Quick Look at Best CPA Prep Course Reviews and Rankings

Here are our reviews of the best CPA exam review courses and study materials. Please check them out, so you can stop worrying about which course to use and focus on what matters: passing the CPA exam and starting your career as a Certified Public Accountant today!

Related Articles: Becker Promo Codes, Review of Becker, Wiley vs. Becker, Surgent Pros/Cons, CPA Requirements, CPA Schedule

Are you searching for the best CPA review course to help you pass the CPA exam?

With so many options available, choosing the right course can be overwhelming. To make the process easier, we’ve compared the top CPA review courses based on factors such as cost, study materials, and pass rates.

In this blog post, we’ll provide an in-depth comparison of the best CPA review courses to help you make an informed decision and achieve your goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant

2023 Comparison of the Best Rated CPA Review Courses:

1. Best Overall CPA Review Course: Becker CPA Review
2. Runner Up – Best CPA Prep for Adaptive Learning: Surgent CPA Review
3. Best Price CPA Review Course: Gleim CPA Course Review
4. Best Value for CPA Exam Prep: Wiley CPA Review Course
5. Best CPA Study Materials and Videos: UWorld Roger CPA Review

Here are the best CPA review courses of 2023 to help you pass the CPA exam on your first try and become a Certified Public Accountant.

1. Becker CPA Review Course

becker cpa review

Best CPA Review Course

Endorsed by All Big 4 Accounting Firms

Becker CPA Review comes from one of the oldest and most respected companies in the CPA prep game. They have helped thousands and thousands of candidates all over the world pass the exam. 

Their real claim to fame: They are endorsed by all of the big CPA firms and major universities in the US.

Becker offers awesome discounts and financing plans, making it a lot easier to pay for their Premium, Pro, and Concierge subscriptions. Additionally, they offer the Advantage plan, which is great for CPA studies on a budget. Regardless of the CPA course formatting you choose, Becker’s Adapt2U learning technology makes learning all of the important CPA exam concepts a breeze.

becker cpa course review

How do they do this?

  • A simple user interface with performance-tracking graphics
  • Seamless integration between practice questions and lecture content
  • Machine learning technology to craft unique, optimized study plans
  • Curriculum that emphasizes techniques like spaced repetition and knowledge gap

And, of course, there are their mock exams which are provided with each CPA exam review section.

There’s an interesting aspect to Becker’s mock exams that have attracted a lot of positive feedback from enrolled students. They call it the Becker Bump since it’s common to get higher scores on the actual CPA exam than you do on Becker’s mock exams.

As a result, this is one of the best ways to boost your score on a specific section, such as the notoriously difficult Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) test.

A final reason Becker is our number one pick is their live instruction packages. They just can’t be beaten by any other provider on this list. Their one-of-a-kind study resources elevate the value that comes from this review course, making it worth all its praise!

Features vary depending on the review course selected.

Concierge Pro Premium Advantage
Base Price $5,999 $3,799 $3,099 $2,499
Course access Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited 24-Months
Becker’s Exam Day Ready Toolkit
Becker expert instruction
Becker’s award-winning mobile app
Adapt2U Technology driven, custom practice tests
Live CPA classes
Access to exam success coaches
Printed textbooks
Printed flashcards
MCQ bank
Final Review Capstone with four simulated exams
1-on-1 academic tutoring
50 hours weekly

5 hours
Pass Guarantee(Up to $1,000 back + Back-On-Track plan)
Personalized support team/Success Coach
License Navigator

Becker Concierge Option

Recently, this top provider has developed an innovative solution to help you conquer the exam with ease. Their newest offering, Becker Concierge, takes CPA exam preparation to the next level.

With Becker Concierge, 300 students will have access to a dedicated team of experts and their own personal success coach, who will help them develop a customized study plan. Concierge CPA candidates can also receive up to 50 hours of one-on-one tutoring sessions every week. These sessions which can be used to address any weak areas you may have and ensure you’re CPA exam day prepared.

All of the things listed in Advantage, Pro, and Premium plans, you’ll also get with Concierge. As an added bonus, Becker Concierge includes a one-year CPE subscription and CPE certificate, which will help you stay up-to-date with any changes in the field. This will make you a shoo-in for exam day success and your future career as a CPA. And, if somehow you’re not exam day ready, you’re covered by the Becker Promise.

Let’s break down all of these Becker CPA Review course pros a little further.

Pros:

  • Passing scores coming in at 94%!
  • A comprehensive final review with condensed material
  • Up to 50 one-hour 1-on-1 academic tutoring sessions weekly
  • Practice exams and simulations that closely mimic the real test
  • In-person CPA review scheduling options

Other reasons to choose a Becker CPA review course over their competition include their highly-skilled team of experts who helped craft their massive CPA test banks.

Worried about investing and not being satisfied? If you use Becker’s product and aren’t satisfied with it within 10 days, they’ll provide you with a full refund.

How do you rate Becker CPA Review?

4.5/5 - (4 votes)

Bottom Line

With the backing of all four of the biggest accounting firms, Becker has long been the best of the best. Fortunately, this educational company continually innovates with new ways to help their students pass their CPA exams as quickly as possible. Pulse, their money-back guarantees that if you  partner with Becker, your investment is protected.

Becker CPA Review Discounts & Promo Codes


Becker CPA FAQ

Does Becker CPA Review offer live classes?

Yes! For students who prefer working with an instructor who lectures in real time, Becker’s LiveOnline courses are the perfect choice. Students can ask questions and receive responses from their teachers in real time: something that isn’t provided by many other CPA review course providers.

How can Becker help me save time studying for the CPA exam?

There are two methods Becker’s comprehensive CPA review courses provide to help students progress through their studies and pass the exam in record time. The first is their interactive Study Planner, which highlights key areas for students to study, and the second is an accelerated FastPass option that goes through all four exam sections in just three months.


2. Surgent CPA Review Course

Surgent CPA Review

Best Adaptive Learning Software

Surgent CPA Review is a relatively new course on the CPA prep market, but they aren’t a new company. Surgent has been providing CPE and other accounting study materials for several decades and has now released a complete set of CPA prep course materials.

Their niche: Surgent takes their experience educating elite accounting professionals and applies it to students and CPA candidates.

One of Surgent’s most recent findings is that most of their students are exam-ready after just 58 hours of study time.

This means students that take Surgent’s course can help pass the entire exam faster than it takes other students to pass just one section of the test!

Surgent CPA Review A.S.A.P. Technology

Here are a few things that set Surgent CPA review options apart:

  • Their online dashboard and smart course design is modern and a breeze to use
  • Surgent’s guide includes over 350 video lectures and 7,250+ practice questions with explanations
  • Surgent provides a 3-day money-back guarantee offer for anyone who isn’t satisfied with their system

Big on tech support? Surgent’s Ultimate Customer Service includes unlimited content and technical support with responses guaranteed within one business day. 

So, why not try it out for yourself? What’s there to lose?

Like with Becker, the actual features depend on the CPA review course plan you choose.

Ultimate Premier Essentials
Price $2,999 $2,399 $1,599
Course Access Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
A.S.A.P.® Technology
7,700 MCQs, 400+ simulations, 350+ videos
E-books and lecture study notes
Spiral-bound flashcards
1-on-1 virtual coaching
Printed textbooks
1,000 extra MCQs
Audio lectures
MCQ Bank
Ultimate customer support (within 24 hours)
Excel certificate course

Here’s an overview of Surgent CPA review course’s pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Great for students who like to learn on the go
  • Adaptive technology and digital platform create a tailored study plan
  • CPA review materials with modeled answers to help you really ‘get’ the info
  • A free trial of their CPA exam prep courses exists
  • Surgent’s super speedy support team provides quick assistance to CPA exam candidates

Cons:

  • Quality price point means investing will cost you a little more

Bottom Line

Surgent is the best CPA prep course for students looking to ace the CPA exam and start their careers the right way. The instructors are all highly qualified, and the entire course is backed by top-of-the-line adaptive learning technology, all packaged in a user-friendly and highly compatible format. If you need to prep quickly, choose Surgent.

Surgent CPA FAQ

Can I access Surgent CPA Review on a mobile device?

Yes! Surgent has designed all of their coursework to be compatible with a variety of mobile devices, whether they run Android or iOS. Furthermore, they have a companion mobile app with over 2,000 flashcards available on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Unfortunately, these features are not compatible with E-Reader devices such as Nooks or Kindles.

How good are the instructors at Surgent CPA Review?

Technology aside, an educational prep course is only as good as its instructors. Fortunately, Surgent CPA Review has a fantastic team of experts with ample professional and educational experience to write and teach their CPA review courses. Because of this, Surgent boasts a student pass rate of nearly 90%!


3. Gleim CPA Exam Review Course

Gleim CPA Exam Prep

Most Multiple-Choice Questions and Task-Based Simulations

Gleim CPA Review is one of the oldest review and test prep companies on the market. They have been trusted by tens of thousands of candidates to help pass the AICPA’s certification exam on the first try. There’s only one way a company can stay in business this long: their CPA review courses actually work!

Why do students love Gleim CPA review?

Gleim provides the biggest test banks out of any CPA exam course company. They have also written some of the comprehensive textbooks on the market today. 

But don’t confuse this with boring.

Their CPA exam review course has also been updated with new video and audio lectures that allow candidates to follow along with the materials and make bookmarks and notes during the lecture presentation.

Gleim Features
Access Until You Pass® guarantee 13,500+ questions Expert-led Gleim instruction videos
1,300+ task-based simulations Guidance from personal Counselors Digital and physical books
Accounting expert assistance Access to private study groups Audio lectures and digital flashcards

Because it is so detailed and packed with CPA prep info, Gleim’s course is ideal for candidates who have been out of school for a long time or international students.

Pros:

  • Huge test bank (13,500 questions) and high customer satisfaction rate
  • Lots of free resources available without CPA prep course purchase
  • Free trial and installment plans available for their top CPA prep courses
  • Unlimited access to CPA prep courses once enrolled

Cons:

  • No offline options
  • A mobile app isn’t available

If you’re still not sure whether Gleim CPA review can actually help you pass the CPA exam, they’ve got several free materials you can try. This includes a sample quiz with 40 multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations that mirror the real exam.

Bottom Line

Gleim’s CPA exam prep course has been around for a long time. They offer a bridge between old and new study techniques. If you learn best through audio lectures and physical textbooks alongside your video lectures and interactive schedules, Gleim CPA review might be the best CPA review course for you.

Gleim CPA Review Discounts & Promo Codes


4. Lambers CPA Prep Course Review

Lambers CPA Prep Course

Best for CPA Exam Retakers

Lambers CPA Review has a combination of video and audio lectures that helped them make our list of the best CPA review courses. 

Many companies completely ignore audio as a study format in lieu of strengthening their video content instead. However, Lambers is well aware of how convenient an audio-only lecture is. This is especially true for students who have long commutes or like to exercise frequently.

Lambers CPA review offers:

  • 120 hours of study materials
  • 55 video chapters
  • 4,730 CPA exam questions

The one feature that many students are most likely to appreciate above all others offered by this exam prep course is its guarantee. Lambers boasts that they will provide a full refund to any students who fail to receive a passing grade on their CPA exam twice after taking their course.

Pros:

  • Over 90 hours of video lectures
  • Lessons are broken down into digestible chunks
  • Course tracking analytics help with progress
  • No-limit access

Cons:

  • No CPA exam blueprints or textbooks included
  • Flashcards aren’t a part of their CPA review course
  • The course might feel a little outdated to some

Bottom Line

Lambers offers a unique mix of video and audio lectures, ideal for on-the-go learners. With over 90 hours of segmented video content and a course guarantee, it has its strengths. However, the lack of modern resources like blueprints, textbooks, and flashcards, combined with an outdated feel, may deter some students. Consider the trade-offs before committing.

Lambers CPA FAQ

How often does Lambers CPA Review update?

Once installed, the software for Lambers CPA review will update automatically when changes are made to the exam. These updates will be free to all enrolled students for one year; however, after this period, they will need to pay a renewal fee to continue receiving them.

Does Lambers CPA Review have a mobile app?

Unfortunately, Lambers doesn’t include any kind of mobile app or dedicated mobile support for any of their CPA prep courses. However, students who prefer studying on mobile can work around this limitation by listening to the audio lectures on their smartphone or tablet, in addition to the video lectures, with a bit more effort.

Bottom Line

Try out Lambers CPA Review if you need a little more help on a specific section of the exam. They’ve got great up-to-date study materials that will iron out your problem areas and get you that passing score!


5. Yaeger CPA Review Study Materials

Yaeger CPA Review

Best for Affordability

Yaeger CPA Review is a company that prides itself on providing great customer support. If you purchase a Yaeger course, you will be able to contact one of the presenters almost any time of the day.

Additionally, you will actually be able to communicate with the lecturers and presenters themselves. You can call their hotline and speak to any one of them about your questions, and they will help you understand the materials.

Aside from their next-level customer assistance, Yaeger offers a full premium review course with very easy-to-follow lectures. There are several presenters that explain topics in great detail, so you can follow along and take notes. 

The instructors also review hundreds of multiple-choice practice questions in the lectures, so you can follow along with them.

Here are the features of Yaeger that really help them stand out:

  • Online textbook with video sync, audio lectures, and digital books
  • Access to test bank, quizzes, and exams
  • One 15-minute phone call with Phil Yaeger to set up a personal study plan
  • Another 15-minute phone call with Phil Yaeger to review progress
  • Access to the Yaeger Instructor Hotline

Much like Roger CPA review courses, the Yaeger courses are not unlimited and will expire after a period of time.

Pros:

  • Customizable study planners and study materials
  • Unlimited practice exams with their exam simulator
  • Digital flashcards and audio lectures
  • Affordable financing options

Cons:

  • 18-month limited access
  • Lectures move really fast
  • No in-person/live classes

Bottom Line

If you like the idea of having a customizable study plan and materials, Yaeger might be the best CPA review course for you. Their unlimited practice exams, extra resources, and affordable financing options make it a top-ten contender for CPA prep. However, the limited access and fas-moving lectures stop us from recommending it over other prep programs.

Yaeger CPA FAQ

Does Yaeger offer physical CPA study materials?

Yaeger CPA Review’s textbook is available in physical and digital formats. Their flashcards are also offered in physical format as well as digital; however, the rest of their CPA exam prep materials and study tools are only available in a digital version.

Does Yaeger offer financing?

In the past, Yaeger has offered students the ability to pay their enrollment fees in installments as a form of financial aid. However, currently, the closest thing that Yaeger CPA Review provides to a financing plan is the ability to pass smaller prices for separate portions of their review course that focus on one of the four exam sections (FAR, BEC, REG, and AUD).


 6. UWorld Roger CPA Review Test Prep

UWorld Roger CPA Prep Course

Best for Engaging Content

Roger Phillips, your Roger CPA personal counselor, is notorious for his flashy and flamboyant lecture style that keeps candidates’ attention and focus. So, if you think you’ll get bored with traditional accounting lectures and want something a little more entertaining and eye-catching, UWorld Roger CPA is a good choice for you.

CPA Exam Tip: How to Study Smarter

This prep course is developed around the Roger Method of self-study learning, where candidates watch his lectures, read the text-based materials, and practice the review questions. It includes more than 6,000 review questions in addition to tons of unique mnemonic techniques and strategies.

Best of all is how well these different techniques work with the rest of UWorld’s study materials, including the use of SmartPath predictive technology to create an optimized study schedule for each student.

Here’s a recap of the features of UWorld Roger CPA review courses:

  • 100+ hours of video lectures
  • Digital textbooks and flashcards
  • Hundreds of task-based simulations
  • Customizable quizzes 
  • Unlimited full-length practice exams 
  • Curriculum that maps to the AICPA blueprints

Want to know more about this CPA option? Check out the UWorld Roger pros and cons below.

Pros:

  • Super engaging videos and lectures with a personal guide
  • Cool features like note-taking and bookmarking are integrated
  • Audio lectures and a mobile app are included
  • Customer service and response time are top-notch

Cons:

  • Time-limited access for some plans
  • Roger’s Study Hub isn’t available with all courses
  • Videos are top notch, but other materials don’t compare to other courses like Becker

Bottom Line

UWorld is a breath of fresh air for struggling CPA candidates. Thanks to a unique teaching style, a conveniently designed course interface, and rapid response times for any customer concerns, UWorld Roger CPA Review is a strong offering for anyone looking to pass their exams with flying colors! Just keep in mind that some of their written materials are lackluster and  offers are time-sensitive.

UWorld Roger CPA Review Discounts & Promo Codes

Roger CPA FAQ

What if I experience problems while using UWorld Roger CPA Review?

In the rare event that you run into an issue with the curriculum or the service itself, there are a few ways of contacting and receiving support. UWorld Roger CPA Review guarantees Elite-Unlimited students a response time from a real CPA within a 24-hour window. Alternatively, students with Premier or Single packages can review previously asked questions on their Study Hub.

How long can I access UWorld Roger’s study materials?

The access period for each student enrolled in UWorld Roger CPA review courses depends on the package that they purchase. The most affordable tier provides 12 months of access, the Premier tier offers 18 months, and the Elite tier of Roger CPA review course is unlimited. So, if you choose the Elite option, you’ll have access to your study materials as long as you need them.


While Wiley was once among our top recommendations for CPA prep, its recent acquisition by UWorld casts uncertainty on its future. Given the potential for it to be phased out post-merger, we can’t confidently recommend Wiley at this time.

7. Wiley CPA Exam Prep Review

Wiley

Best for Students with Busy Schedules

Are you busy with little time to spend doing what it takes to complete the CPA review course requirements?

Wiley is an excellent self-study course that focuses heavily on video content. 

Wiley’s goal is simple. They want to help accounting and finance students succeed—wherever they are in their education or professional careers. 

What’s even cooler, they’ve been focused on this mission for over 200 years!

Wiley’s courses feature the following selling points:

  • 2,200+ pages of online CPA exam study guides
  • 20,000+ test questions and simulations
  • Access to a peer study group
  • 24/7 Customer Support

Wiley’s exam planner makes it easy to stay focused over several months of study and provides an accurate picture of when you’re ready to pass your exams.

One of the major draws to Wiley’s CPA review courses is how flexible your study schedule is when you partner with them. Your syllabus is based on your availability and can be tweaked at any time. Thanks to this, it’s easy to complete this course alongside work or school. Wiley will take care of all the scheduling for you!

Introducing Personalized Recommendations

Another great part of this course is the built-in score predictor. This tool looks at the relational data from your lesson outcomes to generate a score range you currently fall in. Wiley wants this tool to be as accurate as possible, so your score range won’t be generated until you reach certain thresholds of course completion.

Basically, they’ll let you know where you stand and how likely you are to pass so you don’t have to spend your time guessing.

Pros:

  • Professor mentoring with online support
  • 12,000-question CPA test bank
  • 14-day free trial for those on the fence

Cons:

  • They drop the ball with some important subject areas
  • Often need to be supplemented
  • Higher price tag for CPA review vs other providers
  • Textbooks aren’t fully integrated with other CPA review materials
  • Recent merger of products leaves things uncertain

Bottom Line

Wiley’s CPA course is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a flexible option to fit their busy schedule. What and when you learn is based on your current level and your availability, and the predictive score ensures that you can take the exam as soon as you’re ready. However, their recent sell-out to UWorld takes away our confidence in the brand and leads us to recommend other CPA prep programs instead. 

Wiley CPA Review Discounts & Promo Codes

Wiley CPA FAQ

Does Wiley CPA let me connect with other students or my teachers?

Yes! Wiley Efficient Learning offers several avenues for you to ask questions and learn extra information. The first is the ask-an-instructor feature; you’re guaranteed a response within 24 hours to any questions you may have about the course. Alternatively, you can check out Wiley’s online forum to see what other CPA candidates have asked about Wiley CPA Review.

How long will I have access to Wiley CPA Review Course?

You’ll be able to access course materials until you’ve passed the exam. Unlike other CPA review courses, Wiley CPA doesn’t attach any strings to this guarantee. They will never cut you off from this course, no matter how long it takes you to prepare. Six months, one year, or two–Wiley is there for you. If it’s still around.


Best CPA Review Course Comparisons: Head To Head

With so many CPA courses on the market, it can be tough to pick the best one for you. Luckily for you, I’ve compared the strengths and weaknesses of some of them to make picking easier.

Becker CPA Review vs Wiley CPA CPA Review

Now that you know the basics about each of the top CPA courses, let’s compare them to each other!

Becker CPA Review vs Wiley CPA Review

Becker CPA Review is built around giving you a customized and flexible studying experience. It does this via its study planner and study roadmap tools. Using these will give you a flexible and competitive study experience.

Alternatively, Wiley CPA has built their courses for studying in short bursts. Lectures are designed to be short enough that you can listen to them during break times at work. Each lecture ranges from thirty to forty-five minutes.

While both courses are good in their own way, Becker has the better overall package. So, if you want the best possible set of CPA study tools, Becker it is!

Take Me To Becker CPA Review


Becker CPA Review vs. Surgent CPA Review

Becker CPA and Surgent CPA review courses both have a very important feature; their use of technology. Even though Becker offers a useful mobile app, Surgent’s course is designed to be much more intuitive. Their short video lectures and dashboard are both designed to be as straightforward as possible.

Not only are Becker discount codes frequently lower than Surgent, they offer more to justify the cost. Whether you’re interested in print textbooks, final review, or just a huge bank of practice questions, this is the better option of the two.

Take Me To Becker CPA

Take Me To Surgent CPA Review


Becker CPA Review versus UWorld Roger CPA Review

UWorld Roger and Becker CPA Review both approach teaching in very different ways. Becker’s online CPA program offers a wide range of qualified professionals and a massive support team, while Roger’s courses and lectures focus on just one instructor: Roger himself. This is done so that students will always work with the same teacher, making the course feel like a real life college course. All of Roger Philip’s lectures are engaging thanks to his excited and involved delivery. While he is a great teacher, I actually prefer seeing different styles of teaching from Becker’s variety of teaching.

Roger is a good option at a lower price tag, but if you can afford Becker I would recommend choosing them due to their high quality study material.

Take Me To Becker CPA


Gleim CPA Review vs. Wiley CPA CPA Review

Wiley CPA and Gleim CPA Review both offer a wide range of exam content. Gleim and Wiley each offer massive amounts of test questions (10,000 and 12,000 respectively). Additionally, Wiley’s questions come directly from old CPA exams so you can be sure what you’re seeing is what will be on the test. On the other hand, Gleim’s question types are more varied and can appear as MCQ tests, true/false questions, or task-based simulations.

Unfortunately, Gleim’s CPA review books tend to be pretty unwelcoming to beginners. This is due to their books being filled with technical jargon that may lead to information overload. Still, Gleim offers the largest bank of practice questions and TBS out of any course provider, giving them the win.

Read Gleim Vs. Wiley Article


Top-Rated Supplemental CPA Review Study Materials

Although all of the courses that we listed above are great, sometimes the course that is right for you doesn’t have one key feature that you wish it included. Don’t worry. There are a ton of different supplemental study materials that you can use to add on to your CPA prep course to make sure it has everything you need to pass. The most popular supplements are test banks, mobile apps, flashcards, cram courses, and audio lectures.

Let’s talk about each of these and look at why you should consider buying them. Keep in mind that purchasing supplements from a company other than your main review course can be a good thing. As a result, it gives you a different perspective and a better variety of materials.


Best CPA Review Test Bank

Practicing multiple-choice questions is the best way to study for the CPA exam by far. It helps you understand the topics and practice taking the test at the same time. Nothing is better than that. So, if you are going to get any supplemental study materials, getting an additional CPA test bank should be your first choice.

Gleim CPA Review Test Bank

The Gleim test bank has long been hailed as the top-rated test bank in the industry. It includes more than 13,500 multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. Because the Gleim authors write detailed and in-depth solutions to each question, you understand what you got wrong. This Gleim CPA Megabank is a perfect add-on to any full-length review course.


Best CPA Exam Study Flashcards

Flashcards are a great way to memorize topics and concepts. They are especially useful for definitions and tax code questions. Most of the CPA review courses above include a set of digital flashcards, but not all of them include a physical printed set. Don’t worry; you have several different options for printed flashcards.

Becker CPA Review Printed Flashcards

Becker offers a set of flashcards, but they only come in digital format unless you enroll in their Pro package. If you’re interested in physical flashcards, it’s not a bad idea to sign up for this course since it also includes countless additional benefits.

UWorld Roger CPA Review Printed Flashcards

The UWorld Roger CPA flashcard set includes a little less than some other courses, but it’s also a little cheaper. It includes 200 cards for each section utilizing Roger’s unique mnemonics and memorization strategies. Most of the cards have either a term or mnemonic on the front and a definition or description on the back.


Best CPA Review Mobile App

Unfortunately, not all of the top review courses offer a mobile app that allows you study on your phone on the go. This isn’t a big deal though, because you can always get an app from a different company that provides one. Here are your options.

Becker CPA Review Mobile App

Becker offers the best mobile experience for CPA candidates thanks to not one but two mobile apps. Their first app is a companion to their review course, which will allow you to watch lectures and work with your flashcards.

The second app Becker provides its students is a game: Accounting for Empires. This is a unique way to prepare for the exam since it teaches you while also being a fun mobile game. You’re not going to find anything like this from any other company on this list!

Surgent CPA Review Mobile App

Surgent has grown quite a bit in the last few years offering a ton of new study products. They just came out with a full CPA mobile app that rivals Roger’s very closely. It includes over 2,200 and it’s FREE


Best CPA Cram Course and Final Review Materials

A few of the different review companies offer cram courses and final review products, but only one actually offers it as a stand alone option.

UWorld Roger CPA Review Cram Course

The UWorld Roger CPA cram course is meant to be used as a final study guide during the last two weeks leading up to your exam day. It covers all of the key topics on the exam and should refresh your memory on some things you may have forgotten along the way. It includes full length lectures and textbooks.

Lambers CPA Review

Since you can easily pick up study materials for one or two sections of the CPA exam without paying very much, Lambers offers an extremely helpful resource for final review. If you want to test yourself in a specific exam section, this is an option that’s worth your consideration.


Best CPA Exam Audio Lectures

Audio lectures are great for people who have a long commute to work or who like to exercise. You can listen to a lecture while working on something else. Here’s a few options for stand alone CPA audio lectures.

Yaeger Audio CPA Review

Yaeger CPA audio lectures are detailed and more in depth than most. They are kind of dry, but very informative. These are great for people who want to know every detail about a topic.


Methodology: How We Find the Best CPA Review Course

One of the most important aspects of a course is how much it has to offer. Every course has practice exams, video lessons, and study notes. But seeing exactly how much of each material is on offer shows us which providers have put in the work to make a great course. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean smaller courses are low quality; this is just a natural starting point when assessing each CPA course.

Next, we check out the quality of each material type. There’s no point in completing 1,000 practice problems if each one is poorly written or structured. At this point, we’re seeing how effective the learning tools truly are— which is the most important aspect of each prep course.

After that, we see how well each section of the course prepares you for the respective part of the CPA exam. For example, one course may have excellent content for individual parts such as Auditing and Attestation (AUD), but we’ll lower their ranking if they struggle with the other sections.

After checking everything else, we finally assessed the formats and teaching styles included in the course. Many providers focus on video lessons but fewer include audio content or offline materials. These are great bonuses for any student preparing for the CPA exam, so we tend to rank courses that cover multiple formats and styles higher.

 


Common CPA Exam Questions

What is the cheapest CPA prep course?

The least expensive CPA study materials that include printed textbooks are Gleim and Yaeger. Both of these courses start at around $1,000 after applying these exclusive discount codes.

Which CPA prep course is best for college students? 

A lot of college students and grads ask which course is best for them since they are freshly out of school. Keep in mind that there is not such thing as “the best” course. The most important thing about picking a course is finding one that fits your learning style. You should try out each course you are interested in by taking advantage of free trial offers. Test them out and see which one you like the best. I’d recommend looking into Becker CPA Review and Surgent CPA Review first.

What is the best CPA review course for audio, video, and digital materials? 

Lambers CPA Review is the ideal exam prep course for a student who wants video, audio, digital, and physical materials all at the same time.

What is the overall best CPA prep course?

There are several CPA review study materials on the market that all claim to be the industry’s most elite and top-rated CPA review course. Consequently, it’s important to look at each one before you make a decision. All of the CPA review courses on the market are designed with different kinds of learning technology and study plans; consequently, these varied CPA review courses can help students with a wide range of learning styles. That said, our top recommended course is Becker CPA. They have a comprehensive course with many different kinds of study materials, which keeps your study routine interesting and engaging. They also offer two mobile apps, tons of flashcards, a great pass guarantee, and financing.

Is the CPA exam hard?

Although some sections of the 4-part CPA exam are easier than others, all of them are notoriously difficult. On average, roughly 50 percent of people who take the exam earn a passing grade. Find out how to pass on the first try here. 

How do I apply for the CPA exam?

The application process is somewhat difficult and lengthy in many states. First, you will need to submit your college transcripts along with your application to the state board of accountancy. After you submit all the necessary documents and your application is approved, you will be able to schedule your exam date with a testing center. We advise you to contact your state board for more information about this process as well.

Which CPA Exam Section Should I Take First?

This is a common question that many CPA candidates have because they want to make sure they take all the sections in the “right” order. The truth is, there isn’t a correct order to take the exam parts. You should focus on completing the exam sections that you feel most confident with first and then move on to the ones that you need to work on more. Read more about which exam section to take first here: https://www.ais-cpa.com/first-cpa-exam-section/

How Do I Become a CPA?

There are numerous steps that you need to go through in order to become a Certified Public Accountant. The first is to fulfill the educational requirements. Every state has slightly different requirements, so it’s a good idea to check with your state board before you being your CPA journey. After you educational requirements are met, you can sit for the exam. Once you pass all four sections and take the ethics test, you can finish your work experience requirements and call yourself a CPA!

Why Should I Become a CPA?

This is a good question because it’s important to understand what you are shooting for in order to stay motivated during the process. Certified Public Accountants typically earn more than $1,000,000 more than their non-certified counterparts. This increase in pay also comes with more attractive jobs and career paths as well.

Read More About Why You Should Become a CPA.

How Long Should I Study for the CPA Exam?

This is an interesting question because it depends on your understanding of accounting topics and the concepts covered on the exam. The general rule is that you should study about 80-100 hours for each section of the exam. This might be overkill for some candidates. It might not be enough time for others. The best thing you can do is work through your CPA study materials and see where it takes you. If you get through the materials before you reach the 80 hour mark, good for you!

What Are the CPA Exam Requirements in My State?

Every state has different requirements to sit for the exam and obtain your license. The two best places to contact for specific details about your requirements is your state board of accountancy and your state CPA society. Both organizations will be able to answer all the questions you have about the requirements you need to become a CPA.

CPA Exam Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements

Should I Take Multiple CPA Exam Sections in the Same Testing Window?

There is nothing wrong with taking more than one exam section in the same testing window. You just need to make sure you adequately prepare yourself for each section. Many candidates try to take on too many things at once and end up failing all of them because they didn’t give themselves enough time. If you are going to take more than one section in a single testing window, it would be wise to schedule them at either end. Take one at the beginning and one at the end. This way you will have enough time to properly recover from the first and prepare for the second.

Read More About the CPA Exam Schedule


How Do I Apply for the CPA Exam?

  1. Make Sure You Are Eligible
  2. Send In All Official Transcripts to Your State Board
  3. Submit CPA Exam Application and Fees
  4. Obtain Your Authorization to Test (ATT)
  5. Obtain Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
  6. Schedule Your Exam
  7. Pass the Exam

Wiley CPA vs Roger vs Gleim vs Becker vs Yaeger vs Surgent vs Lambers

Best CPA Course Coupon Codes & Discounts

If you’re looking for great deal on your CPA exam prep materials, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our list below of our top-rated CPA review course discounts, as well as some excellent CPA prep promo codes, to help you save money while studying. Keep an eye out for promotions with companies like Surgent, Becker, Gleim and more!

My Suggestions

Rushed for time? TL;DR? Do you just want to know which course is the best for you based on a one-sentence summary? Then take a look below for our ideal student suggestions!

  • Becker CPA Review is the ideal exam prep course for a student who wants to learn with material endorsed by the top accounting firms in the industry and those who want to invest in premium packages.
  • Surgent CPA Review is the ideal exam prep course for a student who wants to learn as fast as possible with the most advanced technology.
  • UWorld Roger CPA Review is the ideal exam prep course for a student who wants to learn with the most high-quality, engaging, and entertaining video content
  • Gleim CPA Review is the ideal exam prep course for a student who wants to learn with a physical textbook that they can write notes in.
  • Yaeger CPA Review is the ideal exam prep course for a student who wants to have convenient and instant access to instructors for extra help.
  • Lambers CPA Review is the ideal exam prep course for a student who wants video, audio, digital, and physical materials all at the same time.

Kenneth W. Boyd is a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the author of several of the popular "For Dummies" books published by John Wiley & Sons including 'CPA Exam for Dummies' and 'Cost Accounting for Dummies'.

Ken has gained a wealth of business experience through his previous employment as a CPA, Auditor, Tax Preparer and College Professor. Today, Ken continues to use those finely tuned skills to educate students as a professional writer and teacher.