Learning Styles
I'm a Visual Learner - Which Series 65 Course is Best?
Compare video hours, animations, and visual features across all major prep providers to find the best fit for how you learn.
Last updated: February 2, 2026
Quick Summary for Visual Learners
Most Video Hours
STC and Kaplan offer 12 hours each. Knopman Marks offers up to 30 hours.
Best Animations
Pass Perfect's animated videos are unique. No other provider offers this format.
Best Visual Tracking
Achievable shows strength by section visually with adaptive learning.
Only Mobile App
Knopman Marks has the only iOS app for video on-the-go.
What Visual Learners Actually Need
Visual learners process information best when they can see it. Reading dense textbook chapters or listening to audio-only content often leads to zoning out and poor retention. If this sounds like you, choosing the right prep course matters.
Here is what visual learners should look for in a Series 65 prep course:
Must-Haves
- ✓ Video content: Lectures, explainers, or animations
- ✓ Visual progress tracking: See where you are strong or weak
- ✓ Diagrams and charts: Concepts illustrated visually
Nice-to-Haves
- + Mobile app: Watch videos on your commute
- + Flashcards: Quick visual recall practice
- + Animations: Concepts that come alive
Video Hours Comparison
Video content is the foundation of visual learning. Here is how each provider stacks up on video hours and format.
| Provider | Video Hours | Format | Included In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achievable | 40+ videos | Explainer videos with narration | All tiers ($199) | Adjustable playback speed, bonus content, audio available for commutes |
| Knopman Marks | 9 to 30 hours | Faculty-led lectures | All tiers ($395 to $1,020) | Only provider with iOS mobile app for video access |
| STC | 12 hours | On-demand video lectures | Premier tier+ ($247+) | 1,500+ organized flashcards included. Mobile app deprecated in 2025. |
| Kaplan | 12 hours | On-demand video lectures | Premium OnDemand tier ($289) | Industry-standard lectures, limited visual features beyond video |
| Pass Perfect | Supplemental | Animated videos (unique) | All tiers ($179 to $359) | Signature animated explanations. Fewer total hours but engaging format. |
| Training Consultants | Included | On-demand lectures | All tiers ($240 to $375) | Hours not specified. Textbook-focused approach overall. |
Pro tip: More video hours does not always mean better. Pass Perfect has fewer hours but highly engaging animated content. Consider the format (lecture vs animated vs explainer) alongside the total hours.
Visual Features Comparison
Beyond video hours, visual learners benefit from animations, progress tracking, flashcards, and mobile apps. Here is how each provider supports visual learning.
Pass Perfect
Animated video explanations
The only provider with true animated videos. Complex concepts come alive through visual storytelling rather than talking-head lectures.
Achievable
Visual strength tracking
See exactly where you are strong and weak through visual progress indicators. The adaptive system targets your weak areas automatically.
STC
1,500+ organized flashcards
The largest flashcard library in the industry. Visual learners can flip through cards organized by topic for quick review.
Knopman Marks
iOS AppiOS mobile app
The only provider with a native mobile app. Watch video lectures on your commute without needing a browser.
Kaplan
Large question bank
4,230 questions with progress tracking. Strong on practice, but limited visual features beyond lecture videos.
Training Consultants
Textbook-first approach
Traditional study materials. Better suited for reading-focused learners than visual learners.
Mobile Learning for Visual Learners
If you plan to study during commutes or on the go, mobile access matters. Here is the reality.
Best Mobile Options
- Knopman Marks (iOS App)
The only provider with a native mobile app. Watch video lectures offline, access flashcards, and track progress. Note: practice questions are web-only.
- Achievable (Mobile-Friendly Web)
Adjustable-speed narration works well for commute listening. Visual progress tracking accessible on any device. No offline mode.
Mobile Limitations
- STC (App Deprecated)
STC discontinued their iOS app in 2025. You can access their materials through a mobile browser, but there is no native app.
- All Others (Web Only)
Kaplan, Pass Perfect, and Training Consultants are web-based only. Mobile-friendly browsers work, but no native apps or offline access.
Best Course by Budget (Visual Learner Picks)
Your budget affects your options. Here are our top visual learner picks at each price point.
Achievable
$199
40+ explainer videos, visual progress tracking, adjustable-speed narration for commutes. Best value for visual learners.
Pass Perfect Pro
$279
Unique animated videos that explain concepts visually. Interactive dashboard with visual study calendar. Great for learners who get bored with traditional lectures.
Knopman Marks
$395 to $1,020
9 to 30 hours of faculty-led video plus the only iOS mobile app. Premium option for visual learners who want extensive video and mobile access.
Provider Deep Dives for Visual Learners
Pass Perfect
$179 to $359
Pass Perfect is the only provider with true animated videos. Rather than an instructor talking at a whiteboard, you get visual storytelling where concepts come alive through motion graphics. If traditional lecture videos bore you, this is your best option.
Why Visual Learners Like It
- • Unique animated video explanations
- • Interactive dashboard with visual study calendar
- • Complex concepts illustrated visually
Considerations
- • Fewer total video hours than competitors
- • Practice questions may be easier than exam
- • No mobile app
Achievable
$199
Achievable excels at showing you exactly where you stand visually. The adaptive learning system tracks your strength by section and automatically targets your weak areas. With 40+ explainer videos and adjustable-speed narration, it is a strong choice for visual learners on a budget.
Why Visual Learners Like It
- • Visual progress tracking by section
- • 40+ explainer videos with narration
- • Adjustable playback speed for commutes
- • Pass guarantee at $199 price point
Considerations
- • No native mobile app
- • Explainer format (not animated videos)
- • Fewer total practice questions
STC (Securities Training Corporation)
$219 to $377
STC offers 12 hours of on-demand video lectures plus the largest flashcard library in the industry (1,500+ cards). Visual learners who like quick, visual recall practice through flashcards will appreciate this combination.
Why Visual Learners Like It
- • 12 hours of video content
- • 1,500+ organized flashcards
- • Strong progress tracking
Considerations
- • Mobile app deprecated in 2025
- • Traditional lecture format (not animated)
- • Video only in Premier tier ($247+)
Knopman Marks
$395 to $1,020
Knopman Marks is the only provider with a native iOS mobile app. If you need to watch video lectures during your commute, this is your best option. They offer 9 to 30 hours of faculty-led video depending on your tier.
Why Visual Learners Like It
- • Only iOS mobile app in the market
- • Up to 30 hours of video content
- • Faculty-led, high-quality lectures
Considerations
- • Most expensive option ($395+)
- • Practice questions are web-only
- • No Android app
Kaplan Financial Education
$159 to $319
Kaplan offers 12 hours of on-demand video in their Premium OnDemand tier ($289). While their videos are solid, the platform has limited visual features beyond that. If your firm is paying and requires Kaplan, visual learners can make it work.
Why Visual Learners Like It
- • 12 hours of video content
- • Largest question bank (4,230 questions)
- • Trusted industry brand
Considerations
- • No mobile app
- • Limited visual features beyond video
- • Basic tier ($159) has no video
- • Only 5-month access
Which Courses Are NOT for Visual Learners
Honest assessment: not every course is built for visual learners. Here are the options that might disappoint you.
Training Consultants
Textbook-focused approach with limited video emphasis. Better for reading-focused learners who prefer dense written content.
Kaplan Basic ($159)
Lowest tier excludes video content. You only get text materials and practice questions. Video requires Premium tier ($289+).
Note: This does not mean these are bad courses. They may be excellent for learners who prefer reading or have different study styles. We are simply noting they are not optimized for visual learners.
Visual Learner Success Story
Recent college graduate at first job
The challenge: "I was using a text-heavy prep course from my firm and kept zoning out. Reading dense paragraphs was not working for me. I would read a section and realize I absorbed nothing."
The solution: "Switched to Pass Perfect for their animated videos. The visual explanations made complex concepts click. I also used Achievable's progress tracking to see exactly where I was weak."
Passed with 76% on my second attempt
6 weeks of focused study
Frequently Asked Questions
How many video hours do I need to pass the Series 65?
There is no magic number. Most visual learners find 10 to 15 hours of quality video content sufficient when combined with practice questions. Quality matters more than quantity. Pass Perfect has fewer total hours but highly engaging animated content, while STC and Kaplan offer 12 hours of traditional lectures. Focus on finding video content that matches how you learn, not just the highest hour count.
Are Pass Perfect's animated videos worth it?
If you struggle with traditional lecture-style videos, yes. Pass Perfect's animations are unique in the industry and explain complex concepts through visual storytelling. They work well for learners who find talking-head videos boring or hard to follow. However, if you prefer structured, instructor-led content, STC or Kaplan's traditional lectures may be a better fit.
Can I study videos on my phone?
Knopman Marks is the only provider with a native iOS app for mobile video viewing. All other providers offer mobile-friendly websites, but you will need an internet connection and a browser. Achievable offers adjustable-speed narration that works well for audio learning during commutes. STC discontinued their mobile app in 2025.
What if I can't afford a video-heavy course?
Achievable at $199 offers the best visual learning value with 40+ explainer videos, visual progress tracking, and a pass guarantee. If that is still too expensive, Pass Perfect's Basic tier ($179) includes their animated videos. YouTube also has free Series 65 content, but it is not comprehensive or organized for exam prep.
Should I supplement with YouTube videos?
YouTube can be a helpful supplement for specific topics you are struggling with, but it should not replace a structured prep course. Free videos are often outdated, incomplete, or not aligned with current exam content. Use YouTube to clarify confusing concepts after your main course has introduced them.
How do flashcards help visual learners?
Flashcards engage visual memory through quick recognition and recall. STC offers 1,500+ flashcards organized by topic, making it easy to flip through concepts visually. Most providers include flashcards, but STC has the most comprehensive library. Digital flashcards work well for visual learners who prefer short bursts of study.
What's the difference between lecture videos and animated videos?
Lecture videos feature an instructor presenting content, similar to a classroom. Animated videos (Pass Perfect's specialty) use graphics, motion, and visual storytelling to explain concepts. Visual learners often find animations more engaging because the visuals directly illustrate what is being explained, rather than relying on spoken words alone.
Is mobile app access important for visual learners?
It depends on your study habits. If you plan to watch videos during commutes or while away from your computer, Knopman Marks' iOS app provides the best experience. For studying at home or at a desk, any provider's mobile-friendly website works fine. Achievable's adjustable-speed narration is a good alternative for commute studying.
Ready to Find Your Course?
Now that you know what visual learners need, compare all Series 65 prep courses side by side. See pricing, video hours, visual features, and read honest reviews.
Not sure about your learning style? Try starting with a course that offers a money-back guarantee so you can switch if it is not the right fit.