Gleim CPA Review is one of the oldest and most popular CPA exam study materials on the market today. Thousands of candidates have used this review course to prepare for the CPA exam.
This premium CPA review has more questions, examples, explanations, and study text than any other course on the market. This level of detail is great for candidates who have been out of school for a long time or don’t have a firm grasp on difficult accounting topics. It is also a popular choice for international candidates.
Don’t fit into these categories?
Don’t worry. This study course also has tons of unique features and benefits that can’t be found in other study materials.
Let me walk you through the Gleim CPA review course offerings and see why this is one of my top three courses.
How do you rate Gleim CPA Review?
Gleim Course Offerings
Gleim presents a tiered approach to its CPA prep courses, catering to a range of learning preferences and budgets. They have three distinct full-course offerings:
Premium Pro: The Ultimate Package
This is the cream of the crop, the most inclusive package they offer. Ideal for those who want an in-depth study experience with all the bells and whistles, Premium Pro provides unlimited access to a wealth of resources.
For $3,499, you’ll get 100 hours of video instruction, over 10,000 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and 1,300+ task-based simulations (TBS). Additionally, the package includes:
- Webinars (audio)
- Two mock exams
- A private study group
- Printed textbooks
- Flashcards.
Plus, there’s a money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
Premium: Balanced and Feature-Packed
A step down from the Pro but still packed with features, the Premium package provides a balanced combination of guided learning and self-study resources. For $2,999, you get unlimited access to 100 hours of video instruction and over 10,000 MCQs. Although it doesn’t include task-based simulations, it does offer audio courses and two mock exams. You’ll also have access to a private study group and printed textbooks, but this package does not include flashcards or a money-back guarantee.
Traditional: Straightforward and Solid
The Traditional package is a solid choice for students who prefer a straightforward, no-frills approach. Priced at $2,499, this package offers 18 months of access to over 10,000 MCQs without any video hours or task-based simulations. It includes one audio course and one mock exam, along with printed textbooks. However, there is no private study group, flashcards, or money-back guarantee included.
Gleim has another solution for those who don’t need the whole shebang or are working with a tighter budget: B. This option focuses on essential study materials and practice questions, perfect for self-driven learners looking for a more condensed study approach.
Most of what I will outline below will be geared toward their Premium CPA program since this is my favorite of all the offerings.
Gleim CPA Course Format
Gleim structures its study content meticulously to ensure candidates are thoroughly prepared for the CPA exam. The materials are segmented into chapters, each zooming in on crucial exam topics. Within these chapters, learners will find a suite of exam review modules that provide a multi-faceted approach to understanding the subject matter. These modules encompass:
- Study Text: This provides a deep dive into the topics, offering detailed explanations, examples, and key takeaways. It’s designed for those who learn best by reading and like to have comprehensive written materials for reference.
- Video Lectures: Presented by experts, these lectures break down complex topics into understandable chunks. They’re ideal for visual learners or anyone who benefits from a classroom-style presentation.
- Practice Questions: Arguably one of the most vital components for CPA prep, these questions emulate the style and complexity of the actual CPA exam. They allow students to test their understanding and get a feel for the real exam’s timing and structure.
- … And More: Depending on the course package, students might encounter additional resources like audio lectures, simulation quizzes, and interactive study sessions.
Gleim Course Content
The Gleim CPA study book is the most detailed and comprehensive book on the market today. In fact, it’s probably a little too detailed. Some candidates complain that there is too much information to study when using Gleim’s book. Consequently, they spend more time studying than necessary because the books cover more important topics than what is actually on the exam. This can be true for people who have a good handle on the information, but it’s a good thing for people who need more detailed explanations of concepts and topics.
“Used Gleim for both the CIA and the CPA exams and was generally happy with their format, both online and with the physical books. For the CPA, felt that it the system was fairly good for FAR and AUD, and weaker for REG…” u/teaandtree
Video Lectures
While Gleim might have been a latecomer to the video lecture scene, they’ve come a long way in refining their approach. Initially, when the trend towards video lectures began picking up steam with other companies, Gleim’s offerings resembled more audio-accompanied PowerPoint slides than interactive video lessons. However, they quickly evolved their strategy in response to market demands and feedback.
Now, Gleim boasts an impressive collection of over 100 hours of video lectures. These aren’t just any regular videos; they’re sessions helmed by seasoned and insightful instructors who dive deep into critical exam topics. One of the standout features of these lectures is the meticulous breakdown of specific CPA exam questions.
Gleim enhances the learning experience by integrating interactive elements within their video platform. Students can actively take notes as they go through the lectures, ensuring they capture key takeaways in real time. This feature is extended to the course outlines, enabling students to jot down important points and thoughts seamlessly.
The result? It’s a mixed bag. While I found Gliem’s videos decent, many of the reviews you read online find them lacking. So, truly, it’s about preference when it comes to this part of the review course.
“Gleim has videos but they are not the best part of the program, I dont use them, they sound very robotic and are basically just the instructor reading the material. Clearly becker’s strong point are their videos, so if someone learns from someone else teaching them then that is probably the program for them. Their videos are incomparable to Gleims. Personally I dont like classroom settings and prefer learning on my own so I skip videos anyway. Besides quality of their videos, I think Gleims test bank is pretty great.” – Brief_Sun_7461
Gleim CPA Test Bank
The Gleim CPA Review test bank is the largest in the industry. Furthermore, this mega test bank includes over 10,000 past exams and practice multiple-choice questions in it. Most other test banks and review systems don’t even come close to that number. You might ask, Why would I need that many questions?
Well, unlike extra information in the study text, extra practice questions are good things. You don’t need to keep reviewing the same questions over and over because you will start memorizing the answers instead of reading the questions and understanding the concepts. The test bank is probably the best thing about this course. It’s also available as a stand-alone product without the purchase of the full course. Many candidates use this as a supplement to their other courses.
“I used Gleim and they were harder than the actual test. Just do so many that as soon as you start reading you already know what answer its looking for. Get any easy right or wrongs, and then go from there. There are some MCQs on the exam that are one sentence definining a term or using a standard formula. Overprepare and get used to going fast.I chose Gleim because it was the cheapest and it did the job.” – u/MigiliiousTaxes
Task-Based Simulations
Similar to the test bank, Gleim includes an industry-leading 1,300+ task-based solutions in their course. This is almost double what other companies include. With simulations counting more and more in the overall exam score, these are becoming more and more important to practice. Gleim gives you plenty of different formats, topics, and concepts to be tested on. If you prepare with Gleim practice exams, you will be well-prepared come exam day.
“Gleim sims are extremely detailed with lots of exhibits so they really do mirror the actual exam.” – u/HazelDog456
Exam Simulator
Gleim’s exam simulator emulates the real experience of the CPA exam. They’ve done a really good job on theirs. It is very close to the one used by the AICPA for the actual exam. Also, Gleim lets you use the simulator in a few different ways. You can start their standard quizzes found in each exam section, or you can create your own using the test bank.
So, if you wanted to self-study chapters 4 and 9, you could make a custom quiz with only questions from those chapters. As you would expect, after you submit each quiz for grading, you will get explanations for each correct and incorrect answer. Gleim’s explanations are like their textbook, extremely detailed. This is a good thing because it helps you understand the concepts better and learn from your mistakes.
Intuitive Study Planner
The Gleim adaptive learning study planner is a great tool that will help you set and stay on your study schedule. When you first set up your study guide, the study planner will pop up and ask you for your exam date. Enter that and input the number of days per week you want to study and any days you don’t want to study, and it will do the rest.
I love that it will automatically create a calendar for you that shows how many lessons and what materials you will need to complete each day until your final review. If you miss a day, it will automatically update the rest of the calendar and adjust your study time accordingly. Ultimately, this is a great feature.
Gleim’s Overall Value
Gleim CPA Review provides a competitive pricing advantage. Their top product at $3,499 and Premium option at $2,999 offer a budget-friendly alternative to other major courses. Compared to Surgent’s $3,799 Ultimate Pass, $3,099 Premier Pass, and $2,499 Essentials Pass, Gleim remains slightly more affordable while still delivering comprehensive content.
UWorld’s prices are notably higher, ranging from $4,099 to $3,499, making Gleim a cost-effective choice. Although NINJA offers a lower-cost option, Gleim’s structured and detailed resources justify the slightly higher price for those seeking thorough exam preparation.
What about Gleim vs Becker?
Gleim CPA Review offers competitive pricing, making it a strong contender for those on a budget. Gleim’s top product, $3,499, and Premium option, $2,999, provide substantial savings compared to Becker’s Pro package, $3,799, and Premium package, $3,099. While Becker remains our top pick for its extensive resources and long-standing reputation, Gleim delivers excellent value with comprehensive content at a more affordable price, making it an attractive alternative for cost-conscious students.
“I used Gleim for BEC and REG. Absolutely great courses and more than prepared for both of those exams.” – u/BasisofOpinion
Pros
Free Trial
Gleim is generous enough to allow all CPA candidates access to their materials for free to see if Gleim is right for them. You can test drive the course, practice the study questions, and see what it looks like on the inside without having to pay for anything. Click below to test drive Gleim for FREE!
Largest Testbank
The Gleim CPA test bank is the largest in the industry. This is a huge benefit because it allows candidates to practice nearly endless amounts of questions without running into the same ones over and over. This is probably the best study aid you could ask for when preparing for the CPA exam.
Personal Counselors
Gleim is unique to other companies in that they assign you a personal counselor who helps keep you motivated and on track during your study process. Thus, if you fall behind, your counselor will email you to help get you back on track. You can also call your accounting expert with questions about the exam or review materials. This is huge for candidates who need more help with concepts.
Unlimited Access
Unlike other CPA review companies, Gleim CPA puts no time limits on your study process. Thanks to their Access Until You Pass guarantee, your materials will never expire, and you’ll never have to pay extra fees to review or update them. It’s important to note that this is for their Premium and Premium Pro options only, not the Traditional CPA review course. It comes with just 18 months of access. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you want to receive an updated version of their physical textbook, you’ll have to pay shipping costs.
Cons
Super Complex
According to a course user, Gleim’s FAR course can be extremely challenging, with questions that are much harder than those encountered in typical accounting classes. The EPS section, for example, feels significantly more difficult than classroom material, making it hard to complete study units in the recommended timeframe. The complexity of the questions can be demoralizing, as it requires significant effort just to figure out what’s relevant before even attempting to solve them. This level of difficulty can lead to frustration and stress, potentially causing students to procrastinate or feel defeated.
No Mobile App
There is no specific mobile app for the Gleim CPA Review program. This can be a big deal for people who are always on the move and need to study from their phone or tablet. Fortunately, Gleim still provides excellent mobile functionality through browser optimization and downloadable audio lectures, although a dedicated app would be a nice addition further down the line.
Bottom Line
Gleim CPA Review offers many attractive features, such as the largest test bank in the industry, personal counselors, and unlimited access until you pass. These aspects provide a comprehensive and supportive learning experience. However, the course’s complexity can be overwhelming, and the absence of a dedicated mobile app might be inconvenient for those who need to study on the go. Despite these drawbacks, Gleim’s free trial lets you explore the materials risk-free, helping you determine if it meets your needs. Overall, Gleim delivers significant value, but it requires a serious commitment and may not be suitable for everyone.
Course Comparisons
Gleim vs. Becker
While Becker remains our top choice due to its outstanding reputation, high pass rate, and extensive resources, Gleim offers a competitive alternative with a more affordable price tag. Gleim’s Premium Pro package at $3,499 provides comprehensive coverage and personalized support, making it a solid option for those seeking quality without Becker’s higher cost. However, Becker’s consistent success rates and robust support system give it the edge.
Gleim vs. Surgent
Surgent impresses with its innovative adaptive learning technology and unlimited access until you pass. Priced similarly to Gleim, Surgent’s features, like one-on-one coaching and a pass guarantee, provide substantial value. However, Gleim’s extensive test bank and personal counselors make it a close contender. Ultimately, Surgent’s adaptive technology and tailored study plans give it a slight advantage for students needing a highly personalized approach.
Gleim vs. UWorld
Gleim stands out against UWorld primarily due to its more reasonable pricing and expansive test bank. UWorld’s offerings are significantly higher, ranging from $4,099 to $3,499, which makes Gleim’s top product at $3,499 a better deal. Gleim’s detailed analytics, interactive planner, and supportive personal counselors provide excellent preparation, making it a more cost-effective choice compared to UWorld’s higher-priced packages.
Gleim vs. Lambers
When compared to Lambers, Gleim clearly offers superior value. Lambers’ CPA review packages are less comprehensive, lacking Gleim’s extensive resources and personalized support. With a more extensive test bank, thorough video lectures, and dedicated personal counselors, Gleim’s Premium Pro package at $3,499 far surpasses Lambers’ offerings, making it the better choice for thorough CPA exam preparation.
Gleim CPA Coupon Codes & Discounts
Take $1,050 Off Gleim CPA Premium Pro Course
Gleim CPA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CPA review course?
Surgent, Roger, and Gleim all offer compelling benefits, depending on what is most important to your study (video content, practice questions, scheduling technology, exam simulations, etc.) Every student is different, so use our comparison chart to see how they all stack up against each other.
What is Gleim CPA Review?
Gleim is an education-based company that provides study materials and reviews courses for several professional certifications. Founded by Professor Irvin Gleim in 1974, it offers learning materials for CPAs, CIAs, CMAs, and EAs.
How much is Gleim CPA Review?
Gleim’s review courses come at several different price points. The highest tier they offer is the Gleim CPA Premium Pro Course, with a price tag of $3,499 (this amount is often discounted.) This includes study materials for all 4 sections of the CPA exam, in addition to a plethora of extras. Some of these extras include audio lectures, exam rehearsals, study sessions with real accountants, and access to their adaptive learning Interactive Study Planner. Gleim’s Premium offering is just $2,999, while the Traditional CPA review course package can be purchased for $2,499. Their lowest tier is the CPA Mega Test Bank for $999.
Is Gleim CPA Review Good?
Gleim offers several prep courses and supplementary study materials that can help students prepare for and pass the CPA exam. However, much better CPA prep courses are available through companies like Surgent and Roger, which offer more appealing features, such as mobile compatibility, adaptive learning technology, and live lecture content.
