Best CFA Mock Exams for 2025-2026 | Compare and Choose the Best

Discover the best CFA mock exams for Levels 1, 2 & 3 in 2025. Compare key features, and prepare smarter with insights tailored to each stage of your CFA journey.
Students preparing for CFA Mock Exams.

How to Choose the Right CFA Mock Exam

The right cfa mock exam depends on your learning style and preparation strategy. Some candidates prefer providers that closely mimic the CFAI question style, while others prioritize platforms that break down explanations for deeper conceptual understanding. Budget-conscious learners may prioritize affordability, while those seeking a full-service platform may look for features like detailed analytics, adaptive difficulty, and benchmarking. Ultimately, the best mock exam isn’t just one that gives you a score; it helps you learn from it.

Your choice may also depend on budget and study needs. Budget-conscious learners might prioritize affordability, while candidates seeking an all-in-one prep platform often look for premium features such as adaptive learning, performance benchmarking against peers, and detailed analytics that track progress topic by topic. The best mock exam doesn’t just measure how you’ll perform,it teaches you why you got a question wrong and how to improve before test day.

Key Factors to Consider:

  • CBT Simulation: Does the platform closely replicate the CFA Institute’s computer-based testing environment, including navigation, flagging questions, and time tracking?
  • Question Quality: Are the questions written to match CFAI’s style, difficulty, and reasoning, rather than just generic finance trivia?
  • Explanations: Do answer rationales connect back to CFA curriculum concepts and LOS (Learning Outcome Statements), or are they superficial fact dumps?
  • Scoring Analytics: Can you monitor your performance by topic, time spent per question, and historical improvement to pinpoint weak spots?
  • Test Modes: Does the provider offer both Timed Mode for simulating exam pressure and Tutor Mode for learning and practicing at your own pace?

Why the Best CFA Mock Exams for Every Level Are Essential for Success

Mock exams are more than just practice -they’re your dress rehearsal for exam day strategy, confidence, and performance under pressure. Each CFA level tests distinct strengths: Level 1 demands wide-ranging knowledge recall; Level 2 challenges your ability to apply complex item sets and interpret mini-cases; Level 3 requires mastery of both constructed-response essays and case analysis. A top-tier, level-specific mock provider mimics real exam conditions, while offering deep insights into your strengths and gaps.

Well-designed mock exams do more than score you -they teach. They sharpen pacing, reinforce understanding through detailed rationales, and build resilience in exam formats. Selecting mocks that align with your level's format, difficulty, and review style ensures your study time converts into smarter learning - not just repetition. This approach elevates your exam readiness, focuses your revision, and turns realistic simulation into real results.

Here’s why the right mock exams make all the difference:

  • Tailored to your exam level: From mastering broad recall in Level 1, to synthesizing complex item sets in Level 2, to composing essay-style responses in Level 3.
  • Mirrors real exam conditions: Realistic CBT formats and timing help manage pressure and build familiarity.
  • Provides deep insights for smarter prep: Detailed explanations and analytics guide your focused review.
  • Transforms repetition into retention: Learning through application and feedback builds mastery, not just memory.

Best CFA Mock Exams Compared

When comparing CFA mock exams, three priorities often stand out: value, realism, and official alignment. Here's how the top options stack up:

  • Best for Budget, Realism & Overall Value:

    UWorld delivers exceptional value with mocks carefully benchmarked to CFA Institute difficulty levels. The platform’s computer-based testing (CBT) interface closely mirrors the actual exam environment, helping candidates train under realistic conditions and confidently manage exam-day pressure.

  • Best for Official Format and Question Style:

    CFA Institute’s mock exams remain the gold standard for official tone, structure, and phrasing. While limited in number, they provide unmatched authenticity and should be part of every candidate’s core prep strategy.

Provider Exam Interface Explanation Depth Performance Analytics No. of Mocks Price (USD) Free Trial
UWorld Yes
CBT-style (real exam)
Yes
Conceptual + rationale
Yes
Smart performance tracking
2 per level Included in the course Yes
Kaplan Schweser No
Limited
Yes
Good, basic
No
Limited
2-6 per level Included in the course No
Mark Meldrum Yes Yes No 2–3 mocks Included in the course No
AnalystPrep Yes
CBT-style
No
Limited depth
Yes
Topic-wise scoring
2-5 per level Included in the course Yes
CFA Institute Yes
Official CBT
No
Minimal
None 2-5 mock exams per level Limited with registration, add-on required No

Try UWorld CFA Mock Exams for Maximum Score Gain

Prep smarter with UWorld CFA® mocks. Exam-like practice + expert insights. Choose your level now!

Pros & Cons: Evaluating Your Options

When choosing CFA practice platforms, balance realism, feedback quality, and value. Each provider trades off interface fidelity, explanation depth, analytics, and trial/pricing.
The table below spotlights those pros and cons so you can pick what best fits your prep plan.

Provider Pros Cons
Kaplan Schweser
  • Multiple mocks per level
  • Basic analytics
  • Structured materials
  • Interface not exam-like
  • Explanations less in-depth- No free trial
Mark Meldrum
  • Curriculum-aligned video explanations
  • Strong content clarity
  • Past AM walkthroughs (L3)
  • PDFs lack visuals
  • Analytics and interface weaker
AnalystPrep
  • Budget-friendly
  • CBT-style interface
  • Topic-wise scoring- Free trial
  • Explanations lack depth
  • App and analytics less robust
CFA Institute
  • Official source
  • Real exam interface
  • 3–5 official mocks depending on level
  • Minimal explanations
  • Limited analytics
  • Practice pack costs extra

Best CFA Mock Exams for Level 1, 2, & 3

Choosing the right mock exams by level can significantly impact how well you internalize and apply the CFA curriculum under pressure. Each level of the exam tests different dimensions of competence, and your mock strategy should reflect that. Below are level-specific recommendations and why UWorld is particularly well-suited to each.

Best CFA Level 1 Mock Exams

Level 1 mocks are designed to test breadth over depth. With its broad topic coverage, this level demands a focus on recall speed and pattern recognition. The best mock exams for Level 1 mirror the exam’s emphasis on multiple topics per session and challenge your ability to switch context quickly. UWorld excels here by offering carefully calibrated difficulty and questions designed to replicate actual CFAI phrasing.

Provider Exam Style Strength Limitation
UWorld CBT + Tutor Mode Realistic difficulty, analytics 2 mocks only
Kaplan Bundle PDF mocks and a limited exam interface Strong in basics UI outdated
Mark Meldrum Video-supported mock walkthroughs + PDFs Great for visual/auditory learners PDFs not interactive, no CBT mode
AnalystPrep Budget online Value for money Lacks deep explanations
CFAI Official CBT format Real exam interface + official content Limited explanations, extra cost for practice pack

Why UWorld Stands Out for Level 1:

  • 2,000+ questions crafted to mimic CFAI structure
  • In-depth answer explanations that teach, not just tell
  • Smart analytics show where you lag and why

Master the CFA Level 1 Exam with Confidence

Prepare for your CFA® Level 1 Exam with mock exams that mirror the real thing - timing, interface, difficulty, and more. CFA charterholders create our mock exams to take the guesswork out of test day.

Best CFA Level 2 Mock Exams

Level 2 introduces item sets and deeper analysis. The mocks must reflect this shift, emphasizing applied knowledge and mini-case comprehension. The best Level 2 mock exams challenge your ability to synthesize data across vignettes, interpret context quickly, and stay alert to traps. UWorld offers robust item sets with realistic formatting and explanations that walk through each dataset logically.

Provider Item Set Quality Explanation Quality Analytics
UWorld Yes CFAI-style Yes Expert-authored Yes Advanced
Kaplan Yes Traditional Yes Moderate No  Minimal diagnostics
Mark Meldrum Yes – Curriculum-aligned Yes – Strong via video lectures No 
AnalystPrep Yes Moderate No  Limited Yes Basic scoring
CFAI Yes Official No  Minimal None

Why UWorld Stands Out for Level 2:

  • Case-based vignettes modeled after the CFAI format
  • Teaches data synthesis and mini-case analysis
  • SmartCards and performance reports drive revision loops

Sharpen Your CFA Level 2 Strategy with Advanced Mock Exams

Prepare for your CFA® Level 2 Exam with mock exams that mirror the real thing - timing, interface, difficulty, and more. CFA charterholders create our mock exams to take the guesswork out of test day.

Best CFA Level 3 Mock Exams

The Level 3 exam has a unique constructed response (essay) section and nuanced case analysis. Quality mock exams should simulate the item set portion and prepare candidates for the AM essay format. UWorld offers a full suite of essay-style mocks, including structured response inputs and detailed model answers, allowing candidates to self-assess effectively.

Provider AM Essay Practice PM Format Time Tracking Review Support
UWorld Yes Yes Yes Yes Detailed
Kaplan Yes Yes No  Limited No Limited
Mark Meldrum Yes Yes  No  No
Limited
AnalystPrep Yes Yes Yes No Limited scoring logic
CFAI Yes Yes No No  feedback

Why UWorld Wins at Level 3:

  • Dedicated essay-response platform with typing practice
  • Model answers and scoring guides
  • In-exam interface prepares you mentally and mechanically

Ace the Realistic Essay + Item Set Practice for Exam-Day Readiness

Prepare for your CFA® Level 3 Exam with mock exams that mirror the real thing - timing, interface, difficulty, and more. CFA charterholders create our mock exams to take the guesswork out of test day.

How the UWorld CFA Mock Exams Platform & Interface Prepare You Like No Other

Trusted by over 4 million candidates, UWorld delivers pass rates nearing 90%;a testament to the quality of our CFA® prep course. Designed for serious candidates aiming to pass on the first try, our program features exam-level practice questions, in-depth video lectures led by CFA experts, and educational answer explanations that reinforce learning through clarity and detail. With a continuously updated QBank, customizable study modes, performance tracking tools, and full mobile access, UWorld gives you everything you need for efficient, high-impact preparation. Among our flagship instructors is Peter Olinto-CFA, JD, CPA (inactive)-renowned for combining lecture clarity with real exam simulation, helping students bridge the gap between knowledge and exam readiness.

What Makes UWorld CFA Mock Exams Unique

UWorld distinguishes itself through a clear focus on pedagogy. Rather than just asking questions, each item becomes a learning opportunity. The mocks are built by CFA charterholders and educators, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Explanations are instructional in tone, often including diagrams, formula breakdowns, and conceptual comparisons that support long-term retention. Unlike providers who merely flag the correct answer, UWorld emphasizes the reasoning process, preparing candidates to answer and understand. Here’s what you get with UWorld CFA Mock Exam:

  • Real Exam Simulation - Match the CFA CBT environment
  • Smart Analytics - Track trends, accuracy, and topic mastery
  • Deep Learning - Detailed rationales for every question
  • Mock Review Tools - Flag, revisit, and learn from errors
  • Flashcard Builder - Convert errors into quick memory tools
  • Level Integration - Use one platform across all three levels

Practice Smarter With UWorld CFA Mock Exams

Our CFA mock exams simulate the real exam and highlight your weak areas - helping you refine your strategy and boost your score faster.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Smartest Way to Use Mock Exams?

Mock exams are your training ground. They do more than test knowledge; they build confidence, sharpen time management, and reinforce exam pacing.

To get the most from your mocks:

  • Take one baseline exam 6 weeks before test day
  • Use performance data to target review
  • Ramp up to 4+ full-length mocks
  • Focus on explanation-based learning

Choose a platform that doesn’t just quiz you, but teaches you. And if you want an edge that many CFA candidates credit for their pass, UWorld offers one of the smartest mock exam tools on the market.

Ready to Elevate Your CFA Prep? Try UWorld’s CFA Mock Exams Free Trial Now

What Real CFA Candidates Say

FAQs

Choose CFA mocks that are at or above real exam difficulty, with detailed explanations and performance tracking. UWorld is known for tougher mocks that build exam-day confidence and help you learn from mistakes.

Mock exams simulate the real test, build time management skills, and reveal weak areas – making them essential for improving performance and boosting exam-day confidence.

Aim for 4–6 full-length mocks per level. Start 6–8 weeks before the exam, beginning with one per week and increasing as you improve. Focus on review and strategy – not just scores.

Yes, especially UWorld and other third-party mocks. This is intentional to train overperformance.

It’s highly unlikely. Mocks train your stamina, strategy, and time management.

Begin 4-6 weeks out. Gradually increase volume and use analytics to guide review.

Yes. Their interface, question style, and timing closely mirror the actual CBT exam.

Yes, UWorld offers CFA Level 3 essay-format (AM) mock exams with detailed explanations and performance analytics.

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References

  1. UWorld mocks were tougher than the real exam, but that's what helped me. I was scoring 68-73% in mocks and ended up passing comfortably. -https://www.reddit.com/r/CFA/comments/1cmbndp/uworld_mock_exam/ 
  2. UWorld mock is ridiculously difficult compared to the two free CFAI mocks… it’s not even funny. https://www.reddit.com/r/CFA/comments/1ef50i6/uworld_mocks_cfa_level_1/ 
  3. I got destroyed by UWorld’s mock exam; I scored 61… After reviewing… questions are indeed harder than CFAI. UWorld is really good for practice though. https://www.reddit.com/r/CFA/comments/1cmbndp/uworld_mock_exam/
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