Best SIE Exam Prep Courses for 2026: Our Top Picks
Last updated: December 2025 | Reviewed by Ran Chen, CFP
Looking for the best SIE exam prep course? We analyzed and compared the top providers based on price, features, pass rates, and user reviews. Here are our rankings for 2026:
| Rank | Course | Price | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Open Exam Prep | Free | Budget-conscious learners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🥈 | Achievable | $99 | Best overall value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🥉 | Kaplan | $249-$599 | Live instruction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4 | Securities Training Corp (STC) | $199-$399 | Adaptive learning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5 | Knopman Marks | $375+ | Institutional quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 6 | ExamFX | $109-$199 | Cheapest paid option | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Quick Answer: If you want free, choose Open Exam Prep. If you want paid with a pass guarantee, choose Achievable ($99). If you want live classes, choose Kaplan ($249+).
How We Evaluated SIE Prep Courses
We compared each provider across six key factors:
- Price - Total cost and value for money
- Content Quality - Accuracy and comprehensiveness
- Practice Questions - Number and quality of questions
- Pass Guarantee - Money-back if you fail
- Learning Technology - Adaptive algorithms, mobile apps
- User Reviews - Student feedback and satisfaction
"The SIE exam is the gateway to a securities career. Choosing the right prep course can mean the difference between passing on your first attempt or wasting time and money on retakes." — Industry Expert
1. Open Exam Prep — Best Free SIE Study Materials
Price: Free (always)
Why We Ranked It #1 for Budget-Conscious Learners:
Open Exam Prep offers the most comprehensive free SIE exam preparation available online. Unlike other "free" options that limit content, you get full access to all study materials.
"I passed my SIE on the first try using only free resources. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars." — Reddit user, r/FinancialCareers
What's Included (Free):
- ✅ Complete SIE study guide covering all 4 topic areas
- ✅ AI-powered tutoring and Q&A
- ✅ 237+ financial term glossary with video explanations
- ✅ Practice questions with detailed explanations
- ✅ Mobile-friendly design
Pros:
- 100% free — no credit card required
- AI tutor available 24/7 for questions
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- Regularly updated content
Cons:
- No pass guarantee (it's free)
- Fewer practice questions than paid options
- No live instruction
Best For: Career changers, students, or anyone who wants quality SIE prep without spending money.
2. Achievable — Best Overall Value ($99)
Price: $99 (one-time payment)
Why We Ranked It #1 Paid Option:
Achievable offers the best combination of price, quality, and technology. At $99, it costs 60% less than Kaplan while delivering a higher claimed pass rate (95%+).
"Achievable's adaptive algorithm figured out my weak spots fast. Passed with an 84%." — Verified Achievable user
What's Included:
- ✅ 2,000+ practice questions
- ✅ Adaptive learning algorithm
- ✅ Video lessons for key topics
- ✅ Full-length practice exams
- ✅ Mobile app (iOS and Android)
- ✅ Pass guarantee with refund
Pros:
- Highest claimed pass rate (95%+)
- Modern adaptive learning technology
- Clean, distraction-free interface
- Money-back guarantee if you fail
Cons:
- No live classes
- Newer company (less brand recognition)
- Online-only (no physical materials)
Best For: Self-motivated learners who want proven results at an affordable price.
3. Kaplan Financial Education — Best for Live Classes ($249-$599)
Price: $249 (self-study) to $599 (live online)
Why We Ranked It #3: Kaplan is the most recognized name in exam prep. If you learn best with live instructors and want a trusted brand, Kaplan is worth the premium price.
What's Included (Premium Package):
- ✅ 2,500+ practice questions
- ✅ Live online classes with instructors
- ✅ On-demand video lessons
- ✅ Physical textbook option
- ✅ QBank with performance tracking
- ✅ Pass guarantee
Pros:
- Live instruction available
- Most recognized brand
- Comprehensive question bank
- Physical and digital materials
Cons:
- Expensive ($249-$599)
- Interface feels dated
- Self-paced option is overpriced
Best For: Those who prefer live instruction and trust established brands.
4. Securities Training Corporation (STC) — Best Adaptive Technology ($199-$399)
Price: $199 (online) to $399 (premium)
Why We Ranked It #4: STC has been training securities professionals since 1969. Their Greenlight Exam Simulator uses adaptive technology to identify your weak areas.
What's Included:
- ✅ Greenlight adaptive exam simulator
- ✅ 1,500+ practice questions
- ✅ Video lectures
- ✅ Personal study planner
- ✅ One-on-one tutoring (premium)
- ✅ Pass guarantee
Pros:
- Long track record (since 1969)
- Adaptive Greenlight technology
- Tutoring available
- Corporate training expertise
Cons:
- More expensive than Achievable
- Interface less modern
- Limited mobile experience
Best For: Corporate training programs and those who want adaptive learning with tutoring support.
5. Knopman Marks — Best Institutional Quality ($375+)
Price: $375+
Why We Ranked It #5: Knopman Marks is the go-to choice for Wall Street firms training their employees. If your firm is paying, this is excellent. For individual buyers, it's overpriced.
What's Included:
- ✅ Comprehensive video course
- ✅ 1,800+ practice questions
- ✅ Detailed written materials
- ✅ Instructor support
- ✅ Pass guarantee
Pros:
- Used by major Wall Street firms
- High-quality content
- Strong instructor support
- Excellent for corporate accounts
Cons:
- Expensive for individuals ($375+)
- Less tech-forward
- Website feels corporate
Best For: Candidates whose employers are paying or those at large financial institutions.
6. ExamFX — Cheapest Paid Option ($109-$199)
Price: $109 (basic) to $199 (premium)
Why We Ranked It #6: ExamFX offers the cheapest paid SIE prep starting at just $109. Quality is decent but not as polished as Achievable.
What's Included:
- ✅ Video lectures
- ✅ Practice exams
- ✅ Study guides
- ✅ Performance tracking
- ✅ Pass guarantee (premium only)
Pros:
- Low price ($109 basic)
- Covers all topics
- Multiple package options
- Pass guarantee on premium
Cons:
- Basic package is limited
- Fewer practice questions
- Less adaptive technology
- Must pay more for guarantee
Best For: Price-sensitive buyers who want something basic and affordable.
SIE Exam Prep Course Comparison Table
| Feature | Open Exam Prep | Achievable | Kaplan | STC | Knopman | ExamFX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $99 | $249-$599 | $199-$399 | $375+ | $109-$199 |
| Practice Questions | 500+ | 2,000+ | 2,500+ | 1,500+ | 1,800+ | 1,000+ |
| Video Lessons | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live Classes | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (premium) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| AI Tutoring | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Pass Guarantee | N/A | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (premium) |
| Adaptive Learning | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Which SIE Prep Course Is Right for You?
Use this decision guide to find your best match:
Choose Open Exam Prep (Free) if you:
- Want quality prep without spending money
- Are a self-motivated learner
- Like AI-powered learning tools
- Have 40+ hours to dedicate to studying
Choose Achievable ($99) if you:
- Want the best value paid option
- Prefer modern, adaptive technology
- Want a money-back guarantee
- Learn best through practice questions
Choose Kaplan ($249+) if you:
- Want live instruction
- Prefer established brand names
- Learn best with structured classes
- Have a higher budget
Choose STC ($199+) if you:
- Want adaptive exam simulation
- Need tutoring support
- Are in a corporate training program
- Prefer established providers
How Do You Pass the SIE Exam on Your First Try?
No matter which prep course you choose, these four strategies maximize your chances of passing:
1. Study 40-60 Hours Minimum
Candidates who study 40+ hours have an 85%+ pass rate. Don't rush your preparation.
2. Focus on High-Weight Topics
The SIE exam weights topics differently:
- Knowledge of Capital Markets: 16%
- Products and Risks: 44% (focus here!)
- Trading and Accounts: 31%
- Regulatory Framework: 9%
3. Take Practice Exams
Take at least 3-5 full practice exams before your test date. Aim for 80%+ on practice exams before scheduling your real exam.
4. Review Wrong Answers
Don't just see that you got a question wrong — understand why the correct answer is right.
What Are the SIE Exam Requirements in 2026?
Here are the essential facts about the SIE exam:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Questions | 75 scored + 10 unscored = 85 total |
| Passing Score | 70% (53 out of 75 correct) |
| Time Limit | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Cost | $80 |
| Prerequisites | None (anyone 18+ can take it) |
| Pass Rate | ~74% (first-time takers) |
Start Your SIE Exam Prep Today
Ready to start studying? We recommend:
- Budget option: Open Exam Prep (Free) — Start immediately with AI-powered tutoring
- Best value: Achievable ($99) — Highest pass rate with guarantee
- Live classes: Kaplan ($249+) — Instructor-led learning
The SIE exam is passable with proper preparation. Most candidates who study 40+ hours pass on their first attempt. Choose a course that fits your learning style and budget, then commit to consistent study.