cfp coursework kaplan

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Kaplan CFP Review

Our detailed review and evaluation of the kaplan cfp exam prep course.

After Kaplan’s acquisition of the College for Financial Planning back in 2018, most financial professionals now assume Kaplan offers the best CFP exam prep course in the country. But does a long history of teaching financial planning principles and preparing students for the exam necessarily mean this course is still the best option on the market? We take a close look at the Kaplan CFP prep review course in this detailed review guide. 

Kaplan CFP Prep

• Two Course Options
• Pass Protection Guarantee
• Affordable price point (less than $600)
• Excellent live classes with expert instruction for those needing guided prep
• Highly realistic practice problems with insightful answer explanations
• Some very helpful on demand video lessons for those going the self-paced route
• Top-notch prep books for old-school learners
• Although the Kaplan instruction is thorough, it is dry at times
• Production quality of video lessons could be improved, although content is on point

Outline : Kaplan CFP Course Review

Kaplan cfp prep course options.

• Lesson And Coursework Quality

The Kaplan CFP Mock Exam

Kaplan cfp review books.

• Supplemental Resources From Kaplan
• Verdict: Kaplan CFP Exam Prep Course Review

Use the jump-to links above to quickly skip ahead to the exact section you’re most interested in. Hopefully by the end, you’ll have a good idea of whether Kaplan is the right choice to help you prepare for the CFP exam.

When it comes to preparing for the CFP exam , Kaplan offers two main prep courses – the Essentials Review Package and the Premium Review Package.

The Essentials Review Package is true to its name and offers just the basics. There are no live classes, on demand video lessons, mock exams or other bells and whistles.

You get Kaplan’s set of seven prep books as the core of your review material, and a few online tools, including the practice question Qbank, performance trackers and a couple other minor resources. And that is about it. However, the limited nature of these resources is reflected in the very approachable price point of just under $600 .

In contrast, the Premium Review Package offers CFP candidates a much wider swath of study tools and resources, and is generally considered Kaplan’s “standard” CFP prep course. The Premium Review Package comes in three different forms. You can choose to take the course live online, live in-person or on demand.

The live in-person course takes place over 4 consecutive days and offers roughly 33 hours of live instruction . Make sure to check schedules though, as this course format is only available in a number of select major metropolitan areas.

The live online class meets in a virtual classroom across 11 different three-hour sessions . This provides approximately the same 33 hours of live instruction as the in-person class, but is spread out over time (and obviously delivered virtually).

Lastly, for CFP candidates with crazy work and life schedules, the on demand format allows you to watch prerecorded video lessons whenever and wherever you like . This is a great option if you need to squeeze in your studies at night or on the weekends around work and family commitments.

But no matter which form you take the Premium Review Package in, you will get access to the same set of core materials, including classes, books, video lessons, the practice question Qbank, a mock exam, podcasts and much more. Priced at right around $1,400 (for all three formats), Kaplan offers a pretty competitive pricing structure standing side-by-side with other prep companies.

Course options and pricing current as of date of publication.

Kaplan CFP Coursework And Lesson Quality

Given the scope and depth of the material tested on the CFP exam, any CFP prep course worth its salt needs to have an abundance of study resources and content. And after taking the Kaplan CFP live online course, I can confidently say that Kaplan delivers.

Offering one of the most comprehensive curriculums in the CFP exam prep space , Kaplan provides students with a detailed and extensive plan of study that touches every testable topic on the exam.

I particularly like that Kaplan’s course focuses in on the most-heavily tested and complex topics . The makers of the CFP exam love to hammer several of the same topics over and over again across every administration of the test, with many of them being on the more difficult side.

Kaplan does not shy away from these topics, and in fact, makes them a point of emphasis through their eLibrary and High 5 videos (more on these below).

This extensive slate of coursework is smartly delivered through a varied learning approach . Assuming you take the Premium Review Package (as I did), you will be assigned a healthy mix of work through the following mediums:

• Classes (live or on demand)
• Reading from the 7 coursebooks (sometimes a whole book at a time)
• eLibrary videos
• The “In Class Guide” workbook
• Practice questions from the Qbank
• High 5 videos
• Supplemental resources (e.g. readings directly from the CFP board)

These assignments are given to you through your Activity Feed in the online student portal. The Activity Feed guides you step-by-step through your studies , telling what to study and when. It also adapts to your performance and changes your study schedule to factor in where you need more work (i.e. your weaker areas).

In fact, before you start the course, you take a 100-question pre-study diagnostic test that sets your knowledge baseline. The results of this diagnostic filter into your Activity Feed and help to establish your overall study plan (which will change as time goes on).

While there are a ton of different formats in which you are assigned work, the two main components of your Kaplan CFP course are the classes and prep books (just books if you take the Essentials course).

Personally, I think the classes are the heart of this program. As much as I like to learn via textbook, the classes just offer a more interactive and better all-around learning experience . I took the live online class and greatly enjoyed it.

You meet roughly 11 times for three-hour sessions in a virtual classroom and the classes are led by an expert instructor. My class actually had two different instructors – both of them great. I am not sure if every course has two or more instructors, or if it was just my particular class because of a scheduling conflict.

But in any event, both instructors were fantastic . They were clearly very experienced CFPs themselves and had a real mastery of the subject matter. I honestly felt like I could have asked them anything finance related and they would have known the answer.

The classes cover both content review and testing strategies , though content review seems to be the real focus of the class. This makes sense though, as the CFP exam is very content heavy.

You follow along in your “ In Class Guide ” workbook and take notes as you go. This is a binder-style course book that provides lesson outlines, content review, example problems and more. This will very likely serve as your master study guide (at least it was for me).

In short, I thought the live online classes were excellent, and I assume the live in-person ones would be just as good. The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, the lessons are easy to follow in the “ In Class Guide ,” and they were engaging and informative overall . I seriously had no complaints about the live classes.

For students taking the on demand format of the Premium Package, instead of live classes you will be treated to 25+ prerecorded video lectures . These video lessons, similar to the live lessons, are very high quality.

These videos take the form of your instructor in the upper left-hand corner of the screen via webcam and a set of PowerPoint slides in the middle of the screen. Your instructor provides their lesson and runs through the slides, taking notes on screen with a red maker as they go.

It is a pretty traditional style of online recorded lesson, which I like, as it is tried and tested . You get the visual component from the slides and red notes, the verbal lesson from the instructor (which is a benefit to auditory learners), and the face-to-face connection with seeing your instructor.

This is a proven method of improving material comprehension and retention, that works well in this case as well. I found these lessons to be very informative and engaging (though not as much so as the live classes). There is just no compensating for the missed interaction in the live classes.

The other primary component of the Kaplan CFP coursework is the set of review books. Given that you can also buy these books as a standalone resource, I cover them in greater detail separately below. But I will just quickly say that these content-rich books are extremely thorough and cover all the necessary CFP exam material in an easy to understand manner.

Beyond the class sessions and reading assignments, you will frequently be assigned practice question assignments (usually 25 to 75 at a time). These practice questions are accessed through Kaplan’s “ Analyze and Apply ” Qbank.

The Qbank is a tool that allows you to create custom practice question sets by topic, number of questions and more. The tool itself is great, and the questions are even better.

I found Kaplan’s practice questions to closely mirror real CFP exam questions in terms of both content and style. In total, between the Qbank and all study materials you will have 2,500+ practice questions at your fingertips .

I found these questions to be thoughtfully written and I liked how they test the material in a variety of ways. And accompanying each practice question is an answer explanation. This solution explains the rationale behind the answer and details why the correct answer is correct.

This is one area that I think the Kaplan CFP prep course makers could improve. I found these explanations to often be a little thin . Whereas other CFP exam prep providers provide some very detailed answer explanations that tackle every answer choice, Kaplan’s explanations were often just 1 or 2 sentences. That said, they are adequate to get the job done.

No matter which course format you take, in addition to materials already discussed above, you will also get access to Kaplan’s High 5 videos and eLibrary video lessons .

Now, to be totally honest, I can’t exactly pinpoint the difference between these two subsets of video lessons. While the format of the two video types is a little different, they both generally cover the same type of material.

Both sets of videos go over strategies and approaches for tackling some of the harder and more heavily-tested topics on the CFP. In other words, they are both sort of strategy-type lessons, and I am not totally sure why Kaplan breaks them out . That head scratcher aside, I found both video lesson types to be very helpful.

The eLibrary videos are PowerPoint-style slideshow videos. There is no instructor onscreen (just the slides), but he or she does make notes in red and points at things with their cursor. While these lessons are on the shorter side, I do think they are a little boring .

The High 5 video series offers seven videos in a prerecorded webinar-like format. These have a more traditional classroom-type setting and your instructor appears on screen. As such, I found these videos to be a little more engaging. Video delivery aside though, I did like both video lesson sets.

They each covered some great tips and techniques for approaching some of the more complex subjects on the CFP exam . As mentioned at the top of this review, I love the emphasis from Kaplan on high-yield topics and difficult issues that commonly trip candidates up.

All things considered, I was very impressed with the Kaplan CFP exam review course. While I think the problem explanations are a little thin, and a few of the strategy lesson videos are a hair boring, by and large this is a fantastic course.

The CFP exam tests topics in a variety of ways to make sure candidates truly understand the material and the reasoning behind it, and Kaplan combats this with a varied approach to learning.

Between the live classes, reading assignments, video lessons, and practice questions, you get a boatload of top shelf prep material and study tools that absolutely are enough to get you fully prepared in my opinion.

For Kaplan students who take the Premium Review Package, you will get access to a full-length mock exam. This online practice test takes a full 6 hours and includes multiple-choice questions, item sets, mini-cases and a comprehensive case. In other words, this mock exam replicates the real CFP exam .

This is a huge benefit to CFP candidates who study with Kaplan. There is often no better way of preparing (and calming the nerves) than doing a live practice test under exam-like conditions. This tests your knowledge, readies you for the official test format , and conditions your mind and body for the real thing.

In addition, Kaplan provides a nice score report after you finish the practice test, which shows where you performed well and where you still need work.

In my opinion, the Kaplan mock exam was a great study resource and the test closely mirrored the real exam. This is a big plus for Kaplan students.

One of the core components of the Kaplan CFP exam review course is the set of seven prep books that you get when you sign up.

In fact, these books are the core of your study work if you take the Essentials Review Package. Luckily, these books are very well done. The seven titles include:

• General Financial Planning Principles, Conduct, and Regulation
• Risk Management, Insurance, and Employee Benefits Planning
• Investment Planning
• Tax Planning
• Retirement Savings and Income Planning
• Estate Planning
• Financial Planning Case Studies

These books are extremely detailed (almost painfully so) and well-organized . The content review portions of the books are neatly structured in outline form and all topics and subtopics are cleanly bucketed in easy to find locations.

And the level of detail is exceptional in these books. If some topic was ever tested on the CFP exam , you better believe Kaplan has at least a full section on it . It’s actually kind of crazy how thorough these books are.

I personally really liked these books as a means of study. Whether you will like them turns on whether you do well studying from a textbook – if you do fine via text, you will really like these books. They may be very detailed, but are also still easy to understand and clearly written .

Overall, I can see why Kaplan designed their course around these books. They are really, really good.

Digital Platform And User Experience

The Kaplan CFP student portal is on the whole, above average. It is not the sleekest user interface we have seen, nor is it the worse (not by a longshot).

It serves its purpose with a clean and simple layout . All of your study tools are neatly located right on the dashboard. As is your study plan, which clearly directs you to what to study and links directly to the assignment.

The functionality is also pretty solid. The portal is easy to navigate and I never had an issue getting into my next assignment or tracking down an online resource. The look and feel are nice, especially the transition between video lessons and the actual video user experience.

Supplemental CFP Study Resources

In addition to the primary course materials, Kaplan also provides a nice set of supplemental resources . While not used every day in your studies, many of these resources offer some really valuable benefits from time to time. Some of these resources include:

• Performance trackers
• CFP exam podcasts
• Email support through “InstructorLink”
• Webinars (on general exam tips and strategies)
• Offline Qbank access

My favorite resource of the group was the expert support through Kaplan’s “InstructorLink.” If you ever get caught up on a practice question or don’t understand a point in one of the books or lectures, you can shoot Kaplan a message and one of their CFP experts will get back to you.

In my experience, the turnaround time on these responses was about 36 hours. Not the fastest reply time, but the answers were always solid. Their CFP instructors always answered my question directly and didn’t beat around the bush or write a thesis.

The other notable resource in my opinion is the performance tracker. This tool tracks your progress against the overall course content that must be completed, as well as how you are doing topic-by-topic.

It will show you in detail where you are weak and need work . This is very helpful for creating custom practice quizzes to target those areas. I also really liked how the performance tracker was presented with visual graphs.

Content Access Period

When you sign up with Kaplan for any of their CFP prep courses, your content access is generally tied to your exam date . Your online content will cut off at the end of the month in which you sit for your exam. For example, if you take the March exam, your access will terminate on March 31 after sitting for the exam.

This generally makes sense though. Given the limited offerings of the CFP exam each year , you shouldn’t really need access beyond your exam date, unless you fail. Which leads to the next point.

Is There An Exam Pass Or Money Back Guarantee?

While Kaplan doesn’t offer a money-back pass guarantee, they do offer a “PassProtection” guarantee . This guarantee promises that if you take the Kaplan Premium Review Package and fail to pass the CFP exam, they will give you access to another Premium Review Package course free of charge.

So while there is no monetary refund if you don’t pass, Kaplan will stand behind their product through this pass promise.

In my opinion, this isn’t the end of the world. If you fail the first time, there is a very good chance you’re going to jump right back on the horse and try again. And in order to do so, you’re going to need a prep course anyway – so might as well stick with the program you know in Kaplan .

While I would like to see the option of money back or a free course, this isn’t that bad. And the nice thing is that there are no conditions on this promise, like a minimum starting score.

Does Kaplan Have A Mobile App?

Unfortunately, Kaplan does not offer a mobile app for its CFP exam review course . This is a little disappointing given they offer one for the CFA and FRM prep packages, but it’s far from a deal killer.

To be honest, I don’t know that I would study for the CFP on my phone anyway, so this is kind of a minor loss. But whether this will matter to you depends on whether you like to study on the go from your iPhone.

Verdict : Kaplan CFP Exam Prep Course Review

The Kaplan CFP exam review course is one of, if not the, best CFP prep courses on the market.

Offering one of the most well-rounded and deepest curriculums, Kaplan provides study material through a variety of mediums. For Premium Review Package students, this means class work, prep books, practice questions, video lessons and more.

The varied approach to learning works really well with the nature of the CFP exam, which tests the underlying material in a variety of ways. I was particularly impressed with Kaplan’s live classes . The instructors were extremely knowledgeable, approachable and ran a tight ship that got you exactly what you needed to know in an effective and efficient manner.

The prep books were also a highlight of this course. Offering detailed content review, example problems, graphics and helpful exhibits, I found these books to be very informative.

In terms of cons with this course, I found the practice problem explanations to be a little on the thin side, and the strategy-based video lessons in the eLibrary to be a little boring.

But to be honest, these were two blips on the radar for an otherwise stellar course. All in all, I have no hesitation giving this Kaplan course a 5-star rating . This is clearly one of the premier CFP prep packages on the market.

How much does the Kaplan CFP exam prep course cost?

The Kaplan CFP exam prep course comes in two formats, each with a different price point. The Essential Review Package costs right around $600, while the Premium Review Package costs a shade under $1,400.

What is the highlight of the Kaplan CFP prep review course?

The clear highlight of the Kaplan CFP prep course is the series of live classes. There is no substitute for live class sessions, which not only foster accountability and commitment in your studies, but also provide interactive and detailed content review.

Is the Kaplan CFP prep course worth it?

Plain and simple, yes. The CFP exam is a brutal test that requires hundreds of hours of studying. And Kaplan offers one of the most robust study plans in the CFP prep space, all at a very competitive price point.

College for Financial Planning ®

Professional Certifications  >

Cfp ® certification  >, graduate programs  >, invest in your future in financial planning.

Gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials to succeed at every stage of your financial planning career. At the industry-leading College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company, you can pursue a professional certification, complete your CFP ® certification education, or earn a master’s degree 100% online, on your schedule.

Highest Quality

Stay competitive while preparing to create better outcomes for your clients. Our adaptive curriculum evolves with the industry, bringing you groundbreaking programs in areas such as: behavioral finance; domestic partnerships; sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investments; and more.

Flexibility for Working Adults

Deep experience.

Learn from expert faculty with more than 150 years of combined industry experience. As the College that introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and an early adopter of online education, our HLC-accredited College draws upon a rich history in financial education to empower you to build a secure and rewarding career in financial planning.

Explore Our Diversified Portfolio of Programs

Professional certifications.

• Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠ – AAMS ®
• Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional℠ – ABFP ®
• Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor℠ – ADPA ®
• Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠ – APMA ®
• Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ – AWMA ®
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ – CRPC ®
• Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠ – CRPS ®
• Chartered SRI Counselor℠ – CSRIC ®
• Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional℠ – FPQP ®
• Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ – SE-AWMA ®
• Wealth Management Specialist℠ – WMS℠

CFP ® Certification

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP ® ) Education Program

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA)
• Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning (MS-PFP)

Financial Advising Accelerator Certificate Program

College for Financial Planning is proud to introduce a certificate program designed for new and early career financial advisors. This engaging self-study program—delivered 100% online—helps aspiring financial advisors gain key advising and business-building skills necessary to effectively engage with clients and build a robust book of business. Get started today and set a solid foundation for your financial planning career.

Learn more about the Financial Advising Accelerator certificate program.

About the College for Financial Planning ®

Invest in your career and your clients.

Which Program Is Right for Me?

Select the stage of your financial planning career to find which College for Financial Planning program will help you advance to the next level:

• Launching a new career or changing careers
• Early career
• Advanced career

Credit for Prior Coursework

Through our stackable programs, you can save time and money by applying existing credits to future credentials. Professional certifications can be used toward your CFP ® certification education or a master’s degree, and the CFP ® certification stacks into the master’s in personal financial planning.

Ben Haas, CFP ® , CRPC ® , ABFP™️ Wealth Manager at Haas Financial Group

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Watch our webinar to gain insights into how advisors harness this new technology to their advantage instead of being replaced by it.

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Join us live for a look at key SECURE 2.0 tax-related provisions, an update on economic indicators and the fiscal legislation Congress is considering and how they will affect your practice and your clients in 2024.

Exploring an M.S. in Financial Analysis

Watch our webinar for a look at an M.S. in Financial Analysis can be a path to both a graduate degree and the CFA Charter.

Take the Next Step to Secure Your Future With the College for Financial Planning ®

Have questions or want to know more? Contact us today.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP ® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP ® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company does not certify individuals to use the CFP ® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP (with plaque logo) certification marks. CFP ® certification is granted only by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements. The College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company is an education and exam prep review provider for the CFP ® Certification Examination administered by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. CFP Board does not endorse any education or review course or receive financial remuneration from education or review course providers.

Live Online CFP ® Certification Education Class Schedule

The closest thing to being in an actual classroom, our expert instructors will guide you through each online course from the comfort of your own home. Class cohorts start March, July, and November to prepare to sit for the CFP ® exam one year later. View the complete live online class schedule by clicking the month that our class cohorts start below. The live online class is included in the Premium Package . 

Classes start in March 2024 to sit for the March 2025 CFP ® exam. 

Class Times:  All Live Online classes in the schedule below are held 8:00–10:00 pm ET.

Class Times:

All Live Online classes in the schedule below are held 8:00–10:00 pm ET.

The following class cohorts are currently in progress but may have a course in the 7-course curriculum that has not yet begun. If you have already met some of the required education courses, you may be able to enroll in course in the schedule(s) below that has not started.

• March 2023 Start Class Cohort (for March 2024 Exam)
• July 2023 Start Class Cohort (for July 2024 Exam)

Live Online Classes are offered in our Premium Package.

Premium package, starting at $7,500.

Live Online Class

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP ® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ , and CFP ® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company does not certify individuals to use the CFP ® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ , and CFP (with plaque logo) certification marks. CFP ® certification is granted only by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements. The College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company is an education and exam prep review provider for the CFP ® Certification Examination administered by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. CFP Board does not endorse any education or review course or receive financial remuneration from education or review course providers.

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• Degrees & Certifications

Best CFP Exam Prep Courses for 2024

Dalton Education is our top pick due to its flexibility and vast course list

Kate Dore, a Candidate for CFP Certification, is an expert on debt, credit scores, banking products, mortgages, investing, income taxes, life and health insurance, estate planning, and student loans. Kate's work has appeared in outlets like Business Insider, Financial Planning magazine, MagnifyMoney, Credit Karma, and Simple Money magazine. She received her Certificate in Financial Planning from Belmont University.

Elisabeth Christopherson is an accounting professional, fact-checker, and researcher with a background in online education. She has experience reviewing and editing accounting, business, and economic publications.

A  Certified Financial Planner  (CFP) is a professional designation for the financial planning profession.  Financial planners  can earn the CFP designation after completing the CFP Board's education, exam, experience, and ethics requirements.

One of the more challenging steps in the process, the CFP exam, is a pass-or-fail test. You may register for the CFP exam after meeting the CFP Board's education requirements. Once you pass the exam, you will be one step closer to becoming a CFP professional, one of the most elite financial planning designations.

To create our list of the best CFP exam prep courses, we compared each program's features, including reputation, cost, guarantees, course materials, in-person classes, special features, and more. These are the best CFP exam prep courses for aspiring CFP professionals.

• Best Overall: Dalton Education
• Best for Live Instruction: Zahn Associates
• Best Guarantee: Kaplan Financial/College for Financial Planning
• Best for Virtual/In-Person Learning: Brett Danko
• Our Top Picks

Dalton Education

• Zahn Associates
• Kaplan Financial/College for Financial Planning
• Brett Danko
• See More (1)

Final Verdict

• Compare Courses
• Methodology

Best Overall : Dalton Education

• Price: $1,395 or $2,195
• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes, if you score 70% or better on the exam readiness quizzes but don’t pass the actual exam
• Study Materials: Books, videos, live virtual classes and office hours, live or in-person four-day live review, recordings of all lessons, and a 2,000-question test bank

Dalton Education earned our top spot with the industry’s most comprehensive CFP exam prep program. While the prep courses are among the most expensive, you will have the most flexibility, in-depth course materials, videos, and test bank questions. The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass offers a money-back guarantee under certain conditions, or you may retake the program through the next exam cycle for free.

Flexible live review options

Money-back guarantee under certain conditions

2,000 test bank questions

Less affordable than competitors

Pre-study program may take longer

Robust materials can feel overwhelming

Dalton Education won the best overall because of the company’s in-depth CFP exam prep, flexibility, and strong money-back guarantee. Founded in 2005, the Alpharetta, Georgia-based company boasts 20% to 25% higher pass rates than the national average. The company provides CFP Board education courses and two CFP exam prep courses: Dalton Review and Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass. 

The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass costs $2,195. The prep course includes a virtual pre-study program, in-person or virtual live review classes, and live review recordings. You also get office hours, one-on-one coaching calls, digital flashcards, free retakes, and a money-back guarantee if you score 70% or better on the exam readiness quizzes but don’t pass the actual exam.

The Dalton Review is a similar course for $1,395 with fewer materials, no coaching calls, and no pass guarantee. Those looking to sample the program may access a Guarantee to Pass Demo. The company also offers financial assistance to underrepresented groups in financial planning through the Women’s Initiative and Diversity Initiative.    

Both CFP exam prep options offer books, videos, live virtual classes, live office hours, live or in-person four-day live review, recordings of all lessons, and a 2,000-question test bank. You can also attend office hours for more in-depth answers.

Best for Live Instruction : Zahn Associates

 Zahn Associates

• Price: $1,085+
• Money-Back Guarantee: Not disclosed
• Study Materials: Virtual pre-study, books, videos, exam roadmaps, 1,800-question test bank, four-day in-person live review, and virtual post-study

Zahn Associates made the list because of its reputation, engaging in-person classes, and over a dozen live review location options nationwide. After completing the virtual pre-study, you'll have access to in-person live review instructors that will distill what you need to know with proven test-taking tips and tricks.

Strong reputation

One-on-one tutoring available

Discounts for repeat test-takers

Sub-optimal online dashboard

Less in-depth pre-study materials

No recording of live review

Zahn Associates, one of the best-known names for CFP exam prep, scored high for live instruction for its reputation, in-person experience, and multiple live review locations. With a home base in Tampa, Florida, Zahn Associates reports its CFP exam pass rates are 10% above the national average.

The Zahn Associates Live Review costs $1,085 and includes a virtual pre-study, in-person live review, and virtual post-study. Each exam cycle has over a dozen in-person live review locations, and there are currently a couple of virtual options. You can pay an extra $50 to $100 for flashcards, more test bank questions, and case studies.

You may hire one of Zahn Associates’ instructors for tutoring if you’re struggling, and if you have to retake the exam, you can use the Zahn Associates Live Review again at a discount. While there aren’t currently any demos or discounts, some students may qualify for a Zahn Associates diversity and inclusion scholarship through 2050 TrailBlazers.

The program materials include books, videos, exam roadmaps, a four-day in-person live review, and a 1,800-question test bank. You can contact Zahn Associates through an online form or call during business hours.

Best Guarantee : Kaplan Financial/College for Financial Planning

 College for Financial Planning

• Price: $599 or $1,399
• Money-Back Guarantee: Retake the program for up to a year if you fail the exam
• Study Materials: Review books, pre-study assessment, class options for live online, onsite or ondemand classes, videos, CFP exam podcasts, and a mock exam

Kaplan Financial Education/College for Financial Planning earned a slot because of the company's CFP exam guarantee. If you enroll in the Premium Exam Prep Review package and fail the exam, you will receive a free Premium Review package within one year. While it's less generous than Dalton's guarantee, the program is significantly cheaper, and there are no minimum quiz scores to qualify for the guarantee.

Exam guarantee for Premium Review

On-demand, virtual, or on-site live review options

Essential Review option for $599

Premium Review is more expensive than some competitors

Exam guarantee limited to one year

No webinars, videos, or mock exam with Essential Review

Kaplan Financial Education made our list because of the company’s standout guarantee. The company has been around since 1970, offering continuing education, licensing test preparation, and wealth management programs. The La Crosse, Wisconsin-based company acquired The College for Financial Planning in 2018, and together, the companies offer CFP education and CFP exam prep courses.

Kaplan offers two CFP exam prep courses: the Premium Review for $1,399 and Essential Review for $599. The Premium Review includes PassProtection, which allows you to retake the program for up to a year if you fail the exam. The Premium Review also includes live classes, webinars, videos, CFP exam podcasts, and a mock exam. However, the Essentials Review is a basic self-study option without these features.

For those feeling unsure, Kaplan offers a free five-day trial. It also offers a free e-book to kickstart your study plan. Depending on when you sign up, you may qualify for a small discount promotion. Like some competitors, Kaplan offers a Diversity Scholarship to help remove the financial barriers for underrepresented groups in financial planning. 

Both test prep courses include review books, a pre-study assessment, and access to Kaplan’s test bank. You may email instructors with questions anytime through Kaplan’s software.

Best for Virtual/In-Person Learning : Brett Danko

 Brett Danko

• Money-Back Guarantee: One virtual course retake
• Study Materials: 3,000-question test bank, three-day in-person live review, live review recordings, online classes, calculator sessions, extra exams and case studies, flashcards, and Q&A sessions

While some competitors offer a top-notch in-person experience, Brett Danko's Signature Live Review also provides an excellent pre-study and post-study program for those who need extra guidance. You get 3,000 sample questions, 16 hours of online group sessions, interactive Q&A with Brett, recordings, and one virtual retake.

3,000-question test bank

Calculator training session

Limited cities for in-person live review

Signature Live Review is more costly than others

Retake limited to one virtual course

Brett Danko earns our top spot for in-person learning because of the program's strong reputation for an effective virtual and in-person experience. Brett Danko is another top name in CFP exam prep courses and teaches CFP Board-approved courses and continuing education. 

Brett Danko's Signature Live Review costs $2,195, and the Comprehensive Live Review is $1,395. Both options include pre-study materials with 3,000 questions, a three-day in-person live review, and live review recordings.

The Signature Live Review also provides 16 hours of online classes with Brett, two calculator sessions, six extra exams and case studies, flashcards, another Q&A session with Brett, recordings, and one virtual class retake.

One downside of Brett Danko's program is there are only three options for in-person classes, and they are all clustered in the northeast. But fortunately, Brett Danko also teaches two virtual live review courses through the Boston Institute of Finance. The virtual Basic Prep is $1,195, and the virtual Signature Exam Prep is $1,995. Customers can contact Brett Danko's support team via email, online form, or by phone with questions.

The CFP exam is a considerable time and financial commitment for any student. But picking the right CFP exam prep course may reduce your chances of sitting for the exam more than once. With a 20% to 25% higher pass rate than the national average and the most comprehensive program available, Dalton Education is our recommendation for the best CFP exam prep course.

However, if you prefer in-person learning and are looking for engaging classes in a classroom rather than online, you'll want to consider Zahn Associates as the best choice for live instruction.

Compare the Best CFP Exam Prep Courses

Frequently asked questions, who should take the cfp exam.

Anyone interested in becoming a CFP can take the exam. Regardless if you already have a four-year degree or not, you must first complete the CFP Board-approved coursework before sitting for the exam. If you are changing careers and have a four-year degree, you will need to complete the coursework, take the CFP exam, and then accumulate 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience or 6,000 hours of professional experience (these hours can be done before or after you take the CFP exam). If you do not have a bachelor's degree, you must still first complete the required coursework before sitting for the exam. Then, you must complete the bachelor's degree requirement within five years of taking it. Lastly, you'll need to sign an ethics declaration and pass a background check.

How Long Does It Take to Study for the CFP Exam?

The CFP Board recommends no less than 250 hours are needed when studying for the exam. The six-hour, 170-question, pass-or-fail test measures your knowledge of comprehensive financial planning . The CFP Board offers the exam every year in March, July, and November. The pass rate was 64% in 2023, according to the CFP Board.

How Many Courses Are in CFP?

Along with general financial planning principles, the CFP coursework and exam include:

• Professional conduct and regulation
• Tax Planning
• Retirement  
• Estate planning

What Does a CFP Course Cost?

The cost for CFP test prep courses may range from $455 to $2,395, with extra fees for add-on study aids, like flashcards, audio lessons, and more. If you go to a CFP exam prep live review in person, you will also have to pay for travel costs, including your flight, hotel rooms, and meals.

Is a CFP Better Than a CFA?

Whether or not a CFP is better than a CFA depends on the kind of work you want to do. CFPs usually work closely with individuals who need personal financial planning advice. A CFA allows you to work with financial institutions or companies. If you plan to work with individuals or small businesses, a CFP certification may be better than a CFA designation.

How We Find the Best CFP Exam Prep Courses

To create a list of the best CFP prep courses offered, we researched six different programs from well-regarded companies. We looked at each program's history, reputation, pricing, guarantees, program structure, in-person versus virtual experience, and other features.

Most prep courses offer study materials, online practice tests, videos, and access to instructors. In addition, some courses even come with a money-back guarantee if you don't pass your CFP test.

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How to Pick the Best CFP Program to Study

Here's how aspiring certified financial planners can select the best in-person or online CFP program.

How to Pick the Best CFP Program

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Selecting the right CFP program for you can go a long way in determining your success on exam day.

When Abby Morton wanted to switch from a career in corporate finance to one in personal finance, she decided to get her certified financial planner designation. She went to Utah Valley University for help getting started with a CFP program. Since the university used Dalton Education, that's the provider she chose, too.

CFP Guidelines for Financial Advisors

Ellen Chang Dec. 7, 2020

"The professors were super responsive and helpful, and I felt motivated to get it all done quickly," says Morton, who's now a certified financial planner. She completed all the coursework in seven months.

From there, she moved into Dalton's CFP study exam prep program , which included several books to read on her own, practice tests and a 36-hour live class.

"Being in a room with the actual instructor where I could ask questions live and really ensure I understood the concepts was a game changer for me," she says. But, unfortunately, it was not enough of a game changer. Morton didn't pass the CFP exam on her first attempt.

"I had done everything Dalton told me to do and did not pass," she says.

Morton's experience isn't unique: One-third of exam takers failed on their first attempt in 2019, according to the CFP Board.

Knowing that statistic is small consolation if you find yourself among those numbers, especially after having put time and money into a CFP program. The cost for these programs can run upward of $7,000 and take one year or more to complete.

Choosing the best CFP program for you can be the determining factor as to which side of the CFP pass rate statistic you fall on. Here are some steps to select the best CFP program:

• Choose the best CFP program to study.
• The best CFP program may be two programs.
• Understand CFP program costs.
• Don't rush the CFP program process.

Read on for more information on choosing the best in-person or online CFP program.

Choosing the Best CFP Program to Study

There are more than 300 registered CFP programs applicants can use to meet the coursework requirement for the CFP certification. While all these programs cover the same material, the CFP Board does not endorse any one program, which leaves it to applicants to choose the best CFP program for themselves.

When choosing among CFP programs, there are many factors to consider. The first factor is your study habits and learning style. CFP programs fall into two categories: online and in-person (when COVID-19 allows). Online CFP programs can be self-paced and allow for more flexible study schedules, while in-person courses offer more structure and support with a dedicated professor.

"Are you a self-study person and need that flexibility, or are you someone who needs the classroom accountability and structure?" asks Jamie Hopkins, a certified financial planner and finance professor of practice at the Creighton University Heider College of Business. While some online CFP programs, such as Kaplan and The American College of Financial Services programs, offer live instruction, "they are built around a self-study model, whereas most traditional university programs are built around the faculty and classroom first."

After teaching and building materials for numerous CFP programs, including online and traditional university courses, Hopkins finds the distance programs to be more focused on tying the material back to the exam, while traditional college and university programs want to provide "a deeper thought-level experience."

"A traditional college program will also tend to work with younger students, and distance programs have been built for people career changing or already in the business," he says.

You should also consider if you want to earn a degree from your studies or if a certificate is enough, says Roger Ma, financial planner at lifelaidout and author of "Work Your Money, Not Your Life." If you want a degree in financial planning, you may need to opt for a traditional classroom setting, as most self-study programs only provide certificates.

The Best CFP Program May Be Two Programs

CFP Ronnie Colvin of Reno, Nevada, found two study programs better than one. "Some are better than others for certain things, and you end up buying two different programs," he says. He combined the Kaplan Premium Review online course with a Ken Zahn intensive, five-day in-person course taught by Ken Zahn himself.

"The Kaplan course had lots of practice tests and questions I used to drill on, but the live Zahn course helped me integrate it all and let me ask clarifying questions to help my understanding," Colvin says. It proved a winning combination for him: He passed the test on the first try.

"Personally, I like the in-person (aspect). It helped me immensely," he says.

For Morton, two programs proved key. After using the Brett Danko Educational Center and some exam prep questions from Kaplan, she passed on her second attempt.

"I wasn't used to one way of the questions and concepts being discussed," she says. "Because I switched providers, I was able to learn topics that I didn't understand the first time around because they were presented in a different way."

LEARN MORE:

CFP Program Costs: Time Plus Money

When pursuing a financial certification, you can't ignore the time and cost required by the program. "Self-paced online programs are typically less expensive, and you may be able to complete them quicker if you're diligent – but you may never complete them if you're not good at managing your time," Ma says.

One way to keep costs down is simply to ask. "If you contact these programs, they'll (sometimes) throw in about a 10% discount or so, even if there isn't an active promo going on," he says. He used this strategy for both his CFP program and his certification for divorce-related financial planning .

Don't Rush the CFP Program Process

Your industry experience – or lack thereof – may also factor into the decision of which CFP study program is best. For instance, someone new to the advising industry may want to start by taking one class at a time, so they can more fully absorb the material, even though it may mean they need two years to complete all the classes, says Jennifer Li, a certified financial planner and financial planning manager at EP Wealth Advisors. On the other hand, she says, experienced financial professionals may prefer a curriculum that they can complete in a shorter time frame.

She advises against taking the CFP Accelerated Path, formerly called Challenge Status, however, which allows certain credential holders such as certified public accountants and chartered financial analysts to take a single capstone course to satisfy the education requirement. "You may not get as much out of the courses to really have the knowledge necessary to give actual personal financial planning advice," she says.

Another consideration is how easy the CFP study program provider makes it to pursue other designations, Hopkins says. "This is about looking forward, not just about what is here today." A main reason he supports The American College programs is because they make it easy to progress toward another education program and designation after finishing one program.

"For instance, if you are considering taking the CFP program, The American College has the chartered financial consultant, or ChFC, which covers all of the education requirements but can get you a designation without sitting for the CFP exam or having a four-year college degree," he says. "Not every company approves of the use of the CFP, so the ChFC is sometimes a viable alternative."

Before enrolling, Li recommends connecting with someone who has gone through the coursework at your chosen provider to get their feedback.

No matter which CFP program you use, obtaining your CFP certification will be challenging. But it can also come with great rewards. As a CFP, Li says, you get the opportunity to make an impact on people's financial lives for the better – including your own.

"Even if you do not decide to pursue the CFP certification, the information you learn will be invaluable towards your own personal financial situation," she says.

Tags: financial advisors , money , personal finance , financial literacy , Financial Advisor Advice

The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

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• Best CFP Programs

Written by: Mary Gerardine

Last updated: February 27, 2024

If you’re considering taking the CFP exam, you will likely need a CFP program to assist you in your preparation.

Even though the “ideal” program can be different from individual to individual, you should generally consider the following aspects before making a final choice:

• Value for money
• Reliability

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this  Best CFP Programs article  should help you pick the best program for your specificities and allow you to advance your career within the financial industry.

The 5 Best CFP Programs

1. kaplan financial education.

Kaplan Financial Education — the original creator of the CFP mark — was our number one choice for aspiring CFPs looking to get started.

We found that their program stood out due to its extensive expertise, effective curriculum, high success rates, and pass-protection scheme.

Kaplan’s Key Features:

• Expertise & Recognition:  Over 30 years of experience helping millions of users in obtaining their CFP certification
• Streamlined Curriculum & Learning Platform:  The curriculum aligns with CFP Board learning objectives and is delivered via an intuitive platform with interactive lectures, practice questions, self-assessment quizzes, and detailed feedback
• Expert Faculty & Instruction:  The course is taught by experienced financial professionals and offers both online and live instructor-led formats — allowing for a higher degree of flexibility
• Wide Range of Learning Materials:  The program provides industry-leading materials and integrated study tools, such as textbooks, CFP exam podcasts, online modules, practice exams, flashcards, and a performance tracker
• QBank:  Kaplan’s question bank contains more than 3,000 practice questions that relate to the CFP exam. This is updated on a regular basis in order to accommodate any changes and/or trends that are set by the CFP board
• Accelerated Path for Professionals:  An accelerated course option is available for qualifying professionals, which can be great for aspiring CFPs looking to obtain this certification as fast as possible

Additional features worth noting include on-demand access to materials, free practice exams, and great customer support.

Kaplan Financial Education Pros and Cons

• Kaplan’s long-standing experience and role in creating the CFP mark adds credibility and depth to their course
• The course covers all necessary topics and aligns with official learning objectives.
• Kaplan offers both online and live formats, catering to a variety of learning preferences and schedules
• Busy professionals can benefit by compressing the course into a shorter period without actually compromising content
• A five-day trial is offered free of charge, which includes access to a variety of resources and valuable study tools
• Kaplan’s pass rates have consistently been significantly higher than the industry average
• Despite all of its benefits, Kaplan’s CFP courses are undoubtedly on the more expensive side

Final Overview

All in all, we found that Kaplan’s CFP prep courses offered extensive resources, experienced instructors, and a high success rate, making it a strong choice for those pursuing the specialized certification. It’s most suitable for individuals looking for a thorough, flexible, and proven path to passing the CFP exam.

Recommended Course

Interested in getting started? Have a look at Kaplan’s comprehensive CFP study packages.

2. Dalton Education

The CFP coursework in the Dalton Education CFP program includes prestudy booklets, recorded online lectures, review readiness assessments, and live online instructor office hours.

Dalton Education’s Key Features:

• Two Package Options:  Dalton offers both the “Dalton Review” package and the “Guarantee to Pass Review” package in order to meet student needs
• Live Instructors:  Most instructors have gathered experience previously working on the CFP Board of Examiners
• “Guarantee to Pass” Scheme:  Users can retake the course free of charge if they do not pass the CFP exam on their first attempt

Dalton Education Pros and Cons

• The program’s instructors are some of the best in the country, having written questions for the CFP exam and/or having served on the CFP Board of Examiners
• Dalton’s CFP program covers a wide range of topics, helping ensure that students are adequately prepared for all questions and concepts that appear on their CFP exam
• Guaranteed to Pass scheme means you have a safety net in case you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt
• Similarly to Kaplan, Dalton has a pass rate that’s higher than the national average
• No free trial is offered, meaning that students do not have the same flexibility to opt out of the course as with other providers
• Limited choice in comparison to some of the alternatives on this list (since only two packages are offered)

Dalton Education’s CFP Program is a comprehensive preparation course taught by some of the best instructors in the country — many of whom have written questions for the CFP exam and served on the CFP Board of Examiners.

While it lacks the eminence and structural foundation offered by Kaplan, it can be a great choice for prospective CFPs looking for a more affordable approach.

3. Zahn Associates

Zahn Associates’ CFP test prep courses are highly regarded for their effectiveness in the sphere of CFP training.

The experienced instructors, rigorous curriculum, and consistent high pass rates make Zahn a strong choice for aspiring CFP professionals.

Having said that, the relatively higher price point and limited flexibility may not be suitable for everyone, which is why we’ve placed it as number three on our list.

Zahn Associates Key Features:

• Four Different Study Options:  This includes the Pre-Study Guide, Live Review Class, Post-Study, and Capstone
• Experienced Instructors:  Students can receive real-world insights — as well as case studies — to prepare
• Live Instruction:  This is supplemented by both text and video resources

Zahn Associates Pros and Cons

• Course instructors are experienced CFPs, allowing them to bring real-world examples into the lessons
• CFP Board-registered programs are available in both traditional and online formats, allowing students to choose between both virtual or live in-person classes with real-time interactions. Students can also choose the class location and schedule that better suits their needs
• Relatively high pass rates (10% over the national average according to the Zahn Associates website)
• Some students have categorized Zahn Associates’ “narrow” approach of exam material as a bit too restricting and have felt that important real-life applications and concepts can be missed
• The course has limited availability, meaning that students may have to wait several months before they can enroll and/or attend a class
• No free trial or money-back-guarantee is offered

All in all, Zahn Associates’ CFP program is undoubtedly a reputable course that offers solid preparation tools and a strong foundation.

Having said that, its primary focus on its Live Review program can mean that it may not be the ideal choice for prospective CFPs looking for a high degree of flexibility.

4. Brett Danko

Brett Danko is a CFP professional and instructor who offers various programs and courses for financial planners who want to prepare for the CFP exam.

One of his programs — the Fast Track CFP Certification Program — is a partnership with Stockton University, which can make for quite an immersive experience.

The program includes six courses that cover the topics required by the CFP Board, including financial planning, insurance, investments, income tax, retirement, and estate planning. Keep in mind that both in-person and online programs are included.

Brett Danko Pros and Cons

• Brett Danko teaches the CFP fundamentals in a clear and concise way. He also helps students understand how to apply the concepts to the planning process and the exam questions
• His most popular program, the Signature Live Review, is a comprehensive and intensive exam preparation course that covers all the topics and case studies required for the CFP exam in a personalized manner
• Danko provides access to various study materials, including a 3,000-question test bank, online classes, live review recordings, calculator sessions, mock exams, case studies, flashcards, interactive Q&A sessions, and a three-day, in-person live review
• Limited flexibility when it comes to the types of packages that are offered (only two options available)
• Not the most expensive, but also not the cheapest option available
• The demanding nature of Brett Danko’s CFP program may not suit students who prefer a more relaxed or flexible pace

Even though Brett Danko’s CFP course is competitive, it remains relatively limited compared to some of our other choices.

Ultimately, whether this will be a good option for you or not will depend on your individual preferences and learning style.

If you are seeking a structured and immersive learning experience with experienced instructors, Kaplan or Zahn’s Live Review program will likely be a better fit. For those looking for personalized guidance, however, Danko’s course could be an excellent choice.

5. The American College of Financial Services

The American College of Financial Services is another provider of education in relation to the CFP exam.

Its CFP program is broken down into two sections — the education part and the exam prep part.

The education component includes seven courses that cover the topics required by the CFP Board, and the exam prep component entails a comprehensive review course that helps students practice and master the content of the actual exam.

This program is available in three different packages — Essentials, Premier, and Executive — in order to meet students’ individual needs, preferences, and budgets.

The American College of Financial Services Pros and Cons

• The program’s Personal Pathway experience allows for a flexible — yet structured — process that’s accessible wherever and whenever you are
• A focus on Behavioral Finance is included, which aims to help financial planners better understand their clients’ biases, emotions, and financial behavior
• The American College of Financial Services is known as a reputable and accredited institution that offers quality education and review materials. Many of its CFP program students cite the faculty and staff as very knowledgeable, experienced, and supportive.
• Flexible pricing is offered, allowing prospective CFPs to choose between packages that cost as little as $895 or as much as $4850
• Some students may find this program too rigid or lengthy for their learning style or schedule. They may feel they have to follow a strict curriculum or timeline that doesn’t allow them to skip or accelerate through the topics and/or courses
• Students may find this program’s online courses or exam prep lacking in interaction or feedback. They may feel isolated or frustrated by the lack of communication or guidance from the instructors and their peers

The American College of Financial Services CFP Board Registered Program is a comprehensive and reputable option for financial planners who want to prepare for the CFP exam.

We found that it offers a variety of packages and formats, as well as quality education and review materials. Having said that, the program could provide a better experience for students if it offered greater flexibility and more interaction.

Best CFP Programs FAQ

Which cfp program has the highest pass rate.

According to the Certified Financial Planning Board, the overall pass rate for the CFP exam in 2022 was 65%. The pass rate may vary depending on the education program you choose. Programs like those offered through Kaplan’s College for Financial Planning have higher pass rates than the national average. Compare the best CFP prep courses in our  Best CFP Programs  article.

Which is the best institute for preparing for the CFP exam?

The “best” institute to help you prepare for the Certified Financial Planner exam often will depend on your individual needs, including your location, budget, and learning style. Programs accredited by the CFP Board boast broad recognition within the finance industry. Online CFP programs like those from Kaplan’s College for Financial Planning remain popular for their flexibility and comprehensive curriculum.

What is the hardest CFP module?

The perceived difficulty of each CFP module can vary from person to person, depending on their background and expertise. However, many students find the “Investment Planning” or “Tax Planning” modules as the most challenging. This is due to the complexity of these modules and the need for in-depth understanding of financial products, market factors, or tax codes.

Is it worth having a CFP certification?

If you wish to provide personal financial planning advice, earning a  CFP certification  can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your high level of expertise in financial planning. Clients seek out CFPs for competent and ethical financial advice, which can lead to a higher earning potential and greater career opportunities for these professionals.

• CFP Certification

For all related articles, have a look at our  Financial Advisor Resources  page.

CFP Board Candidate Open Forum

Kaplan Quiz Questions vs CFP Exam Questions

Stephan ihde 6 days ago, brett rodenberg 5 days ago, morgan williams 3 days ago, dustin husarik 3 days ago, nicholas redshaw 3 days ago, 1.  kaplan quiz questions vs cfp exam questions.

I'm curious for anyone who's taken Kaplan for their coursework (I'm taking the self-study program) and gone through their practice questions -- especially those from the modules, the module quizzes, and the course final -- how would you assess the similarity of those course questions with the actual questions on the CFP exam?

In other words, are the Kaplan course questions merely testing course material without real regard to the CFP exam questions? I would hope the course questions would directly prepare me for the CFP Exam (as in, this question could easily have appeared on a CFP final), but I want to be prepared in case the questions are really just about learning the course material. 

This is a question for me because one of the module videos I watched had a practice question titled, "CFP Exam Level Question." That got me to thinking, are we dealing with "lesser" non-CFP-Level Exam questions in the course materials?

2.  RE: Kaplan Quiz Questions vs CFP Exam Questions

Hi Stephan,

I took and passed the CFP Exam during the March 2024 session and the Kaplan Self Study Program was what I utilized to prepare myself. I can attest that after taking the exam, the Kaplan quiz questions were absolutely in line with how the true CFP exam questions were. They had very similar verbiage and covered nearly the same topics and material that the Kaplan quiz questions did. I read through all of the Exam prep books that is provided with the Kaplan Self Study Program, but I really think what made the difference was utilizing the 2500+ questions that is offered in their quiz bank. I got the Self Study Program in October and utilized about 200 questions a week of the specific topics I wanted to solidify and that proved to be what helped me be successful for the true CFP exam. I would even say that 2-3 questions were nearly identical from what was provided in the Kaplan quiz bank.

I believe the quiz bank questions are far from "lesser" and are quite in line with how the CFP Exam questions were asked. 

Hopefully this helps and best of luck on your studies and exam!

------------------------------ Brett Rodenberg Retirement Planning Administrator North Shore Bank of Commerce Duluth MN (218)259-5968 ------------------------------ Original Message Original Message: Sent: 03-22-2024 16:32 From: Stephan Ihde Subject: Kaplan Quiz Questions vs CFP Exam Questions

------------------------------ Stephan Ihde Financial Advisor Edward Jones Asheville NC (828)277-5134 ------------------------------

3.  RE: Kaplan Quiz Questions vs CFP Exam Questions

I took the test July 2023 and failed, but was only able to do the final review books and stuff for 7 weeks prior. I was in over my head with the questions, I felt like the questions that Kaplan asked didn't align with the caliber of questions on the test. Granted, I left a LOT of practice questions unanswered due to the amount of time I had to study. I'm starting from the beginning of the review books this week to try again in July 2024. 

4.  RE: Kaplan Quiz Questions vs CFP Exam Questions

I passed in March 2024 session using Kaplan as well. The questions provided by Kaplan do a fantastic job of really drilling the concepts into your brain. I was not surprised by any questions on my exam as everything was covered pretty thoroughly with Kaplan. What I will say is you will likely see questions in a way you have not seen them with Kaplan. The way to overcome this is to really understand the material. If you have a strong understanding of the concepts, you will find it easy to apply your skills to a question that may be presented differently than you have previously seen. Hope this helps!

5.  RE: Kaplan Quiz Questions vs CFP Exam Questions

Hi Stephen,

I passed using Kaplan Self-Study in November 2023. I would recommend taking the CFP Board practice exam to get the feel of what the actual exam is like. When studying, the main consensus was to hammer down the study questions. I came to the conclusion that the questions were similar to the way the Board presents them on the exam based on conversations I had. In my opinion,  I didn't find that to be true. When I took the Board practice exam, it allowed me to adjust my studying and focus more on understanding the concept of the material instead of getting trapped in trying to memorize things. 

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