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Achievable vs Kaplan

See which securities exam prep package is better for you between Kaplan and Achievable

When preparing for securities licensing exams like the SIE or Series 6, 7, 63, 65, or 66 choosing the right study program is essential for success. Kaplan and Achievable are two popular prep course providers, each offering distinct features and learning approaches. In this comparison, we’ll evaluate their course structure, study tools, and overall effectiveness to help you make an informed decision.

Kaplan Financial Education

Kaplan

  • Three Course Options
  • 5 Months Of Access
  • Three Course Options
  • 5 Months Of Access
Our Score

9.6

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Pros
  • Tailored study plan based on your specific schedule
  • Performance tracker keeps you organized and on-track
  • Customizable QBank (create your own practice sets)
  • Realistic practice tests that closely mimic the real exam
  • Engaging video lessons and live classes
Cons
  • Slightly more expensive than Achievable
  • Only 5 months of access (less than Achievable)
  • Not as many practice tests as Achievable
Kaplan Financial Education
Up To 10% Off Applied In Cart

Reasons To Choose Kaplan For Securities Exam Prep

To kick this comparison off, let’s discuss the strengths of the securities exam prep courses from Kaplan so you can get a better idea of whether their study materials and course features are a good fit for your learning style.

Flexible Study Plan

Kaplan’s custom study plan for securities licensing exams tailors weekly tasks based on factors like your exam date, study habits, and personal schedule. By strategically organizing these tasks, Kaplan ensures students stay on track, maximizing learning efficiency without overwhelming them.

Kaplan SIE study plan
Example study schedule from Kaplan

This personalized approach allows students to focus on areas needing improvement, ultimately increasing their chances of passing the exam.

Helpful Performance Tracker

Kaplan’s performance tracker tool for securities licensing exam prep allows students to monitor their progress by tracking quiz and practice test results. The tool highlights areas where you’re performing well and pinpoints sections needing more attention, helping you focus on weak spots before exam day.

This data-driven approach enables students to adjust their study plan for optimal results and confidence.

Awesome Video Lessons

Kaplan offers an extensive library of on-demand video lessons for securities licensing exam prep, surpassing Achievable in both volume and variety. The video lectures are highly engaging, breaking down complex topics in an easy-to-understand format that keeps students focused.

Kaplan SIE video lesson
Example Kaplan video lesson

Kaplan’s experienced instructors excel at explaining key concepts clearly, making the material more accessible. This makes Kaplan an excellent choice for visual learners who benefit from dynamic, instructor-led content.

Live Classes Available

Kaplan offers live classes for securities licensing exam prep (similar to Knopman Marks), a feature not available with Achievable.

These classes are engaging and informative, providing real-time interaction with expert instructors who can address questions and clarify concepts on the spot. For individuals who thrive with live instruction and need personalized support, Kaplan is an excellent choice.

Custom QBank

Kaplan’s SecuritiesPro QBank offers a vast collection of practice questions designed to simulate the actual securities licensing exams. Students can customize quizzes based on specific topics, question types, or difficulty levels, allowing them to target weak areas and reinforce their knowledge.

Kaplan SIE quiz
Kaplan allows you to create custom quiz sets

This flexible and comprehensive tool helps students build exam confidence and improve their performance through continuous practice.

Pricing Comparison

For most securities exams, Kaplan offers three different course options for students – Basic, Essential, and Premium. Achievable, on the other hand, only offers one option – self-paced, on-demand.

Typically, the Basic package from Kaplan is slightly cheaper than Achievable, however, their Essential and Premium packages are more expensive. For example, when looking at the Series 7, the Kaplan Basic course costs around $140, and their Premium course costs around $280. Achievable’s Series 7 prep courses costs a shade under $200.

Therefore, it really depends on which course you’re considering from Kaplan. If you just need a self-paced course, Kaplan is technically the cheaper option, but if you’re looking at their Essential or Premium course, then Achievable is likely the more affordable option.

Keep in mind though, that Kaplan frequently runs sales and special promotions so there is a decent likelihood you can save additional money with Kaplan.

👉 Also Worth Reading: Kaplan vs ExamFX

Achievable FINRA

Achievable

  • One Course Option
  • Self-Study
  • One Course Option
  • Self-Study
Our Score

9.1

  • star
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Pros
  • Great value (less than $200)
  • Short video lectures hold your attention
  • 35+ full-length practice exams (more than Kaplan)
  • Mobile app for studying on-the-go
  • Audio-enabled lessons (great for auditory learners)
Cons
  • Wish there were more video lessons
  • No live class options
  • Limited study tools in comparison to Kaplan
Achievable FINRA
SALE: 25% Off Code: TPI

Reasons To Choose Achievable For Securities Exam Prep

Now that we’ve covered what Kaplan has to offer, let’s turn the tables and discuss the strengths of the Achievable study materials for individuals preparing to take the SIE or various Series exam.

Helpful Digital Textbook

Achievable’s digital textbook for securities licensing exam prep is exceptionally user-friendly, making complex material easy to read and digest.

achievable securities prep book
Easy-to-read digital textbook

The textbook is organized into clear sections, enhanced with examples, charts, graphics, and sidenotes that simplify difficult concepts. This engaging and visually appealing format helps students retain information more effectively, making it a strong resource for exam preparation.

Tons Of Practice Work

Achievable provides more full-length practice tests for securities licensing exams than Kaplan, offering students extensive opportunities to simulate real exam conditions.

achievable sie prep course
A look inside the Achievable course

The practice questions are highly realistic, closely mirroring the format and difficulty of the actual exam (like the questions from STC). This thorough practice helps students build confidence and better prepares them for success on test day.

Audio-Enabled Lessons

Achievable offers audio-enabled lessons, allowing students to listen to the content while studying on-the-go. This feature is especially beneficial for auditory learners who absorb information more effectively through listening rather than reading.

achievable audio lesson
Listen to lessons with Achievable

The flexibility to switch between reading and listening enhances the overall learning experience and helps students retain information more efficiently.

Mobile App

Achievable’s mobile app is highly user-friendly, providing students with seamless access to study materials anytime, anywhere.

Unlike Kaplan, which doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app, Achievable allows students to continue their exam prep on-the-go, making studying more convenient and flexible. This accessibility helps students maximize their study time, fitting their learning into even the busiest of schedules.

👉 Also Worth Reading: Kaplan vs Pass Perfect

Kaplan Financial Education
Up To 10% Off Applied In Cart

Verdict: Should You Choose Kaplan Or Achievable?

In the end, choosing between Kaplan and Achievable for securities exam prep is a tough decision, as both providers offer excellent resources.

Kaplan stands out with its live classes, extensive video library, and personalized study tools, making it ideal for those who prefer structured learning with live instruction and expert guidance.

On the other hand, Achievable impresses with its mobile app, volume practice tests, and audio-enabled lessons, which cater to auditory learners and those needing flexibility.

While both courses have their strengths, our team leans toward Kaplan for its comprehensive learning experience and additional support features. However, Achievable remains a fantastic option for students seeking flexibility and a mobile-first study approach. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual learning style and needs.

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FAQ

Which is better for securities exam prep, Achievable or Kaplan?

Choosing between Achievable and Kaplan for securities exam prep largely depends on individual learning preferences. Kaplan excels with its custom study tools, engaging video lectures, and live classes, while Achievable offers flexibility with its mobile app and audio-enabled lessons, making both options valuable for different types of learners.

Is Achievable worth it for securities exam prep?

Yes, Achievable is worth it for securities exam prep, especially for students seeking a flexible and accessible learning experience. With features like realistic practice tests, audio-enabled lessons, and a user-friendly mobile app, it effectively supports a variety of learning styles and helps students prepare confidently for their exams.