Feeling overwhelmed by all the SIE exam prep options out there? You’re not alone. Choosing the right course means comparing price, value, guarantees, and materials—and it’s easy to feel stuck.
But here’s a tip:
According to Harvard, active learning techniques like testing yourself and reviewing your mistakes can dramatically improve retention and performance.
That’s why finding a prep course with strong practice tools is critical for your success.
Luckily, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. I’ve reviewed countless exam prep courses, and in this guide, I’ll share the 5 best SIE prep courses for 2026 and help you find the perfect match. Plus, I’ll highlight 5 courses you’re better off skipping so you don’t waste time—or money.
Best SIE Prep Courses
- Best Overall Course: Securities Training of America (SIA)
- Best Live Instruction: Securities Training Corporation (STC)
- Most Modern: Achievable
- Most Trusted Provider: Kaplan
- Most Practice Exam Types: ExamFX
Best SIE Course Comparison
| Company |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| Price | $49.95-$124.95 | $125-$284 | $99 | $99-$229 | $129-$149 |
| Discounts | No Discounts | Save 15% | Save 10% | No Discounts | Save 20% |
| Access Length | 6 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months |
| Guarantee | GreenLight Guarantee™ | STC Pass Guarantee |  | | |
| Practice Exams | Yes, Unlimited | Yes, Dozens | Yes, Dozens | Yes, Limited | Yes, Dozens |
| Live Instruction | | Yes, 20+ Hours | | Yes, ~12 Hours | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Chat | Instructor Hotline, 24/7 Tech Support | Phone, Email, Text | InstructorLink™, Phone, Email, Social Media | Phone and Chat Instructor Support |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Securities Institute of America (SIA): Best Overall
$49.95-$124.95 | 6 Months Access | GreenLight Guarantee™
The Securities Institute of America Series exam prep courses are rare because they’re extremely affordable and have a pass guarantee. This is a tough sell from a business perspective, as student failure can lead to significantly decreased profits. The benefit of this is the realization that they offer this to sell more courses, but they’re only able to offer it because their courses really work and help students succeed.
This is proven by their self-reported 90% pass rate, which was calculated over several decades and hundreds of thousands of exams taken.
“I passed on the first try! I supplemented with some additional material as well, but I felt prepared, and it turned out well.”
Reviewer
SIA’s SIE Prep Course Features
- GreenLight Guarantee™
- 12 Hours of Video Lectures (14 Videos)
- 1,000 Practice Questions
- 400-page Textbook (Physical and/or Digital)
- Unlimited Practice Exams and Randomized Final Exam Simulations
- Additional Practice Tests: Checkpoint Exams and a GreenLight Exam
- 15 Unique Ways to Customize Exams
- Personalized Study Plan
- Test Tips and Cheat Sheets
Discounts
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Pros
- Budget-Friendly Bundles: Whichever package you choose, you get an incredible deal on stellar study materials.
- Pass Guarantee for Every Package: Even if you purchase the cheapest SIE prep package for $49.95, you still get access to a 100% refund possibility with the GreenLight Guarantee™.
- Helpful Video Library: If you learn best from video lectures, you’ll appreciate SIA’s; they’re fantastic at making tough topics easy, even for beginners in the industry.
- Top-Notch QBank: SIA’s practice questions are perfect for practicing your newfound knowledge. They’re tough, so if you master them, the actual exam will be a breeze.
- Quick Tips: Whether you want top tips for getting extra points on your exam or a cheat sheet of important topics for last-minute review, SIA’s bonus resources are here to help.
Cons
- Lacks Live Classes: Live instruction isn’t a must for every student, but if it is for you, pass on SIA and check out STC or Kaplan.
Bottom Line: Best For Most SIE Candidates
The Securities Institute of America’s SIE test prep packages are an outstanding choice for most candidates thanks to their reasonable price point, pass guarantee and outstanding prep materials.
2. Securities Training Corporation: Best Live Instruction
$125-$284 | 6 Months Access | STC Pass Guarantee
STC is one of the most expensive options on the list, though that’s mostly due to the inclusion of live classes and Q&A sessions in their SIE Premier Plus package. These live classes include five 2-hour-long weekly review calls, four 4-hour calls over the span of two weeks, or two 8-hour classes over two consecutive days. Students also gain access to weekly Q&A sessions with instructors held via WebEx.
Further, the Securities Training Corporation has a stellar reputation due to its proven track record of success. They boast a 95% pass rate for students, and they’ve trained 1.5 million securities professionals in the past 50 years.
The STC Pass Guarantee covers every SIE package, so no matter which you choose, you’re eligible to earn 100% of your money back if you follow their prerequisites and still fail your exam.
“I used STC for SIE, 7 and 63. Passed them all on the first try. STC green lights and final exams are a lot like the real exam.”
Review
STC’s SIE Prep Course Features
- STC Pass Guarantee
- 23 Hours of Video Lectures
- 20+ Hours of Live Content Options
- Study Manual (Physical and/or Digital)
- 8 Final Exams, 10 Progress Exams, a Green Light Exam, and Quizzes
- Flashcards and Crunch Time Facts
Discounts
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Pros
- Live Classes: If a more traditional classroom-esque approach best fits your learning style, you’ll love STC’s live course content and Q&A sessions.
- STC Pass Guarantee: Fulfill a few simple requirements, and if you fail your SIE exam, you can be eligible for a full refund on your course.
- Tons of Video: Whether you prefer live or on-demand video lectures, the Securities Training Corporation has all the video content you could ask for.
- STC Legacy: With 50 years in business, a 95% pass rate, and 1.5 million candidates served, STC has a track record you can trust.
- Learn on the Go: STC’s mobile app for iOS allows students to access digital flashcards, practice exams, and on-demand lectures while they’re out in the world, living their lives.
Cons
- High-Ticket Price: Though STC’s prices aren’t exorbitantly higher than those of their competitors, their Premium Plus package is significantly more expensive from a percentage standpoint.
- Low Tech for the Price: With a higher price, you might expect more tech, like in-depth performance tracking and adaptive learning technology. However, STC lacks these benefits.
Bottom Line: Best For Students Who Need Live Online Class
The Securities Training Corporation offers dozens of hours of video content, whether you prefer live or on-demand lectures. They have a solid reputation and a pass guarantee, making them a safe bet for your SIE prep. And, while they’re not cheap, the value you’re getting is well worth the investment.
3. Achievable: Most Modern
$99 | 12 Months Access | No Guarantee
Achievable test prep has carved out a unique niche in the industry. Whereas their competitors tend to focus on more traditional offerings like 40-minute-long lectures and comprehensive reading material, Achievable prioritizes bite-sized videos and conversationally written content.
The Achievable SIE exam review course also emphasizes data-driven strategies and adaptive learning technology to help students remember what they learn, have a more time-efficient study schedule, and stay motivated to succeed.
To top it all off, Achievable offers double the access length of its closest competitors and thousands (yes, thousands) of practice quizzes, all with a staggeringly low price tag.
“Achievable is the best for the SIE. 100%. I didn’t like it so much for the 7, but I passed the first try on both. … I recommend it to people here all the time.”
Reviewer
Achievable’s SIE Prep Course Features
- 36+ Short Video Lectures (Usually 5-15 Minutes Long)
- 35+ Full-Length Simulated Practice Exams
- 2,000+ Quizzes
- Digital Textbook Divided Into Short Sections (5-15 Minutes to Read Each)
- Adaptive Learning Technology
- Progress and Performance Tracking Tools
- Mobile-Optimized Content; No App Needed
Discounts
Why spend money you can save? Thanks to Achievable discounts, you can save on your Achievable SIE exam review course.
Pros
- Learning for Real People: As a society, we are busier and have lower attention spans. Achievable bridges the gap between “this is how it’s always been done” and “this is who we are now” with bite-sized reading passages and videos.
- “Easy Yes” Pricing: At just $99 for Achievable’s comprehensive SIE exam prep course, most candidates can access a quality course without breaking the bank.
- Year-Long Access: Even with that lower price point, Achievable offers double the access length compared to their competitors.
- Driven by Science: Achievable uses learning techniques backed by science, whether it’s adaptive learning technology that strengthens your weaknesses or spaced repetition to improve retention.
Cons
- No Guarantee: A pass guarantee may not be a “make or break” feature for you, but you will feel a lot more confident (and more focused as a result) when you can make a risk-free investment.
Bottom Line: Best For Students With Busy Schedules
Achievable is a true innovator in the test prep space, and if you’re 30-something or younger, I know you’ll love this course. It may not have a guarantee or cover topics as profoundly as competitors, but it’s a course made for real people with real schedules.
4. Kaplan: Most Trusted Provider
$99-$229 | 5 Months Access | No Guarantee
If you’ve spent any time looking at prep courses, well, ever, you know that it’s almost a criminal offense to leave Kaplan out of the top choices. The reason is pretty straightforward: Kaplan has served professional exam candidates successfully for over 80 years, primarily known for financial exam prep products like the Kaplan CFP® review courses.
So, does Kaplan really do anything differently? No, not really. What they do, more than anything, is offer a stamp of quality on anything they make. If they think it’s good enough to sell, I can guarantee you it’s good enough to help you pass. The biggest selling point is that confidence in the Kaplan brand: if they’re doing it? It probably works.
Like STC, Kaplan also offers live classes, though Kaplan has only one format at the time of writing: three 4-hour classes over the span of three consecutive days.
“I just passed the SIE yesterday using pretty much exclusively Kaplan. I would say maximize the q-bank as much as possible and make sure to focus on how the q-banks are worded. As well as understand the entire concept of options as best as possible.”
Reviewer
Kaplan’s SIE Prep Course Features
- Live and On-Demand Class Options (Premium Only)
- 120 Micro-Learning Videos
- Class Notes and a License Exam Manual (Physical and/or Digital)
- SecuritiesPro™ QBank
- 1 Practice Exam, 1 Midterm Exam, 1 Mastery Exam, and Checkpoint Exams
- Study Plan (Not Personalized)
- Exam Tips
Pros
- Kaplan’s Reputation: Kaplan tends to be a safe choice, if not a riveting one, because of their long history of proven success for exam candidates.
- Adding Improvements: To become more competitive in the SIE prep space, Kaplan recently added 130 new micro videos and 30% more practice questions.
- Live Classes: Though their options aren’t as varied and flexible as STC’s, it’s always nice to have a live class option.
- Excellent Practice Questions: Kaplan has a lot of practice questions, and they’re often similar to the ones you’d find on the real SIE exam.
Cons
- No Guarantee: It’s offputting for the most reliable provider not to offer a pass guarantee for the course, especially when their courses are at a higher price point than their competition.
- One-Off Exams: Whereas other courses provide dozens of—or even unlimited—practice exams, Kaplan’s exams can usually only be taken once. As a result, their practice materials feel lackluster.
Bottom Line: Best For Candidates Who Want a Reputable Brand
Kaplan doesn’t present anything particularly special or innovative in their SIE prep course. However, it’s simultaneously difficult to go wrong with their materials. I’d argue that SIA or STC are better choices if Kaplan appeals to you; however, a big name can sometimes inspire some serious confidence on exam day.
5. ExamFX: Most Practice Exam Types
$129-$149 | 6 Months Access | No Guarantee
If nothing has felt quite right so far, maybe ExamFX is the pick you’re looking for. Like Kaplan, I don’t think they offer much that their competitors do not. However, one area where ExamFX shines is its variety of practice materials.
Though ExamFX doesn’t offer the most practice exams, they do offer the most types, along with a custom exam generator. Practice exams include SpotCheck Quizzes (quick quizzes that pop up during video lectures), chapter quizzes, practice question sets, CheckPoint Exams, a Benchmark Final, and Standard Final Exams.
With no pass guarantee, no live classes, and middle-of-the-pack pricing, ExamFX isn’t my favorite option. However, if nothing else has clicked yet, it may be worth considering.
“I used ExamFX for the SIE and found it pretty easy when I took the test.”
Reviewer
ExamFX’s SIE Prep Course Features
- On-Demand Video Lessons
- 270-page Textbook (Physical and/or Digital)
- Wide Variety of Quizzes and Exams
- Custom Exam Generator
- Personalized Study Plan
- Best Practices, Glossary and Acronyms, and Online Flashcards
Discounts
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Pros
- Solid for Practice Tests: Maybe you know the material really well and need a lot of different ways to test your knowledge. ExamFX’s practice materials and custom exam generator are here to help.
- Nice Bonus Selection: If you like “extras” in your prep packages, you may enjoy ExamFX’s best practices guide, glossary and acronym mini-database, and online flashcards.
- Personalized Study Plan: Both SIA and ExamFX are the only two companies that offer personalized study plans, and it’s a great bonus. Kaplan offers a study plan tool as well, but it isn’t as custom.
Cons
- Not Competitive: ExamFX is solid on its own but lacks a pass guarantee, live classes, and learning technology, and it’s priced in the middle. As a result, it falls flat compared to other courses.
- Overwhelming Options for Newcomers: The wide variety of quizzes and exam types in ExamFX can be overwhelming for SIE candidates who are just starting out and may prefer a more structured, step-by-step approach.
- Limited Interactivity: While ExamFX offers solid practice materials, its lack of live classes or interactive features might leave some learners feeling isolated or unsupported during their studies.
Bottom Line: Best For Candidates Who Want a Variety of Practice Exams
Like Kaplan, after reviewing ExamFX, it is a fine choice, but it falls flat in the face of such extraordinary competition via SIA, STC, and Achievable. It may be right for a hyper-specific audience, but for the most part, I’d suggest choosing a different option.
5 SIE Courses to Pass On
In general, I’d suggest choosing one of the top three options on this list. So, even places 4 and 5 aren’t perfect entries. Here are the courses that I tested that didn’t make the cut, but I wanted to include them so you’d know which to avoid.
- Pass Perfect: Overly dense materials and a clunky interface make studying harder than it needs to be.
- Knopman Marks: Great quality, but the high price makes it impractical for most individual learners.
- Training Consultants: Too text-heavy with limited interactive tools, making it harder to retain information.
- Exam Edge: Focuses on practice tests but lacks robust study resources like videos or detailed plans.
- Exam Tutor: Primarily one-on-one tutoring with no comprehensive course materials to back it up.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, though this is a top 5 list, I feel that the strongest competitors are in their own bracket, and those are the top 3: Securities Institute of America, Securities Training Corporation, and Achievable. I believe that your best choice is likely among those options.
It’s a great blend of affordability, quality, uniqueness, live options, and so much more. No matter which features speak to you, it’s hard to go wrong with this trio.
However, only you will know the perfect course for you. Whichever you choose, I know that you have what it takes to pass your SIE exam and launch a lucrative, rewarding career in the securities industry. You got this!
FAQs
The best study program for the SIE is Securities Training of America (SIA) because it combines excellent practice questions, high-quality videos, an affordable price point, and a pass guarantee. It’s a well-balanced choice for nearly any candidate.
STC is better because it offers more live course options, more robust study materials, and a pass guarantee, making it a more comprehensive option than Kaplan.
You should prepare for the SIE exam for about 50–100 hours, depending on your familiarity with the material and your study habits.
Use a mix of study tools, like video lectures, practice questions, and mock exams. Focus on mastering key concepts and take time to review weak areas as you go.
The Securities Industry Essentials Exam is an entry-level test for individuals looking to start a career in the securities industry. It covers basic financial concepts, regulatory knowledge, and industry practices.
