.
Considering taking another FINRA Series exam? Check out my recommendations from a lot of the same top providers reviewed above:
- Series 3 exam prep courses
- Series 6 review courses
- Series 7 prep courses
- Series 9 study materials
- Series 24 prep courses
- Series 63 exam prep
- Series 65 review courses
- Series 66 study materials
Head to Head: Which Series 79 Course Should You Choose?
Securities Institute of America vs. Achievable
Achievable’s adaptive platform tailors every session to your weak areas with AI-driven review. SIA offers a more traditional path: tons of practice questions, the GreenLight Exam, and a clear study plan. If you like data-driven personalization, Achievable is for you. If you want a no-nonsense, proven prep system, SIA delivers.
Achievable is best for adaptive learners; SIA is best for proven, straightforward study.
STC vs. Kaplan
STC leans into live support, webinars, an instructor hotline, and a structured calendar. Kaplan’s strength is analytics, with deep tracking, a QBank, and flexible study modes. Need accountability and a weekly structure? Pick STC. Want to track every detail and build your own quizzes? Kaplan is the better fit.
STC is for traditional, instructor-led prep; Kaplan is for students who want maximum control and analytics.
STC vs. Achievable
STC offers the traditional classroom experience: live sessions, a set schedule, and instructor Q&A. Achievable is more hands-off and tech-driven, giving you adaptive practice that zeroes in on what you don’t know.
STC fits classroom learners; Achievable is for tech-forward self-studiers.
Kaplan vs. Achievable
Kaplan stands out for students who want textbook depth, live class options, and robust performance tracking. Achievable is perfect for self-starters who want an efficient, AI-powered review. Kaplan offers classic structure and analytics; Achievable streamlines your prep with personalization.
Kaplan is for deep structure and data; Achievable is for efficient, personalized learning.
| | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $159–$259 | $349–$699 | $249–$449 |
| Access Duration | 6 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months |
| Practice Tools | 1,800+ Questions, GreenLight | Flashcards, Final Exams, Drills | QBank, Readiness Indicator |
| Guarantee | (GreenLight) | | |
| Live Classes | | | |
| Mobile-Friendly | | Desktop Best | Yes |
| Discount Code | No Discounts | Save 15% | No Discounts |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Final Verdict
Securities Institute of America is the best Series 79 prep course overall, practice-driven, exam-aligned, and built to help you pass on your first attempt. STC and Kaplan are strong choices for students who need live support or want advanced analytics, while Achievable shines for its adaptive platform. Use the head-to-head guide to pick what matches your style, and don’t forget to schedule plenty of practice exams before your actual exam day.
FAQs
The Series 79 exam is challenging, with 85 scored questions and a 5-hour time limit. It covers investment banking topics like M&A, financial restructuring, and securities act regulations.
You need 73% (62 correct answers) to pass.
No, the test must be taken at a FINRA-approved testing center.
Most candidates take it after completing the SIE and Series 7, ideally after a few weeks of focused exam preparation.
Yes, all recommended prep courses cover content outline topics, including asset sales, fairness opinions, private placements, and tender offers.
