Looking to pass the Series 10 exam on your first try? With only about a 70% passing rate, you can’t afford to study the wrong way. A study course can make all the difference by offering practice exams, video lectures, adaptive learning, and live instruction tailored to your learning style.
I reviewed the best Series 10 prep courses, including SIA, STC, and Kaplan, to determine which ones deliver high-quality study materials, on-demand video tutorials, mobile app access, and customizable quizzes. My goal was to find the Sie exam prep course that offers the best chance of passing.
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What Each Series 10 Prep Course Does Best
Securities Institute of America – Best for Self-Paced Mastery
Securities Training Corporation – Best for Structured Guidance
Kaplan – Best for Traditional Study Options
Securities Institute of America – Best for Self-Paced Learners
SIA’s Series 10 prep course stands out for its balance of structure and control. I found that the content flowed naturally from chapter to chapter, and I appreciated the combination of the printed textbook and video lectures as an effective way to maintain momentum. The built-in ExamPlan calendar removes the guesswork from scheduling, while the custom quiz builder lets you drill into weak areas without limits. It’s especially helpful if you prefer to self-pace, but it is also beneficial along the way.
With SIA series 10 prep, you can choose from three packages: the Complete Self-Study Solution, the Video Class Package, or the Textbook + Test Bank combo. Every option is good, but if I were studying for the Series 10, I would definitely go with the Complete package. I love that the Greenlight Exam, which I’ve found to be one of the most reliable final checks I’ve seen for real exam readiness, makes SIA a smart choice if you want a course that flexes around a more flexible schedule without sacrificing depth.
Key Features
- Course Format: On-demand, self-paced
- Adaptive Learning Technology: Personalized ExamPlan calendar
- Number of Practice Questions: Unlimited, with a custom quiz generator
- Video Lectures: 20+ hours of studio-quality content
- Pass or Money-Back Guarantee: Available through Greenlight Exam
Packages
- Series 10 Complete Self-Study Solution ($$$): Get the textbook and video lessons together, plus exclusive bonuses like use of SIA’s AI review tool.
- Series 10 Textbook and Exam Prep Software ($$): Save a bit of money off the complete solution if you’re only after the written materials and practice tools.
- Series 10 Complete Video Package ($): If you learn best from video lessons and don’t need much else, this is your package.
Course Discount
No Discounts on SIA when you enroll through the partner link. This offer applies to all Series 10 packages, including the Complete Self-Study Solution.
Pros
- Unlimited Quizzes: I liked being able to target weak spots with custom sets anytime
- Video Lectures: studio-grade lessons that paired smoothly with each textbook chapter
- Textbook Included: I found it helpful to switch between the print and digital versions
- Study Calendar: kept me on track without having to overthink scheduling
- Greenlight Exam: gave me a clear, confidence-boosting read on test readiness
Cons
- No Live Instructor Support; all feedback and pacing is self-guided and best for independent learners
What real people have to say
“I can’t say enough good things about the Securities Institute of America. Their study plan was incredibly well-structured, easy to follow, and packed with everything I needed to succeed.”
Trust pilot user.
Bottom Line
If you’re a self-motivated learner who prefers complete control over your study schedule, SIA’s Series 10 course is an excellent pick. The custom quiz builder was one of the most valuable tools I tested. The Greenlight Exam gave me a strong indicator of test readiness, which made it easier to feel confident about moving forward.
However, this course doesn’t offer live instruction or real-time support. If you learn best through direct interaction or need structured guidance from instructors, STC’s Premier Plus package might be a better fit.
Securities Institute of America
Securities Training Corporation – Best for Instructor Access
STC’s Series 10 course is a strong pick for anyone who prefers guided prep with expert access. During testing, the instructor hotline stood out; responses came quickly and were genuinely helpful for clarifying tough topics. The Crunch Time guide was another highlight, offering a clean, focused review that’s especially useful in the final days before the exam.
STC places a greater emphasis on structure than on flexibility. As I tested out the course, the built-in study calendar, diagnostic tests, and live class options helped keep everything on track.
I like the fact that they offer different packages that include Standard (manual, videos, practice tests), Premier (adds Q&A access), and Premier Plus, which includes live classes and the instructor hotline. For learners who want steady support and a clear path, STC delivers.
Key Features
- Course Format: Live classes, on-demand, or hybrid (Premier Plus)
- Adaptive Learning Technology: Structured study calendar with readiness tracking
- Number of Practice Questions: 3,000+
- Video Lectures: 15+ hours of topic-specific instruction
- Mobile-Friendly App; Easily accessible and flexible for those on the go
- Pass or Money-Back: Available with the Greenlight guarantee Exam
Packages
- Series 10 Premier Plus ($$$): This one includes everything in the other two packages, but adds the live online classes and recordings.
- Series 10 Premier ($$): Compared to the Standard Package, the Premier includes progress and green light exams, on-demand videos, and digital flashcards, backed by the STC Pass Guarantee.
- Series 10 Standard ($): STC’s lightest package, the Standard focuses on study manuals, practice tools, and instructor hotline access.
Course Discount
Save 15% on STC’s Series 10 Premier and Premier Plus packages. Take advantage of this deal to access live instruction and instructor support.
Pros
- Instructor Hotline: I liked how quickly I got responses from Series 10 experts
- Live and Recorded Class Access: flexibility to learn in real-time or on your schedule
- Crunch Time Guide: helpful for tightening up weak areas right before the exam
- Greenlight and Diagnostic Tests: I liked that this gives a solid benchmark for where you stand
- Structured Pacing: the built-in plan helped me stay consistent without stressing over what to do next
Cons
- No Custom Quizzes: less flexibility than SIA when targeting specific weak areas
- Higher Pricing Tiers: especially noticeable if you want access to live classes and full support
Bottom Line
STC is ideal for individuals who benefit from live instruction and expert guidance. I found the personal support incredibly valuable when clarifying tricky concepts. The structured format, combined with features like the Crunch Time guide and responsive instructor hotline, creates a strong safety net throughout your prep. For flexible testing tools, though, SIA still leads.
One Reddit User claimed, “I used STC – probably 90% of my studying was spent taking (and retaking) those quizzes + copying down any explanations they provide for the answers. I passed the real exam after.”
Securities Training Corporation
Kaplan – Best for Traditional Materials and Live Classes
Kaplan’s Series 10 prep feels familiar, with printed textbooks, video lectures, and live class options that suit students who prefer a guided, classroom-style experience. I appreciated how the calendar kept everything organized, and the textbook explanations were among the most thorough I reviewed. The content depth stood out, especially for more complex topics. I also appreciated the Greenlight Exam feature, which provided a clear indication of when I was ready to take the test.
There’s a lot to work with here, from practice exams to checkpoint quizzes, and the platform never felt thin or repetitive. Packages include Basic, Essentials, and Premium, with Premium offering live instruction and instructor access. If you want structure and a full library of study tools, Kaplan delivers.
Course Features
- Learning Format: Live classes, on-demand access, or hybrid structure
- Study Tools: Integrated calendar and performance tracking system
- Practice Bank: 2,500+ questions with unlimited full-length exams
- Video Library: 20+ hours of high-quality recorded instruction
- Mobile Access: Fully optimized for studying on phone or tablet
- Pass Guarantee: Money-back offer tied to Greenlight Exam readiness
Packages
- Series 10 Premium Package (Live or On-Demand) ($$$): This includes everything, adding the live online course feature, class notes, and InstructorLink™.
- Series 10 Essential Package ($$): In contrast to the Basic Package, this one also includes additional practice exams and videos to bookend each chapter.
- Series 10 Basic Package ($): Living up to its name, the Basic Package offers just the must-haves: the question bank, License Exam Manual, study plan, and progress tracking tools.
Is Kaplan worth it? What real people say:
One Reddit User claimed, “Kaplan is worth it. I just used the textbook and Qbank as mentioned above. As far as prep time, that depends on how much understanding you already have of the industry.”
Pros
- Printed and Digital Books: excellent for traditional learners who like flipping through real pages
- Live Class Options: attend scheduled sessions or catch up with on-demand recordings
- Detailed Study Planner: helped me pace my review consistently across several weeks
- Test Readiness Tools: the Greenlight and checkpoint exams gave me solid benchmarks throughout prep
Cons
- Most Expensive Provider: especially if you choose the Premium tier with all the extras
- Less Adaptive Technology: I found that it is not as modern as STC’s innovative quiz system
- Overwhelming For Some: so many materials that it can take effort to stay focused
Bottom Line
Kaplan is a good match for students who prefer a full suite of study tools, especially if you’re used to textbook-based learning. It delivers on substance but lacks some of the simplicity and personalization you get from SIA. The printed materials are thorough, and the class options both live and recorded add flexibility without feeling overwhelming. I also found the checkpoint quizzes helpful for breaking up the larger topics and maintaining steady progress.
Kaplan
ExamFX – Best for Deep Self-Study
ExamFX is a little like the on-demand, self-study version of Kaplan. Though you’re not getting the same level of brand-name reputation, you are getting a large content library, including over 21 hours of video lessons and a 355-page textbook. Plus, with highly personalized exam generation, you can target your learning to the areas where you need the most improvement. I liked knowing that, thanks to the performance and progress tracking and personal study calendar, it was extremely easy to pinpoint exactly where to spend my hours.
Further, I also really enjoyed digging into tools like ExamFX’s digital flashcard sets, which were quick and easy to use to practice key terminology I came across in the texts, videos, and glossary. And the quality of both the videos and practice questions was particularly high, with in-depth answer explanations. Overall, though everything wasn’t perfect, I enjoyed my experience with ExamFX.
Key Features
- Learning Format: On-demand, self-paced courses only
- Study Tools: 355-page book covering 14 chapters, bonus tools
- Practice Bank: Unlimited custom-generated exams
- Video Library: 21+ video lecture hours
Packages
- Online Course Package ($$): In addition to the Textbook Package contents, students who want comprehensive training can grab video lessons, the ebook version of the physical textbook, flashcards, more exams, and extra support channels.
- Textbook Package ($): Perfect for reading-style learners, you can get the hard copy textbook, custom exams, phone support, and most of the bonus tools.
Course Discount
Save 20% on ExamFX’s Series 10 exam prep packages, whether you choose the Textbook Package or Online Course Package.
Save Up to 20% on ExamFX Securities Review Courses
What Real People Are Saying
One reviewer left a five-star rating with this entry on Trustpilot, “ExamFx was the reason I passed my Series 65. I felt so prepared walking into my exam.”
Pros
- Personalized study plan: get a custom plan modeled after your schedule and needs
- Direct instructor support: contact instructors through phone and online messaging
- Updates and tracking: access frequent content updates and progress/performance tracking
Cons
- On the expensive side: not sky-high, but definitely not cheap
- No guarantee to pass: you’re not promised a refund if you fail the Series 10
- Lacks live instruction: not the best fit for candidates who value real-time feedback
Bottom Line
Ultimately, ExamFX is a solid option for a wide number of students, but you’ll especially appreciate what they have to offer if you want a more budget-friendly Kaplan: depth, but on your own terms. While it’s a little pricey and you don’t have a pass guarantee to keep you grounded, the large content library might be worth your consideration regardless.
ExamFX
Knopman Marks – Best for Instructor Guidance
Knopman Marks feels more like a mentorship program than a standard Series 10 course. From the initial onboarding call, the experience is highly structured, with a personalized study plan and regular check-ins that keep you accountable. I appreciated the classroom-style format and found both the printed and digital materials to be well done, particularly the clean layout of the video library.
The course includes an onboarding call, textbooks in both digital and print formats, mobile-friendly access with an offline mode, and benchmark exams to track progress and readiness. I appreciated the consistent support, although I did miss the flexibility to create custom quizzes, as I had with SIA. It’s a polished, supportive option for those who want hands-on guidance, but it comes at a higher price without a refund policy.
Key Features
- Course Format: Personalized onboarding call, weekly faculty check-ins, and full access to on-demand video lectures and digital textbooks
- Content Quality: Industry-leading book and video lectures updated for 2024
- Practice Tools: Extensive, customizable question bank and benchmark exams mirror the real test
- Analytics-Driven: Data-driven performance monitoring flags when intervention is needed
Packages
- Series 10 Exam Prep Package ($$$): Knopman Marks offers just one package with a premium price, including video lectures, practice questions, and high-touch support from faculty members.
Pros
- Multi-Format Materials: includes print, digital, and mobile access for flexible studying
- Engaging Video Content: polished, clear walkthroughs that made complex topics easier to grasp
- Benchmark Testing: helpful for checking readiness at each stage of your prep
Cons
- High Price Point: more costly than most competitors
- No Pass Guarantee: you will get no refund if you don’t pass
- No Custom Quizzes: limited self-guided practice option
Bottom Line
If you want accountability and the feel of being part of a cohort, Knopman Marks excels. I appreciate that they offer onboarding calls and weekly faculty check-ins. The materials were polished, and the structured pacing helped eliminate decision fatigue during study sessions. That said, there’s no pass guarantee, which stands out considering SIA and STC both offer one. It also lacks the flexibility of building your own quizzes or adapting the schedule freely, so it’s not suited for learners who prefer structure over customization.
Knopman Marks
Pass Perfect – Best for Heavy Exam Simulation
The Pass Perfect Series 10 prep course is great for students who learn best through repetition and realistic exam prep. From the start, the platform emphasizes practice-heavy learning, and I found the simulation exams to be some of the most challenging and accurate representations of the real test. The question bank is extensive, and the final review ties together everything you’ve studied in a way that really tests your retention. I especially liked how the score tracking tools clearly flagged weak areas and made it easy to adjust along the way.
There are three package options: the digital textbook and test bank, another that adds live virtual review sessions, and the Complete package, which combines both for a more immersive experience. If you’re confident with self-study but want access to optional live support, this format hits the right balance.
Key Features
- Course Format: Online self-paced with optional live classroom review
- Practice Volume: Robust test bank with realistic exam simulations
- Content Delivery: Digital textbook and video-based explanations
- Progress Tracking: Built-in tools to monitor scores and performance
- Live Review: Available in the Complete package with instructor-led sessions
Pros
- Live Virtual Review: gave my final prep structure and helped reinforce key concepts
- Progress Tracking: I appreciated the visual score breakdowns, which made it easy to see where I stood and what needed more work
Cons
- No Print Materials: not ideal if you prefer learning from a physical textbook
- No Adaptive Tools: the platform doesn’t adjust to your performance like some others
- No Instructor Access (unless upgraded): direct support isn’t included by default
- No Pass Guarantee: there’s no refund or assurance if you don’t pass the exam
Bottom Line
Pass Perfect is a solid option if you learn best by drilling questions and want to build test stamina. I’d recommend it to second-time test takers or anyone who’s already reviewed the material and just needs exam conditioning. For first-time learners, SIA or Kaplan provides more comprehensive coverage.
Pass Perfect
Other Noteworthy Options
These providers didn’t cut the top best courses, but are still worth checking out for supplemental prep or tutoring:
• Varsity Tutors (No dedicated Series 10 program, but useful for one-on-one tutoring support)
• Mometrix
Which Series 10 Prep Course Is Right for You?
SIA vs STC
Securities Institute of America is great for self-starters who want full control over incredible prep. I liked being able to complete unlimited quizzes and follow a clean, structured study plan at my own pace. STC, on the other hand, is better if you want real-time guidance. SIA is more flexible, but STC wins on support.
Bottom line: SIA is better for self-paced prep, STC wins on structure and help.
STC vs Kaplan
Securities Training Corporation shines with its strong support system and clear pacing. I found the personal instructor especially useful during tougher sections. Kaplan gives you more variety, printed books, live or on-demand classes, and checkpoint quizzes.
Bottom line: STC is best suited for guided learners, while Kaplan is ideal for traditional classroom-style preparation.
Kaplan vs SIA
SIA and Kaplan both offer solid Series 10 prep, but they suit different study styles. I liked SIA’s custom quiz builder and straightforward dashboard. Kaplan feels more traditional, with printed books, checkpoint quizzes, and live class options that provide structure. I found the study planner helpful, especially when spreading review out over several weeks.
Bottom line: Choose SIA for structure and custom quiz flexibility. Go with Kaplan if you want full-service prep with textbook support and live instruction options.
STC vs Kaplan
STC is best if you want structure, live instruction, and strong support. I liked the built-in study calendar and how easy it was to get help when needed. Kaplan offers more learning formats, including printed textbooks and on-demand classes, which makes it great for traditional learners.
Bottom line: Choose STC for support and pacing. Pick Kaplan if you prefer print materials and flexible class options.
Knopman Marks vs SIA
Knopman Marks is great if you want structure and accountability. Weekly check-ins and an onboarding call help keep you on track. The materials feel polished, and the support adds a classroom-like feel. SIA is better for independent learners. I liked the custom quizzes and how easy it was to follow my own study pace.
Bottom line: Knopman Marks suits group learners; SIA is ideal for solo prep with more control.
Final Verdict
No two Series 10 candidates study the same way, which is why choosing the right prep course matters. After personally testing each of these platforms, I noticed how much the learning format and feature depth impacted my ability to stay focused. Tools like adaptive quizzes and visual score tracking made a big difference in identifying where to spend my time.
If you’re someone looking for maximum flexibility and tools that adapt to your pace, Securities Institute of America is an excellent choice. For students who prefer structure and hands-on help, Securities Training Corporation stands out with its instructor hotline and live class options. If you want a complete blend of print materials, recorded sessions, and classroom-style pacing, Kaplan offers one of the most comprehensive packages. Or, if you want a “lite” version of Kaplan, ExamFX could be a great option.
Take one step closer to passing the Series 10 exam.
FAQs
Plan to spend 60–100 hours, depending on your pace.
Yes, and you must be sponsored by a FINRA firm.
Most people take it at a Prometric center, although some online options are available.
Yes, after a short waiting period.
Not mandatory, but they significantly increase your odds of passing.
