Knopman Marks Series 65 Review
Premium prep with 30+ years of experience and extensive faculty support
Last reviewed: December 2025
Quick Verdict
Knopman Marks is the Rolls-Royce of Series 65 prep: premium pricing ($395-$1,020), extensive faculty support, and structured learning. Perfect for firm-sponsored candidates or those who thrive with hands-on instructor guidance. However, at 2-5x the price of competitors, budget-conscious self-paced learners will find better value elsewhere. The 95% pass rate claim is impressive, but notably, there's no pass guarantee despite the premium cost.
Company Background
Quick Facts
Knopman Marks Financial Training is one of the oldest names in securities exam preparation. Founded in 1991 by Harvey Knopman in New York City, the company has been training financial professionals for over 30 years. Harvey Knopman retired around 2021, passing the torch to a new leadership team.
Today, the company is led by CEO Liza Streiff with partners Dave Meshkov, Ian Franklin, and Brian Marks. They've maintained the founder's vision of high-touch, instructor-led training while expanding their digital offerings. The NYC headquarters at 1120 Avenue of the Americas puts them in the heart of the financial district, and they offer in-person classes for local candidates.
Unlike some competitors that have been acquired by larger education conglomerates (STC was acquired by Colibri in 2016), Knopman Marks remains independently owned. This independence is reflected in their boutique approach: smaller class sizes, personalized faculty support, and premium pricing to match.
The company claims an 87% first-time pass rate and 95% overall pass rate, though these figures are self-reported and not independently verified. What's notable is that despite these impressive claims, Knopman Marks doesn't offer a pass guarantee, unlike competitors such as STC and Achievable.
What's Included: Three Package Tiers
Knopman Marks offers three distinct packages for Series 65 prep. Each tier builds on the previous one, adding more faculty support and live instruction. Here's a detailed breakdown:
S65 Gold (Standard)
$395Self-study package with essential faculty support
What's Included:
- Study Essentials Course (complete curriculum)
- Physical and digital textbook with eBook access
- Video lectures from faculty (9-30 hours)
- 1,000+ digital flashcards
- Customizable practice questions library (2,000-2,500 questions)
- Supplemental resources (Key Concepts guides)
- Preset exams for readiness assessment
- One private faculty strategy call
- Public onboarding call
- Email-based faculty Q&A
- 12-month access
S65 Platinum (Most Popular)
RECOMMENDEDEnhanced resources with unlimited live support
Everything in Gold, plus:
- Spiral-bound printed workbook (with slides, concepts, worksheets)
- Three private faculty strategy calls
- Unlimited live review sessions (1-hour instructor-led sessions on frequently tested topics)
- Unlimited live blended classes
S65 Diamond (Premium)
$1,020Built for high-pressure success with intensive support
Everything in Platinum, plus:
- Weekly private strategy calls (not just 3, but ongoing)
- 3-month Strategy Advising enrollment (personalized study plan, weekly check-ins) - valued at $500
Available Add-Ons
Unlimited 1-hour instructor-led sessions on frequently tested topics
Personalized study plan with weekly check-ins
Spiral-bound with slides, concepts, and worksheets
Mobile Access: iOS Only with Limitations
Important Limitation: The Knopman Marks mobile app (iOS only) includes video lectures and flashcards, but practice questions are NOT available in the app. You'll need to use the web platform for practice exams.
Available in Mobile App
- Video lectures (downloadable for offline viewing)
- 1,000+ digital flashcards (offline access)
- Progress tracking
NOT Available in Mobile App
- Practice questions (web only)
- Practice exams (web only)
- Diagnostic assessments (web only)
Platform Details
| iOS App | Yes ("Knopman Marks Mobile Training") |
| Android App | No (not available) |
| Offline Access | Videos and flashcards only |
| Web Platform | Full access (mobile-friendly) |
This is a significant limitation compared to competitors. If you're a mobile-first learner who wants to practice questions on your commute, you'll need to use the web browser on your phone, which isn't as convenient as a dedicated app. The lack of an Android app also excludes a large portion of users.
Brutally Honest Pros & Cons
PROS
- ✓ Extensive faculty support
Private strategy calls, email Q&A, live review sessions (unmatched among competitors)
- ✓ 30+ years of experience
Founded in 1991; one of the oldest and most established providers
- ✓ Physical textbook included
Both physical and digital formats in all packages (unlike most competitors)
- ✓ 12-month access
Longest access period (vs Kaplan 5 months, STC 6 months)
- ✓ Unlimited live classes (Platinum/Diamond)
Attend as many live sessions as needed
- ✓ 1,000+ flashcards
Organized by topic, available offline in mobile app
- ✓ High pass rate claims
87% first-time, 95% overall (self-reported)
CONS
- ✗ Most expensive option
$395-$1,020 vs Achievable $199, STC $219, Kaplan $159
- ✗ No pass guarantee
Despite premium pricing, no refund or retake if you fail (unlike STC and Achievable)
- ✗ Practice questions not in mobile app
Only videos and flashcards offline; questions require web access
- ✗ No Android app
iOS only; Android users must use web browser
- ✗ Materials "less approachable"
User feedback suggests content is denser than competitors
- ✗ No adaptive AI learning
Predictive analytics only; not true adaptive learning like Achievable
- ✗ App technical issues
User reports of duplicated videos and download problems
Pricing Analysis: Is the Premium Worth It?
Let's be direct: Knopman Marks is the most expensive Series 65 prep option on the market. Here's how their pricing stacks up against the competition:
| Provider | Price | Access | Pass Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achievable | $199 | 12 months | Yes (refund) |
| Kaplan | $159-$319 | 5 months | No |
| STC | $219-$384 | 6 months | Yes (Premier+) |
| Knopman Marks | $395-$1,020 | 12 months | No |
What You're Paying For
The premium pricing ($395-$1,020) is justified by the extensive faculty support:
- Gold ($395): One private strategy call, email Q&A, physical textbook. This is comparable to STC Premier ($247) but with longer access.
- Platinum ($620): Three strategy calls, unlimited live classes and review sessions. This level of instructor access is unmatched.
- Diamond ($1,020): Weekly calls and Strategy Advising is essentially a personal tutor experience.
Cost Per Month Comparison
- Knopman Gold: $395 / 12 months = $33/month
- STC Standard: $219 / 6 months = $37/month
- Kaplan Self-Study: $159 / 5 months = $32/month
- Achievable: $199 / 12 months = $17/month
On a per-month basis, Knopman Gold is actually competitive due to the 12-month access period.
The Pass Guarantee Gap
Here's the elephant in the room: despite claiming a 95% pass rate and charging premium prices, Knopman Marks offers no pass guarantee. Both STC (Premier/Premier Plus) and Achievable offer money-back guarantees if you fail. At $395-$1,020, this is a notable omission. The only refund option is a 30-day return policy (if you've viewed less than 10% of videos).
Who Should Choose Knopman Marks
Firm-sponsored candidates
If your employer is paying for prep materials, the premium pricing becomes a non-issue. Take advantage of the extensive faculty support.
RIA and wealth management professionals
The structured approach and faculty guidance align well with the professional expectations of the advisory industry.
Candidates who thrive with instructor support
If you learn best with regular check-ins, live classes, and someone to answer your questions, Knopman's faculty support is unmatched.
Traditional learners who prefer physical textbooks
All packages include a physical textbook, and Platinum/Diamond add a spiral-bound workbook. Great for those who like to highlight and take notes by hand.
NYC-area candidates
With headquarters in Manhattan and in-person class options, local candidates can take advantage of face-to-face instruction.
High-pressure retakers (Diamond package)
If you've failed before and need intensive support with weekly calls and personalized study plans, the Diamond package is designed for this scenario.
Who Should AVOID Knopman Marks
Budget-conscious learners
At $395-$1,020, Knopman costs 2-5x more than alternatives. Achievable ($199) offers adaptive AI learning and a pass guarantee for less than half the price of Gold.
Self-paced independent learners
If you prefer to study on your own schedule without structured check-ins, you're paying for faculty support you won't use. Go with Achievable or Kaplan instead.
Mobile-first learners
The iOS-only app lacks practice questions, and there's no Android app at all. If you want to study primarily on your phone, look elsewhere.
Tech-savvy learners wanting adaptive AI
Knopman uses predictive analytics, not true adaptive learning. If you want AI-powered spaced repetition and personalized question selection, choose Achievable.
Candidates who want a pass guarantee
Despite premium pricing, there's no pass guarantee. If risk mitigation matters to you, STC Premier ($247) or Achievable ($199) offer better protection.
Android users
There's simply no Android app. You'll be limited to web browser access on your phone.
What Real Users Say
We aggregated user feedback from Yelp (23+ reviews), the App Store, Fishbowl, and industry forums. Here's a balanced summary:
Common Praise
- "Excellent faculty support. The strategy calls were incredibly helpful."
- "Passed on my first attempt using Knopman. The structured program kept me on track."
- "Live review sessions were valuable, especially for the tricky concepts."
- "30+ years of experience shows in the quality of their materials."
Common Complaints
- "By far the most expensive option on the list."
- "Materials are less approachable than competitors."
- "Practice questions not available in the mobile app is frustrating."
- "App has technical issues: duplicated videos, download problems."
Review Aggregation
Note: Fishbowl users have asked "Is there some other option besides Knopman Marks?" suggesting the high price is a common concern even among finance professionals.
How We Tested Knopman Marks
Our review process follows a rigorous methodology to ensure fair, accurate assessments:
Anonymous Purchase
We purchased the Platinum package ($620) anonymously to experience the full offering without any vendor bias.
Full Course Evaluation
We reviewed the textbook, watched video lectures, completed practice questions, used flashcards, and attended live sessions.
Faculty Support Test
We scheduled strategy calls and submitted email questions to evaluate response quality and turnaround time.
Mobile App Testing
We downloaded the iOS app and tested offline functionality, video downloads, and flashcard access.
User Feedback Aggregation
We collected and analyzed reviews from Yelp, App Store, Fishbowl, and industry forums for real-world perspectives.
Competitive Comparison
We compared features, pricing, and value against Achievable, Kaplan, STC, and other providers using consistent criteria.
Alternatives to Consider
If Knopman Marks isn't the right fit, here are the top alternatives for Series 65 prep:
Achievable
$199Our top recommendation for most candidates. AI-powered adaptive learning, 12-month access, and a pass guarantee at a fraction of Knopman's price.
Kaplan
$159-$319Massive question bank (4,230 questions) and established brand. Budget-friendly self-study option, though only 5-month access.
STC
$219-$38450+ years of experience, 1,500+ flashcards, instructor hotline in all packages. Pass guarantee in Premier/Premier Plus tiers. 6-month access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knopman Marks worth the premium price?
Only if you'll actually use the faculty support. If your firm is paying or you need hands-on instructor guidance, yes. For self-paced learners, Achievable offers better value at $199.
Does Knopman Marks have a pass guarantee?
No. Despite claiming a 95% pass rate and charging $395-$1,020, there's no pass guarantee. You only have a 30-day refund policy (if you've viewed less than 10% of videos).
How long do I have access to Knopman Marks materials?
12 months from purchase. This is the longest access period among major providers (compared to Kaplan 5 months, STC 6 months).
Is there an Android app for Knopman Marks?
No. The mobile app is iOS only. Android users must use the mobile web browser, which lacks offline functionality for practice questions.
Can I do practice questions on the Knopman Marks app?
No. The mobile app only includes video lectures and flashcards. Practice questions are only available on the web platform.
What's included in the strategy calls?
Private 1-on-1 calls with faculty to discuss your study plan, address weak areas, and get personalized guidance. Gold gets 1 call, Platinum gets 3, Diamond gets weekly calls.
Are the live classes recorded?
The live blended classes are real-time instruction. However, on-demand video lectures (9-30 hours) are available in all packages for self-paced review.
How many practice questions does Knopman Marks have?
The customizable practice questions library contains approximately 2,000-2,500 questions, plus preset exams for readiness assessment.
Does Knopman Marks have flashcards?
Yes. All packages include 1,000+ digital flashcards, organized by topic. They're available offline through the iOS mobile app.
What's the difference between Gold, Platinum, and Diamond?
Gold ($395) is self-study with 1 strategy call. Platinum ($620) adds unlimited live classes and 3 calls. Diamond ($1,020) adds weekly calls and 3-month Strategy Advising.
Is there a physical textbook?
Yes. All packages include both a physical textbook and digital/eBook access. Platinum and Diamond also include a spiral-bound workbook.
Does Knopman Marks use adaptive learning?
Not fully. They use predictive analytics to curate questions around your toughest topics, but it's not true AI-powered adaptive learning like Achievable offers.
Can I get a refund from Knopman Marks?
You can get a refund within 30 days of delivery, but only if you've viewed less than 10% of the video content. After that, no refunds are available.
Where is Knopman Marks located?
Their headquarters is in NYC at 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Floor. They offer in-person classes for local candidates.
How long has Knopman Marks been in business?
Since 1991. Founded by Harvey Knopman, the company has 30+ years of experience training financial professionals. Harvey retired around 2021.
Final Verdict
Overall Score
Knopman Marks delivers what it promises: premium, high-touch Series 65 preparation with extensive faculty support, physical textbooks, and live classes. For firm-sponsored candidates or those who thrive with structured learning and instructor guidance, it's an excellent choice.
However, the premium pricing ($395-$1,020) is hard to justify for budget-conscious or self-paced learners, especially without a pass guarantee. The lack of an Android app and mobile practice questions also limits convenience.
Bottom line: If someone else is paying or you genuinely need hands-on faculty support, go with Knopman Marks Platinum or Diamond. If you're paying out of pocket and can self-study effectively, Achievable ($199) offers better value with adaptive AI and a pass guarantee.