Kaplan Schweser
Kaplan Schweser focuses on condensed study notes, video-based instruction, and question-bank practice with a premium-tier package mix.
Provider Snapshot
At a Glance
Good Fit If You Want
- You want to test the platform before committing to a full package.
- You want more structure, progress tracking, or guidance on what to study next.
- You expect mobile or offline-friendly study access, not just desktop-only sessions.
- You want condensed written notes you can revisit quickly
Things to Consider
- This sits in the premium tier, so compare package depth and support carefully against cheaper alternatives.
Features & Details
- Curriculum Year Support
- 2026-2027 curriculum supported. Materials updated annually and validated by CFA Institute as an official Prep Provider.
- Question Bank
- SchweserPro™ QBank: thousands of foundational and exam-like questions with custom quiz builder, tutorial videos, detailed answer explanations, and performance metrics. Accessible via web and Kaplan Schweser app.
- Video Lectures
- 80+ hours of Masterclass (Live Online or OnDemand) led by expert instructors per level; 80+ hours of Review Workshop sessions; 80+ hours of CFA Institute Question Review Videos (2026 curriculum only). All accessible via app.
- Study Notes
- SchweserNotes™: 4-volume print set plus digital eBook and audio (MP3) versions. Covers full CFA curriculum with examples and practice quizzes. Downloadable offline via Kaplan Schweser app.
- Mock Exams
- 2–6 full-length mock exams per package (Basic: 2, Essential: 4, Premium/Ultimate: 6). Exclusive in-person mock at actual Prometric CFA test centers (included in Ultimate; add-on for others). Exams simulate real exam interface and difficulty.
- Live Classes
- Live Online Masterclasses via Zoom (scheduled sessions; recordings available for replay). In-Person classes available in select locations worldwide. Review Workshops also available Live Online or OnDemand. Premium packages can upgrade to Live Online for $299.
- Tutoring
- No dedicated 1-on-1 tutoring product listed on the official website. Instructor Q&A is available via the Kaplan Schweser Community forum included in all packages.
- Mobile App
- Kaplan Schweser app available on iOS (App Store, HTTP 200: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kaplan-schweser/id1365731917) and Android (Google Play, HTTP 200: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kaplan.lms). Features: QBank, SchweserNotes eBook, Masterclass videos (offline), Flashcards, Secret Sauce, Performance Tracker, Calendar view, dark theme.
- Study Planner
- Activity Feed provides strategically placed weekly study tasks. Adjusts study times and topic order based on progress and performance. Includes Calendar View for scheduling.
- Analytics & Tracking
- Performance Tracker: detailed insights into exam readiness, progress tracking over time, benchmarking against peer CFA candidates, topic-level analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Offline Access
- SchweserNotes eBook downloadable for offline reading via app. Instructional videos and OnDemand Masterclass sessions also available offline via the Kaplan Schweser app.
- Free Trial
- 7-day free trial available (1 per user). Must initiate within 300 days of initial access. Includes: sample QBank questions, SchweserNotes online modules, topic quizzes, and Kaplan Schweser Community forum access.
- Refund Policy
- 14-day return policy from date online access is granted; refund less 10% administrative fee, prorated by usage of online resources. No refund after 14 days. PassProtection™ guarantee (Essential/Premium/Ultimate only): if you fail, receive same study package free for next exam sitting. Valid up to 36 months from purchase. Basic package excluded.
- Support Channels
- Phone: 877-311-9770 (US) or +1 608-779-8327 (international). Contact form: schweser.com/contact-us. Technical support: schweser.com/help/tech-support. Comprehensive FAQ. Kaplan Schweser Community forum with expert instructor access (included in all packages).
- Pass Rate Claims
- Conditional pass rates from Kaplan proprietary surveys (2021–2022): 96% of Level I candidates who scored 70%+ on Schweser mock exams passed the actual CFA exam (n=201 scored 70%+, 192 passed). 95% for Level II (n=94 scored 70%+, 89 passed). These are conditional — not unconditional pass rate claims. Kaplan also states 9 out of 10 students recommend their courses.
- Instructor Info
- Multiple named CFA charterholders: Derek Burkett (CFA, FRM, CAIA — VP Advanced Designations), Dr. Bijesh Tolia (CFA, CA — VP CFA Education, L2 Manager), Jim Maher (CFA, CFP, CAIA), Dr. Greg Filbeck (CFA, FRM, CAIA — Level III Expert), Amy Drury (ACA, CFA), Eric Smith (CFA, FRM, FDP), and 10+ additional credentialed instructors. Full roster: schweser.com/instructors.
Reviews
Coming from an accounting background, I needed something structured that didn't assume finance knowledge. Schweser's notes cut the 3,000-page curriculum down to something manageable and saved me real study time. The QBank explanations are solid and the mock exams are the most realistic I found. Downside: premium packages are expensive, and I supplemented with CFAI readings for some trickier topics. The study planner kept me on track throughout. Worth the investment if you use the full package.
Used Schweser Essential for Level 1 and passed first try. The SchweserNotes are way easier to understand than the official curriculum. They're concise but still cover everything you need. Masterclass videos were really good, lots of worked examples which helped with application. The Activity Feed kept me on track throughout my study plan. Main issue was the QBank felt easier than the real exam. I ended up switching to CFAI questions in my last month which I'd definitely recommend. Schweser questions are good for learning but don't quite match the actual difficulty level. The checkpoint exams were useful for tracking progress and Pass Protection was nice to have for peace of mind. Overall it's a solid option for Level 1. I'd go with Essential or Premium over Basic to get the pass protection. Just make sure you supplement with official CFAI questions closer to exam day, which made a big difference for me.