UWorld and Mark Meldrum take different approaches to CFA® prep. UWorld combines exam-style practice, study guides, expert-led videos, analytics, and digital tools, while Mark Meldrum is known for instructor-led videos and self-study resources. This guide compares their pricing, practice, instruction, study tools, support, and course access.
UWorld vs Mark Meldrum CFA® at a Glance
The right provider depends partly on how you prefer to learn. UWorld combines practice, instruction, study materials, analytics, and review tools within one connected platform, while Mark Meldrum places substantial emphasis on lecture-based instruction alongside question practice and supporting study resources.
| Feature | UWorld CFA | Mark Meldrum CFA |
|---|---|---|
| CFA Levels | Levels 1, 2 & 3 | Levels 1, 2 & 3 |
| Course Structure | Core, Advanced & Elite packages | Package options vary by level and exam year |
| QBank | Exam-style practice with detailed visual explanations | QBank included with applicable packages. |
| Study Materials | Digital study guides, print with applicable package | Lecture PDF notes and supporting materials |
| Mock Exams | Level 1: Core 0; Advanced 2; Elite 5 Level 2: Core 0; Advanced 1; Elite 3 Level 3: Core 0; Advanced 1; Elite 2 |
Package-dependent |
| Video Instruction | Expert-led video lectures in applicable packages | Extensive reading and review videos |
| Live Support | ExpertConnect and other higher-tier support | Instructor comments and Live Office Hours in applicable packages |
| Study Planner | Personalized Study Planner in applicable packages | Study planning resources vary by package |
| Flashcards | Custom flashcards + ReadyDecks in applicable packages | No dedicated flashcard feature currently listed in core package features* |
| Formula Review | SimpleSheets+ in applicable packages | Formula sheet |
| Mobile Access | UWorld Finance app | Mobile app with offline video viewing |
| AI Support | UAsk AI in applicable packages | No dedicated AI study assistant currently listed |
| Repeat Access | StudyPass with qualifying Elite package | One Fee to Pass only with qualifying packages; otherwise extension fee may apply |
| Free Trial/Preview | 7-day free trial | Section-based sampling/preview options |
*Prices, features, mock counts, question counts, guarantees, and package availability vary by CFA level, exam year, package, and promotion.
UWorld vs. Mark Meldrum Pricing and Packages
Price alone does not provide a complete comparison because UWorld and Mark Meldrum package their study resources differently. UWorld offers Core Essentials, Advanced Prep, and Elite Full Course options. Mark Meldrum offers multiple package formats and also allows candidates to begin with individual sections before upgrading to broader study packages.
| Provider | Entry Approach | Starting Price | Higher-Tier Options | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWorld CFA | Core Essentials | Level 1 Core Essentials: USD $399 | Advanced Prep / Elite Full Course | Higher tiers add video lectures, mocks, study tools, printed guides, expert support, and StudyPass |
| Mark Meldrum CFA | Self-Study / individual section options | Level 1 Self-Study: USD $440 | Instructor-Led and other applicable packages | Features can include videos, PDF notes, QBank, formula sheets, mocks, instructor comments, and Office Hours |
UWorld vs Mark Meldrum: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
CFA Question Bank
UWorld's CFA practice questions are designed around exam-style practice, with detailed explanations that show why each answer choice is correct or incorrect. Candidates can create customized practice sessions, review visual explanations, track performance by topic, and use analytics to identify areas that may need more attention. The QBank works alongside UWorld's study guides, My Notebook, flashcards, and other review tools for a more connected practice experience.
Mark Meldrum also includes a Question Bank with its CFA study packages, with quizzes available for select readings. Its QBank complements a video-led approach that includes reading videos, EOC question videos, seminar videos, and lecture PDF notes. Candidates comparing the two may want to consider explanation depth, question customization, performance insights, and whether they prefer practice-centered learning or questions that reinforce video instruction.
Video Lectures and Instruction
UWorld includes expert-led video lectures with applicable Advanced and Elite packages. Lessons break down CFA concepts and work alongside exam-style practice questions, study guides, flashcards, and review tools, allowing candidates to move from learning a concept to applying it. UWorld also connects video instruction with the broader study platform rather than treating lectures as a separate study resource.
Mark Meldrum places substantial emphasis on video-based CFA instruction. Its current packages include in-depth reading videos covering the curriculum LOS by LOS, EOC question walkthroughs, and seminar videos that provide additional explanations of difficult concepts. Instructor-Led packages can also include live classes, Q&A opportunities, instructor comments, and Office Hours.
Mock Exams
UWorld CFA practice exams provide exam-style practice in a digital environment designed to reflect important aspects of the computer-based CFA exam experience. Candidates can practice under timed conditions and use detailed answer explanations and performance analytics afterward to understand mistakes, evaluate topic performance, and determine where additional review may be useful.
Mark Meldrum also provides online mock exams with applicable packages. Its current mock exams include online delivery, automatic grading of multiple-choice answers, and statistics that allow candidates to compare their results against a group benchmark. When comparing the providers, candidates can consider not only the number of mocks available but also exam simulation, answer review, performance feedback, and how easily mock results connect to subsequent study.
CFA Study Guides and Notes
UWorld provides LOS-aligned digital study guides that combine written explanations with examples, charts, and visual learning elements to help candidates understand and review CFA concepts. Depending on the package, candidates can also receive printed study guides. The digital materials connect with tools such as My Notebook, making it easier to keep learning, practice, and personal notes together within the platform.
Mark Meldrum provides lecture PDF notes designed to accompany its video instruction. The notes capture the material presented on screen so candidates can follow the corresponding reading, EOC question, and seminar videos without having to create extensive notes themselves. Candidates who rely heavily on reading may therefore want to compare UWorld's integrated study guides with Mark Meldrum's lecture-support approach.
Study Planner and Performance Analytics
UWorld combines performance analytics with a personalized Study Planner in applicable packages. Candidates can use performance data to see how they are doing across topics, while the Study Planner organizes preparation around their exam date and study progress. Together, these tools help candidates connect what they are learning and practicing with what they should work on next.
Mark Meldrum also offers a customizable Study Planner that accounts for factors such as content difficulty, weekly study hours, study start date, and exam date. Its Performance Stats provide real-time progress tracking, while benchmarks within features such as the Quiz Builder and mock exams help candidates compare their performance with other Mark Meldrum subscribers.
Flashcards, Notes, and Formula Review
UWorld offers several integrated tools for ongoing review. Applicable packages include custom digital flashcards, expert-curated ReadyDecks, My Notebook for organizing personal notes, and SimpleSheets+ for CFA formula sheet review and quick concept reinforcement. These resources give candidates multiple ways to revisit concepts without relying on a single review format.
Mark Meldrum provides lecture PDF notes and a formula sheet covering critical formulas candidates are expected to know. Its current package descriptions do not list a dedicated flashcard feature comparable to UWorld's custom flashcards and ReadyDecks. Candidates can therefore compare whether they prefer notes and formula references or a broader set of integrated recall, note-taking, and review tools.
Mobile Study Experience
The UWorld Finance app extends CFA study beyond the desktop by giving candidates mobile access to supported course resources, including practice questions and review tools. This allows candidates to continue practice and review across devices and fit shorter study sessions around work, commuting, or other commitments.
Mark Meldrum also provides app access and specifically lists offline video viewing for both Android and iOS. Its Archive feature provides app-based access to previously recorded reading videos after applicable course access expires, with archived content available for three years. Candidates can compare whether they want a broader mobile practice-and-review experience or place greater importance on accessing video instruction offline.
Repeat Access Policies
Repeat-access policies can affect the total cost of CFA prep if you need another exam attempt. UWorld StudyPass is available with qualifying CFA Elite packages and allows eligible candidates who do not pass to request continued course access, subject to current StudyPass terms and requirements. It is not included with every UWorld CFA course.
Mark Meldrum's One Fee to Pass applies to qualifying Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor-Led packages. Other packages may require an extension fee. When comparing the two, consider eligible CFA levels and packages, extension fees, exam-window requirements, access to updated materials, and the process for requesting continued access.
Which CFA Prep Course Is Right for You?
Your choice between UWorld and Mark Meldrum depends on how you prefer to learn and practice. UWorld may be a better fit if you want exam-style practice supported by detailed visual explanations, expert-led video lectures, study guides, flashcards, performance analytics, and planning tools within a connected study platform.
Mark Meldrum may suit candidates who prefer a more video-led approach. Its courses combine reading, EOC questions, and seminar videos with lecture PDF notes, formula sheets, study planning and performance tools, and mobile access with offline video viewing. Applicable packages also include additional instructor support.
Compare UWorld CFA Courses by Level
See the UWorld CFA Platform in Action
See how UWorld brings CFA practice questions, detailed explanations, performance analytics, and integrated study tools together in one platform.
UWorld CFA Platform Walkthrough
Watch how to build a quiz, review answer explanations, and track topic performance in UWorld:
What CFA Candidates Say About UWorld
UWorld CFA Qbank questions challenge me to think from different perspectives, which is great. It is helping me to strengthen the concepts I remember and relearn the ones I forgot. Also, the feature to make Qbank with varied topics and in the same theme as the official exams is perfect.”
A great set of CFA questions that hit all parts of the exam and the questions are well organized by sections. Your explanations are really useful and way better than CFAI Qbank. I'll purchase your Level 2 packages when I pass L1 and take L2. Overall a great platform to practice.”
UWorld CFA exam questions are very nicely written and challenging, putting me in a state of mind that I have to keep going and improve. The Qbank is harder IMO than Schweser and CFA qbank. Answer explanations are AWESOME. The only QBank I've used so far that tests all topics in the material!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Both providers combine instruction and practice, but they organize the study experience differently. UWorld brings QBank practice, detailed explanations, study guides, expert-led videos, analytics, and digital study tools together within an integrated platform, while Mark Meldrum places substantial emphasis on lecture-based instruction supported by PDF notes, QBank practice, formula review, and other course resources.
Yes. UWorld’s applicable Advanced and Elite CFA packages include expert-led video lectures, so the previous claim that UWorld does not provide video instruction is outdated. Mark Meldrum is particularly known for extensive lecture-based instruction, while UWorld combines videos with its QBank, study guides, flashcards, planner, analytics, and other course tools.
Both providers offer CFA question practice. UWorld emphasizes exam-style questions, detailed visual explanations, customizable practice, and performance analytics within its broader study platform, while Mark Meldrum includes QBank practice alongside its lecture-led study resources. Candidates should compare the question format, explanations, analytics, customization, and how they expect to use practice during their study plan.
Both UWorld and Mark Meldrum provide mock-exam resources, although availability and counts vary by level and package. Candidates should compare exam format, explanations, performance feedback, and how mock results connect to subsequent review rather than relying only on the total number of mocks.
UWorld provides LOS-aligned study guides designed to work as learning and review resources, with digital access and printed books depending on the package. Mark Meldrum provides lecture PDF notes designed to accompany its video-based instruction. Candidates who prefer substantial standalone reading material may evaluate the two differently from candidates who primarily want notes to follow along with lectures.
UWorld StudyPass is available with qualifying Elite CFA packages and provides eligible candidates with continued access under current program terms. Mark Meldrum states that One Fee to Pass currently applies only to qualifying Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor-Led packages, while other packages may require an extension fee. Always check the current terms for the exact package before purchasing.
Candidates do not necessarily have to use only one provider. Someone who prefers Mark Meldrum’s lecture style could use its instructional resources while separately using UWorld practice products for additional questions or mock-exam practice. Before purchasing multiple products, compare what is already included in your primary course so you do not pay twice for resources you may not need.
Both providers offer flexible options for working professionals. UWorld combines mobile access, customizable practice, and study planning tools, while Mark Meldrum offers self-paced videos and offline mobile viewing. The better fit depends on whether you prefer shorter practice sessions or longer video-based study. See our guide to the best CFA exam prep for working professionals for more tips.
Yes. Both providers offer preparation across the CFA Program, although package structures and features vary by level and exam year. Candidates beginning with CFA Level 1 prep should compare the amount of instruction, question practice, study materials, and planning support included before choosing a course.
The answer depends on the CFA level and package being compared. Both providers offer different purchase options, and Mark Meldrum also allows candidates to begin with individual sections in some cases. Compare total package contents, course-access terms, instruction, mocks, study materials, and any extension costs rather than using starting price alone to determine value.