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Pass Perfect vs Kaplan
Determine which securities exam prep package is right for you between Kaplan and Pass Perfect (SIE & Series 7, 63, 65, 66)
When preparing for securities licensing exams like the SIE, Series 7, 63, 65, or 66, choosing the right study program can make a significant difference. Pass Perfect and Kaplan are two of the most popular providers, both offering comprehensive materials tailored to help candidates pass these challenging tests. This article will compare their course offerings, key features, and overall effectiveness to help you determine which option best suits your needs.
To start, let’s discuss the strengths of the Kaplan study materials in relation to Pass Perfect. Hopefully this will give you a better idea of whether Kaplan is the best choice for you to study for your securities licensing exams.
More Affordable Than Pass Perfect
First up, it’s important to note that the prep bundles from Kaplan are more affordable than those from Pass Perfect. Generally speaking, both companies offer three different packages for each exam, and surprisingly, even the most expensive package from Kaplan (their Premium courses) are cheaper than the middle package from Pass Perfect.
Example course offerings from Kaplan
For example, the Kaplan Premium course for Series 7 costs around $280, whereas the top course from Pass Perfect (their Pass Promise course) costs around $359. And the same can be said for other exams as well (Series 63, 65, etc).
As such, you can expect to save around $50 to $100 by opting go with Kaplan over Pass Perfect. Plus, Kaplan seems to be more aggressive with sales and special promotions as well, so there is a decent chance you can likely save even more come checkout.
Adjustable Study Plan
Kaplan’s study plan tool for securities licensing exams is a personalized resource designed to help students stay organized and on track.
Example study plan from Kaplan
It allows users to set target dates, break down the material into manageable sections, and monitor progress toward their goals. The tool provides structure and accountability, making it easier to stay focused and complete the necessary coursework.
Our team found it especially useful for maintaining consistency and keeping students motivated throughout their exam preparation.
Helpful Video Lessons
Kaplan’s on-demand video lessons for securities licensing exams offer flexible, engaging content that students can access at their own pace. The lessons are led by expert instructors who break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand segments, using visuals and real-world examples to make the material more relatable.
Helpful video lessons from Kaplan
The instructors’ clarity and enthusiasm enhance the learning experience, keeping students engaged and focused. These video lessons make Kaplan an excellent choice for visual learners who benefit from seeing the material explained in a dynamic, interactive format.
Customizable QBank
Kaplan’s SecuritiesPro QBank is an essential tool for students preparing for their securities licensing exams, offering a large database of realistic practice questions.
The QBank allows students to create custom quizzes based on specific topics or areas they want to focus on, tailoring their study experience to individual needs. Each question is accompanied by detailed explanations, helping students understand the reasoning behind correct answers and reinforcing key concepts.
Create custom quizzes with Kaplan
The questions mirror the format and difficulty of the actual exam, providing a true-to-life practice environment. This personalized, in-depth approach helps students build confidence and ensures they are well-prepared for exam day.
Detailed Exam Manuals
Kaplan’s class notes and exam manuals for securities licensing exams are thoughtfully organized to align with the online materials, allowing students to seamlessly track their progress across different formats.
The manuals break down key concepts in a clear, structured way, making it easy to follow along and review critical information. They are particularly effective because they serve as comprehensive study guides, reinforcing what students learn in the online lessons (like STC).
These hardcopy materials are a perfect fit for traditional learners who prefer to study from physical books, offering a tangible way to highlight, annotate, and revisit essential topics.
Now that you are aware of what Kaplan brings to the table, it’s only fair we discuss the strengths of the Pass Perfect prep packages as well.
Engaging Videos
Pass Perfect’s animated videos are unique in the securities licensing exam industry, offering an engaging way to present complex topics through animation. These videos break down difficult concepts into digestible, visually compelling segments that hold the viewer’s attention.
Example video lesson from Pass Perfect
The dynamic visuals and animations help clarify abstract ideas, making them easier to understand and retain. This approach is especially beneficial for visual learners, providing a fresh, interactive way to reinforce key exam content.
To be clear, these animated videos are not available for all Series exams, but for the big ones (e.g. Series 7), they are.
Audio Tutorials
Pass Perfect’s audio tutorials offer a flexible study option for those preparing for their securities licensing exams, providing detailed lessons in a convenient, audio-based format. These tutorials allow students to listen to key concepts and exam material while you’re are on-the-go.
Inside the Pass Perfect course
By breaking down complex topics into clear, easy-to-follow explanations, the audio tutorials help reinforce understanding without the need for visual aids. This format is ideal for auditory learners and busy professionals looking to make the most of their time by integrating study sessions into their daily routines.
Quantity Of Practice Questions
Pass Perfect’s practice questions are designed to closely mirror the difficulty and format of actual securities licensing exam questions, providing students with a realistic test experience.
Example quiz question from Pass Perfect
With nearly three times as many practice questions as competitors (including Kaplan), Pass Perfect offers an extensive range of opportunities for learners to master the material (similar to Achievable). It’s an excellent resource for practice-oriented learners who thrive on repetition and in-depth question review.
Pass Promise
The Pass Promise from Pass Perfect guarantees that students will pass their securities licensing exam or receive extended access to study materials at no additional cost.
To qualify, students must complete the entire course, including all practice questions and exams, and take the test within the recommended timeframe. This promise offers added peace of mind, ensuring that students can continue preparing until they achieve success.
For the record, Kaplan does not offer a pass guarantee. However, it’s worth noting the Pass Promise is only included with the company’s most expensive prep packages, so you do have to pay up for the extra insurance.
Verdict: Kaplan or Pass Perfect For Series Exam Prep?
In comparing the exam prep courses from Pass Perfect and Kaplan, our team found strengths in both programs.
Pass Perfect excels in offering an abundance of practice questions and its unique animated videos, making it a solid option for practice-focused and visual learners.
However, we believe Kaplan is the superior choice overall due to its well-rounded approach, combining high-quality on-demand video lessons, live classes, comprehensive prep books, and user-friendly tools like their custom study plan and QBank.
Kaplan’s comprehensive study materials, experienced instructors, and flexibility make it effective for a broader range of learners. For those seeking an organized, structured study experience, Kaplan stands out as the more reliable option.
Also, let’s not forget that the packages from Kaplan are considerably more affordable as well, further bolstering their case.
Is Pass Perfect or Kaplan better for Series exam prep?
While Pass Perfect offers a wealth of practice questions and engaging animated videos, our team prefers Kaplan for Series exam prep due to its comprehensive resources and well-structured study tools. Kaplan’s on-demand video lessons, live classes, custom QBank, and study plan tool provide a more well-rounded and effective learning experience.
Is Pass Perfect cheaper than Kaplan for securities licensing exam prep?
Kaplan is generally more affordable compared to Pass Perfect for securities licensing exam prep (expect to save $50-$100). While both offer valuable resources, Kaplan provides a cost-effective solution without compromising the quality of its study materials.
