Kaplan Financial Launches First Virtual Class for Series 7 Securities Exam

CHICAGO, August 14 - Kaplan Financial, a leading source of education and compliance solutions for financial services institutions and individuals, is launching new virtual test prep classes for the Series 7 securities exam.

"Test takers at home and at work and can now benefit from the experience of a Kaplan Financial classroom," said Andrea Mainelli, Kaplan Financial's President and CEO.

The virtual exam prep is geared toward both the individual test-taker as well corporate training managers who can help their employees prepare for the exam.

The innovative virtual classes feature Kaplan Financial's test-focused content and leading instructors in a highly interactive and engaging environment. Students will benefit from the experience of a live Kaplan Financial classroom from anywhere they are located.

Kaplan Financial's Virtual Classes offer learners:

• Real-time instruction -- delivered virtually in a highly interactive environment
• Premier exam-prep materials -- to help students follow along with the lecture
• An online Knowledge Center -- providing fingertip access to a comprehensive suite of support resources
• Frequent comprehension checks -- including test prep questions, test tips, and assessments to sharpen test taking skills
• Feedback forum -- with continual opportunities to deliver feedback and comments, including yes/no polls and private or group text chats
• Recorded class playbacks -- providing an unlimited opportunity to review and reinforce key concepts for 30 days after class
• Instructor Chat -- for learner questions during class and access to AnswerPhone 800-number instructor pool for ongoing questions and test prep support

Series 7 virtual classes are conducted for 30 hours over four days. The cost for the classes and materials are $379.

"Our customers expressed interest in virtual test prep to reach learners in remote areas, provide a consistent learning experience, and save travel time and money," said Andrea Mainelli, Kaplan Financial's President and CEO. ""In addition, the interactive, visually appealing features of the course will actively engage students in the learning experience, which will likely increase retention and comprehension, helping them pass the Series 7 exam the first time they take it."

The Series 7 classes are available now. Series 6, Series 63 and Series 66 virtual classes will be available in Fall 2006.

About Kaplan Financial

Kaplan Financial is a leading source of education and compliance solutions for insurance and financial services institutions and individuals, bringing together the leading industry brands, including Dearborn Financial Services, BISYS Education Services, eMind, Insurance Achievement and Schweser. Solutions include licensing exam prep, continuing education, firm element, wealth management, financial planning, insurance designation and compliance management. Kaplan Financial is a division of Kaplan, Inc., a worldwide education services provider and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. For further information, please visit www.kaplanfinancial.com or call 800/824-8742.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP(R), Certified Financial Planner(TM) and federally registered CFP(with flame logo)(R) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

CONTACT:

Jenna Held of Kaplan Financial
312-894-0693
[email protected]