The CFA® exam has a way of exposing shallow understanding. Only about 50% of first-time candidates passed in 2025, which is why prep quality matters. When I compared UWorld and Kaplan, I wasn’t interested in flashy features or claims of high pass rates. I wanted to see which course actually trains you to think the way the exam demands, especially when study time is limited, and the material gets dense.
Both UWorld and Kaplan Schweser are respected top CFA® prep providers across all levels, and either can work well depending on study style. After reviewing both platforms closely, the real differences came down to how each course approaches learning and application, making the right choice more about fit than overall quality.
Choose UWorld or Kaplan If…
- If you learn best by doing exam-level practice questions, then UWorld CFA® is the stronger choice.
- If you want extremely detailed explanations that help you apply concepts, UWorld stood out to me.
- If you prefer a structured, traditional program with expert-led video lectures, Kaplan Schweser is still an excellent option.
- If performance tracking and analytics motivate you, UWorld gives clearer insight into exam readiness.
- If you value long-established study notes and review workshops, Kaplan Schweser delivers consistency.
UWorld vs Kaplan CFA® Comparison
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Access Length | StudyPass (Access Until You Pass) | Exam-window based (Feb/May/Aug/Nov) |
| Price Range | $399 – $999 | $429 – $1,499 |
| Question Bank | >3,000+ exam-style practice questions | >2,000+ curriculum-aligned questions |
| Mock Exams | 5 full-length mock exams | 6 full-length mock exams |
| Video Content | Expert-led focused videos | Full video lecture series + review workshops |
| Mobile Access | Full mobile app | Online platform access |
| Live Classes | Limited | Available in higher tiers |
| Learn More | Start Now | LEARN MORE |
UWorld CFA®: Practice-First, Exam-Focused Prep
What I immediately liked about UWorld is that it doesn’t waste time easing you in. The platform is clearly built for candidates who want to apply concepts early and often, which mirrors how the CFA exam actually feels.
The question bank is the core of the experience. As I worked through questions, I appreciated how closely they resembled exam-style questions, both in wording and difficulty. When I got something wrong, the explanations of the answers were genuinely useful, not just short rationales.
“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.”
Reddit User
They explain why an answer works, reference key concepts, and connect it back to CFA® Institute learning outcome statements.
I also liked having performance analytics that updated in real time. I could clearly see weak areas and adjust my study plan without guessing. For someone trying to maximize each study session, these kinds of CFA® study materials matter.
Pros
- Practice questions feel very close to the real exam
- Extremely detailed explanations that helped me apply concepts
- Strong performance tracking and analytics
- Flexible tools for independent learners and busy professionals
Cons
- Less emphasis on long-form video lessons
- Better suited for self-directed learners
UWorld CFA® Discount
Save 15% UWorld occasionally offers discounts on CFA® prep courses, allowing candidates to save on select packages during promotional periods. Enter the available promo code at checkout to apply the savings.
UWorld CFA®
Kaplan Schweser CFA: The Gold Standard Structure
Kaplan Schweser CFA® feels like what many candidates picture when they think of exam preparation. It’s structured, comprehensive, and polished. When I reviewed Kaplan’s materials, the organization stood out immediately; everything flows logically, which I think is especially helpful for candidates new to the CFA® curriculum.
I found Kaplan’s video lectures easy to follow, particularly for foundational concepts. The instructors explain material clearly, and the pacing works well for visual learners who want guided instruction rather than jumping straight into questions.
That said, Kaplan has been moving away from having videos tied to each individual module, and going forward, most video instruction is centered around master classes. While the instruction quality remains strong, this shift may be less ideal for learners who prefer on-demand videos integrated directly into every topic.
Kaplan also integrates CFA® Institute materials smoothly. Their study notes, review workshops, and printed options make it feel like a full academic course, which many candidates appreciate.
Pros
- Structured study plans with expert-led instruction
- High-quality video lectures and review workshops
- Strong alignment with CFA® Institute materials
Cons
- Less detailed answer explanations
- Can feel content-heavy for candidates who learn by practice
Kaplan Schweser CFA® Discount
Save 15% Kaplan Schweser frequently runs promotions on CFA® prep packages, including savings on Premium and Ultimate options during certain enrollment windows. Apply the current promo code at checkout to access the discount.
Kaplan
Why Choose UWorld or Kaplan Schweser
Choose UWorld CFA® if you…
- Prefer learning by doing practice questions instead of watching long lectures
- Want exam-style questions that feel close to the actual CFA® exam
- Like seeing clear performance analytics that show strengths and weak areas
- Study in shorter, focused sessions and need efficient feedback
- Are an independent learner who’s comfortable directing your own study plan
Choose Kaplan Schweser CFA® if you…
- Want a structured study plan laid out step by step
- Learn best through expert-led video lectures and guided instruction
- Value long-standing study notes like SchweserNotes™ and QuickSheet
- Prefer a more traditional, course-style approach to CFA® preparation
- Feel more confident with scheduled reviews and workshop-style learning
Bottom line:
If your study style is practice-first and efficiency-driven, UWorld is likely the better fit.
If you prefer structure, instruction, and a classic CFA® prep experience, Kaplan Schweser is a strong choice.
Course Content & Structure
UWorld CFA® is fully online and self-paced, and I liked how easy it was to create custom quizzes, flag missed questions, and revisit weak areas as I went. That flexibility paired well with the depth of the Wiley-prepared textbook content, which felt thorough enough to support exam-level understanding without needing constant cross-referencing.
Supplemental tools like digital flashcards, formula sheets, and mock exams fit naturally into short study windows and make it easier to efficiently reinforce more in-depth material.
“Nowadays, the UWorld textbook is prepared by Wiley. I used Wiley for my 2020 exam and found it more in-depth than Schweser, and it covered enough material for an exam.”
Reddit user
Kaplan Schweser CFA® offers a more structured instructor-led format. Between live classes, review workshops, and scheduled study plans, it feels closer to a traditional course. I think this works well for candidates who want an external structure guiding their preparation.
Winner: UWorld
Tech, Videos, and Platform Experience
I appreciated UWorld’s video resources for targeted reinforcement. Rather than long, lecture-heavy sessions, the videos are designed to clarify specific concepts and common problem areas, which made them easy to slot into a study session when I needed a quick reset or deeper explanation without losing time. That said, UWorld’s video library is more selective by design and works best as a supplement to practice rather than a primary learning tool.
Kaplan’s platform is polished and reliable, and it feels very stable across longer study sessions. The video lessons are well-produced and clearly structured, which makes it easier to stay focused on complex topics without feeling rushed. I also appreciated the ability to adjust playback speed and follow along with structured notes, since it allowed me to slow down for tougher sections or move more quickly through material I already understood.
It’s worth noting that Kaplan has shifted its video instruction primarily into master classes rather than individual module videos, so the depth is concentrated in those sessions. For candidates who rely heavily on video instruction and structured teaching moments, Kaplan still offers strong consistency and a polished experience within that format.
Winner: Kaplan Schweser
Value
From a value perspective, I felt UWorld CFA® delivered more impact per hour studied. The explanations are thorough enough that I often learned more from reviewing missed questions than from passive reading alone. I also appreciated that UWorld tends to come in at a slightly more accessible price point than some traditional providers, which can make it appealing to candidates trying to balance cost with depth of learning.
Kaplan Schweser offers strong value for candidates seeking a comprehensive, guided experience. If you prefer learning through instruction, repetition, and a clearly structured ecosystem, Kaplan’s approach supports that style of CFA® preparation well.
Winner: Tie
Support and Access
UWorld provides direct access through ExpertConnect and keeps tools available until you pass, which I really like. That flexibility reduces pressure if your exam timeline changes or your study plan needs adjustment, and it’s especially helpful for candidates who don’t want to feel rushed by fixed access windows. I also found UWorld’s support model to be more responsive overall, which aligns with feedback I’ve seen from many candidates who value timely answers while studying.
Kaplan Schweser offers a wide range of support options, including multiple channels and strong instructor involvement, particularly in premium packages. That structure can feel reassuring for candidates who want ongoing guidance. However, I’ve seen consistent feedback from some users about slower response times, including 24-hour turnaround windows, which may be less ideal when you’re stuck on a concept and need help quickly.
“I like Kaplan cause I think their study material is great & useful. Unfortunately i experienced a kicked out just a hour ago…I called customer service just for them to tell me I have to retake the whole first portion of day one a month later.”
Reddit user
Winner: UWorld
Final Verdict
Between UWorld vs Kaplan, both rank among the best CFA® Level II prep courses (as well as Level I and II), and either can support exam success when used consistently. However, UWorld is my overall pick. The practice-first design, exam-level questions, and exceptionally clear explanations made it easier for me to apply concepts the way the CFA® exam actually demands.
Kaplan Schweser remains a trusted, gold-standard option, especially for candidates who want guided instruction and structured learning.
But for candidates seeking efficiency, insight, and exam realism, UWorld CFA® stands out as the better choice.
FAQs
In my experience reviewing the platform, UWorld CFA® is strong enough on its own for many candidates, especially those who learn best through practice questions and detailed explanations aligned with exam-level difficulty.
Kaplan Schweser can be a great option for beginners who want a structured study plan, expert-led video lectures, and guided instruction that walks through foundational concepts step by step.
I found UWorld’s practice questions to feel closer to the actual exam, particularly in how they test application and reasoning rather than surface-level recall.
Yes, both UWorld and Kaplan Schweser are designed to complement CFA® Institute materials, and I found they integrate well into a broader preparation strategy.
For busy professionals with limited study time, I’d lean toward UWorld CFA® because its performance analytics and targeted practice make it easier to stay efficient and focused during short study sessions.
