LeaPrep vs FTMS for CFA Level 1
FTMS publicly lists 25,400,000 VND for CFA Level 1, reduced to 12,000,000 VND in a bundle. LeaPrep charges 399,000 VND once for all Level 1 content. The gap buys instructors, classrooms and support staff, none of which LeaPrep has. Choose FTMS if you want a taught class on a schedule; choose LeaPrep if you read the material on your own and need somewhere to drill questions.
FTMS is a long-established provider of international finance qualifications in Vietnam, teaching CFA alongside several other certifications, with centres in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Cost side by side
| Item | LeaPrep | FTMS |
|---|---|---|
| List price per level | 399,000 VND for Level 1 | 25,400,000 VND for Level 1; 20,400,000 VND each for Levels 2 and 3 |
| Bundle price | No bundles, one price | 12,000,000 VND per level within a bundle |
| All three levels | Level 1 only at present | 66,200,000 VND list, 36,000,000 VND bundled, about 45% off |
| How you buy | Online payment, immediate access | Through an advisor; most ads route to Zalo |
| Access period | No time limit | Tied to the enrolled course |
Features side by side
| Item | LeaPrep | FTMS |
|---|---|---|
| Question bank | 3,023 questions with explanations | Included, quantity not published |
| Instructors | None; an AI tutor answers at any hour instead | Yes, live teaching staff |
| Vietnamese content | 155 wiki pages and 136 modules | Taught in Vietnamese over international curriculum materials |
| Mock exams | Scored on the real 180-question, two-session structure | Included in the course |
| Other qualifications | CFA only | ACCA, CMA, CIA and others |
Where they beat LeaPrep
- Transparent list pricing published in the advertising itself. You know the number before speaking to anyone, which most competitors in this market do not offer.
- Taught classes on a fixed schedule, which suits anyone who needs external structure to keep momentum.
- A multi-qualification ecosystem. If ACCA or CMA might follow CFA, staying with one provider can simplify both process and price.
- Physical centres in two major cities, so problems can be resolved in person rather than only by email.
Where LeaPrep fits better
- The gap is roughly thirty times even against the discounted bundle price. For most students and early-career professionals that decides the matter.
- No sales conversation required. See the price, pay, start studying within minutes.
- All 3,023 questions are open from day one rather than unlocking with class progress.
- The AI tutor re-explains a missed question at any hour, which fits people who can only study late at night.
- The account does not expire, so a second sitting costs nothing more.
The FTMS numbers are reliable because they published them
In Vietnamese CFA training, prices usually appear only after you hand over a phone number. FTMS is a notable exception: 25,400,000 VND for Level 1 and 66,200,000 VND for all three levels appear directly in public advertising, along with reductions to 12,000,000 VND per level and 36,000,000 VND for the bundle.
That gives buyers a genuine anchor instead of guesswork. It also shows how deep discounting runs in this sector, around 45% on the bundle, so a list price is better read as an opening position than a final one.
What the difference buys elsewhere
The gap between 399,000 VND and 12,000,000 VND is over eleven million dong. That covers a licensed set of SchweserNotes, part of the CFA Institute exam fee, or a reserve against a second attempt.
A useful way to decide is to split your need into teaching and practice. If you genuinely need to be taught, the money is well spent. If you already read the curriculum comfortably, you are paying for a service you will rarely use.
Different sales channels, different buying experience
Most FTMS advertising routes interested buyers to Zalo to speak with an advisor. That fits a high-priced product that benefits from explanation, and many people prefer a conversation before committing tens of millions.
LeaPrep has no such step. You create a free account, work through all of Mock Test 1 for 2026, and decide for yourself. Anyone who wants thorough guidance before buying will find that thin; anyone who dislikes sales calls will find it a relief.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 12 million VND price carry conditions?
Per public advertising, 12,000,000 VND per level applies within a bundle. A single level on its own lists at 25,400,000 VND. Confirm directly, since promotional terms change between intakes.
Does LeaPrep cover Levels 2 and 3?
Content currently focuses on Level 1. If you want a path across all three levels from the outset, FTMS serves that and LeaPrep does not yet.
I work full time and study only at night. Which suits me?
If your schedule is irregular and you often miss sessions, a fixed class timetable goes to waste. A self-paced platform is more forgiving. But if you know you will not keep yourself on track, that timetable is exactly what you should be paying for.
Any charges after the 399,000 VND?
None. It is a single payment for all current Level 1 content, with no auto-renewal.
No card required, no auto-renewal.
Compare with others
Sources
- List prices published in FTMS advertising on the Meta Ad Library (checked 2026-07-25)
- LeaPrep content figures, counted directly from the database (checked 2026-08-04)
Competitor figures come from information they published publicly on the date listed under sources. Prices and promotions change, so verify before deciding.