Top 5 Best CPA Review Courses
CPA review courses are online test prep programs for CPA aspirants. Choosing one of the best CPA review courses is vital to ensure that your study hours and money is invested in the right direction. Nonetheless, you must do a thorough assessment before determining the right one for yourself.
Note that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to picking the best review course. Instead, there are numerous aspects to consider like exam prep software, content quality, number of practice questions, pricing, and student support. Besides, your final decision also depends on your preferred learning style and budget.
In this guide, we have evaluated the best five CPA review courses. So, let’s dig in to know which one serves you right.
#1 – Becker CPA Review
Comprehensive, Reputable, and Experienced!
Brief Overview
With over 60 years of market presence, Becker has become synonymous with the CPA Exam prep industry. The bigwig has assisted over one million students to ace the exam and is backed by the Big 4. Also, over 2900 enterprises trust Becker CPA Review to make their staff exam-ready.
It offers six review course products, Single Course Parts, Advantage, Premium, Pro+, Concierge, and Pro, with flexible payment plans and special discount offers. In addition, it has a mobile app, 8,000+ MCQs, 500+ TBSs,900+ bite-sized lecture videos (190+ hours), 1,500+ digital flashcards, 2,000+ SkillBuilder videos, 12 mini exams, 8 simulated exams, and unlimited practice tests. Becker’s Exam Day Ready℠ toolkit combines adaptive practice, personalized study planning, and AI-powered learning tools to help candidates prepare efficiently.
Becker states that Exam Day Ready℠ students achieve a 64% higher CPA Exam pass rate than candidates using other review providers. The platform offers On-Demand, LiveOnline, and Live classroom learning formats depending on the selected package. In addition, 90% of the Elijah Watt Sells Award winners are Becker students, making it the preferred choice of the top 100 CPA firms.
Pros
- Extensive course coverage
- Customized learning through Adapt2U technology
- “Accounting for Empires” video game
- Practice exams that mirror the real test
- 500+ TBSs supported by 2,000+ SkillBuilder videos
- Flexible format, including live online and live classroom sessions
- Personalized study planner and Newt™ AI assistant
Cons
- No audio lectures
- Relatively overpriced
- Long and monotonous video lectures
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Q#1 – How much does it cost to buy Becker’s CPA review course?
A – The Becker CPA review course pricing depends upon the chosen package. The Advantage package is worth $2,499, the Premium one costs $3,099, and you can buy the Pro package for $3,799.
Q#2 – What is the validity period of Becker’s CPA review products?
A – The Becker Advantage package comes with a 24-month access period. However, you can access the Premium and Pro packages for unlimited time.
Ideal Choice: Ideal for candidates seeking a comprehensive CPA Review course with adaptive learning technology, extensive practice resources, and instructor-led learning options.
#2 – Surgent CPA Review
Revolutionary Technology with Experienced Instructors!
Brief Overview
Surgent CPA Reviews acombines Predictive AI Technology with the ReadySCORE™ exam-readiness indicator to create a personalized study plan based on each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. It is well-integrated with the course to offer a seamless learning experience.
Its Predictive AI Technology continuously adapts your study plan in real time, helping you focus on areas that need improvement while reducing unnecessary study time. ReadySCORE™ predicts CPA Exam readiness with 98% accuracy, while Surgent reports an 88% CPA Exam pass rate and states that its Predictive AI Technology helps candidates study up to 50% less than traditional review methods.
Surgent offers three packages: Essentials, Premier, and Ultimate. The courses include Predictive AI Technology, ReadySCORE™, unlimited practice exams, mobile-friendly study content, up-to-date MCQs, simulations, video lectures, and printed study materials in higher-tier packages. Also, its easy-to-navigate and innovative course design is second to none.
The Study Companion App syncs your progress across devices, allowing you to study anytime and anywhere. Surgent backs its CPA Review with a money-back Pass Guarantee. Eligible candidates who complete the required course criteria but do not pass the CPA Exam may qualify for a full tuition refund.
Pros
- A.S.A.P technology
- ReadySCORE™ predicts your exam readiness with 98% accuracy
- Experienced instructors
- Money-back guarantee
- Audio lectures (with Ultimate package)
- Unlimited access until you pass (eligible packages)
Cons
- Prolonged initial diagnostic quiz
- Extremely short free trial period (5 days)
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Q#1 – Does Surgent offer payment plans?
A – Yes, Surgent brings forth flexible payment plans with affirm. The Essentials costs $145/month, the Premier is $217/month, and the Ultimate pass is worth $271/month.
Q#2 – Can I access Surgent’s CPA review on a trial basis?
A – Yes, you can try out Surgent’s five-day free trial period. It offers you access to its adaptive technology and allows you to know what makes it stand out from others.
Ideal Choice: Ideal for candidates who want an adaptive, AI-powered CPA Review course that personalizes study plans and helps reduce overall preparation time
#3 – Wiley CPAexcel Review
Largest Set of Practice Questions!
Brief Overview
Wiley CPAexcel claims to have almost a million successful CPA applicants, with 9 out of 10 Wiley students passing all four sections. Its FocusME technology, live online classes, extensive question banks, and one-on-one tutoring offer it a competitive edge in the market.
Its innovative adaptive technology analyses your proficiency level to assess the areas for improvement and designs the questions accordingly. The bite-sized lessons, coupled with adaptive review and exam planner, manage your time well and effectively prepares you for the exam.
It has three CPA review package options: Pro, Platinum, and Ultimate. In addition, Wiley has the largest set of practice questions with 12,000+ MCQs, 140+ hours of video lectures, 300+ TBSs, 4,000 digital and 1,000 printed flashcards, along with countless add-ons.
The self-study course with one-on-one tutoring sessions and pre-recorded video lectures is apt for all learners. Its features, like eight full mock tests and upgraded study materials, are why 93% of the surveyed accounting experts are most likely to suggest it as the best CPA review course.
Pros
- Most gigantic set of practice questions
- Advanced learning technology
- Handy mobile app
- Varied preparatory content
- Live online classes
- Unlimited access until you pass
Cons
- No money-back guarantee
- No audio lectures
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Q#1 – Is Wiley CPAexcel a better option than Becker CPA Review?
A – It depends upon your preferred learning style. Both Wiley and Becker have distinctive individual advantages. However, Wiley is a better option in terms of practice questions and add-ons. While Becker has an edge in the case of quality, comprehensiveness, experience, and pass guarantee.
Q#2 – How long can I access the Wiley CPAexcel review packages?
A – All three Wiley CPAexcel review products come with an unlimited access period. Hence, you can use the prep tools of the chosen package until you pass the examination.
Ideal Choice: For self-studying students searching for a flexible course format with an extensive set of practice questions and online classes.
#4 – Gleim CPA Review
Detailed Prep Course at Affordable Price!
Brief Overview
For more than 50 years, Gleim CPA Review has helped CPA candidates prepare for the exam with comprehensive study materials, adaptive learning technology, and personalized student support. Its teaching methodology focuses on building a thorough understanding of concepts that will help you in the CPA Exam and beyond in your career.
SmartADAPT, Gleim’s adaptive online platform, reviews your existing knowledge to develop a personalized exam planner and recommend study materials just like a personal tutor. The course also offers dedicated individual counselors to provide you with support and guidance throughout your journey. Comprehensive mock exams and Final Review resources help candidates reinforce key concepts before exam day.
Gleim offers four CPA Review packages: Mega Test Bank, Traditional, Premium, and Premium Pro, along with flexible payment options. More than 300 universities use Gleim’s CPA Review resources to support accounting education.
Gleim CPA Review guarantees your exam preparedness with a vast number of questions and personal coaching. Each question comes with a brief answer clarification. In addition, it has one of the largest test banks with 12,000+ multiple-choice questions, 1,600+ task-based simulations, 100+ hours of video lectures, digital flashcards, etc.
Pros
- Extensive practice questions and task-based simulations
- Competitive pricing
- Commendable student support
- Audio lectures
- Detailed answer explanations
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Limited downloadable elements
- Too much amount of prep material
- Lectures can be a bit boring
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Q#1 – Is Gleim a good CPA review course?
A – Yes, it is. It has one of the largest test banks with the Gleim Instruct video series, flashcards, textbooks, mock exams, and exceptional student support. Needlessly, Gleim is a value-for-money CPA review course that assures guaranteed results.
Q#2 – Can I use Gleim CPA as a standalone course?
A – Yes, you can. Gleim comes with a comprehensive course with detailed printed and digital textbooks and a large set of practice questions. Additionally, it has audio lectures, a video series, unlimited practice exams, a final review course, and personal coaching sessions.
Ideal Choice: For students who want the most detailed prep course and a personal counselor at a pocket-friendly rate.
#5 – Uworld Roger CPA Review
A Treat for Visual Learners!
Brief Overview
UWorld Roger CPA Review has helped more than two million students prep for high-stakes exams. Candidates who meet SmartPath Predictive Technology® benchmarks achieve a 90% CPA exam pass rate according to UWorld. Its SmartPath Predictive Technology® compares your performance with data from successful CPA candidates and provides personalized performance targets to help you determine when you are exam-ready.
The course offers high-quality practice questions with flowcharts, tables, and educational demonstrations. Moreover, Roger Phillipp’s engaging video lectures have a reputation across the industry. He briefs even the most boring accounting concepts with fun and an unmatched energy level.
UWorld Roger presents three CPA Review packages: Premier, Elite-Unlimited, and Elite-Unlimited+. UWorld also offers Single Section Courses and a standalone CPA QBank. In addition, it has user-friendly software with 9,000+ MCQs, 500+ task-based simulations, and 1,400+ video lectures, ddigital study guides, SmartCards, My Notebook, UAsk™ AI assistant, and unlimited practice exams.
With quality content, engaging teaching methodology, and time-saving SmartPath technology, UWorld perfectly fits the rigorous needs of CPA preparation. Besides, UWorld has been recognized as a leader in education technology with a slew of awards like the Steve Award, EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2020), and many more, making it the toast of the town.
Pros
- Most interactive and explanatory lectures
- Interesting and innovative instruction
- SmartPath predictive technology
- Fully-featured mobile app synced with the desktop version
- Personalizable flashcards with spaced-repetition technology
- Excellent student support
Cons
- Relatively fewer practice questions
- Only Elite-Unlimited package students have unlimited access
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Q#1 – When does my review course duration time begin?
A – Once you purchase the preferred package, the course duration starts only after activation within the student account. So, for example, if you buy a four-part bundle review package, all four courses will be activated at once.
Q#2 – Does my review course package include the SmartPath predictive technology?
A – Yes, it does. SmartPath predictive technology is an integral aspect of UWorld Roger’s learning process. Therefore, it is included in both four-part and single-section review packages.
Ideal Choice: For audio and visual learners looking for a streamlined learning experience.
Comparative Analysis
| Particulars | Becker | Surgent | Wiley | Gleim | UWorld Roger |
| Pricing | $849–$6,349 (includes Single Course Parts and Concierge) | $299–$1,699 (includes Individual Course Parts) | $2,199-$3,100 | $999-$3,499 | $899-4,699 |
| Unlimited access | Premium, Pro, Pro+, and Concierge | All packages | All packages | Premium & Premium Pro | Elite Unlimited & Elite Unlimited+ |
| Best feature | 60+ years of experience | Award-winning technology | Most CPA test prep questions | Exhaustive content | Engaging video lectures |
| Video lecture hours | 190+ hours | 350+ lessons | 140+ hours | 100+ hours | 1,400+ video lectures |
| MCQs | 8000+ | 7700+ | Over 12000 | Over 12,000 | Over 9000 |
| TBSs | 500+ | 400+ | Over 500 | 1600+ | 500+ |
| Student support | 24×7 student support & response within 2 business days | 24×7 student support & response within 1 Business Day (Ultimate pass holders) | 24×7 customer service | E-mail & Phone support | Robust support via chat and email |
| Mobile app | Available | Available (for flashcards only) | Available | Unavailable | Available |
| Final review course | Available | Unavailable | Ultimate & Platinum package | Traditional & Premium package | Elite-Unlimited users |
| Audio lectures | Unavailable | Ultimate package | Unavailable | Premium & Premium Pro | Available |
| Flashcards | Digital & Printed | Spiral-bound for Premium & Ultimate Package | Digital & Printed | Digital flashcards | Only Digital |
| Pass Rate | 64% higher pass rate for Exam Day Ready℠ students | 88% pass rate | Every 9 out of 10 Wiley students are successful | Not official claim | 90% pass rate for students meeting SmartPath® targets |
Bottom Line
The CPA exam is among the most difficult professional certification examinations requiring months of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Thus, you don’t have to make this tedious journey more frustrating by selecting the wrong CPA review course.
Becker has an edge in terms of experience and inclusivity, while Surgent provides an award-winning technology to target only the required areas. At the same time, Wiley provides innumerable practice questions, Gleim offers a detailed prep course at an affordable price, and UWorld has carved a niche with its engaging and effective video lectures.
Undoubtedly, each prep course provider has its unique selling points. So, assess your study goals, learning style, and budget to pick the one with all the required ingredients to ensure a custom-tailored success plan. Best of luck to all you future CPAs!
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