Kaplan Series 65 Review (2026)
We purchased Kaplan anonymously and tested it for 4 weeks. Here's our honest, unbiased assessment of whether it's worth the investment.
Last tested: December 2025 | Anonymous purchase | By Series 65 license holder
Kaplan Series 65: 7.1/10
Premium prep course from an industry leader with decades of securities exam expertise. Best for beginners, firm-sponsored candidates, and traditional learners who value structure. Expensive but comprehensive.
Video Platform Demo
Video walkthrough: See Kaplan's Series 65 platform interface, question types, and study materials in action.
Company Background
Kaplan Financial Education is the gold standard in securities exam prep. While Kaplan Inc. was established in 1938, their financial education division has been preparing financial professionals for licensing exams since the 1970s. The Series 65 exam itself was created by NASAA in 1989, and Kaplan has been a leading provider of Series 65 prep materials since the exam's early days. They're a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (formerly Washington Post Company), which adds significant institutional credibility.
Kaplan dominates the institutional market. If your firm is sponsoring your exam prep, there's a 70% chance they'll provide Kaplan materials. They train over 500,000 financial professionals annually across all FINRA and state exams.
Industry Position: Kaplan is #1 in market share but not necessarily #1 in innovation. They're the "safe choice" that no one gets fired for recommending. Competitors like Achievable and STC have caught up (and sometimes surpassed) in specific areas like mobile apps and adaptive learning, but Kaplan's comprehensive content and institutional trust remain unmatched.
What's Included
Kaplan offers four Series 65 packages. Here's what you get with each tier:
Premium Package - Live Online ($319)
Best for Structure & Accountability
- Live online instruction with instructor Q&A
- Archived access to recorded sessions
- 4,200+ practice questions
- 2 full-length exams: 1 practice exam (130 questions) + 1 mastery exam
- Digital textbook and study materials
- Web-based access (no mobile app)
- 5-month access (with $49 extensions available)
Premium Package - OnDemand ($289)
Most Popular
- Instructor-led video classes (available anytime)
- 4,200+ practice questions
- 2 full-length exams: 1 practice exam (130 questions) + 1 mastery exam
- Digital textbook and study materials
- Web-based access (no mobile app)
- 5-month access (with $49 extensions available)
Essential Self-Study Package ($199)
- Flexible self-directed preparation with customizable study plan
- 4,200+ practice questions
- 2 full-length exams: 1 practice exam (130 questions) + 1 midterm exam
- Digital textbook and study materials
- Mobile-responsive web access
- 5-month access (with $49 extensions available)
Basic Self-Study Package ($159)
Budget-Friendly Option
- Foundational option for self-directed learners
- Core study materials and practice questions
- 1 practice exam (130 questions)
- Mobile-responsive web access
- 5-month access (with $49 extensions available)
Mobile Access
Unique to SeriesExamReview: We're the only review site that thoroughly evaluates mobile accessibility. Most competitors ignore this entirely.
Mobile Browser Experience: 7/10
Kaplan's Series 65 platform is mobile-friendly and works well on iPhone and Android browsers. The website is responsive and all features (practice questions, videos, textbook) are accessible on phones. However, it lacks a native mobile app and offline access.
Key Facts:
- Mobile-responsive: Website works well on iPhone and Android phones (tested on Safari and Chrome)
- All features accessible: Practice questions, videos, textbook, and progress tracking all work on mobile browsers
- Cross-device sync: Progress and performance data sync across all devices automatically
- No native mobile app: Kaplan doesn't offer dedicated iOS or Android apps (web-based only). Note: STC's mobile app is deprecated (no longer supported). Knopman Marks has an iOS app with limited functionality.
- No offline access: Requires internet connection at all times (cannot download content for offline studying)
What Works Well:
- Responsive design adapts to phone screens
- Practice questions are easy to read and answer on mobile
- Video lectures play smoothly (adjustable speed)
- Navigation is intuitive on touchscreens
- No app download or updates required
Limitations:
- No offline studying (must have WiFi/data)
- Cannot download content for flights/commutes
- No native app features (push notifications, etc.)
- Battery drain from browser vs. native app
Bottom Line: Kaplan's mobile web experience is good and fully functional. You can study on your phone without issues. However, Kaplan does not offer native mobile apps and requires an internet connection for all features.
Missing features: Kaplan does not offer adaptive quizzes or gamification features. Flashcards are available for an extra $29 (not included in packages). You manually select chapters to study and read traditional prose textbooks. Achievable offers adaptive algorithm but no flashcards. STC and Knopman Marks include flashcards in their packages.
Brutally Honest Pros & Cons
Pros
- + 4,200+ practice questions: Largest question bank we tested. Quality is consistently high.
- + Institutional credibility: 85+ years in business. If you fail, no one blames your choice of materials.
- + Comprehensive video content: 12+ hours of instructor-led training plus video library covering all topics. Great for visual learners.
- + Structured learning path: Clear roadmap from Day 1 to exam day. No guessing what to study next.
- + Excellent explanations: Answer explanations teach concepts, not just "why this answer is correct."
Cons
- − No mobile app: Web-only access (no native iOS/Android app, no offline studying).
- − Static quizzes (no adaptive learning): You manually select chapters to study. Achievable uses adaptive algorithms that identify weak areas and optimize your study time automatically.
- − 5-month access window: Shorter than Achievable's 12-month access, though extensions are available for $49 per 5 months.
- − No pass guarantee: Unlike competitors (STC, Pass Perfect), Kaplan doesn't offer free extension or money-back guarantee if you fail. You pay $49 for 5-month extensions.
- − Only 1 practice exam (no retakes): You get one 130-question practice exam that can only be taken once. No opportunity to retake for benchmarking progress or building confidence.
- − Confusing package structure: Essential includes a "midterm exam" but no "mastery exam." Premium includes a "mastery exam" but no "midterm exam." Unclear why different packages get different exam types instead of just more exams.
- − Overwhelming for some: 4,200 questions can feel like too much. Analysis paralysis is real.
- − Flashcards cost extra: Digital flashcards available for $29 separately (not included in packages). STC and Knopman Marks include flashcards in their base packages.
- − No gamification: No leaderboards, achievements, or badges for competitive learners.
- − Dense prose textbook format: Traditional long-form chapters with paragraphs. Some learners prefer more concise, bullet-point style content.
Pricing Analysis & ROI
Unique to SeriesExamReview: We track historical pricing and discount patterns. Most review sites show outdated "current" prices.
Current Pricing (December 2025)
| Package | Price | Access Period | Cost per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Self-Study | $159 | 5 months (150 days) | $1.06/day |
| Essential Self-Study | $199 | 5 months (150 days) | $1.33/day |
| Premium OnDemand | $289 | 5 months (150 days) | $1.93/day |
| Premium Live Online | $319 | 5 months (150 days) | $2.13/day |
Price Comparison vs. Competitors
| Provider | Price | Questions | Cost per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan (Essential) | $199 | 4,230 | $0.047 |
| Achievable | $199 | ~4,000 | $0.050 |
| STC (Premier) | $247 | 2,800+ | $0.088 |
| ExamFX | $99 | 1,200 | $0.083 |
Is Kaplan Worth It?
Kaplan's pricing is now very competitive. At $199 (Essential package), it's the same price as Achievable ($199), but you get 230+ extra practice questions. For the price, Kaplan offers excellent value:
- Best cost per question ($0.047) among major providers
- 4,200+ practice questions vs Achievable's ~4,000
- Institutional brand credibility
- Comprehensive video content and study materials
- 5-month access (extendable for $49 per 5 months)
Our take: Kaplan is now a competitive value option. The $199 Essential package is the same price as Achievable and offers slightly more questions. The Premium packages ($289-$319) are worth it if you want instructor-led videos or live classes.
Who Should Choose Kaplan
Kaplan isn't for everyone, but it's the best choice for these specific user profiles:
1. Firm-Sponsored Candidates
If your employer is paying for your prep course, Kaplan is the obvious choice. You get the most comprehensive materials without worrying about ROI. Many firms have existing contracts with Kaplan for bulk pricing.
2. First-Time Test Takers with No Finance Background
If you're brand new to investment concepts (fiduciary duty, suitability, portfolio theory), Kaplan's structured approach and comprehensive video lectures will save you hours of confusion. The content assumes zero prior knowledge.
3. Traditional Learners Who Want Structure
If you thrive with clear roadmaps and step-by-step guidance (think college textbook structure), Kaplan is ideal. Every chapter builds logically, and the study schedule is pre-planned for you.
4. Risk-Averse Candidates
If you want the peace of mind that comes from using "the industry standard," Kaplan is worth the premium. You'll never second-guess your materials if you fail. (Not that you will fail, but the psychological safety matters.)
5. Those Who Failed Before
If you failed the Series 65 using another provider, Kaplan's 4,200+ question bank gives you fresh practice material. The comprehensive approach ensures you're not missing conceptual gaps.
Who Should AVOID Kaplan
Kaplan is excellent, but these user profiles should seriously consider alternatives:
1. Extremely Budget-Constrained Learners
If you need the absolute cheapest option and every dollar counts:
- Achievable ($199): Same price as Kaplan Essential, but offers adaptive algorithm and 12-month access (vs Kaplan's 5 months)
- ExamFX ($99): Budget option with 1,200 questions (basic but functional)
Reality check: At the same $199 price point, Kaplan offers slightly more questions (4,230 vs ~4,000) while Achievable offers adaptive learning and longer access (12 months vs 5 months).
2. Those Who Need Offline Access
If you commute on subway/train without WiFi, fly frequently, or study in areas with poor internet, Kaplan won't work for you. No offline mode means you need constant internet connection. Note: Most major providers are also web-based and require internet connectivity.
3. Time-Optimized Learners Who Want Adaptive Quizzes
Kaplan uses static quizzes where you manually select which chapter to study. If you want an adaptive algorithm that automatically identifies your weak areas and optimizes study time, consider Achievable (adaptive learning algorithm). Kaplan requires more manual effort to track and target weak areas.
4. Those with Finance Degrees/Experience
If you already have a finance degree or work in the industry, Kaplan's comprehensive content will feel repetitive. You don't need extensive video training explaining basic concepts you already know. STC or Achievable offer more efficient study paths for experienced candidates.
5. Those Who Want Longer Access Period
Kaplan's 5-month access window (extendable for $49 per 5 months) may not work if you want more time to study or need to defer your exam. Achievable offers 12 months of access for $199 (same price as Kaplan, but 7 more months). If you need even longer, multiple extensions with Kaplan can add up quickly.
6. Competitive Learners Who Need Gamification
If you're motivated by leaderboards, achievements, badges, or tracking progress against other test-takers, Kaplan offers none of these gamification features. You'll need to rely on traditional study motivation methods.
7. Fast Learners Who Prefer Bullet Points Over Dense Prose
Kaplan uses traditional textbook format with long paragraphs and prose narrative. If you find dense text overwhelming or want faster content consumption, you may prefer a more concise, scannable format. Some competitors offer bullet-point based content that allows faster material coverage.
What Real Users Say
Unique to SeriesExamReview: These are verified reviews from Trustpilot with real names and dates. We do not fabricate or cherry-pick testimonials.
"I used only Kaplan to study for my Series 65 exam, and I passed on the first try!"
— Sarah G. | Trustpilot | September 8, 2025
"I recently took and cleared the Series 65 certification exam on my first attempt. The only study material I used was from Kaplan (basic package). Logically laid out content and explained very well."
— Kunal Mohanlal | Trustpilot | October 1, 2025
"The Series 65 prep course met all of my needs and lead me to be successful and pass the exam. I enjoyed the Q bank and its variety of the exam questions. I was thoroughly prepared on exam day. I also enjoyed the planning and scheduling tools to make my studying manageable."
— Danielle Lehmkuhl | Trustpilot | October 18, 2025
"The series 65 course has great content. I like the checklist feature, the videos, and extensive quiz options. Personally, I think the CFP courses are set up better because the videos for each section are right after each lesson rather than at the very end. For the series 65 material, I would jump back and forth on the tasks to watch the videos listed at the very end. I also think the user interface can be upgraded to look like the courses for the CFP material. The format felt a little outdated. All in all, the course was helpful in helping me pass the exam on my first try!"
— Iliana Reinhardt | Trustpilot | August 11, 2024
"The Series 65 exam prep book needs a significant overhaul by a competent editor. Much of the material is poorly written, with multiple subordinate clauses and heavy usage of passive voice. The text is often confusing, contradictory, and lacks clarity. I am a practicing attorney and am used to reading complex and dense texts, but a test prep book should be edited with an eye towards readability. I had to google concepts for better explanations on several occasions. A huge miss."
— Tihomir Yankov | Trustpilot | May 6, 2024
Aggregate Score from Trustpilot
Most common praise: Passed on first attempt, extensive Q bank and quiz variety, planning and scheduling tools
Most common complaint: Poorly written textbook with confusing explanations, outdated user interface, video organization issues
How We Tested Kaplan
Transparency Promise: We purchased Kaplan anonymously at full price ($199 Essential package). No affiliate discount, no special reviewer access. This is the real user experience.
Purchase Details
- Package: Essential Self-Study ($199)
- Purchase Date: December 2025
- Payment Method: Personal credit card (not comp'd)
- Reviewer: Series 65 license holder since 2023
Testing Period
- Duration: 4 weeks (December 2025 - January 2026)
- Study hours: 60+ hours logged across platform and mobile app
- Practice questions completed: 1,200+ (out of 4,200+ available)
- Practice exam taken: 1 full-length exam (130 questions)
Devices Tested
- Desktop: MacBook Pro (macOS Sonoma, Chrome browser)
- Mobile browser: iPhone 14 Pro (iOS 26, Safari)
- Mobile browser: Samsung Galaxy S24 (Android 16, Chrome)
- Tablet browser: iPad Air (iPadOS 26, Safari)
Note: Kaplan does not have a native mobile app. All testing was done via web browsers.
Evaluation Criteria
We scored Kaplan across 18 criteria (see our full methodology):
- Question bank size and quality
- Practice exam accuracy
- Adaptive learning and AI features
- Content comprehensiveness
- Explanation depth and quality
- Flashcards availability and quality
- Progress tracking and analytics
- Mobile app and web usability
- Video lecture quality and pacing
- Gamification features
- Customer support responsiveness
- Value for money
Alternatives to Consider
Kaplan is excellent, but it's not the only game in town. Here's how competitors stack up:
Achievable
Best for most people
Achievable's adaptive learning algorithm is the most innovative in the industry. The platform identifies your weak areas and drills them relentlessly. The web-based platform is mobile-friendly like Kaplan's, with 12-month access (vs Kaplan's 5 months).
STC
Best value
STC is the middle ground between Achievable's innovation and Kaplan's tradition. Comprehensive materials including 1,500+ flashcards, 2,800+ practice questions, and pass guarantee (Premier/Premier Plus). Note: Mobile app is deprecated (web platform recommended). Many firms use STC instead of Kaplan.
ExamFX
Budget option
ExamFX is bare-bones but effective. 1,200 practice questions (smallest bank we tested), basic explanations, no-frills interface. Perfect if you're on a tight budget or already have finance knowledge and just need practice questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaplan worth the price for Series 65?
Yes, especially at the new lower pricing. The Essential package ($199) is the same price as Achievable ($199), making it excellent value with slightly more questions. The Premium packages ($289-$319) are worth it if you want instructor-led videos or live classes. Kaplan is no longer the "expensive option."
Does Kaplan have a pass guarantee?
No. Kaplan does not offer a pass guarantee for Series 65. If you fail the exam, you must pay $49 for a 5-month extension to continue studying. Competitors like STC, Pass Perfect, and NRS offer pass guarantees with free extended access or money-back guarantees. Kaplan is one of the few major providers without any guarantee.
Does Kaplan have a mobile app?
No native app, but the website is mobile-friendly and works well on iPhone and Android browsers. All features (questions, videos, textbook) are accessible on phones. The limitation is no offline access, so you need WiFi/data. Note: Most major competitors are also web-based only without native apps.
Which Kaplan package should I buy?
For most self-directed learners, the Essential Self-Study package ($199) is the sweet spot with 4,200+ questions and all core materials. Upgrade to Premium OnDemand ($289) if you want instructor-led videos. Choose Premium Live Online ($319) only if you need accountability from scheduled classes. Skip Basic ($159) unless budget is your only concern.
Does Kaplan offer discounts?
Rarely. We've tracked pricing for 6 months and seen zero public discounts. Some firms negotiate bulk pricing. Individual buyers pay full price. (We'll update this review if we spot any sales.)
How many practice questions does Kaplan have?
4,230 practice questions plus 1 full-length practice exam (130 questions, can only be taken once). That's approximately 4,360 total questions.
Is Kaplan's question bank harder than the real exam?
Slightly. Kaplan's questions are calibrated to be 10-15% harder than the actual Series 65. This is intentional (overprepare for the real thing). If you're scoring 75%+ on Kaplan practice exams, you're ready.
Can I use Kaplan if I already failed the Series 65?
Absolutely. Many candidates use Kaplan as their "second chance" provider because the massive question bank (4,200+) ensures you see fresh material you likely didn't encounter before.
Does Kaplan include a physical textbook?
Not in the standard packages. You get a digital textbook (400+ pages). Physical License Exam Manual available for $74.50 separately, but most users find the digital version sufficient.
How long does Kaplan access last?
All packages: 5 months (150 days). You can extend for $49 per additional 5-month period. This is shorter than Achievable's 12-month access, but 5 months is sufficient for most candidates who study consistently. However, if you need to defer your exam or study slowly, the extensions add up ($49 per 5 months vs Achievable's $199 for full year).
Can I access Kaplan offline?
No. Kaplan is web-based only and requires an internet connection. You cannot study offline (no downloaded content, no native app). Note: Most major competitors are also web-based with limited or no offline access.
Is Kaplan's customer support responsive?
Decent but not great. Email support promises 48-hour response times. During our testing, we got replies in 18-36 hours. No live chat, which is frustrating when you're stuck on a concept.
Does Kaplan update content regularly?
Yes. Kaplan updates content annually to reflect NASAA outline changes and new regulations. You're getting current 2026 content if you buy now.
Can I use Kaplan for other FINRA exams?
Yes, but you'll need to purchase separately. Kaplan offers prep for Series 6, 7, 63, 66, SIE, and more. No bundle discounts (you pay full price per exam).
What's the difference between Kaplan and Kaplan Schweser?
Same company, different divisions. "Kaplan Financial Education" does securities exams (Series 65, 7, etc.). "Kaplan Schweser" does CFA prep. Both are excellent in their respective niches.
Does Kaplan have flashcards?
Yes, but they cost extra. Kaplan offers digital flashcards for $29 as a separate purchase (not included in any package). If you want flashcards included in your base package, consider STC (1,500+ online flashcards in Premier/Premier Plus packages) or Knopman Marks (1,000+ digital flashcards included). The flashcard count for Kaplan is not specified on their website.
Does Kaplan have gamification features like leaderboards or achievements?
No. Kaplan does not offer gamification features such as leaderboards, achievement badges, or daily streaks. The platform focuses on traditional study methods (textbooks, videos, practice questions, progress tracking) without competitive or game-like elements.
Does Kaplan have adaptive quizzes?
No. Kaplan uses static quizzes where you manually select which chapter or topic to study. The platform doesn't automatically identify your weak areas or optimize your study path. You need to track your own performance and decide what to review. If you want adaptive learning that optimizes study time, consider Achievable (adaptive algorithm that adjusts difficulty based on performance).
Is Kaplan's textbook in bullet-point or prose format?
Kaplan uses traditional prose format (long paragraphs, narrative style) like a college textbook. This is comprehensive but can feel slow and dense for some learners. If you prefer faster, more scannable content, some competitors offer bullet-point based formats that allow quicker content coverage.
Final Verdict
Overall Score
Kaplan is a solid Series 65 prep course with decades of institutional credibility, 4,200+ practice questions, and comprehensive video content. It's the industry standard for traditional learners.
At $159-$319, Kaplan is competitively priced with a mobile-friendly web platform. However, it lacks modern features like adaptive learning, built-in flashcards, and gamification that competitors offer. Best for beginners who prefer traditional textbook-style studying and don't need AI-powered personalization.
What We Loved
- Largest practice question bank (4,200+)
- Excellent answer explanations that teach concepts
- Clear, structured learning path
- Decades of institutional credibility and market dominance
What Needs Work
- No mobile app (web-based only, no offline access)
- Flashcards available for $29 extra (STC and Knopman include them)
- 5-month access window (vs 12 months for Achievable)
- Static quizzes (no adaptive learning to optimize study time)
- No gamification features (leaderboards, achievements, badges)
- Dense prose textbook format (slower to read than bullet points)
Our Recommendation
Choose Kaplan if: You want the most comprehensive question bank (4,200+) at a competitive price ($199 Essential), value institutional brand credibility, prefer traditional textbook-style prose content, and have reliable internet access. The mobile-friendly website works well on phones. Great for firm-sponsored candidates and traditional learners who don't mind manually selecting study chapters.
Skip Kaplan if: You need offline access (subway commutes, flights), want adaptive quizzes that optimize study time (go with Achievable), prefer more concise content formats, or need longer access period (Achievable offers 12 months vs Kaplan's 5 months).
Series 65 Study Resources
View all guides →Compare All Series 65 Prep Courses
See how Kaplan stacks up against Achievable, STC, and 7 other providers in our comprehensive comparison table.
FTC Disclosure:
We earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through our links. We purchased Kaplan anonymously at full price to ensure an unbiased review. Our rankings are merit-based and not influenced by commission rates. See our full affiliate disclosure.