Best CFP® Exam Prep Courses: Tested and Ranked

With a pass rate hovering around 65%, the CFP® exam isn’t something most candidates can afford to wing.

The right review course can make a huge difference, which is why I tested the top CFP® prep programs to see which ones are actually worth your money. Whether you’re just beginning your study journey or gearing up for exam day, these are the courses I recommend most.

Let’s dive into the best CFP® exam prep courses.

Which CFP® Exam Review Course Is Best for You?

• Choose Boston Institute of Finance if: You want the gold standard with structure, accountability, and exam-level CFP® study materials.
• Choose Kaplan if: You need flexible formats, a guided 10-week plan, and a pass guarantee that keeps you on track.
• Choose Dalton Education if: You want a solid refund guarantee and don’t mind a more traditional, academic workload.
• Choose Brett Danko if: You prefer a fast-paced, instructor-led course and can handle an intensive pre-study commitment.

Keep reading for more of the best CFP® review courses that range from academic and structured to flexible, budget-friendly, and even last-minute tutoring options.

Best CFP® Review Course Comparison
Save 15%	Price Range: $295–$1,800 Course Format: Live Online, Virtual Classroom, Self-Study Practice Questions: 3,000+ (3 separate QBanks) Guarantees: Free Retake (Premium package) Support: JAM Sessions, Instructor Forums, Mini-Sessions Best For: Best Overall	REVIEW
No Discounts	Price Range: $599–$1,399 Course Format: Live Online, On-Demand, 4-Day In-Person Practice Questions: 3,400+ (QBank + practice exams) Guarantees: PassProtection™ Guarantee (refund or free retake) Support: 10-Week Study Plan, Activity Feed, Live Classes Best For: Best for Flexible Learning	REVIEW
	Price Range: $1,600–$2,400 Course Format: Live or Recorded Sessions Practice Questions: 2,800+ Guarantees: Pass Guarantee Support: Before & After Study Coaching, Instructor Office Hours Best For: Mentorship and Progress Support	REVIEW
	Price Range: $1,200–$2,900 Course Format: Live or Recorded Sessions Practice Questions: 3,500+ Guarantees: Not Offered Support: Virtual Group Sessions Best For: Practice Question Library	REVIEW

Boston Institute of Finance: Best Overall CFP® Prep Course

When I tested the Boston Institute of Finance, it immediately stood out for its organized approach and exam-day realism. The Premium program creates a classroom-like environment, with weekly deep dives, JAM sessions for tricky concepts, and steady lecture releases that keep me accountable. It covers every major topic in the financial planning process, from risk management and estate planning to insurance planning and tax strategies. For students who want structure, pacing, and instructor-led support, BIF is a standout.

What I appreciated most was how instructors broke down dense CFP Board exam topics like tax treatment into clear, step-by-step explanations. The virtual classroom isn’t just passive video mid-day mini-sessions, and strategy workshops kept me engaged and exam-ready. By the time I reached the 170-question mock exam, it genuinely felt like the real thing.

The Core BIF Review is a solid pick too, especially if you’re an experienced financial advisor looking for a lighter, streamlined prep option.

Package Options

• Premium BIF Review: Weekly lectures, deep dives, JAM sessions, mock exam, free retake. This is best for students who want full structure and instructor support.
• Core BIF Review: Weekly lectures, 3 QBanks, concise prep materials. This is best for experienced advisors who want a streamlined review
• Financial Calculations Mini-Course: 16 video modules, 750+ practice questions on HP 12C & HP 10bII+. This is best for students who need extra help with exam math

Key Features of BIF CFP® Prep

• Three QBanks: Pre-Study, Exam Prep, Financial Calculator
• Full 170-question practice test
• Formula guides and case study strategies
• Online discussion forums for students
• Free retake included in Premium package

💬 Student Feedback

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Pros

• Highly Structured Weekly Plan: Keeps you on track with steady content releases.
• Deep Dive Sessions on Tricky Topics: Covers the hardest exam areas like taxes and options.
• Strong Question Banks: Three separate QBanks, including one for calculators.
• Mock Exam at Exam Level: 170 questions in true CFP® exam style.
• Free Retake in Premium Package: Adds peace of mind.

Cons

• Weekly Releases: Limits how quickly you can move ahead

Kaplan: Best for Flexible Learning

When I tested Kaplan’s CFP® Review, the flexibility really stood out. I tested out the live online classes, which gave me that classroom feel, and other times I streamed the 30+ On-Demand videos when my schedule got busy. Having both options made it easy to stay consistent.

The 10-week study plan was probably my favorite option to recommend. You don’t have to waste time figuring out what to do next; the activity feed lays it all out for you step by step. For CFP® preppers, it will keep you moving and stop you from falling behind.

I also tested Kaplan’s mock exams, which many financial planners describe as being similar to the real test, and the PassProtection™ guarantee definitely gives peace of mind. While it’s not as interactive as BIF’s JAM sessions, Kaplan’s polish and variety made it one of the smoothest CFP® exam prep courses I tried.

Package Options

• Premium Review: 10-week study plan, live/OnDemand/onsite formats, PassProtection™ guarantee. Best for students who want flexibility plus a pass guarantee
• Essential Review: Weekly lectures, 10-week plan, option to add online mock exam. Best for budget-conscious learners who want a streamlined review

Key Features

• Live Online (11 sessions), OnDemand (30+ videos), or 4-day Onsite option
• 10-week guided study plan with weekly activity feed
• 30+ pre-recorded video lectures for flexible Review
• Mobile-friendly access for studying anywhere
• PassProtection™ guarantee with Premium package

Student Feedback

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Pros

• Multiple Study Formats: Choose from live, OnDemand, or in-person.
• PassProtection™ Guarantee: Refund or free retake with Premium.
• Guided 10-Week Study Plan: Keeps your study schedule clear.
• Structured Mock Exam Options: Add-ons available even for Essential Review.

Cons

• Less Coaching Depth: Best for those who want more independent study rather than hands-on coaching
• Premium Package Price: Higher cost, but reflects the depth and quality of the program

Dalton Education: Best for a Pass Guarantee

When I tested Dalton, I appreciated how organized it felt. The mix of self-study and live instruction made it easier to stay on track, and the flexible weeknight, weekend, or 4-day formats were a real plus for busy professionals. Most students wrap up the program in about two to three months.

The materials are soli:d, six study booklets, 2,800 practice questions, recorded lectures, live office hours, and realistic mock exams. The standout feature is the Guarantee to Pass™, which refunds your tuition if you finish the program but don’t pass the exam.

Still, Dalton feels more academic and heavier than BIF’s hands-on approach. The reading load can get intense, and while the guarantee is reassuring, it doesn’t necessarily make the prep process smoother. Dalton is reliable and thorough, but if you want more engagement and instructor interaction, BIF offers a livelier, more supportive learning experience.

Package Options

• Instructor-Led Exam Review: 36 hours of live instruction with recordings, handouts, and summaries. Best for students who want structure and accountability
• Pre-Study Program: 100–125 hours with booklets, lectures, office hours, and a question bank. Best for students who want a strong foundation before class
• Post-Class Program: 40–60 hours with office hours, practice questions, and mock exams. Best for students who need added Review after class
• Guarantee to Pass™ Bundle: All materials, mock exams, and a full refund if you don’t pass. Best for students who want the strongest safety net

Key Features

• Blended self-study and instructor-led format
• 2,800+ practice questions and mini-cases
• Recorded lectures and live review classes
• Mock exams and readiness assessments
• Live online office hours for support

Pros

• Money-Back Pass Guarantee: The Guarantee to Pass™ gives students a refund if they complete the program and do not pass
• Multiple Pathways: Instructor-led, FastPass, and self-study options allow some scheduling flexibility
• Large Question Bank: More than 2,800 practice questions plus mini-cases provide thorough review material

Cons

• Heavier Workload: Requires 100–125 hours before class and another 40–60 after, which can overwhelm busy professionals
• More Academic Than Practical: Textbook-heavy design lacks the interactive feel of BIF or the flexibility of Kaplan

Brett Danko: Best for Instructor Coaching

When I looked into Brett Danko’s Live Review, his teaching style stood out right away. Brett leads much of the program himself, and it feels like working directly with a coach who keeps you sharp under exam pressure. The focus is on practice, analysis, and case work—less theory, more “how do I solve this on exam day?”

The tradeoff is time. You’ll need to complete 120–140 hours and more than 3,500 practice questions before class even starts. That heavy workload makes the live sessions faster and more focused, but it also means you’re expected to come in prepared. The pace is quick, the energy high, and the feedback direct.

Compared to Kaplan’s flexible 10-week plan, Brett’s course is shorter and more demanding. It skips the polish and production value of larger online CFP® prep programs like BIF, but replaces it with a no-nonsense, boot-camp feel that some students love. It’s best if you want a charismatic, high-energy instructor and don’t mind doing a lot of the groundwork on your own before class begins.

Package Options

• Comprehensive Live Review: 3,500+ pre-study questions, 35 classroom hours, calculator sessions, study plan, online resources. Best for students who want a complete live review with core support
• Signature Package: Adds 16 hours of group sessions, six extra practice exams, 6 case studies, and a free retake. Best for students who want more practice and small-group coaching
• Plus Package: Everything in Signature plus more quizzes, additional case studies, and recorded pre-study modules. Best for students who want maximum resources and flexibility

Key Features

• Brett’s Pre-Study Materials
• 3,500+ Sample Questions (workbook)
• Quizzes, Mock Exams, and Case Studies
• 35 Hours of Live Exam Review (with calculator and formula sessions)
• Detailed Study Plan and Online Resource Access

Pros

• Instructor-Driven Coaching: Brett’s teaching style made dense topics easier to apply in exam scenarios
• Extensive Pre-Study Materials: 3,500+ questions ensured I was ready to focus in class
• Free Virtual Retake: Added reassurance for anyone worried about exam day

Cons

• Heavy Pre-Study Requirement: 120–140 hours before class can feel overwhelming
• Less Flexible Format: Sessions follow a set schedule with limited options compared to Kaplan
• Not as Comprehensive as BIF: Missing weekly JAM sessions, deep dives, and broader accountability structure

Zahn Associates: Best for Structured Study Plans

Two ways I describe the Zahn program: traditional and structured. The three-step process keeps you accountable but requires a significant time investment. It is a reliable CFP® review course, but it lacks the modern features and adaptive tools offered by higher-ranked prep options. The prestudy phase alone takes 100–120 hours with workbooks, quizzes, and mock exams.

Do you have lots of time? Zahn may be a good option.

The Live Review then drills practice and strategy, followed by another 60–80 hours of Post-Study work. This approach suits disciplined CFP candidates who like clear direction and a structured classroom environment. Compared to BIF or Kaplan, Zahn is more rigid, but it’s still a reliable CFP exam review course.

Package Options

• Live Review Program: In-person or virtual, includes pre-study materials, live classes, and a post-study plan. Best for students who want a full structured review
• Prestudy Program: 2 workbooks, quizzes, videos, mock exams, and an instructor Q&A board. Best for students who want to prepare thoroughly before class
• Post-Study Plan: 60–80 hours of advanced questions, cases, and videos. Best for students who need extra reinforcement after Review

Key Features

• 2 Prestudy Workbooks with quizzes and mock exams
• 34 hours of Live Review (in-person or virtual)
• Workbook aligned to CFP Board topics
• 1,800+ online practice questions
• Post-study plan with case studies and videos

Pros

• Proven 3-Step Process: Prestudy, live Review, and post-study create a full exam cycle
• Experienced CFP® Instructors: Classes are taught by practitioners, not general educators
• Strong Accountability: Forces you to commit time before and after class

Cons

• Heavy Workload: Requires 160–200 hours total outside of class
• Less Flexible: Strict structure with little room to adapt to personal pace
• Not as Engaging: Lacks interactive features like BIF’s JAM sessions or Kaplan’s polished online tools
• Condensed Live Review: The multi-day format can feel rushed for students who prefer a slower pace

Florida Atlantic University: Best for Budget-Friendly Prep

When I tested FAU’s CFP® Exam Preparation Course, it felt like a straightforward university extension program—steady, academic, and predictable. The structure reflects the school’s long history with financial planning education, but it’s definitely more traditional than modern.

The course runs across six Saturdays, either on campus or live online, totaling 36 hours. It focuses on the most commonly tested CFP® topics and includes classroom instruction, quizzes, and online summaries. It’s a clear refresher that helps you brush up on key areas without getting lost in too much detail.

What I liked most was the simplicity and organization—it’s dependable and easy to follow. But it also feels dated compared to more interactive options like BIF or Kaplan. The fixed Saturday schedule makes flexibility nearly impossible, and the overall format leans more toward a lecture-style than engaging. It’s a solid, affordable choice if you just need structure and a light review, but not the course I’d pick for a deeper, modern CFP® prep experience.

Package Options

• Exam Preparation Course: Six Saturday sessions, on campus or virtual, with lectures, quizzes, summaries, and case studies. Best for students who want a short, structured university-style review

Key Features

• 36 hours over six Saturday sessions
• Covers most tested and difficult CFP® concepts
• Online summaries, quizzes, and case studies
• Led by an experienced instructor since 1995
• Free for FAU students completing the program

Pros

• University Credibility: FAU is one of only 10 universities offering a direct CFP® review
• Experienced Instructor: Taught by a veteran who also teaches for Kaplan
• Straightforward Format: Six structured sessions make it easy to schedule
• Exam Review Included: Free prep provided for students who complete all seven courses in FAU’s CFP curriculum

Cons

• Limited Instruction Hours: Just 36 hours versus hundreds of practice hours in other courses
• Condensed Structure: Weekly Saturday sessions may not give enough prep time
• Not Comprehensive: Lacks adaptive tools, mock exams, or pass guarantees
• Best for FAU Students: External candidates may find stronger review course options elsewhere

Pro Exam Tutors CFP® Prep: Best for Last-Minute Guided Help

Pro Exam Tutors is very different from the big CFP® exam prep courses like BIF or Kaplan. Instead of giving you a full curriculum, they focus on personalized tutoring and quick tune-ups. Their signature option is the 2-Day CFP® Exam “Tune-Up,” which packs six hours of live, interactive instruction on the toughest exam questions.

The best part is the flexibility. You can book one-on-one or small-group sessions by the hour, zero in on weak areas, and even get session recordings for Review. I liked the individualized feel, but it’s not a full review course. You won’t find a guided study plan, a large question bank, or a pass guarantee here.

Package Options

• 2-Day CFP® Exam “Tune-Up”: 6 hours live online with slide deck, recordings, and small class size. Best for last-minute review of tough questions
• Private Tutoring: 1–10 hours one-on-one via Zoom with assessments and recordings. Best for students who want personalized support
• Group Tutoring: Small-group sessions (1–10 hours) with assessments and recordings.
  Best for study partners, colleagues, or firms

Key Features

• 2-day, 6-hour live class with recordings
• One-on-one or group tutoring options
• Focused help on the toughest exam topics
• Session recordings available on demand

Pros

• Personalized Instruction: One-on-one coaching targeted my weak spots
• Flexible Scheduling: Easy to fit sessions around a busy professional life
• Session Recordings Included: Reviewing tough lessons multiple times was helpful

Cons

• Not Comprehensive: No structured curriculum, large question banks, or pass guarantees
• Limited Scope: Works best as a supplement, not as your main prep course
• Smaller Scale: Lacks the polish and resources of larger providers like BIF or Kaplan
• Short-Term Focus: Strong for quick Review, but doesn’t provide long-term exam preparation

The American College: Best for Partnered Prep Discounts

When I looked into The American College for CFP® exam review, I found that they don’t run their own course. Instead, they’ve partnered with two of the most recognized prep providers, The Dalton Review® and Boston Institute of Finance (BIF), to offer discounted packages.

This setup makes sense if you’re already completing your CFP education with The American College and want to add on review in the same place. The choices include Dalton’s well-known Guarantee to Pass™ Review and BIF’s structured Core and Premium Reviews. What stood out to me is that you’re essentially getting the same high-quality reviews others buy directly, but with the convenience (and small price break) of bundling through the College.

Package Options

• BIF Core Review: Streamlined, content-focused program. Best for students who want a concise, lower-cost review
• BIF Premium Review: Expanded package with added support and resources. Best for students who need more structure, guidance, and practice material
• Dalton Review®: Comprehensive exam prep with quizzes, summaries, and instructor support. Best for students who want a full-scope review with balanced coverage
• Dalton Guarantee to Pass™ Review: Adds Dalton’s pass guarantee for extra security. Best for students who want exam insurance and maximum confidence on test day

Key Features

• Access to Dalton and BIF reviews at discounted rates
• Option to bundle with American College coursework
• Live online, classroom, or self-paced options, depending on the provider
• Coverage of exam strategies, practice questions, and test-day readiness

Pros

• Discounts on Review Providers: Save money on Dalton and BIF compared to buying directly.
• Bundle with Education: Conveniently add exam prep while completing your CFP® coursework.
• Flexible Formats: Options include live online, classroom, or self-paced, depending on the provider.
• Reputable Partners: BIF is an established name with a proven track record and is many candidates’ top pick

Cons

• No Standalone Review: The American College doesn’t run its own prep program.
• Not Fully Integrated: Other providers like Kaplan offer more all-in-one solutions.
• Some Confusion: It can be unclear where The American College ends and the partner begins.

CFP Board: Only for Practice Exams

The biggest takeaway with this one is that they’re authentic but limited. Since these practice exams and tools are created by the same organization that writes the CFP® exam, the questions mirror the exact style and wording you’ll see on test day. That accuracy makes them valuable, but it also highlights the fact that the CFP Board doesn’t offer a full prep course.

The two 170-question practice exams felt almost identical to the real thing and gave me a clear sense of exam-day timing and pressure. The CFP® Exam Practice App was also convenient, letting me drill official questions on my phone or laptop. Still, that’s where the support ends. There’s no structured plan, live classes, or in-depth Review.

Course Options

• CFP Exam Practice App: One year of mobile and desktop access to official CFP Board questions. Best for daily practice and quick study sessions
• Official Practice Exams: Two full-length, 170-question simulations written by the CFP Board. Best for replicating exam-day conditions
• Mentor Program: Guidance from a certified CFP professional during your prep. Best for students who want extra support and encouragement

Key Features

• Two full-length 170-question exams
• CFP® Exam Practice App with one-year access
• Mentor program with a CFP professional
• Study checklist, strategy guide, and test-day tips
• Online community for CFP candidates

Pros

• Authentic Questions: Written by the CFP Board
• Full-Length Simulations: The 170-question exams mirror the test day
• Mentor Program Available: Extra guidance from certified CFP practitioners

Cons

• Not a Full Course: No lectures, study plan, or live instruction
• Limited Scope: Only practice exams and tools, not comprehensive prep
• Best as a Supplement: Works better alongside a broader study plan
• No Pass Guarantee: Offers practice, but no safety net if you do not pass

How I Ranked These CFP® Review Courses

Not all CFP® prep courses are created equal. To determine the best options, I evaluated each provider based on the factors that matter most to CFP® candidates.

My Scoring Criteria

• Course Content & Practice Materials (30%)
  The depth and quality of the question bank, mock exams, study guides, and overall coverage of CFP® topics.
• Support & Instruction (25%)
  Access to instructors, coaching, live classes, office hours, discussion forums, and overall student support.
• Flexibility & User Experience (20%)
  Availability of live, on-demand, and mobile study options, along with ease of navigation and overall usability.
• Value for Money (15%)
  Pricing, included resources, guarantees, and how much students receive for their investment.
• Student Feedback & Reputation (10%)
  Reviews from real CFP® candidates, industry reputation, and overall satisfaction.

In addition to comparing features side by side, I reviewed course materials, evaluated study tools, and considered feedback from students to determine which programs offer the best combination of quality, support, and value.

My Recommendations by Candidate Type

Choose Boston Institute of Finance if:

• You want maximum structure.
• You need accountability.
• You prefer live support.

Choose Kaplan if:

• You work full-time.
• You want flexible study options.
• You prefer self-paced learning.

Choose Dalton if:

• You value a pass guarantee.
• You don’t mind a heavier workload.

Choose Brett Danko if:

• You enjoy energetic instructors.
• You learn best through coaching.

Honorable Mentions

These CFP prep providers did not make the cut for the best list, but are worth considering for supplemental use.

• Varsity Tutors (1-on-1 Tutoring)
• Mometrix (Flashcards)
• Study.com (Flashcards, Practice Questions)
• Wyzant (Tutoring)

Best CFP® Review Course Comparison
Save 15%	Price Range: $295–$1,800 Course Format: Live Online, Virtual Classroom, Self-Study Practice Questions: 3,000+ (3 separate QBanks) Guarantees: Free Retake (Premium package) Support: JAM Sessions, Instructor Forums, Mini-Sessions Best For: Best Overall	REVIEW
No Discounts	Price Range: $599–$1,399 Course Format: Live Online, On-Demand, 4-Day In-Person Practice Questions: 3,400+ (QBank + practice exams) Guarantees: PassProtection™ Guarantee (refund or free retake) Support: 10-Week Study Plan, Activity Feed, Live Classes Best For: Best for Flexible Learning	REVIEW
	Price Range: $1,600–$2,400 Course Format: Live or Recorded Sessions Practice Questions: 2,800+ Guarantees: Pass Guarantee Support: Before & After Study Coaching, Instructor Office Hours Best For: Mentorship and Progress Support	REVIEW
	Price Range: $1,200–$2,900 Course Format: Live or Recorded Sessions Practice Questions: 3,500+ Guarantees: Not Offered Support: Virtual Group Sessions Best For: Practice Question Library	REVIEW

My Final Verdict

Boston Institute of Finance is my top pick thanks to its structured approach, live support, and realistic exam practice. Kaplan is a close second for candidates who want more flexibility and multiple study formats, while Dalton stands out for its pass guarantee.

No matter which course you choose, investing in the right prep can make exam day a lot less stressful. If you’re deciding between the top contenders, I recommend starting with Boston Institute of Finance or Kaplan.

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