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AnalystPrep FRM® Review: Pros, Cons, and User Insights

Updated January 20, 2026

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With pass rates ranging between 50% and 55% in recent years, aspiring financial risk managers need a streamlined study schedule for conquering complex concepts to pass.

AnalystPrep FRM® Review is one option of many that pledges to be your ideal study buddy, but looking at features on a sales page can be wildly different from actually using them.

As a professional course reviewer, it’s my job to do that hard work for you. I went into the trenches with AnalystPrep’s FRM® program, studying the material and uncovering secrets the sales page doesn’t tell you. I’ll cover pros, cons, pricing, packages, and more to help you decide whether AnalystPrep is the best fit for you.

Who AnalystPrep FRM® Is Best For

  • If you’re a visual learner, AnalystPrep’s 93+ hours of video lectures will help you break down even the most complex risk concepts.
  • If you’re studying on a tight budget, AnalystPrep’s pricing—especially for lifetime access—offers serious value compared to competitors.
  • If you want the freedom to set your own study schedule, the self-paced format gives you complete control without rigid timelines.
  • If you rely on asking questions to stay on track, the Unlimited Package’s ask-a-tutor support can be a significant help.
  • If you’re looking for printed textbooks or live classes, AnalystPrep may not be the best match, since it leans on digital content and self-guided study.

What is AnalystPrep FRM® All About?

AnalystPrep

AnalystPrep offers three FRM® prep packages. The Learn + Practice Package is likely the most popular, but some of the best features come from the Ultimate Package, like lifetime access and unlimited ask-a-tutor questions. The company also stands out in their approach to format, offering printed versions of AnalystPrep’s study notes and question banks.

Further, AnalystPrep’s video lessons are a fan favorite, thanks to lecturer Professor James Forjan’s entertaining presentations, jam-packed with stories, jokes, and analogies that will keep you engaged in the information. I compared the practice questions to questions on previous FRM® exams, and they nailed it. Not too easy, not too hard, with detailed answer explanations to help you understand what makes the correct choice… well, correct.

If you love video lessons and prefer self-study over a rigorous live webinar schedule, you’ll appreciate AnalystPrep’s straightforward structure that respects your busy schedule as a 21st-century adult.

Pros

  • Outstanding video lessons with Professor James Forjan
  • Unlimited lifetime access to the course with the Unlimited Bundle
  • Online or printable question banks with 4,000+ practice questions
  • Unlimited ask-a-tutor question feature available
  • One of the most affordable FRM® prep courses on the market

Cons

  • May not be comprehensive enough for every student to pass
  • Some materials are printable, but there are no hard-copy textbooks

AnalystPrep

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Content
Value
Support

FRM® Course Package Options

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Unlimited Package

The Unlimited Package is the ideal choice for your inner completionist, of course. However, it’s probably the best fit for students with busy schedules and/or who have “support” high on their prep course wish list. The only differences between the Unlimited Package and the middle-tier option are unlimited ask-a-tutor questions instead of 5, and lifetime access instead of 12 months.

Learn + Practice Package

The Learn + Practice Package is likely the best match for most students, as it rests in the “sweet spot” regarding features and pricing. You’re getting everything you’d get in the Practice Package with the additions of video lessons and study notes (online or printable). However, you’re getting just a handful of ask-a-tutor questions, so if support matters to you, choose the Unlimited tier instead.

Practice Package

Finally, the Practice Package is the ideal bundle if you are on a tight budget or have industry experience. It’s the most affordable option, but you’re not getting videos and study notes. However, you are getting the fundamentals available in each selection, including 4,000+ practice questions, practice tests, formula sheets, performance tracking, and 24/7 technical support.

AnalystPrep FRM® Discounts

Save 30% on the already affordable pricing to spend less on your FRM® study materials with an exclusive AnalystPrep discount.

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AnalystPrep FRM® Features: An In-Depth Look

The Basics: What You’re Getting

AnalystPrep FRM dashboard

We’ve already talked about what you’re getting in the packages. What I’m referring to is the kind of experience you’re getting. What is it like to be an AnalystPrep student? Personally, AnalystPrep’s UX is one of my favorites. The interface is simultaneously clean and modern, and the resources are perfectly organized in the left tab, so you’ll never get lost (unorganized learners will appreciate this!).

The entire course is intended to be taken at the pace you prefer, led by you. If you’re not a fan of “do this, exactly”-style roadmaps that leave little room for experimentation, AnalystPrep doesn’t tie you to a strict schedule. However, if live classes are your thing, you might miss that live interaction here.

The Videos: Are They Any Good?

AnalystPrep study

AnalystPrep is known for their outstanding video content, the central content led by Professor James Forjan. I watched a good number of videos, so here’s the scoop.

These videos are usually a little long, around the hour mark. They’re not quick clips, they’re full-length lectures. However, I found them significantly more exciting than the “Bueller”-style lecture hall nightmares I’ve experienced. Professor Forjan is passionate about the content he teaches, and it’s contagious, especially when he weaves in symbolism, metaphors, and, of course, crystal-clear explanations of high-level topics. Further, I appreciated the inclusion of images in the slides, as well as having the key concepts bolded for note-takers.

With 93+ hours of video lessons, if you only wanted to power through the videos and practice questions, that could be enough to take the exam and pass. More to the point, though: the videos are great, and if video is your #1 priority, AnalystPrep is an excellent choice.

“Jim’s videos are so easy to watch and understand, he explains his concepts clearly and concisely without stuffing the video with technical jargon.”

Julie Brookie Tai

Student Support: How Help Works

I’ve studied a lot of prep courses. I’ve sent a lot of chat messages, emails, and even texts to get input from customer service representatives and tutors. AnalystPrep has been one of the best experiences for me. It is easily one of the fastest and most helpful teams out there, and their reviews heavily corroborate this.

AnalystPrep support

I initially had this conversation in AnalystPrep’s CFA® course, but the teams function similarly, so I feel comfortable sharing it here. These replies were fast and detailed, giving me multiple resources and ideas for a silly, vague question about business calculators. The overall experience has been unmatched by another provider, and you get to ask as many of these ask-a-tutor questions as you want with the Ultimate Package.

“I was very impressed by the feedback from the online tutors who were very responsive.”

Desta Francis-Salazar

Value: Is AnalystPrep Worth It?

Kaplan is probably AnalystPrep’s top competitor for FRM® prep, and I frequently recommend their course. However, a single FRM® part with Kaplan may cost more than the entire 2-part package with AnalystPrep. So, AnalystPrep is highly affordable compared to the competition.

Further, AnalystPrep’s features are frequently packed with value, like unlimited technical and academic support, lifetime access, thousands of exam-quality practice questions, and, don’t forget, over 93 hours of detailed video content. You’re not getting live classes or a money-back pass guarantee, which may be a deal-breaker, depending on your priorities and learning style. However, for such a low price, I believe most candidates will get far more than their money’s worth.

Comparing AnalystPrep’s Courses to the Competition

AnalystPrep vs. Kaplan Schweser

Kaplan Schweser is one of the longest-standing names in FRM® prep, and it shows. Their course is robust, detailed, and heavy on structure, offering a clear day-by-day study plan, printed textbooks, and a wide range of supplementary tools. If you’re someone who thrives on a rigorous study schedule and doesn’t want to leave anything to chance, Kaplan’s content depth and legacy reputation are hard to beat. That said, all that structure comes at a price—literally. Kaplan is one of the most expensive FRM® prep providers on the market, and its cost per level can exceed AnalystPrep’s complete two-part bundle.

In contrast, AnalystPrep is built for flexibility. It’s streamlined, video-heavy, and much more affordable, making it a great match for self-paced learners who prefer visual instruction and a clean digital interface. AnalystPrep may not offer the same printed materials or live classes as Kaplan. Still, the video lectures (led by Professor James Forjan) and intuitive design give it an edge for students looking for a more modern, accessible experience. If you don’t need a rigid structure and are comfortable driving your own study plan, AnalystPrep offers excellent value.

Choose Kaplan Schweser if you want the most structured, comprehensive FRM® prep possible and are willing to pay more for a legacy name and printed materials.

Pick AnalystPrep if you’re looking for a more efficient, flexible course that emphasizes video learning, affordability, and modern design.

AnalystPrep vs. Bionic Turtle

Bionic Turtle offers a comprehensive suite of FRM® study materials, including instructional videos, study notes, practice questions, and learning spreadsheets. Their approach is structured, aligning closely with the FRM® curriculum, and they provide a study planner to guide candidates through the material. Additionally, Bionic Turtle boasts an active forum community, facilitating discussions and clarifications on complex topics.

AnalystPrep, on the other hand, emphasizes a video-centric learning experience, featuring over 93 hours of lectures by Professor James Forjan. Their platform is designed for flexibility, allowing candidates to study at their own pace. With features like printable question banks and unlimited ask-a-tutor support (in the Ultimate Package), AnalystPrep caters to visual learners seeking a structured yet adaptable study plan.

Choose Bionic Turtle if you prefer a structured study plan that emphasizes community interaction and diverse study materials.

Pick AnalystPrep if you’re a visual learner looking for a flexible, video-driven full course with personalized support options.

Final Verdict

From start to finish, AnalystPrep delivers a high-quality experience to help prep aspiring financial professionals for Part I and Part II of the FRM® exams, intending to boost your chances of passing on the first attempt. AnalystPrep’s mock exams, video lectures, question banks, ask-a-tutor questions, printable materials, and lifetime access make it an excellent opportunity for visual learners to grab their prep course on a budget.

AnalystPrep isn’t perfect, but it may be the right fit for you. Learn more below if you think it is.

FAQs

Is AnalystPrep good for the FRM®?

Yes, it’s a strong option for visual learners and self-studiers, with quality video lessons, thousands of practice questions, and lifetime access in top-tier packages.

Is AnalystPrep free?

No, but they do offer some free resources and demo content. Full access to FRM® materials requires purchasing a course package.

Is the FRM® exam difficult?

Yes, it’s known for being conceptually challenging and heavily quantitative, especially in topics like risk management models and market risk.

How to best prepare for the FRM®?

Use a structured course, complete lots of practice questions, review key concepts regularly, and start early to pace your study.

Is the FRM® harder than the CFA®?

It depends on your background—FRM® is more specialized and math-heavy, while CFA® covers a broader range of finance and investment topics.

Bryce Welker is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, YEC and Business Insider. After graduating from San Diego State University he went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license and created CrushTheCPAexam.com to share his knowledge and experience to help other accountants become CPAs too. Bryce was named one of Accounting Today’s “Accountants To Watch” among other accolades.