Preparing for the CPA exam requires many hours of focused study. One of the most popular and effective ways candidates prepare is with expert CPA review courses. Find out which courses stand out as favorites among CPA candidates.
| Resource | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Becker CPA Review | Comprehensive course, video lessons, adaptive learning plan | Expensive |
| UWorld CPA Review | Detailed explanations, adaptive tools | Varying quality in video lectures, video-heavy content |
| Gleim CPA Review | Large question bank, study guides | Dense informaion |
| Surgent CPA Review | Adaptive learning, coaching, large question bank | Less structured |
| Ninja CPA Review | Focused material, affordable | Less structured |
| Universal CPA Review | Visual-based explanation videos, simplifies complex topics | Less thorough than other options |
| I75 CPA Review | Well-explained topics, large quesiton bank | Less structured |
| Lambers CPA Review | Strong video lectures, can ask an expert for detailed explanations | Outdated course design |
| Vishal CPA Review | Live lessons, direct expert guidance, detailed breakdowns | Requires more strict scheduling |
| Private Coaching | Personalized, at your own pace both for timing and content, guaranteed understanding | No course program to track progress |
The Top 10 CPA Prep Classes
The best CPA exam prep courses offer clear explanations for why an answer is right or wrong, provide large question banks, and make their material easy to use in the long term. Each course has strengths and focuses on different lesson types.
The biggest factors that will influence which course you take include:
- Price
- Your learning preferences (videos, lectures, written material, flashcards, adaptive lesson planning, etc.)
- Your needs (comprehensive course or targeted lessons)
- Guarantees regarding passing the exam
Keep all these elements in mind as we explore the top 10 CPA courses available.
1. Becker CPA Review
Consistently rated as the top course for CPA candidates, Becker has several course offerings to choose from. It’s a great one-stop shop, offering lectures, question banks, simulations, study paths, and performance tracking all in one place.
It’s well-recognized by many employers, so completing the Becker course can be a great addition to a resume.
Adaptive tech and progress tracking; large question bank with simulations; variety of lessons, including live lectures and on-demand video explainers
Variety of packages ranging from $2,599 to $5,349
About 64% higher than other candidates
2. UWorld CPA Review
UWorld’s biggest strength is its detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. This is best for students who need to know “why” to remember and understand. The engaging videos are easier to focus on than some others.
The analytics features show you where you need improvement, so you can focus on your areas of weakness instead of wasting time on topics you already know.
Find out what makes the CPA exam so difficult.
Captivating, detailed video lectures; in-depth explanations for practice questions; adaptive practice tools
$1,999 to $2,899
90% pass rate
CPA prep courses undeniably help students prepare for and pass their exams; however, proving that a specific course produces a certain pass rate is not an exact science. Students might supplement their learning with other resources, or they might have passed the exam without taking the course at all. We just don't know the exact amount a specific course helps students.
3. Gleim CPA Review
For students who enjoy more self-direction, Gleim offers a great solution. With their outlines, textbooks, study guides, and large question bank, candidates can choose what to study and what to skip without sacrificing information. In fact, many students use Gleim’s resources for more targeted research into deeper coverage of technical details.
Gleim also had an adaptive tool to help you target your problem areas and create a study plan.
Large question bank; detailed outlines and manuals for planning your studies; full refund pass guarantee
$2,499 to $3,499
Statistic not available, but over 1 million exams have been passed with help from Gleim
4. Surgent CPA Review
Surgent’s adaptive technology is the main stand-out feature, attracting many students. The course assesses your baseline knowledge, creating a study plan that targets your weaknesses, which can reduce your total study hours.
The course consists of video lessons and small assignments. The planner feature automatically tracks your progress and adjusts your schedule based on your improving skills. This dynamic style of learning can be more helpful for students who prefer to focus on their weaknesses, rather than complete an end-to-end course.
Adaptive learning to hone in on weak points; “micro-lecture” videos; daily study plans
$799 to $1,699
88%
5. NINJA CPA Review
A newer option on the scene, NINJA offers both a full course and a flexible supplement course for filling in gaps. It can be used in addition to another CPA course or as a reinforcement for self-studiers. NINJA provides notes, audio lessons, and a large question bank to give you plenty of material for daily studies.
The monthly subscription model ensures you only pay for what you need. Many students use NINJA in the final review phase or to refresh their study routine. NINJA offers two tiers of materials: a “full course” style option and a supplemental option.
Learn more about what is on each of the CPA exam sections.
Flexible, monthly subscription; variety of study tools and resources; study planner
$67 per month for the supplement, $87 per month for the course
Statistics not available, but boasts an average of 5 CPAs canceling subscriptions per day because they passed their exams
5. Universal CPA Review
Universal CPA is designed for visual learners who need more than simplistic graphics and lectures to learn. The course uses diagrams and “mental maps” to simplify complex topics and make them easier to remember for test day. Solutions are given step-by-step and are accompanied by a video.
Many students use it as a primary learning resource, while others use it as a supplement. With affordable options, it’s a good choice either way.
Simple, visual-based explanations; focus on conceptual understanding; question bank of MCQs and TBSs
Ranges from $299 for 3 months to $999 for a lifetime
Average of 19% score increase
Not only have I passed the CPA exam, but I have a new career as an auditor that I love.
Martin Ely, Becker CPA course user
7. i75 CPA Review
i75 is meant for students who need topics broken down in their simplest forms to overcome stagnation. The instructor thoroughly breaks down problems step-by-step, explaining the logic in straightforward terms. It’s a great tool that many candidates utilize as a final review, or if they need to retake specific sections.
With affordable section-specific pricing available, it’s a good choice for targeted learning.
Simplify complex topics; “narrated questions” style lectures make paying attention and understanding easier; best for candidates who need targeted lessons
$119 per month per section or $999 for full access for 6 months
Data not available
8. Lambers CPA Test Prep
Lambers offers an affordable, comprehensive course with a straightforward model. Students complete an evaluation to determine their knowledge baseline, then benefit from an adaptive course that focuses on their weaknesses. When they’ve progressed far enough, they can take a simulated exam to practice for the real thing.
It’s especially helpful as a finishing tool or for extra preparation and review after a failed exam attempt.
Answers are explained with detailed videos, and if you have a question, you can easily submit it to the SME (subject matter expert), who can write up a detailed explanation and reply usually within a day.
Discover the requirements for taking the CPA exam.
Smaller question bank focuses on quality rather than quantity; video explanations; ability to reach out to an expert for more clarification
$249.95 per individual section or $999.95 for all sections bundled
No figure given, but offers a “no pass, no pay” guarantee; if you fail the same section twice, you can get your money back
9. Vishal CPA Prep
One of the few CPA prep tools out there that emphasizes live video over pre-recorded content, the Vishal CPA course is a budget-conscious option best used as a finishing tool or as a primary source with supplements. Students learn in engaging Zoom sessions with fellow candidates, and also have tools like video explainers, a test bank, and interactive quizzes. Vishal also offers personalized coaching and study plans to make learning more effective.
Students can choose between taking individual classes or lectures, signing up for an entire section’s class, or joining a bootcamp.
Live sessions for a classical learning experience; pre-recorded lessons for on-demand learning; choose your intensity of learning
$150 for a single class, $2,250 per section course, $897 for bootcamp review
Boasts a 90% pass rate
There are several reasons to use a supplemental course: to fill in gaps from another course, to use as a finishing or final review, and to use alongside dedicated self-study as a cost-effective measure.
If you are confident in your self-learning, a supplement may be all you need. However, many CPA candidates find they need a full course to stay on track and get feedback.
10. Private CPA Coaching
Learning with help from a professional CPA exam prep coach can help you ensure you’re learning everything you need to the best of your ability. Private CPA tutors can give you individualized lessons and evaluations to make sure you’re on track for your exam dates.
They can be a great supplement to structured independent learning, and since you can choose how many lessons to take, they can be more cost-effective than a course. If you’re a go-getter who does well by studying on your own, consider using a well-developed study plan with targeted lessons from a coach to fill in the gaps. You can easily find an expert coach or coaches on Superprof.
Find out which other study materials for CPA exam you should use.
Live classes online or in-person; schedule as many or as few lessons as you need; receive individual attention and personalized learning
Prices vary by coach’s experience and location, range is typically between $20 per hour and $2,000 for a comprehensive course
Statistics not available
Darius videos breaks the topics down to a level of understanding without being a 45 min to an hour lecture.
Keithie Graham, i75 CPA course user
How to Choose the Right CPA Prep Course for You
The best CPA study course is the one that you will actually engage with regularly. The site layout and course design, types of lessons and instruction, level of structure and rigidity, and time it takes to complete the course need to align with your needs and preferences.
Before committing to an expensive course, engage with any free offerings and take the free trial for a few days to make sure it meets your needs. If you want a course that automatically tracks your progress and adapts the lessons as you improve, make sure you only consider such courses. Above all, you must carve out time in your schedule for study and practice.
Consider these factors when deciding which CPA review course to use.
Your Learning Style
Each person learns better through different methods.
Do you prefer reading text and taking notes during lectures? Do you need videos with demonstrations to explain reasoning? Or perhaps you’re happy with practice questions and explanations for the answers. Are you planning to learn with multiple sources? How much are you going to study on your own, and how much will you rely on a course to keep you on track?
Consider courses that match the type of learning and guidance you benefit from most.
Structured lectures, step-by-step guidance:
- Becker
- UWorld
- i75
Reading outlines and drilling questions:
- Gleim
- NINJA
- Surgent
Visual explanations, interactive learning:
- Universal
- Vishal
- Lambers
Budget Considerations
Taking the CPA exam is expensive. Earning a Bachelor’s degree that satisfies the requirements to sit the CPA exam is expensive. CPA prep courses are expensive.
By the time you’re ready to study for the CPA course, you’re probably acutely aware of the price tag. Some people prefer to spend more on products with a higher chance of success, while others opt for more cost-effective methods that still enhance knowledge.
Most expensive:
- Becker
- Vishal (full courses)
- Gleim
Middle of the road:
- UWorld
- Surgent
- Universal
- Lambers
- i75
- Coaching
Budget-friendly:
- Vishal (targeted lectures, bootcamps)
- NINJA
- Coaching
Becker premium package
NINJA full course option
Preparing for the CPA exam will require many hours of study over weeks or months. Choosing a preparation course is almost a necessity, since self-study can only do so much when the breadth of material is so expansive. Learning with a course or a tutor also guarantees that you stay on track with your daily study sessions and weekly progress.
Ensure you understand all the concepts you need for the CPA exam by learning with a prep course or private CPA tutor!
📝 What aspect matters most to you in a CPA course?
Summarize with AI:
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