If you’ve been taking steps to build your professional commodity trading career, you know that Series 3 is a big deal. With 120 multiple-choice questions, it’s slightly shorter than the Series 7. But you shouldn’t assume you’re ready to take this exam just because you’ve earned your SIE and top-off.
That sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it?
Fortunately, I’ve done some major digging and found four of the best Series 3 exam prep courses on the market. If you need live classes for accountability, an extensive library of exam-quality questions to boost your confidence, or even an AI study assistant for 24/7 support, there’s a provider who has it. Let’s dive in.
Best Series 3 Exam Prep Courses
- Best Overall: Securities Institute of America (SIA)
- Best Live Instruction: Securities Training Corporation (STC)
- Best for In-Depth Coverage: Kaplan
- Best Study Extras: ExamFX
Course Comparisons
| Features |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149-$259 | $306-$489 | $209-$299 | $240-$305 |
| Discounts | No Discounts | Save 15% | No Discounts | Save 20% |
| Access Length | 6 Months | 6 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months |
| Guarantee |  | |  | |
| Practice Exams | Unlimited | Limited | Limited | Unlimited |
| Live Instruction | | | | |
| Support | Standard Customer Service | Live Class Q&A, Around-the-Clock Tech Support | InstructorLink™, Live Class Q&A | Instructor Contact Options via Calling and Messaging |
| Learn More | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Securities Institute of America: Best Overall
While reviewing SIA’s Series 3 prep course, what stood out to me immediately was how lean and well-structured the content felt. I went through the video lessons and textbook side by side, and appreciated how the materials zeroed in on what actually matters for the exam. The lessons didn’t waste time with filler, and the instructor in the videos kept things moving at a good pace. The platform itself is simple, but it makes it easy to track your progress, retake sections, and dive into weak areas using unlimited practice exams.
The customization options really made a difference. I tried building a few different mock exams—some focused entirely on futures, others on regulation—and the flexibility helped me reinforce specific concepts without repeating material I’d already mastered. The GreenLight Exam was challenging (as it should be), but it gave me a real sense of where I stood. And knowing there’s a full refund available if you pass that internal benchmark but not the actual exam? That’s real peace of mind.
“I passed on the first try! I supplemented with some additional material as well, but I felt prepared and it turned out well.”
u/taxsmartycpa
Course Features
- Money-Back Pass Guarantee
- 14 Videos/Section Tests Across 9 Hours
- 900-Question Test Bank
- 15 Exam Customization Filters
- Unlimited Practice Exams
- 228-Page eBook or Bound Physical Textbook
- Optimized for Mobile Devices
- Score-Boosting Exam-Taking Tips and Cheat Sheets
SIA Series 3 Promo Codes
No Discounts on SIA’s Series 3 prep course, including unlimited practice exams, performance tracking, and pass guarantee.
Pros
- Pass or Don’t Pay: The financial aspect of professional exams can be draining, so I particularly appreciate SIA’s simple money-back pass guarantee.
- Reasonably Priced: SIA’s packages can cost several hundred dollars less than those of their competitors, making them a great fit for thrifty shoppers.
- Helpful Bonuses: You’re getting more than just a textbook and some video lessons. Packages also include an AI assistant tool, a customizable study schedule, and pro tips.
- Simple and Streamlined: The Securities Institute of America takes a more succinct approach to getting exam-day ready, cutting down on study hours.
- Practice Exam Variety: From unlimited, highly customizable practice exams to topic-centric exams to checkpoint exams, there are endless ways to test your knowledge.
Cons
- No Live Support or Instruction: This course is entirely self-paced, which might be a challenge for students who learn better in structured, interactive settings.
- Basic Platform Design: The interface is easy to use but fairly minimalist—don’t expect advanced visuals or interactive dashboard features.
Bottom Line
SIA doesn’t offer live support, and they don’t deliver an eye-catching interface. However, I believe the pros far outweigh the cons. In particular, I think students will love the peace of mind that comes with the low price and pass guarantee, the “quick and easy” strategy, and a library of bonuses to help them learn in a way that best fits their brains. All in all, SIA has a lot to offer, and they should be high on your list if you’re trying to find an affordable, well-rounded way to pass the Series 3 Exam.
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation: Best Live Instruction
When I reviewed STC’s Series 3 course, it was the live instruction that set it apart immediately. I attended one of their online sessions and was impressed by how engaging and detailed it was. The instructor didn’t just read slides—they added context, walked through real-world examples, and opened up time for questions at the end. It made the material feel more accessible, especially for topics that can easily get abstract. For students who learn best in a classroom-like setting, this kind of structure is a major plus.
The course also offers impressive depth with its test bank, practice finals, and Green Light Exams. I ran through several of their practice tests and appreciated how the question style closely mirrored what’s seen on actual exams. The Crunch Time Facts and flashcards are useful, especially near the end of your prep when you’re focusing on retention. Between the live instruction and support from the Instructor Hotline, it’s one of the most “hands-on” prep options I’ve tested.
“I only used STC for the SIE and didn’t read the book, just watched the videos and did the 8 practice finals and the 2 greenlights and was extremely prepared for the real thing and found it way easier than expected.”
u/carinsum
Course Features
- STC Pass Guarantee
- 6+ Hours of On-Demand Video Lessons
- 10+ Hours of Live Online Lectures
- Digital or Physical Study Manuals and Crunch Time Facts
- Customizable Digital Flashcard Decks
- Two Green Light Exams, Seven Final Exams, and Ten Progress Exams
- Instructor Hotline and Live Classroom Interaction with Instructors
STC Series 3 Promo Codes
Save 15% on STC’s Series 3 prep course, including live instruction, full exam sets, and personalized support.
Pros
- Pass Guarantee: STC courses can be a bit pricey, but they stand behind their materials with a pass guarantee. Their confidence in their content speaks volumes.
- Live Instruction: STC includes over 10 hours of live instruction in the Premier Plus package, including the ability to get instant feedback from instructors.
- Lots of Exams: STC doesn’t have unlimited exams, but with nearly 20 unique practice exams (with a variety of use cases) to choose from, there’s a lot to work with.
- Nonstop Support: From all-day, every-day tech support to real-time virtual instruction, STC is one of the more support-heavy options for Series 3 prep.
- Straightforward Structure: No need to worry about what to do next. STC’s high level of structure and organization ensures your only job is to study and click “next.”
Cons
- Limited Live Class Availability: While many STC courses seem to have a wide range of scheduling options for online classes, Series 3 doesn’t.
- Higher Cost: STC’s more complete packages—especially those with live instruction—come at a higher price, which may not work for every budget.
- Dense Material Format: The content is thorough and detailed, which is great for deep learning, but can feel overwhelming if you’re trying to move quickly through the material.
Bottom Line
If you’re someone who needs structure in your study plan and benefits from live instruction, STC could be your best fit. They offer virtual classes backed by a strong pass guarantee, giving you outstanding support every step of the way. Though it comes at a higher price, the live support and thorough resources make it a worthwhile choice for many.
Securities Training Corporation
3. Kaplan: Best for In-Depth Coverage
Kaplan’s reputation definitely precedes it, but when I reviewed their Series 3 course, I saw why it still holds up. The platform is extremely organized, and the structure makes it easy to follow along without getting lost. I worked through the License Exam Manual alongside the QBank and found the content to be comprehensive without being bloated. The practice questions were tough—in a good way. They don’t just quiz you on definitions; they force you to actually apply what you’ve learned, which is exactly the kind of prep that makes the real exam feel more manageable.
The built-in performance tracking is another feature I appreciated. After finishing the checkpoint exams, the system flagged my weaker topics and made it easy to focus on my next round of study. The one thing Kaplan doesn’t include is a money-back pass guarantee, which felt like a miss considering how refined the course is overall. Still, for students who want a no-nonsense prep experience backed by decades of refinement, it’s a strong contender.
“I highly recommend Kaplan’s Series 3 textbook as it had all the information available for what I needed to know and a few hundred practice questions.”
Reviewer
Course Features
- Live Online or On-Demand Class Delivery Options
- A Midterm, Practice, and Final Exam
- License Exam Manual (Digital, Print, and PDF) and Class Notes (Print and PDF)
- Gamified Weekly Study Tasks and Performance Tracking
- SecuritiesPro™ QBank with Time-Tracking and Printable Options
- InstructorLink™ Includes Direct Access to Instructor Q&A
Kaplan Series 3 Promo Codes
on Kaplan’s Series 3 exam prep course, including detailed study guides, performance analytics, and structured review tools.
Pros
- Unbeatable Reputation: Few test prep providers are household names like Kaplan. Decades of experience and a great track record make them a trustworthy choice for students tackling tough exams.
- Reliable Support: Stuck on a tricky concept? Kaplan’s live classes and support system make sure you’re never left guessing, with instructors ready to clarify and customer service that doesn’t leave you hanging.
- Smart Study Tools: Kaplan’s analytics don’t just show scores—they highlight weak spots, so you can focus on what needs work instead of wasting time on what you already know.
- No Easy Way Out: Kaplan’s practice questions push students to think critically, teaching knowledge alongside test-taking stamina and problem-solving skills.
Cons
- Lacks a Pass Guarantee: You’d think a company with Kaplan’s reputation would have no problem including a pass guarantee, but it’s noticeably lacking for Series 3 candidates.
- Shorter Access Period: The average access period is around 6 months, while Kaplan offers just 5. You can purchase extensions, but it’d be nicer to have more time.
Bottom Line
Kaplan includes everything a Series 3 candidate needs, particularly if you need that person-to-person interaction to perform at your highest level and an unbeatable reputation. From engaging live classes to in-depth instructor support, I truly never had to feel like I was “going it alone,” making Kaplan a great choice for extroverts and anxious students who value reliability.
Kaplan
4. ExamFX: Best Study Extras
When I reviewed ExamFX’s Series 3 course, the first thing I noticed was the range of extras built into the platform. The TC Critical Facts sheet, flashcards, and glossary tools made it easy to quickly review high-yield topics, especially during those final days of prep. I also tested the custom exam generator and found it super useful—being able to build quizzes around specific concepts made it easy to focus my review sessions without wasting time on things I’d already mastered.
The content itself is structured for flexibility, which I appreciated. I could jump in for a 15-minute quiz or settle into a full-length final exam without disrupting my workflow. The layout is intuitive and study plans are easy to follow, making it a great option for self-starters. That said, this course is best suited for students who already have a grasp on the material and are looking for tools to polish and reinforce, not those starting from scratch.
“At first I was worried with all of the information in this course that was required to be learned, but it was very informative and helped me pass the licensing exam on my first try.”
BJ Pellecchia
Course Features
- 111-Page Digital/Physical Textbook with 10 Chapters
- Nine Hours of On-Demand Video Lectures
- Four Standard Final Exams and Unlimited Practice Exams
- Phone and Messaging Support From Instructors
- Customizable Study Calendar, Glossary, and Report Center
- Frequent Content Updates
ExamFX Series 3 Promo Codes
Save 20% on ExamFX’s Series 3 prep course, including flashcards, personalized plans, and custom practice tools.
Save Up to 20% on ExamFX Securities Review Courses
Pros
- Awesome Bonus Resources: ExamFX offers a range of tools, like personalized study plans and a virtual glossary, making their packages both comprehensive and pleasant.
- Build Your Own Exam: Want to focus on specific topics? ExamFX’s custom exam generator lets you create exams that focus on the areas needing the most improvement.
- Practice Exam Options: Though it’s a common trend for Series 3 prep, it’s worth mentioning that ExamFX doesn’t hold back with unlimited practice exams.
- Significant Support: With unlimited access to call and message instructors (with quick response times, in my experience), ExamFX is a solid choice for support options.
Cons
- No Promises to Pass: Similarly to Kaplan, there’s a stark lack of a pass guarantee here, which may cause undue anxiety for some students.
- On-Demand Only: With no live classes, some learners might feel unheard by ExamFX’s self-paced structure, which doesn’t work well for everyone.
- Less Realistic Practice Questions: ExamFX has quality practice questions, but they’re not as challenging or exam-accurate as those from other providers.
Bottom Line
I call ExamFX the best for bonus tools, and I mean it: a personalized study plan, a digital glossary packed with key terms, and a comprehensive report center. However, they also offer a lot of helpful support, including a direct messaging/phone line to your instructors, like Kaplan’s InstructorLink™. ExamFX lacks a pass guarantee and doesn’t have the same number of practice questions, but they still deliver a balanced package that many candidates could benefit from.
ExamFX
Final Verdict
Choosing the right prep course makes a big difference, because let’s be real: the way you learn isn’t the way everyone learns. Heck, the way you learn probably isn’t even the same way your friends, parents, or even your siblings learn. That’s why I tried to include a variety of options on this list that cater to unique learning styles.
If you want a balanced prep course that works well for most folks, especially if you don’t want to break the bank, the Securities Institute of America is a safe bet. Looking for something deeper, with live classes and additional support? The Securities Training Corporation might be a better pick. Maybe you’re on the anxious side, and you want nothing less than a stellar reputation. In that case, take a look at Kaplan. Finally, if you’re after bonus tools paired with structured support, ExamFX is a solid selection.
Good luck on the Series 3 Exam!
FAQs
Courses like the Securities Institute of America (SIA), Securities Training Corporation (STC), Kaplan, and ExamFX are some of the best options.
Yes—STC and Kaplan both offer live instruction, with STC being the most focused on classroom-style learning.
SIA and STC both provide high-quality, exam-style questions; however, every course on this list has solid options for serious preparation.
SIA and STC include pass guarantees, which can ease the pressure and offer added value.
SIA is the most affordable full-featured option, while ExamFX offers strong bonus tools at a mid-range price point.
