Kaplan is one of the oldest names in securities licensing prep, with a deep curriculum, QBank-style practice, and mastery exams. It suits candidates who want a heavyweight, traditional course and prefer textbook-and-question-bank study.
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Best SIE Prep Courses for 2026
An honest comparison of the major FINRA SIE prep providers — built to help you pick the course that fits how you learn, not the one with the loudest marketing. No affiliate steering; the right answer depends on your starting point and budget.
Below: a master table of learning style, practice volume, access period, and pricing for Kaplan, Achievable, STC, Knopman Marks, ExamFX, PassPerfect, and our own Pangolin Edge — plus a short capsule on each, head-to-head comparisons of the most-compared pairs, and a section on where Pangolin Edge fits.
How to pick
Three questions decide most candidates' choice:
- How do you learn? If you absorb best by reading, lean toward Achievable. If you want a teacher in front of you, look at Knopman Marks. If you study best by drilling questions, look at PassPerfect or any platform with a deep QBank.
- Are you sponsored? If your firm provides a platform (often STC or PassPerfect), use it — it's free to you and matches the rest of your licensing path. Supplement only if you need it.
- What's your budget? Retail prep ranges from budget Udemy courses (~$13–$30 with site coupons; Pangolin Edge: $19.99) to coaching-led programs (Knopman Marks: $265–$895). Cost doesn't track linearly with quality — match the format to how you learn, then optimize price within that bucket.
SIE prep course comparison
Every provider's current SIE offering at a glance. Prices and tiers reflect each provider's listed retail packages as cited in our individual reviews.
Competitor pricing & access last verified
Applies to the six third-party rows below. Pangolin Edge's own figures are sourced live from our course listing.
PassPerfect re-verified September 30, 2026.
| Provider | Best for | Learning style | Practice volume | Access period | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan | Candidates who want a structured, long-established curriculum | Traditional video + reading + QBank | SecuritiesPro QBank + Practice / Midterm / Mastery exams; 120+ micro-learning videos | 5 months ($49 extension) | $99 / $149 / $199–$229 (Basic / Essential / Premium) |
| Achievable | Self-paced beginners who want a modern, readable course | Online textbook + adaptive review + full-length practice exams | 2,000+ chapter quiz questions; 35+ full-length practice exams | 12 months | $99 (single package) |
| STC | Sponsored candidates whose firm uses STC for licensing prep | Video + textbook + practice quizzes | 4 × 20-question progress exams + 2 × 85-question Green Light exams; 1,800+ flashcards | 6 months | $129 / $141 / $293 (Digital E-Course / Premier / Premier Plus) |
| Knopman Marks | Candidates who want instructor-led, classroom-style teaching | Live + on-demand classes + structured study plan | Large question bank + checkpoint and final exams; live classes at Platinum+ | 12 months | $265 / $495 / $895 (Gold / Platinum / Diamond) |
| ExamFX | Multi-line candidates (insurance + securities) using one platform | Self-paced online course with practice exams | Full-length finals + benchmark/checkpoint exams + custom exam generator | 90 days (Textbook) / 180 days (Online + Live) | $129 / $149 / $249 (Textbook / Online / Live Online) |
| PassPerfect | Candidates whose firm provides PassPerfect for licensing | Question-bank-driven adaptive practice | Large question bank; SIE-specific count not published | 7 months | $109 / $162 / $270 (Pass Plus / Pass Plus Pro / Pass Promise) |
| Budget Udemy courses | Self-studiers on a tight budget who just want structured material | Self-paced video; quality and depth vary widely by instructor | Varies by instructor; typically lighter on practice-question volume than premium providers | Lifetime access on Udemy | ~$13–$30 with site coupons; ~$50–$100 list |
| Pangolin Edge Our course | Value-conscious candidates focused on scenario-based first-attempt pass | Short video lessons + section quizzes + scenario practice | 2 timed mock exams bundled in the main course; 6 mocks / 480+ questions in the companion practice-exams course (separate listing) | Lifetime access on Udemy | From $19.99 with current coupon |
The providers, in 2–4 sentences each
Capsule view of each provider. Full deep-dive reviews are linked from each capsule once published.
Achievable
Read review → Full Achievable reviewAchievable is a newer, modern-feeling option built around a readable online textbook and adaptive review. Strong fit for self-paced beginners, with a plain-English textbook and a deep question bank.
STC (Securities Training Corporation) has been training securities candidates for decades and is widely used by firms for sponsored licensing prep. The retail product is solid; STC's distinguishing feature is its Green Light readiness exams on the Premier tiers.
Knopman Marks
Read review → Full Knopman Marks reviewKnopman Marks is the premium, instructor-led option. Live and on-demand classes, structured pacing, and high-touch support — priced accordingly. Best for candidates who learn best with a teacher in front of them.
ExamFX is widely used for insurance licensing and offers SIE as part of a broader licensing platform. Convenient for candidates already in the ExamFX ecosystem; it's a multi-license provider whose SIE course is video-led.
PassPerfect
Read review → Full PassPerfect reviewPassPerfect is question-bank-led, with adaptive practice driven by your performance. Commonly used in firm-sponsored programs. The product is best in volume of high-quality practice questions, and it's built around practice more than instruction.
Head-to-head comparisons
Seven side-by-side comparisons. Prices and access periods are pulled from the table above, so they always match it. For Achievable vs Kaplan, see the full comparison.
Achievable vs STC
A modern adaptive course against a traditional exam-focused system. Achievable schedules your review with a spaced-repetition engine; STC gives you structured manuals, repeated exam practice, and two 85-question Green Light readiness exams.
| Feature | Achievable | STC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 (single package) | $129 / $141 / $293 (Digital E-Course / Premier / Premier Plus) |
| Access | 12 months | 6 months |
| Pass guarantee | Yes — a refund if you passed at least one full-length practice exam within the standard time limit and still fail | Yes — on eligible Premier and Premier Plus packages, with conditions |
| Live instruction | No | Yes (Premier Plus) |
- Choose Achievable if you study in short, consistent sessions, want the lower price and longer access, and don't need live instruction.
- Choose STC if you want a hard readiness benchmark before test day, the option of live classes, or your firm is paying.
Kaplan vs STC
The two long-established providers. Kaplan's strength is its self-study toolkit: the License Exam Manual, the customizable SecuritiesPro QBank, and a study planner. STC's is its readiness system: Green Light exams plus an instructor hotline.
| Feature | Kaplan | STC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 / $149 / $199–$229 (Basic / Essential / Premium) | $129 / $141 / $293 (Digital E-Course / Premier / Premier Plus) |
| Access | 5 months ($49 extension) | 6 months |
| Pass guarantee | No — a paid $49 access extension if you fail | Yes — on eligible Premier and Premier Plus packages, with conditions |
| Live instruction | Yes (Premium) | Yes (Premier Plus) |
- Choose Kaplan if you want the deepest question bank to drill from and brand continuity into the Series 6 or 7.
- Choose STC if you want a formal readiness gate, a human to call, and a pass guarantee on the Premier tiers.
Kaplan vs Knopman Marks
Comprehensive self-study against coaching-heavy prep. Knopman costs considerably more; the difference buys people: unlimited live review sessions, faculty strategy calls, and weekly advising at Diamond.
| Feature | Kaplan | Knopman Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 / $149 / $199–$229 (Basic / Essential / Premium) | $265 / $495 / $895 (Gold / Platinum / Diamond) |
| Access | 5 months ($49 extension) | 12 months |
| Pass guarantee | No — a paid $49 access extension if you fail | No — 30-day refund window only |
| Live instruction | Yes (Premium) | Yes, unlimited live review sessions (Platinum and Diamond) |
- Choose Kaplan if you're paying yourself and want thorough self-directed prep.
- Choose Knopman Marks if your employer is paying, or you know you'll use live instruction and one-on-one coaching.
Achievable vs Knopman Marks
Opposite ends of the price and support range. Achievable is a single self-paced package with an adaptive planner and no live teaching; Knopman is a tiered program built around live faculty and one-on-one support.
| Feature | Achievable | Knopman Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 (single package) | $265 / $495 / $895 (Gold / Platinum / Diamond) |
| Access | 12 months | 12 months |
| Pass guarantee | Yes — a refund if you passed at least one full-length practice exam within the standard time limit and still fail | No — 30-day refund window only |
| Live instruction | No | Yes, unlimited live review sessions (Platinum and Diamond) |
- Choose Achievable if you're self-funded, self-directed, and want a pass guarantee.
- Choose Knopman Marks if your employer is paying, or you need a live instructor and outside accountability to finish.
STC vs Knopman Marks
Two providers built for firm training that answer "am I ready?" differently. STC uses a defined gate, its Green Light exams; Knopman uses diagnostic exams and predictive analytics plus live coaching.
| Feature | STC | Knopman Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 / $141 / $293 (Digital E-Course / Premier / Premier Plus) | $265 / $495 / $895 (Gold / Platinum / Diamond) |
| Access | 6 months | 12 months |
| Pass guarantee | Yes — on eligible Premier and Premier Plus packages, with conditions | No — 30-day refund window only |
| Live instruction | Yes (Premier Plus) | Yes, unlimited live review sessions (Platinum and Diamond) |
- Choose STC if you want a concrete readiness threshold and a guarantee at a mid-tier price.
- Choose Knopman Marks if you want the most hands-on coaching available and someone else is paying, or you value it enough to pay the premium.
Kaplan vs ExamFX
Two mid-priced, tiered self-study courses that differ mainly in format: Kaplan is textbook-and-QBank; ExamFX is video-led with a guided study path. Neither offers a pass guarantee for the SIE.
| Feature | Kaplan | ExamFX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 / $149 / $199–$229 (Basic / Essential / Premium) | $129 / $149 / $249 (Textbook / Online / Live Online) |
| Access | 5 months ($49 extension) | 90 days (Textbook) / 180 days (Online + Live) |
| Pass guarantee | No — a paid $49 access extension if you fail | No — its published guarantee covers insurance prelicensing, not the SIE |
| Live instruction | Yes (Premium) | Yes (Live Online) |
- Choose Kaplan if you'd rather read and drill a customizable question bank.
- Choose ExamFX if you learn best from video and want the 180-day access on its Online and Live tiers.
Achievable vs ExamFX
Two self-paced courses that teach differently: Achievable's adaptive spaced-repetition engine against ExamFX's video lessons, benchmark finals, and custom exam generator.
| Feature | Achievable | ExamFX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 (single package) | $129 / $149 / $249 (Textbook / Online / Live Online) |
| Access | 12 months | 90 days (Textbook) / 180 days (Online + Live) |
| Pass guarantee | Yes — a refund if you passed at least one full-length practice exam within the standard time limit and still fail | No — its published guarantee covers insurance prelicensing, not the SIE |
| Live instruction | No | Yes (Live Online) |
- Choose Achievable if you want the lower price, the longer access window, and a pass guarantee.
- Choose ExamFX if video is how you learn best, or you want the Live Online webinar option.
Where Pangolin Edge fits
The value/exam-focused option
Pangolin Edge is built for candidates who want a clean, scenario-based path to a first-attempt SIE pass without paying for a premium package. It's hosted on Udemy with lifetime access and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Main Course
Comprehensive SIE Exam Preparation
- ✓50+ short video lessons across all 4 FINRA SIE domains
- ✓7 topic areas: Capital Markets; Equity; Debt; Derivatives; Packaged & Alternative Products; Retirement & Tax-Advantaged; Regulatory & Suitability
- ✓Section quizzes after every chapter
- ✓2 timed mock exams bundled in this course
- ✓Scenario-based teaching, lifetime access on Udemy
4.7/5 · 889 ratings · 3,935 students
Start the Main Course →Companion Course (separate Udemy listing)
FINRA SIE Practice Exams — 6 Full Mock Tests
- ✓6 full-length mock exams (distinct from the 2 bundled in the main course)
- ✓480+ scenario-based questions calibrated to real-exam difficulty
- ✓Per-answer explanations on every choice A/B/C/D
- ✓Lifetime access on Udemy
4.8/5 · 55 ratings · 333 students
See the 6 Practice Exams →Two distinct Udemy products. The main course teaches the material and includes 2 timed mock exams; the companion practice-exams course is a separate purchase that adds 6 full-length mocks for stamina and readiness checks.
Frequently asked
What is the best SIE prep course?
There is no single best SIE prep course — the right choice depends on how you learn, how much structure you need, and whether you're sponsored by a firm. Kaplan and Achievable are two of the established retail options covered here. Knopman Marks is the premium instructor-led pick. STC and PassPerfect are common in firm-sponsored programs. Pangolin Edge focuses on a value/scenario-based approach with lifetime access on Udemy.
What is the cheapest SIE prep course?
Among paid options, Udemy-hosted courses are the lowest-cost path: budget Udemy courses run ~$13–$30 with site coupons, and Pangolin Edge is $19.99 with our coupon. Established retail providers start at $99 (Kaplan and Achievable) and reach $895 (Knopman Marks). Free options exist (provider sample chapters, a free practice exam, a free cheat sheet), but they're built as supplements to a full course.
Is Kaplan SIE worth it?
Kaplan SIE is worth it for candidates who want a traditional, structured curriculum with QBank-style practice and a long track record. Price is a meaningful factor — Kaplan's packages run $99–$229, mid-range among the providers here.
What is the best free SIE prep?
For a free starting point, combine three things: FINRA's official SIE content outline, a free full-length practice exam (Pangolin Edge offers one with per-domain scoring), and a high-yield cheat sheet. That combination won't replace a paid course for most candidates but is a useful diagnostic and reinforcement layer.
Which SIE prep courses have a pass guarantee?
Achievable, STC, and PassPerfect (Pass Promise tier only). Achievable refunds you if you passed at least one of its full-length practice exams within the standard time limit and still fail the real exam. STC's applies to eligible Premier and Premier Plus packages if you complete the Progress Exams (A), average 75% or better on the final exams, and score 75% or better on at least one Green Light exam. PassPerfect's Pass Promise requires passing 3 practice finals at 75% or better and sitting the exam within 5 days of passing the third final; if you still fail, you get a full refund or free access until you pass. Kaplan (a paid $49 access extension if you fail), Knopman Marks (30-day refund window only), and ExamFX (its published guarantee covers insurance prelicensing, not the SIE) don't offer one for the SIE.
Is Knopman Marks worth the extra cost?
It depends on who's paying and whether you'll use the coaching. Knopman's Platinum and Diamond tiers add unlimited live review sessions and faculty strategy calls. If your employer is paying, or you know you need a live instructor to keep you on track, that support is what the premium buys. If you're paying yourself and study well alone, a $99–$229 self-study course covers the same exam.
Which SIE prep course is best with no finance background?
It depends on how you learn. If you're a self-directed reader who'll stick to a plan, Achievable's plain-English textbook and adaptive review fit well. If you need a live instructor to make concepts click, look at the live tiers: Kaplan Premium, STC Premier Plus, ExamFX Live Online, PassPerfect Pass Promise, or Knopman Marks Platinum and Diamond.
Is the FINRA exam fee included in the course price?
No. Every price on this page is for the prep course only. The $100 FINRA exam fee is paid to FINRA when you enroll, separate from any course.
Start with a clean diagnostic
Whichever provider you pick, take a free full-length SIE practice exam first to see where you actually stand. The score tells you what to study; without it, every course feels equally necessary.