The 10-year average pass rates for the CFA® exam are slim, with Level 3’s 52% being the highest of the three. For the others, less than half of the test takers pass. One way to move the odds in your favor is by investing in an established CFA review course, but with so many out there, it can be anxiety-inducing trying to make the right choice.
UWorld CFA Review is a popular choice, but they’re not right for everyone. As a prep course expert, I examined their materials personally. In this article, I’ll share who should and who shouldn’t select UWorld for their CFA journey.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Choose UWorld CFA® Review
- If you thrive on tough practice questions, UWorld’s question bank is one of the most challenging on the market, helping you over-prepare so exam day feels easy.
- If you like visual aids and structured explanations, UWorld’s use of diagrams and infographics makes complex concepts easier to digest and remember.
- If you want exam-day realism, UWorld’s mock exams mirror the actual CFA® interface, pacing, and question style—down to the tiniest detail.
- If you’re looking for all three levels in one bundle, UWorld might not be ideal since it sells each level separately, which can raise the total cost.
- If you prefer instructor-led deep dives or coaching, other providers like Schweser or Mark Meldrum may offer a more traditional teaching experience.
Overview: UWorld CFA® Review
More so than many competing courses, UWorld’s materials brought me to the conclusion that they’re focused on helping candidates find exam success by preparing them for the actual exam day. I wasn’t learning fluff, and I wasn’t “dipping my toes in;” instead, UWorld had me dive headfirst into quick lessons but hefty sections, practicing with granular practice questions that surprised me with their depth. I didn’t study for the full length a real CFA® candidate would, of course, but after my short time with UWorld, I was definitely building confidence as the journey reached an end.
Basically, UWorld isn’t going to sugarcoat your experience. The videos are a little deceptive in their ease, because putting the concepts into practice feels a lot harder. However, if you can get over that initial hump of feeling overwhelmed and underprepared, I think you’ll begin to understand the strategy. It’s a trial by fire, to be sure, but you’ll come out on the other side much sharper and ready to crush your exam.
Pros
- Mobile App: If I felt too lazy to pull out my laptop to work through some study materials, I could just grab my phone and practice in UWorld’s CFA exam prep app.
- Elite Features: The Elite Package’s inclusion of the exam strategy masterclass, ExpertConnect live Q&A, and Accelerate Bootcamp makes it one of the most robust bundles out there.
- Package Variety: Whether you’re looking to save or splurge, chances are, one of UWorld’s packages will fit in your budget range.
- Visual Aids: UWorld’s heavy emphasis on visual aids like charts and infographics makes it a good match for visual learning styles.
- Detailed Explanations: When I worked through practice questions, right and wrong answers were explained in depth with the visual aids I just mentioned, and the difficult questions upgraded my problem-solving skills.
Cons
- Packages Sold by Level: Rather than having a comprehensive bundle for all three levels, UWorld sells courses for one level at a time, and the expense can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
- Overly Difficult: Some students have stated that UWorld’s difficulty level for practice questions feels too high, making studying more stressful. However, others find this aspect helpful, so it depends on your preference.
UWorld CFA® Review
Course Package Options
UWorld CFA Core Package
The UWorld CFA Core Package is the best choice if you want the basics: practice questions, digital textbooks, and the mobile app. I personally would recommend upgrading to the Advanced tier at least, purely because the mock exams feel like a necessity. However, you can also try to supplement with cheaper mock exams separately.
UWorld CFA Advanced Package
This is the best fit for most students, by my estimation. It includes everything in the Core Package but adds key features, like a study planner, SimpleSheets+ (a fancy name for formula/quick review “cheat sheets”), and digital flashcards. However, the most important inclusions in this package are the two full-length mock exams and the video lectures, and in my opinion, those two tools alone are well worth paying more for.
UWorld CFA Elite Package
For three additional mock exams, physical textbooks (study guides), the exam strategy masterclass, ExpertConnect feature, and Accelerate Bootcamp, grab the Elite package. These features are in addition to everything in the other two packages. Naturally, the more practice you can get, the better; mock exams are really worth their weight in gold. Some students may not need the extra time to pass, but I do think anyone who works through all five and reviews their answers will have a better chance to pass than someone who does just two.
So, if you’re a gifted test taker, stick to Advanced for your CFA prep course. If you’re like the rest of us and need some extra drilling to pass, Elite may be a smarter option.
| Package + Features | Core | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $699 | $999 |
| Access Length | Until ExamWindow End | Until ExamWindow End | Until You Pass |
| Full-Length CFA Mock Exams | N/A | 2 | 5 |
| 2,000+ Practice Questions |  | | |
| Study Guide | Digital | Digital | Digital + Print |
| Mobile App | | | |
| MyNotebook Notes Tool | | | |
| Study Planner and Formula Sheets | N/A | | |
| Performance Analytics and Flashcards | N/A | | |
| Video Lectures | N/A | | |
| Exam Strategy Masterclass | N/A | N/A | |
| Accelerate Bootcamp | N/A | N/A | |
| ExpertConnect | N/A | N/A | |
| Start Now | GET CORE | GET CORE | GET CORE |
UWorld CFA® Course Details
Content, Format, and UX
There isn’t anything to complain about here, but there also isn’t a ton to say. I really like UWorld’s learning platform: it’s simple, well-organized, and easy to use. What else can you ask for? What I will note (and I’ll bring up again later) is they do an excellent job of matching CFA specifications exactly, not just in following the learning outcomes, but in matching practice tools to the “real thing,” from visuals to length to timing.
Essentially, I never had to struggle to find anything, I didn’t deal with any glitches or slow load times, and got everything I’d expect from a prep provider of this caliber.
“Their infographics and explanation for each question is sublime and the difficulty of some of those questions rlly makes the final exam seem like a piece of cake. Not to mention their exam style interface so you are mentally prepared of the layout.”
u/Aggressive_Math378
Video Lectures
UWorld’s video lessons are a notable strength. With instructor-led sessions from teachers like Peter Olinto, Darren Degraaf, and Sam Gottlieb, all of whom are CFA charterholders, the level of expertise was never in question. In particular, I liked the layout of the video lessons. I could take notes and copy passages from the digital textbook into the MyNotebook feature while watching the video, so I wasn’t balancing five different things on my lap and struggling to stay organized. The length was excellent, as well; UWorld videos can be on the longer side in general, but most of their CFA video lessons averaged around 10 minutes, which was perfect for bite-sized, burnout-free study sessions. Sections lasted 1-2 hours of video content; working through one section a day could be a great goal.
As for the actual experience, the instructors do show their faces at the beginning of the videos, but the rest tends to be voiceover paired with slides, imagery, and lots of red marks on the screen as the team explained concepts (think underlining, circling, etc.). The audio quality is solid, the slides are helpful, and most importantly, the videos are designed to help candidates learn through mnemonic techniques, visual aids, and the repetition of key concepts.
Practice Tools
UWorld is well-known for the quality of its practice questions across most of its prep courses, so when I looked at the questions for its CFA programs, I wasn’t surprised by their realistic formatting. It’s worth mentioning that these questions are hard. You will get stumped, you will get frustrated. I certainly did. And they’re significantly more difficult than what you’ll find on the actual CFA exam. But as one student puts it:
“I took level 2 in May and I spent a lot of time using UWorld. I thought it was a massive addition to my study routine. I honestly think a lot of it was more difficult than any other program, with the questions being very granular. It gave me a solid understanding of the concepts, and when exam day came I wasn’t really stressing when I sat down because I knew very few questions could actually be as hard as UWorld. Would definitely recommend it.”
u/bobo165499
In addition, the mock exams are modeled after the real CFA exam interface, matching the current exam format while mapping to modern learning outcome statements. On exam day, it’ll feel like déjà vu, like you’ve seen this before, because UWorld gives a near-perfect replica, up to five times over. Plus, the answer explanations are long and comprehensive, covering every angle you may have considered. I particularly appreciated how many of the explanations came with a diagram, as I tend to memorize images, and I know a lot of others also prefer to learn this way.
Value
As far as price goes, UWorld lies somewhere in the middle of the pack. Budget-friendly pick AnalystPrep, for example, is a lot more affordable, includes all three levels in a bundle with lifetime access, and delivers over 6,000 practice questions and 120 hours of video lectures. However, you’d miss out on features like bootcamps, live Q&A sessions, and UWorld’s difficulty level, for example.
It’s really a trade-off. Regardless, UWorld CFA exam review stands out as a valuable choice for CFA candidates who want to challenge themselves so that the real exam feels like a breeze.
How UWorld Stacks Up Against the CFA Competition
Not all CFA prep courses are created equal. While each provider has its strengths, some stand out more than others in areas like cost, content, support, and exam-day preparation. Here’s how UWorld compares based on my hands-on evaluation:
CFA Prep Course Comparison Table
| Feature / Provider | AnalystPrep | Kaplan Schweser | UWorld | Mark Meldrum | Bloomberg CFA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Question Bank Size | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mock Exams | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Video Content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Strategy Tools & Bootcamps | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Explanation Depth | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate-Tough | Tough | Moderate | Light |
| Price | 🏆 Budget | Premium | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Premium |
| Best Fit For | High-Value Learners | Structured Learners | Practice-Heavy Learners | Independent Learners | Market-Focused Learners |
UWorld vs. AnalystPrep CFA
AnalystPrep surprised me with how much value it packs into a budget price. With all three CFA levels in a single, lifetime-access bundle, it’s a no-brainer for cost-conscious candidates. While its videos and practice explanations are a little leaner compared to UWorld, the platform feels intuitive, and the coverage is efficient without overwhelming. For students who want to get the most bang for their buck. Don’t mind fewer bells and whistles, AnalystPrep is easily one of the smartest picks available.
That said, UWorld does edge ahead when it comes to strategy features, analytics, and practice intensity. If you’re aiming for above-average scores or you struggle under pressure, UWorld’s tougher questions and realistic mocks give a more exam-replicating experience. But if your goal is solid prep at an accessible price, AnalystPrep is hard to beat.
- Choose AnalystPrep if… you want comprehensive content for all three levels at a wallet-friendly price.
- Pick UWorld if… you prefer intense practice and analytics, and don’t mind paying more for exam-day readiness.
UWorld vs. Kaplan Schweser CFA
Kaplan Schweser has earned its reputation as a legacy prep provider, and it shows in the structure and polish of the course. The textbooks are thorough, the lecture slides are polished, and the modular approach makes it easy to follow. Schweser is best suited to students who want a traditional prep experience—long-form content, guided study schedules, and a sense of classroom learning even when online.
UWorld doesn’t go as deep into the curriculum narrative, but it makes up for it with sheer volume of practice and strategic features. I found the bootcamps, formula sheets, and digital study tools particularly useful when trying to retain concepts. Schweser may have a broader reach, but UWorld’s practice-focused model gave me better day-to-day confidence.
- Choose Kaplan Schweser if… you want a classic, content-rich study plan with extensive reading support.
- Pick UWorld if… you’re a visual or active learner who benefits from targeted repetition and practice.
UWorld vs. Mark Meldrum CFA
Dr. Mark Meldrum brings a personal, academic tone to CFA prep. His videos are among the most conceptually clear in the industry, and for students who want to learn “why” as much as “what,” his teaching style is a great fit. That said, the rest of the platform feels more self-driven and minimalist. It’s best for candidates who want lectures first and plan to build their own routine around them.
Compared to Meldrum, UWorld is more polished and practice-heavy. While I appreciated Meldrum’s academic depth, UWorld’s modern tools—like adaptive flashcards, data-driven analytics, and multiple mock exams—made me feel more exam-ready. If you’re looking for a mentorship-style explanation, Meldrum is a top choice. But for structured prep with baked-in repetition, UWorld has the edge.
- Choose Mark Meldrum if… you want deep conceptual clarity from a solo expert.
- Pick UWorld if… you need exam-grade practice, quick feedback loops, and structured learning aids.
UWorld vs. Bloomberg CFA
Bloomberg’s CFA course stands out more for its brand name than for its execution. While the tie-in to real market insights is a nice touch, I found the course design underwhelming overall. The question quality was fine, but the explanations didn’t offer the same level of breakdown you’ll find in UWorld, and the videos were sparse by comparison. It’s functional, but in my opinion, not the strongest value for the price.
UWorld, on the other hand, balances theory with tough application. Every question is followed by detailed analysis and visuals, and the interface mimics the real CFA exam. Where Bloomberg gives you a glimpse of finance in action, UWorld helps you pass the test—and at the end of the day, that’s what counts.
- Choose Bloomberg CFA if… you want CFA prep framed around a practical, market-driven context.
- Pick UWorld if… you want challenging, exam-mimicking practice that sharpens performance under pressure.
Bottom Line
UWorld isn’t for everyone, and yet, for those who don’t mind a challenge, I sincerely think it’s one of the smartest prep providers to choose for your charterholder journey. From stellar mock exams to carefully crafted MCQ explanations, UWorld is a great fit for the student who wants to build a deep understanding of the concepts. While it’s pricier than competitors like AnalystPrep, it still delivers a wealth of value, whether you’re just starting out or cramming for Level 3.
FAQs
Yes, many students report that UWorld’s practice questions are more difficult than the actual CFA exam. This is intentional to strengthen your understanding and reduce surprises on test day.
It might be. The CFA Institute doesn’t publish an exact passing score, but many experts estimate the minimum passing score (MPS) to be around 65–70%, depending on the exam and year.
Kaplan Schweser is better if you want structured, curriculum-driven study with plenty of textbooks and long-form content. UWorld is better for students who want focused practice tests, visual learning, on-demand virtual classes, and an extensive library of modern study tools.
No. Each CFA level must be purchased individually, which may increase the total cost compared to bundled packages from other providers.
Access length depends on your package. Core and Advanced give access until the exam window ends, while the Elite Package offers “until you pass” access.
