Best SIE and Series 7 prep in 2026: Achievable vs Kaplan, plus free options
Last checked October 16, 2026 · Sources: FINRA qualification exams; Achievable’s FINRA courses; Kaplan’s SIE, Series 7 and SIE and Series 7 package pages
The best SIE and Series 7 prep for most self-funded candidates is Achievable: $99 for the SIE and $199 for the Series 7, with large practice banks and many full-length exams, according to its site. Kaplan costs more, $99 to $229 for the SIE and $139 to $309 for the Series 7, and is the pick if you want live or on-demand instruction. Start with FINRA’s free SIE practice test either way.
Online textbook, quizzes and full-length exams.
Buy now on AchievableSelf-study or instructor-led packages; 5-month access.
Buy now on KaplanSIE and Series 7 prep compared
| Achievable | Kaplan | WebCE | ExamFX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIE | $99 | $99 to $229 | In package | At checkout |
| Series 7 | $199 | $139 to $309 (Premium OnDemand $279) | In package | At checkout |
| SIE + Series 7 | $298 if bought separately | $209 to $479 | $215.95 | At checkout |
| Access | 12 months (SIE), per a competitor’s comparison | 5 months; $49 extension | 12 months | 90 days (Series 7) |
| Instruction | Self-paced online | Premium adds classes | Self-paced | Live Online webinars option |
| Guarantee | Pass guarantee advertised | Check terms | None stated | Readiness Exam refund |
List prices and features from each provider’s own pages, October 2026. Kaplan’s 15% ‘ADVANCE’ code expired October 16, 2026. We have not hands-on tested these products.
1. Achievable: best value for self-study
Achievable sells each exam separately: $99 for the SIE and $199 for the Series 7, and also $129 for the Series 6, $79 for the Series 63 and $199 for the Series 65, according to its own pages. Its Series 7 course lists an online textbook, more than 3,700 chapter quizzes, 35+ full-length practice exams and 39+ bonus videos. Best for people paying their own way who study well from text and practice questions. Less good: no live instruction. See our Achievable review.
2. Kaplan: best for structured instruction
Kaplan Financial Education offers Basic Self-Study, Essential Self-Study and Premium packages. For the SIE they run $99 to $229, for the Series 7 $139 to $309, and SIE and Series 7 combination packages $209 to $479. Packages include the License Exam Manual, the SecuritiesPro QBank and simulated exams, and Premium adds classes and InstructorLink. Access lasts five months, with a $49 extension. Best for candidates who want teaching, or whose firm is paying. Less good: higher prices and a fixed access window. See our Kaplan review.
3. WebCE: both exams, a year of access
WebCE’s SIE + Series 7 Complete Exam Prep Package costs $215.95 and gives 12 months of access, according to WebCE. It includes study guides for both exams, its Exam Tutor tool with unlimited customizable quizzes and full exam simulations, and Flash Tutor flashcards. Best for self-funded candidates who want one price for both exams and plenty of time. Less good: no live classes. See our WebCE review.
4. ExamFX: integrated path with a readiness guarantee
ExamFX sells an SIE + Series 7 bundle as an Online Course or a Live Online package with webinars, through its Training Consultants brand. It refunds your course if you score 80% or more on its Readiness Exam and then fail within three days, with restrictions. ExamFX shows prices only at checkout, and lists 90 days of access on its Series 7 package. Best for candidates who want live webinars or a guarantee. Less good: no published price and shorter access. See our ExamFX review.
5. Free: FINRA’s SIE practice test and content outlines
FINRA offers a free SIE practice test and publishes content outlines for its exams, which list the topics and how many questions each section carries. They won’t replace a course, but they show the official style and scope for free. See our free securities exam resources.
How to choose
Many broker-dealers pay for prep and give you a specific provider. If your firm covers it, use what it provides.
Take FINRA's free SIE practice test to see where you stand.
If you're paying yourself and study well alone, Achievable costs less. If you want a teacher, Kaplan Premium adds classes.
Kaplan's access is 5 months, so start when you can study steadily.
Read each review
$99 SIE, $199 Series 7; single-tier online courses.
→Tiered packages with optional classes; 5-month access.
→$215.95 for SIE + Series 7; 12 months.
→Integrated bundle; Readiness Exam guarantee.
→Head-to-head comparisons
Our Achievable vs Kaplan comparison covers the two best-known options side by side on price, practice, instruction and access. See the compare index for all four providers at a glance.
How we ranked these
We compared price, practice volume, instruction and access using each provider’s own pages, put FINRA’s free material first because it costs nothing, and rated each course out of 5 with the same rubric we use across the site: question bank 25%, practice exams 20%, lectures 15%, platform 15%, support 10% and value 15%. Ratings are our editorial assessment from published details, not hands-on tests. We don’t accept payment for placement and don’t currently earn commissions. See how we rank SIE and Series 7 prep.
| Provider | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Achievable | 4.2 / 5 | Self-study value |
| Kaplan | 3.9 / 5 | Instruction and a printed manual |
| WebCE | 3.8 / 5 | Both exams with a year of access |
| ExamFX | 3.6 / 5 | A readiness-test guarantee |
Our editorial ratings, October 2026. Each review shows the category breakdown.
Common questions about SIE and Series 7 prep
Are these paid placements?
No. We currently earn no commission from any SIE or Series 7 prep provider, and no one paid for a placement.
How much does SIE and Series 7 prep cost?
Achievable lists $99 for the SIE and $199 for the Series 7. Kaplan’s SIE packages are $99 to $229 and its Series 7 packages $139 to $309.
How long is Kaplan's securities course access?
Five months, with a 5-month extension for $49, according to Kaplan.
Is there a free SIE practice test?
FINRA offers a free SIE practice test on its website.
We first checked these options on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 16, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with FINRA, NASAA, Achievable or Kaplan.