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Knopman Marks vs Kaplan
See which securities exam prep course is better for you between Kaplan and Knopman Marks (SIE & Series 7, 63, 65, 66)
Choosing the right prep course is crucial for passing the rigorous securities licensing exams, and two of the most popular options are Kaplan and Knopman Marks. While both providers offer comprehensive study materials and support, they cater to different learning styles and needs. This article will compare the strengths and weaknesses of Kaplan and Knopman Marks, helping prospective candidates decide which course is best for their exam preparation.
To kick this comparison off, let’s discuss the strengths of the Kaplan prep courses so you can determine whether their study materials are a good fit to help you study for the SIE, or Series 6, 7, 63, 65, or 66 exams.
Much Cheaper Than Knopman Marks
For starters, the prep courses from Kaplan are considerably cheaper than those from Knopman Marks. For each exam, Kaplan typically offers three different course options to choose from (Basic, Essential and Premium), whereas Knopman Marks offers just two.
For example, the Kaplan Premium course for the Series 7 costs around $279, while the comparable course from Knopman Marks costs around $675. In fact, the Premium course from Kaplan is even cheaper than the basic course from Knopman Marks.
All in all, you’re looking at around $250 to $450 in savings by opting to go with Kaplan rather than Knopman Marks. That’s a good chunk of change! Plus, Kaplan regularly offers sales and discount as well, so there is a good chance you’ll save even more!
Flexible Study Plan
Kaplan’s study plan for securities exam prep is a standout feature, automatically generating a personalized calendar based on your exam date, available study hours, and progress. This dynamic scheduling helps you stay organized and ensures you’re consistently on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Example study plan from Kaplan
Unlike Knopman Marks’ more rigid study plan, Kaplan’s flexibility allows you to adjust your schedule as needed, offering more control over your learning journey. This adaptability makes it easier to balance study time with other commitments, giving you a greater sense of ease and preparedness.
Engaging Video Lessons
Kaplan’s on-demand video lectures for securities licensing exam prep are highly engaging, thanks to their dynamic presentation style and skilled instructors who break down complex topics with clarity and precision.
Example video lesson from Kaplan
The instructors excel at making the material approachable, using real-world examples to ensure concepts are easily understood. These videos do a great job of holding your attention, keeping you engaged throughout the lesson, which can sometimes be a challenge with more traditional content.
Compared to Knopman Marks’ video lessons, which can feel a bit dry, Kaplan’s approach is more lively and effective at keeping students focused and motivated.
Realistic Practice Questions & Exams
Our team found Kaplan’s practice questions and exams to closely mirror the format and difficulty of actual FINRA exams, providing a more accurate and confidence-building study experience (similar to STC).
In contrast, many students have reported that Knopman Marks’ practice tests are often too difficult, which can lead to unnecessary frustration and discouragement. Kaplan’s realistic approach better prepares students for the exam day without overwhelming them during the study process.
Customizable QBank
Kaplan’s SecuritiesPro QBank allows candidates to create customize quizzes based on topics or difficulty levels, helping them target and strengthen their weak areas for more effective study sessions.
Create your own quizzes with Kaplan
This personalized approach ensures that students can focus their efforts where they need it most, leading to greater confidence and improved performance on exam day.
Helpful Class Notes
Kaplan’s class notes for securities licensing exam prep are comprehensive, offering clear summaries of key concepts, definitions, and important formulas.
These notes are organized in a straightforward manner, making them an invaluable resource for reviewing material and reinforcing what’s covered in the video lectures and classes, especially for those types of students who prefer hardcopy prep materials so they can highlight key points, and dog-ear pages.
Reasons To Choose Knopman Marks For Securities Exam Prep
Now that you have a good idea of what Kaplan brings to the table, let’s discuss the strengths of the Knopman Marks securities licensing prep courses.
Excellent Live Classes
Knopman Marks’ live review sessions are an outstanding resource for securities exam candidates, offering interactive, real-time guidance from highly knowledgeable and experienced faculty. The instructors do an excellent job of breaking down complex topics and answering questions, ensuring students leave with a deeper understanding of the material.
Example review session from Knopman Marks
These sessions provide an opportunity for personalized support, helping students address specific challenges and boost their confidence before exam day. While Kaplan also offers helpful live classes, Knopman Marks’ faculty-led reviews stand out for their engaging and thorough approach to exam preparation.
However, keep in mind that in order to gain access to these Knopman Marks review sessions, you’ll have to sign up for their All Access Pass, which is not cheap (extra ~$200).
Email & Phone Support
Knopman Marks offers excellent email and phone support, giving students direct access to expert guidance whenever they have questions or need clarification. This personalized support system ensures that candidates can get quick, detailed responses to their concerns, helping them stay on track with their studies.
Example practice question from Knopman Marks
The ability to connect with instructors outside of class is a huge benefit, providing students with the reassurance and confidence they need to succeed on their securities exams (similar to ExamFX).
Video Vault Focused On Highly Tested Topics
Knopman Marks’ Video Vault is an invaluable resource, featuring concise, high-impact videos that focus on the most frequently tested topics for securities licensing exams.
These videos are perfect for last-minute reviews, allowing students to quickly refresh their understanding of key concepts before exam day. With its targeted content, the Video Vault helps students reinforce crucial material, boosting their confidence and readiness for the test.
Longer Access To Study Materials
Knopman Marks provides students with a full year of access to their study materials, giving candidates plenty of time to prepare and review at their own pace. In comparison, Kaplan only offers five months of access, which can feel restrictive for those balancing work, school, or other commitments.
A look inside the Knopman Marks course
The extended access from Knopman Marks ensures students have the flexibility to thoroughly study and revisit key concepts without feeling rushed, leading to a more relaxed and confident exam preparation experience.
Verdict: Kaplan or Knopman Marks For Securities Exam Prep?
While Knopman Marks offers a range of high-quality study materials and features, such as comprehensive live review sessions and extensive support, the price point may be a concern for many students.
Kaplan’s prep courses, on the other hand, provide excellent value for money without compromising on quality. With effective resources like their realistic practice questions, engaging video lectures, and customizable QBank, Kaplan presents a compelling option for those seeking an affordable and thorough preparation experience.
For students looking to balance cost with effective exam preparation, Kaplan’s offerings emerge as a more practical choice. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on individual needs and budget, but Kaplan’s courses stand out as a strong, cost-effective solution.
Which is better for securities exam prep, Kaplan or Knopman Marks?
Our team believes Kaplan is the better choice for securities exam prep due to its excellent value, realistic practice questions, and engaging study materials. While Knopman Marks offers high-quality resources, the higher cost makes Kaplan’s more affordable and effective option for most students.
Is Knopman Marks good for securities licensing exam prep?
Yes, Knopman Marks is strong for securities licensing exam prep, offering high-quality materials and comprehensive support. However, its higher cost may be a consideration for some students when compared to more affordable options like Kaplan.
