Exam Study Tips for Postponed 2021 CFA ...
The CFA institute postponed the June exams and cancelled the December 2020 exams... Read More
If you’re deep into CFA® exam prep research, you’ve probably seen both names come up often: AnalystPrep and Mark Meldrum. Each has loyal fans, strong reviews and unique strengths. But if you’re a candidate trying to decide where your money and time will be best spent, the choice isn’t always straightforward.
That’s where this comparison comes in.
We’ll look at pricing, question banks, mock exams, video lessons, access models and overall value, helping you find which platform aligns best with your learning style and budget.
Think of it as a friendly head-to-head: AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum, unbiased, factual and focused on what matters most to CFA Level I, II, and III candidates.
The figures below are based on currently available information from both providers’ official websites and independent reviews as of late 2025. Some values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the package tier or exam level.
| Feature | AnalystPrep | Mark Meldrum |
| Best for | Candidates who value affordability, bundled access and balanced practice plus instruction | Candidates who prefer in-depth, lecture-style video teaching |
| Starting Price (2025) | Starting around USD 249–349 for a complete Level I course with videos, QBank, and mocks | Starting around USD 65 per section or approximately USD 395–495 per full level |
| Question Bank Size | Approximately 4,000+ questions per level | Roughly 2,000–2,500 questions depending on section |
| Mock Exams | Five full CBT mocks with performance analytics | About 2–3 mocks depending on the package |
| Access Length | Up to 12 months per level, extendable or lifetime for bundle packages | Per-section access, renewable per level |
| Teaching Style | Concise, exam-focused video lessons ideal for quick review and reinforcement | Long-form, detailed LOS-by-LOS lectures that emphasize conceptual mastery |
| Refund Policy | Pass guarantee refund available (terms apply) | No refund once purchased |
AnalystPrep is ideal for candidates who want a complete package: study notes, question banks, mock exams and video lessons, all bundled at one affordable price. It suits both first-time candidates and retakers who prefer practice-driven learning with quick video refreshers and strong performance analytics.
Mark Meldrum, on the other hand, appeals to lecture-first learners. If you like deep explanations, long walkthroughs of end-of-chapter problems and an instructor who goes deep into every formula and concept, MM’s style is likely a great fit.
The pricing and value details below are based on the most recent publicly available information from each provider as of late 2025. Figures are approximate and may vary slightly by package, access duration, or promotional discounts.
| Level / Feature | AnalystPrep (2025) | Mark Meldrum (2025) |
| Level I | Starting around USD 349 (Complete Course: videos, notes, QBank, and mocks) | Starting around USD 49 per section or approximately USD 495–675 per full level |
| Level II | Starting around USD 299 (similar inclusions as Level I) | Approximately USD 495–675 per full level |
| Level III | Starting around USD 299 (with optional essay practice support) | Approximately USD 495–675 per full level |
| Access Duration | 12 months per level (renewable) or lifetime for multi-level bundle packages | Per-section access, renewable per level |
| Discounts | Up to 30% savings for multi-level bundles and promotions | Occasional section or renewal discounts (not consistent across levels) |
| Pass Guarantee | Pass guarantee refund available (terms apply) | Limited or none officially listed outside select instructor-led packages |
At first glance, Mark Meldrum CFA price 2025 may seem lower if you’re buying one section at a time. But once you add up all the topics across levels, the total often exceeds what you’d spend on a complete AnalystPrep bundle, which already includes videos, notes, mocks and full QBank access.
AnalystPrep’s predictable bundles also come with longer access periods, making them more appealing for candidates who need flexibility or plan to retake without extra renewals.
When it comes to practice depth, the AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum question bank comparison reveals clear differences in both scale and analytics.
AnalystPrep offers a question bank of over 4,000 questions per level, ranging from basic recall items to complex item sets that mirror actual CBT exam formats. The QBank comes with instant explanations, difficulty-level tags and performance analytics that track your accuracy by topic.
Mark Meldrum’s QBank is smaller, typically 2,000–2,500 questions, depending on your section purchase. His strength lies in the conceptual reasoning and EOC-style structure rather than sheer volume.
In other words, if you’re looking for extensive drill practice and adaptive analytics, AnalystPrep’s QBank offers a more robust experience. If your priority is to apply what you’ve just learned from long-form lectures, Mark Meldrum’s integrated questions work well as reinforcement.
Mock exams are where many candidates finally connect theory with exam-day readiness.
AnalystPrep provides full-length CBT mock exams that match the CFA interface in layout, timing and difficulty. After each mock, candidates receive automated scoring reports, topic-level breakdowns and insights that guide them on where to improve.
Mark Meldrum typically offers two to three mock exams depending on the package. His mocks are known for being slightly harder than the actual exam, which can be helpful, but they lack the in-depth post-mock analytics that AnalystPrep provides.
If you’re a first-time taker aiming for comprehensive feedback loops, AnalystPrep’s mock and analytics ecosystem offers better value. Retakers who already understand their weaknesses may prefer MM’s straightforward mocks for targeted drilling.
This is often the decisive factor for many CFA candidates.
Mark Meldrum’s videos are legendary for their depth. He covers every Learning Outcome Statement (LOS) individually, explaining formulas, examples and details line by line. His sessions are long, sometimes over an hour per topic, but they feel like being in a real classroom.
For students who learn best through immersion and storytelling, his approach resonates. But for others, especially those pressed for time or revising quickly before the exam, the style can feel overwhelming.
AnalystPrep’s videos take a different path, concise, focused and aligned directly with what’s tested. Each video zeroes in on core exam concepts, avoiding unnecessary digressions. The lessons come with summarized study notes, making them ideal for visual learners and candidates who want efficient coverage without losing accuracy.
In the AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum videos comparison, it really comes down to learning preference:
| Preference | Best Fit |
| Lecture-style, deep dives, slow pace | Mark Meldrum |
| Exam-focused, concise lessons, quick revision | AnalystPrep |
The Mark Meldrum pay-per-section model gives flexibility to candidates who only want to buy certain topics or renew a section without committing to a full package. The downside is that it can get costly over time, especially for candidates progressing across all three CFA levels.
AnalystPrep, on the other hand, offers bundled access for each level, everything you need under one roof: QBank, videos, notes, and mock exams. Access lasts 12 months, with renewal options at discounted rates.
For candidates who prefer predictable pricing and full content access upfront, AnalystPrep’s structure is more convenient.
Both platforms recognize that CFA prep can be isolating and each offers ways to stay supported.
Mark Meldrum’s model includes comment sections under videos and limited ask-an-instructor interactions. The community aspect mostly happens in external groups and Reddit forums.
AnalystPrep provides dedicated instructor support, email mentoring and an integrated performance dashboard that helps candidates identify their weak areas. The platform also hosts study communities where candidates share tips, discuss challenges, and collaborate on practice problems.
So, while MM’s community tends to live off-platform, AnalystPrep builds it into the study ecosystem, a small but meaningful difference for students who thrive on ongoing engagement.
This is where the AnalystPrep pass guarantee refund adds clear value.
If you complete your course and don’t pass, you may qualify for a refund or free renewal, depending on your package. This safety net reassures candidates investing in long-term prep.
Mark Meldrum, however, doesn’t currently offer a pass guarantee or refund policy once you’ve purchased access. The onus is entirely on the candidate.
On AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum Reddit threads and other finance forums, you’ll see recurring themes. Mark Meldrum earns praise for his depth, passion and teaching clarity, especially at Level II and Level III, where conceptual understanding is crucial. Some candidates, though, find his pay-per-section model cumbersome and prefer a single access point.
AnalystPrep is often highlighted for value-for-money, strong mocks and an adaptive QBank. Many mention how its clean interface and analytics helped them stay accountable. Others appreciate the concise video style, especially when revising closer to exam day.
In short, the feedback reinforces the same pattern: Mark Meldrum is ideal for detail-oriented learners, while AnalystPrep stands out for its all-in-one affordability and practice-driven focus.
So, AnalystPrep vs MM, who wins?
It depends on who you are and how you learn.
Choose AnalystPrep if:
Choose Mark Meldrum if:
Ultimately, both platforms can help you pass the CFA exams. It’s your learning style, time commitment, and budget that will decide which fits better.
Still, for most candidates seeking a balanced, affordable, and all-in-one experience, AnalystPrep tends to deliver more practical value in 2025.
Is Mark Meldrum cheaper than AnalystPrep in 2025?
Not necessarily. At first glance, Mark Meldrum vs AnalystPrep may seem like a clear win for Mark Meldrum since his pay-per-section model starts as low as USD 65. However, when you factor in all sections across Levels I, II, and III, plus optional mock exams and renewals, the total cost often rises above the AnalystPrep CFA price 2025. AnalystPrep’s bundled packages offer complete access to videos, question banks, and mocks for one predictable price per level, a structure that generally provides better overall value.
Does Mark Meldrum include full mock exams with pay-per-section?
Typically not. Candidates who choose the Mark Meldrum pay-per-section model usually get lecture videos and EOC-style questions, but not full mock exams. These are available only in full-level or premium packages. By contrast, AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum mock exams comparison favors AnalystPrep. Each level includes five full-length CBT mocks that simulate real exam conditions, complete with performance analytics and detailed solutions. This makes AnalystPrep’s offering far more comprehensive for those who want hands-on, exam-style practice.
Which platform has more practice questions and mock exams?
When comparing AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum question banks, AnalystPrep clearly leads in both volume and analytics. You get 4,000+ questions per level, varied by difficulty, with instant rationales and topic performance tracking. Mark Meldrum offers about 2,000–2,500 questions, often structured around his lecture content. Similarly, in the AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum mock exams comparison, AnalystPrep provides five complete mocks per level, while Mark Meldrum offers two or three depending on the package.
How do the video lessons compare across CFA Levels I, II, and III?
The AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum Level 1 experience highlights the main difference in teaching style. Mark Meldrum’s lectures are long and deeply explanatory, perfect if you want to understand every formula from scratch. AnalystPrep’s Level I videos, meanwhile, are concise and goal-oriented, designed for faster concept mastery.
For Level II, the difference becomes even more noticeable. The AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum Level 2 comparison shows that Mark Meldrum leans into detailed conceptual understanding and long LOS breakdowns, while AnalystPrep helps you focus on key exam triggers and item-set logic through short, targeted lessons.
By Level III, both providers shine but in different ways. AnalystPrep vs Mark Meldrum Level 3 reveals that Mark Meldrum’s in-depth essay question walkthroughs appeal to candidates who prefer structured, narrative teaching. AnalystPrep, however, supports candidates with exam-relevant practice, fast video recaps, and mock essay simulations, which are valuable for last-mile revision and time management.
Which video style suits different types of learners best?
If you enjoy classroom-style learning, in-depth discussion, and slower pacing, Mark Meldrum’s videos are your match. They break down every LOS, walk through EOC problems, and help you connect dots conceptually. But if you prefer efficient studying, shorter videos, cleaner summaries, and direct alignment with exam focus, AnalystPrep’s approach is better suited. This balance of focus and flexibility is why many candidates describe AnalystPrep’s video lessons as both “practical” and “exam smart.”
What’s the main value difference between AnalystPrep and Mark Meldrum overall?
When you look at Mark Meldrum vs AnalystPrep holistically, it comes down to learning philosophy and structure. Mark Meldrum provides immersive, lecture-heavy content ideal for those who learn best through listening and reflection. AnalystPrep offers a more compact, data-driven ecosystem designed to build exam readiness efficiently, integrating videos, notes, mocks, and QBank analytics in one platform. Combined with transparent pricing and a pass guarantee refund, AnalystPrep’s 2025 packages make it a more accessible choice for candidates balancing tight budgets and limited study time.
Your CFA journey is demanding enough without worrying about whether your prep provider fits your learning style. AnalystPrep gives you everything in one place: structured content, smart analytics, realistic practice, and focused videos. With flexible bundles and a pass guarantee refund, it’s built to support you all the way from Level I to III.
The CFA institute postponed the June exams and cancelled the December 2020 exams... Read More
A question bank is a collection of exam-style questions used by thousands of... Read More