Kaplan Test Prep & CE Courses – Overview, Features & Pricing
Kaplan Test Prep, established in 1938, is one of the world’s largest exam prep providers and covers 30+ exams globally.
Quick Facts
Founded
1938 by Stanley Kaplan
Study Format
Self-Paced, Live Online, Private Tutoring
Score Guarantee
Score improvement or money back
Website
kaptest.com
Exams Covered
30+ standardized tests
Free Trial
Free practice tests for most exams
Overview
Kaplan Test Prep is one of the oldest and largest exam preparation companies in the world. It was founded in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan in Brooklyn, New York, and has since expanded into a global education company operating in more than 30 countries.
Kaplan covers a broader range of exams than most competitors—spanning graduate school admissions, college entrance, professional licensing, and certification exams, with preparation available for more than 100 standardized tests in total. This breadth means a student can use Kaplan for the SAT, return years later for the GMAT or LSAT, and again for the Bar Exam or CPA—all within the same platform and brand.
Kaplan is positioned as a premium provider. Its courses are priced higher than budget alternatives but include structured curricula, live instruction options, large question banks, and a formal score improvement guarantee that few competitors match at scale.
Features
The following features are available across most Kaplan courses, though exact inclusions vary by exam and course tier.
Study Options
Kaplan offers three study formats across all exams. The pricing for exams varies, with the MCAT, BAR exam, and professional licensing courses generally costing more than admissions test courses.
| Format | What’s Included | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Paced | On-demand video lessons, full Qbank, practice tests, study planner, mobile app | Independent learners with flexible schedules | ~$450–$850+ |
| Live Online | Scheduled live classes with an instructor, session recordings, full Qbank, practice tests | Students who benefit from structure and real-time Q&A | ~$1,400–$1,850+ |
| Private Tutoring | 1-on-1 sessions with a Kaplan-certified tutor (10–40 hrs), personalized study plan, full course access | Students targeting high scores or with specific weak areas | ~$2,499–$6,600+ |
Note: Prices shown are approximate and vary by exam. Always verify current pricing at kaptest.com before enrolling. Promotional discounts of 10–20% are frequently available.
Kaplan Test Prep FAQs:
What exams does Kaplan cover?
Kaplan covers more than 100 standardized tests across graduate admissions, college entrance, professional licensing, and certification categories. Key exams include the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, SAT, ACT, Bar Exam, CPA, NCLEX, CFA, DAT, and OAT.
Does Kaplan offer a score improvement guarantee?
Yes. Kaplan guarantees a score improvement on most courses. If you complete all required coursework and practice tests and do not score higher on your exam, Kaplan will refund your money. The specific conditions vary by exam—always review the guarantee terms before enrolling.
How much does Kaplan cost?
Kaplan pricing varies by exam and format. Self-paced courses generally start around $450–$850. Live online courses range from $1,400 to $1,850. Private tutoring packages start at approximately $2,499 for 10 hours. MCAT and bar exam courses are among the most expensive offerings.
Is Kaplan a legitimate company?
Yes. Kaplan was founded in 1938 and is one of the oldest and most widely used exam prep companies in the world. It is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, operates in more than 30 countries, and serves over one million students annually. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC).
Can I try Kaplan before buying?
Yes. Kaplan offers a free full-length practice test for most exams. This gives you a baseline score, a diagnostic breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses, and a chance to experience the platform before committing to a paid course.
Is Kaplan worth the price?
Kaplan is worth the price for students who want a structured, full-featured program with live instruction and a formal score guarantee. It is more expensive than self-directed alternatives like Magoosh or Princeton Review’s lower tiers. Students who are self-disciplined and only need practice questions may find cheaper options sufficient.
What is the relationship between Kaplan and Manhattan Prep?
Kaplan owns Manhattan Prep. For the GMAT, Kaplan has merged its course content into the Manhattan Prep platform. GMAT prep is now offered as “Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan.” For all other exams, Kaplan and Manhattan Prep operate as separate products.