Which CFP® program will actually help you pass?
Picking the right training option can make or break your CFP® certification journey. With the latest CFP Board data showing a 64% pass rate, finding a course that fits your learning style is more important than ever.
In online CFP® prep, two heavy hitters stand out near the top of the best CFP® review programs: Dalton Education and Kaplan Financial Education. Dalton leans into accountability and coaching, while Kaplan focuses on flexibility and tech, giving students options to learn live, on demand, or both.
In this guide, I tested both to see what actually helps on exam day, from mock exams to pass guarantees, real student reviews, and here’s what stood out to me.
The Right CFP® Course for Your Study Style
- If You’re a Structured Learner: Dalton’s instructor-led classes and 100% pass guarantee make studying feel steady and focused.
- If You’re a Tech-Driven Learner: Kaplan’s integrated platform and built-in review tools make prep smoother and more efficient.
- If You Value Personal Support: Dalton’s coaching and smaller class sizes give you accountability when it matters most.
- If You Want Everything in One Place: Kaplan’s all-in-one setup for education, review, and tracking keeps your CFP® prep simple.
- If You’re a Visual and Auditory Learner: Kaplan’s on-demand video lessons and clean dashboard make complex CFP® topics easier to absorb.
Dalton Education: Structured Learning, Personalized Support
When I tested Dalton’s CFP® education and review programs, it felt less like an online course and more like being part of a small bootcamp where everyone’s aiming for the same goal: passing the CFP® exam. The instructors are the type who actually remember your name and follow up if you miss something. I liked that the live online classes ran on a predictable schedule and that the recordings were always available when life got in the way.
Dalton’s structured approach doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The CFP® review materials are tough, the mock exams are realistic, and the Guarantee to Pass™ gives you real confidence because it’s backed by a 100% refund if you complete the course and don’t pass. The pacing can feel heavy, but it forces you to stay consistent. If you’re the type who needs structure, deadlines, and direction, Dalton is easily one of the most motivating CFP® prep programs out there.
Which Dalton Package Is Right for You?
- Instructor-Led Online: Live classes twice a week with recordings for flexibility. Takes about 10–12 months plus 2–3 months of review.
➡️ Best for Structured Learners Who Want Steady Progress - FastPass Instructor-Led: Accelerated 6-month schedule with 3-day intensive sessions for faster completion.
➡️ Best for Busy Professionals Who Want a Faster Track - Self-Study: Fully self-paced, text-based program (6–12 months) with support from a Student Success Coach and optional Dalton Review®.
➡️ Best for Independent Learners Who Prefer Flexibility
Course Highlights
- Option to add The Dalton Review® Guarantee to Pass™
- Live Office Hours
- Coaching pre- and post-review
- Access to mock exams, mini-cases, and recorded lectures
- Real-time performance tracking
- Exam readiness predictor
Student Tip: “Books came in really helpful towards the end after taking the Exam Readiness Quiz. Seeing which areas I scored low in. I’d reference the books for those topics and focus on the concepts I was very weak in…”
Student Feedback.
Pros
- Guarantee to Pass™: Full tuition refund if you complete The Dalton Review® and don’t pass the CFP® exam.
- Live Instructor-Led Classes: Small, structured sessions twice a week with recordings for rewatching anytime.
- Personal Coaching: Access to success coaches and one-on-one guidance before and after your review.
- Mobile App Access: Study anytime with Dalton’s BenchPrep companion app, available on iOS and Android.
Cons
- Traditional Dashboard: Functional but less modern than newer platforms like Kaplan.
- Separate Review Purchase: The Dalton Review® isn’t included by default; it is only added separately.
- Time Commitment: The live class schedule felt a bit rigid for me while balancing work, though it helped me stay accountable.
What Students are Saying about Dalton
Many students say Dalton’s felt tougher than the real exam. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it means you’re overprepared, but it might not be for everyone. One student mentioned:
“Dalton’s questions are way harder than the test. I averaged 65% on them and thought the test was fairly straightforward. Just review the reasoning and review your weak areas…”
Student Feedback.
Dalton Education
Kaplan Financial Education: Modern Learning, Proven Results
When I tested Kaplan’s CFP® program, it immediately felt smoother and more put-together than most prep courses. The dashboard kept everything in one place: study modules, mock exams, and the Performance Tracker, and it actually helped me stay organized between work and classes. The Premium Review Package was my favorite because the mix of live sessions and on-demand videos felt like the best of both worlds, and the instructors were professional but easy to reach through InstructorLink™.
I liked how the QBank adapted to my progress and that the review tied directly into the main course, which saved time. Kaplan also offers stackable credit toward a master’s degree, which adds extra long-term value. Overall, it feels like a real learning system built for people with busy schedules who still want to pass confidently.
Unlike Dalton, Kaplan also offers separate CE courses for renewing your CFP® certification, a nice bonus if you plan to stick with Kaplan after you pass. One student shared:
“I was able to complete 60+ hours of continuing education credits in a relatively short period of time, which allowed me to keep my CFP…”
Student Feedback.
Which Kaplan Package suits you?
- Premium Package: Live classes, on-demand recordings, and full CFP® review with PassProtection™.
➡️ Best for Comprehensive Learners - EssentialPlus Package: 22+ hours of on-demand lessons, quizzes, eBooks, and QBank (no review).
➡️ Best for Flexible, Self-Paced Study - Essential Package: Fully self-paced with digital textbooks and optional review add-ons.
➡️ Best for Independent Learners on a Budget
Course Highlights
- Practice QBank with module quizzes and mock exam
- Review classes live and on demand
- Readiness Predictor
- Digital flashcards, podcasts, and case studies
- InstructorLink™ email access and live office hours
- PassProtection™ 100% money-back guarantee
- Stackable credit toward a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning
Pros
- All-in-One System: Combines CFP® education, review, mock exams, and tracking tools in one streamlined platform.
- Modern Dashboard: Fast, organized interface with integrated Performance Tracker and InstructorLink™.
- Adaptive QBank: Practice questions and Readiness Predictor adjust to your progress for smarter studying.
- Flexible Learning: Live online classes and on-demand videos fit around any schedule.
- PassProtection™ Guarantee: Free retake or refund if you meet criteria and don’t pass the CFP® exam.
Cons
- Longer Video Lectures: Some lessons are more in-depth and may take extra time to complete.
- No Dedicated Mobile App: While there’s no standalone app, the platform is mobile-friendly and fully accessible on any phone or tablet.
What Students are Saying about Kaplan
I have seen many students say Kaplan helped them pass the CFP® exam on their first try, and some even stick with Kaplan for other exams after because it’s that reliable. One student put it perfectly:
“I’ve never used any study material other than Kaplan, and I never will. I’ve taken and passed four securities licenses, two insurance licenses, 7 CFP courses, the CFP prep, and the CFP exam, passing all on the first try…”
Student Feedback.
Kaplan Financial Education
Comparison: Dalton Education vs. Kaplan CFP®
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,595 – $7,395 | $5,350 – $8,049 |
| Live Classes | 2 per week + recordings | Tues-Thurs + recordings |
| Exam Review | Separate (Dalton Review®) | Built-in (Premium) |
| Mock Exams | Multiple + mini-cases | Multiple + readiness predictor |
| Support | Success Coach + Office Hours | InstructorLink™ + tracking |
| Technology | Basic interface | Modern dashboard |
| Pass Guarantee | Guarantee to Pass™ | PassProtection™ |
| Learning Format | Live, Accelerated, or Self-Study | Live, On-Demand, or Self-Paced |
| Additional Perks | Individual Coaching + Flashcards | Master’s degree credit + case studies |
| Learn More | Get Started | Get Started |
Dalton vs. Kaplan CFP®: Head-to-Head
Dalton Education and Kaplan Financial both prepare students for the CFP® exam, but take opposite approaches. Dalton focuses on structure, instructor support, and accountability, while Kaplan offers a more flexible, tech-driven system that fits busy schedules. Here’s how they compare in tech, exam prep tools, and overall value to help you find the right fit for your learning style.
Tech and Video Delivery
Dalton: The live experience is the heart of the program. The classes feel intimate, and the instructor quality is top-tier, but the platform design feels a bit dated. The recorded sessions are helpful for review, and coaching sessions add a personal touch.
Kaplan: Modern, fast, and polished. The Performance Tracker keeps everything organized, and the video library syncs seamlessly with your course modules. The video pacing is slower, but the production quality is excellent.
🏆 The Winner: Kaplan – better tech and more cohesive learning experience.
Practice Tools, Mock Exams, and Review Strategy
Dalton: The Dalton Review® is detailed and instructor-led, offering mock exams, mini-cases, and an exam readiness predictor. It’s a solid, traditional prep experience, but you’ll need to enroll in the review separately, and the platform’s analytics aren’t as adaptive as modern systems.
Kaplan: Kaplan includes a built-in review suite, full-length mock exams, and a powerful QBank directly inside the same dashboard. The system automatically tracks weak topics and builds personalized study plans that adjust as you progress. This setup mirrors how real candidates study today: fast, efficient, and data-driven.
🏆 The Winner: Kaplan – with better-integrated tools, smarter analytics, and a smoother review experience overall that mirrors the actual exam from start to finish.
Student Support and Coaching
Dalton: Small, tight-knit instructor groups mean you’re not just another student ID. Weekly office hours and success coaches help keep you accountable.
Kaplan: InstructorLink™ gives you consistent access to Kaplan’s instructors right from your dashboard. It’s more structured but slightly less personal.
🏆 The Winner: Dalton – more personal interaction and ongoing coaching.
Features and Value
Dalton: You can tailor your path choosing education, review, or both. The pass guarantee makes it a no-risk investment if you’re disciplined enough to finish the requirements.
Kaplan: You get the full journey from start to finish in one purchase. The Master’s credit option adds long-term value for financial planners looking to continue their education later.
🏆 The Winner: Kaplan – integrated education and review save time and simplify prep.
My Final Verdict
After using both, Kaplan just runs smoother and stands out as my top choice. The dashboard is fast, the mock exams load instantly, and everything from study modules to review stays in one place. It’s built for busy people who want to study efficiently and retain what counts. The bonus? You earn stackable credit toward a master’s degree while prepping for the CFP® exam.
Dalton is tougher and more personal. The live classes feel like real instruction, not recycled recordings. Instructors push you to stay consistent, the coaching keeps you accountable, and the Guarantee to Pass™ backs it all up.
If you want flexibility and speed, choose Kaplan.
If you want structure and accountability, go with Dalton.
FAQs
Yes. Kaplan’s CFP® education programs are fully CFP Board–registered and meet the official education requirement. The Premium Review Package includes both the coursework and exam prep in one platform.
Yes. Kaplan’s CFP® Premium Package combines education, review materials, mock exams, and PassProtection™. It’s designed to guide students from the start of their CFP® coursework through exam day.
Yes. Kaplan offers both live online classes and on-demand video lessons. The Premium and EssentialPlus packages provide flexibility to attend scheduled sessions or study at your own pace.
Kaplan’s PassProtection™ allows students to retake the CFP® review course at no additional cost until they pass. Dalton’s Guarantee to Pass™ goes further by refunding tuition if certain conditions are met.
Yes. Kaplan’s OnDemand (EssentialPlus) option is built for self-paced CFP® study, with structured video lessons and tracking tools. It’s a strong fit for students who want flexibility and guidance without a set class schedule.
