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How do you pass one of the most technical exams in finance? Choosing one of the best Series 79 prep courses that’s right for you.
This isn’t a beginner’s exam. The Series 79 qualification enables you to work in investment banking and covers complex topics, including M&A, asset sales, tender offers, and financial restructuring. The pass rate is just 73%, so solid exam prep isn’t optional.
As a professional course reviewer who’s evaluated everything from the SIE to the Series 65, I took a deep dive into the platforms designed to prepare candidates for this exam. Here’s what I found: what helps you pass, and what’s just noise.
Which Series 79 Exam Prep Course Is for You?
Pick SIA if you want a quick setup, unlimited quizzes, and a clean interface built for independent learners.
Choose STC if you prefer structured study plans, live review sessions, and access to instructors when things get tough.
Consider Kaplan if you’re on a budget but still want access to a comprehensive study planner, video walkthroughs, and custom quizzes.
1. Securities Institute of America – Best Overall
SIA stood out immediately for its clean design and no-nonsense approach. I like that they offer three distinct Series 79 prep options: Complete Self-Study Solution, Textbook & Exam Prep Software, and Complete Video Package. Each option is tailored to different types of independent learners. Whether you prefer a comprehensive set of physical and digital materials or want to focus on video content and quizzes, SIA allows you to choose a package that suits your pace and study style.
One Reddit reviewer said: “I got a year access to their textbook and eBook, video training classes, test bank, and practice exams. The videos were engaging and clear, as were the written materials. So it was easy to learn and memorize everything. I also really liked their quizzes. I passed both exams on my first try.”
Series 79 Complete Self-Study Solution is their most comprehensive package. It includes video lectures, a printed textbook, practice exams, a 1,000-question test bank, and helpful planning tools, such as a personal study calendar and cheat sheets. This option is best for learners who want a strong structure without live classes.
Series 79 Textbook and Exam Prep Software eliminates the video instruction and study calendar, while retaining the core materials and online tools.
Series 79 Complete Video Package skips the textbook but includes video instruction and access to the full test bank and quiz tools.
What You’ll Get at Each Level
- Complete Self-Study Solution:
Video training (11 videos, 11 section tests), printed textbook (312 pages), 1,000-question test bank, customizable quizzes, unlimited topic-based and final exams, Greenlight Exam, personal study calendar, cheat sheets - Textbook & Exam Prep Software:
Textbook, test bank, custom quizzes, practice exams, cheat sheets—but no videos or calendar - Complete Video Package:
Video training and test bank, but no textbook or calendar
Compared to Kaplan, SIA offers far more practice exams and a better quiz builder, even if the interface feels more minimalist. The Greenlight Exam was a highlight. I took it after completing the core modules, and other students have said it mirrors the real exam closely in tone and format. One Reddit user noted:
While SIA doesn’t include live instruction, it’s an excellent choice if you’re self-motivated and prefer to work at your own pace. I found the dashboard to be intuitive and straightforward, with no clutter or confusion, providing fast access to what I needed. Building custom quizzes on challenging topics, such as private placements, helped me quickly identify areas for improvement.
What’s Inside
- On-demand video instruction (no live options)
- Greenlight exams + unlimited practice tests
- 1,000-question test bank with quiz builder
- Printed and digital study materials
- Dashboard tools and study calendar for self-planning
Overall, if you’re a focused, independent learner, SIA provides everything you need without overcomplicating it.
Pros
- Easy to get started and stay organized
- Customizable quizzes by topic
- Excellent value for the tools provided
- Detailed explanations in every practice exam
- Simple but effective study planner
Cons
- No live instruction or real-time support
Bottom Line
As a reviewer, I found SIA to be one of the most efficient platforms for independent learners. The quiz builder, simple layout, and unlimited practice tests offer clear value without unnecessary extras. It’s ideal for those who don’t need handholding and want a clean, self-directed prep experience.
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation – Best for Instructor Support
STC felt like a premium experience from the start. I appreciate that STC offers three levels of Series 79 Top-Off preparation: Standard, Premier, and Premier Plus, designed to meet a range of study needs and learning preferences.
Top‑Off Standard is a self-paced package that includes both printed and online study manuals, access to STC’s 24/7 instructor hotline, Crunch-Time Facts summaries, chapter quizzes, and final exams. It’s a solid choice for independent learners who prefer to progress through the material at their own pace.
Top‑Off Premier includes everything in the Standard package, plus additional tools like progress exams, the Greenlight Exam, on-demand video lectures, and online flashcards. This tier is ideal for students who want more structure, multimedia resources, and extra checkpoints to gauge their progress.
Top‑Off Premier Plus adds even more support by including live virtual classes (with access to recordings), offering the most comprehensive experience. This is a great fit for students who thrive with real-time instruction and prefer a more interactive learning environment.
What You’ll Get at Each Level
- Standard:
Study manuals (print & digital), instructor hotline, tech support, quizzes, final exams - Premier:
Everything in Standard, plus video lectures, flashcards, progress exams, and Greenlight Exam - Premier Plus:
All Premier features, plus live virtual classes and on-demand class recordings
All packages come with six months of access, up-to-date content, and STC’s Pass Guarantee. If I were taking the Series 79 exam, I would go with Premier Plus. The dashboard was easy to use. I didn’t have to click around to figure out where things were. I could jump straight into video lessons, quizzes, or review materials without wasting time.
I even had a question about M&A deal structures, and an actual instructor got back to me with a clear, detailed explanation that made the concept click. When you’re dealing with complex topics, that kind of quick, personalized support matters.
Compared to Kaplan, SIA offers far more practice exams and a better quiz builder, even if the interface feels more minimalist. The Greenlight exams were another highlight. I took mine after completing the core modules and was impressed by how closely it mirrored the actual exam in tone and format, as other students had mentioned.
One Reddit User said: “I used STC and passed first time. For me, the videos put some of the textbook material in easier terms and applied graphics to better comprehend.”
I should mention that, unlike STC, SIA doesn’t include live instruction, but for independent learners, the straightforward design may be all you need.
What’s Inside
- On-demand + live video instruction
- Greenlight exams + practice tests
- Crunch Time Facts summary book
- Physical + digital study manuals
- Hotline access to instructors
Pros
- Fast, helpful instructor responses
- Structured pacing with built-in review checkpoints
- Greenlight exam closely mirrors the real test
- Crunch Time Facts is a strong last-minute review tool
Cons
- No adaptive learning or AI-based tools
- Higher price point compared to similar courses
Bottom Line
STC consistently impressed me with its structured design and instructor access. From a reviewer’s perspective, this course offers strong guidance, well-timed checkpoints, and reliable support. It’s a top choice for learners who want to follow a well-defined study path with expert backup.
Securities Training Corporation
3. Kaplan – Best Budget Option
Kaplan offers two affordable Series 79 packages: Basic Self-Study and Essential Self-Study. Both include the SecuritiesPro QBank, which enables you to create custom quizzes by topic or difficulty, targeting weak areas and reinforcing key concepts.
The Basic tier covers the essentials like the manual, QBank, and study plan. The Essential package includes customizable checkpoint quizzes, a great feature!
One Trustpilot reviewer agreed, saying: “I liked the way you could customize the quizzes. How you could show the answer as you go, as well as pick ones you either got wrong or ones you haven’t done yet. I also liked how you had slide shows, as well as videos on each unit.”
While testing the course, I also found a helpful Kaplan PDF guide with best practice tips on how to study smarter and pace your prep. It was an unexpected bonus that made the plan feel more strategic.
What You’ll Get at Each Level
- Basic:
License Exam Manual (LEM), SecuritiesPro QBank, Practice Exam, Study Plan, Performance Tracker, Content Updates - Essential:
Everything in Basic, Unit Intro & Wrap-Up Videos, Checkpoint Exams, Midterm Exam
Although Kaplan doesn’t offer live instruction like STC, I found their QBank and study planner to be surprisingly robust. The interface was clean, the printed manual was easy to follow, and I always knew what to focus on next. For the price, it’s one of the strongest study packages I reviewed in terms of self-paced structure and content value.
What’s Inside
- Practice exam + checkpoint quizzes
- SecuritiesPro QBank (custom quizzes)
- Study planner and performance tracker
- Intro and wrap-up videos for each unit
- Printed or digital License Exam Manual
Pros
- Strong QBank with quiz customization
- Flexible study plan and tracking tools
- Affordable for what you get
- Lower price than STC or ExamFX for similar features
Cons
- Limited video instruction
- Support is minimal compared to others
Bottom Line
Kaplan stood out for its cost-to-value ratio. As a reviewer, I appreciated how intuitive the QBank was and how effectively the platform tracks progress. While it lacks some bells and whistles, it delivers steady and reliable preparation, especially for budget-conscious students.
Kaplan
4. Knopman Marks – Best for Structure, Not Flexibility
Knopman Marks offers one of the most structured Series 79 courses I’ve reviewed. The onboarding call sets a clear path, and the dashboard tracks progress with timely reminders. I liked how the video lectures were broken into digestible topics and paired with flashcards, quizzes, and Key Concepts summaries.
Students in the All Access Pass also get unlimited live blended classes and live review sessions, scheduled regularly throughout each month. These sessions add a helpful layer of accountability and interaction that’s hard to find in self-paced programs.
The course emphasizes regular check-ins through preset exams and strategy calls, which kept things moving. The All Access Pass includes unlimited live classes and additional faculty support, but these features are only available in the higher-tier package. Most support is handled via email, which can feel slower than platforms with live chat or instructor hotlines.
What You’ll Get at Each Level
- Standard:
Physical and digital textbooks, curated video lectures, flashcards, preset exams, onboarding call, email-based support, performance tracking - All Access Pass:
Everything in Standard, plus unlimited live classes, review sessions, spiral workbook, and additional faculty calls
One Reddit User said: “I used Knopman. The material was great but their study plan could be a bit better, especially after using Kaplan on the SIE and 63. I wish Knopman had a calendar plan like Kaplan.”
What’s Inside
- On-demand video lectures
- Physical and digital textbook
- Custom quizzes and preset exams
- Strategy emails and performance tracking
- Onboarding session + limited strategy calls
- Optional upgrade with live classes and more faculty access
Pros
- High-quality lectures and structured study path
- The benchmark exam closely mirrors the real test
Cons
- Full features require an upgrade
- Email-based support can feel impersonal
- Less flexible for self-paced learners
Bottom Line
Knopman Marks offers polished content and high accountability, but as a reviewer, I found the platform rigid and best suited for learners in structured corporate settings. The most valuable features are locked behind upgrades, making it less ideal for flexible, solo study.
Knopman Marks
5. Study.com – Best for Light, Flexible Review
Study.com offers a single, streamlined Series 79 course, built around short videos, quizzes, and self-paced tools. I used it for quick topic refreshers between projects and appreciated how easy it was to navigate and study by section.
The platform includes over 800 practice questions, 34 videos, and topic diagnostics. It’s great for flexible review, but not a full replacement for more comprehensive exam prep. No live classes or printed materials are included, so it works best as a supplement.
What’s Inside
- 170+ test-aligned lessons
- 34 short video modules
- 860+ practice questions with explanations
- Diagnostic feedback and progress tracking
- Topic filtering to focus study time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Super flexible and mobile-friendly
- Easy to follow and navigate
Cons
- No live instruction, books, or simulated exams
- Not built for deep mastery or first-time test takers
- Better as a review tool than a standalone course
Bottom Line
From a reviewer’s standpoint, Study.com is best used as a supplemental tool. The bite-sized format, mobile access, and topic-based navigation are great for brushing up on content, but they lack the depth and rigor needed for complete exam preparation. Compared to full-service platforms like SIA or STC, it’s missing benchmark exams, textbooks, and structured study plans. I wouldn’t recommend it as a standalone course, but it could be helpful for extra practice or reviewing tricky topics on the go.
Study.com
Honorable Mentions
Head-to-Head: Which Series 79 Course Is Better?
Securities Institute of America vs. Securities Training Corporation
SIA stood out for its simplicity and speed. I was able to jump in, build topic-specific quizzes, and start reviewing immediately, with no setup hassle. STC, by contrast, gave me more structure and real-time support. I tested their instructor hotline and received a detailed explanation within a few hours.
If you want independence, go with the Securities Institute of America. If you prefer guidance and a clear schedule, Securities Training Corporation is the stronger pick.
Securities Institute of America vs. Kaplan
Both are self-paced, but SIA offers more direct control. I could create quizzes by topic and get unlimited practice without distractions. Kaplan had a better study planner and a more polished textbook, but the interface felt a bit dated.
Choose Securities Institute of America if you want a straightforward prep path with quiz flexibility. Go with Kaplan if you need pacing tools and printed materials to stay on track.
Securities Training Corporation vs. Kaplan
STC gave me instructor access, structured checkpoints, and a high-quality Greenlight exam. Kaplan felt more like an academic course, with a strong QBank, weekly checklists, and decent video support.
Securities Training Corporation is ideal for learners who want expert guidance and accountability. Kaplan works well if you’re disciplined, routine-driven, and looking for a more affordable option.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best Series 79 Course for You?
After testing each course myself, Securities Institute of America stood out for its simplicity and ease of use, perfect for self-paced learners who want clear tools without distractions. Securities Training Corporation offered the strongest support, with structured plans, responsive instructors, and a Greenlight exam that genuinely helped me feel prepared.
Kaplan surprised me with how much you get for the price, especially the customizable QBank and goal-tracking tools. Knopman Marks was well-built but felt overly rigid unless you thrive in a corporate, high-accountability setting.
The best course depends on how you learn, so choose the platform that matches your style. Stay consistent and commit to the process. I recommend starting with SIA or STC, and then considering Kaplan if you need a more affordable option.
Final words? You’re closer to passing than you think. Start your Series 79 prep with confidence by choosing the best course for you.
FAQs
Investment banking, including M&A, tender offers, financial restructuring, asset sales, and fairness opinions.
Most students study for 4–6 weeks with consistent daily review.
Yes. New reps must pass the SIE before or along with the Series 79.
Given the 73% pass rate and the technical nature of the material, a structured prep course significantly improves your chances.
No. The exam must be taken in person at a FINRA-approved testing center.
You can retake it after 30 days. A prep course can help you improve your weak areas before trying again.
