Pursuing CPA licensure is a major commitment of time, money, and energy. To keep these expenses to a minimum, sufficient study preparations are required. Effective study resources give you guidance as well as adequate practice and structure. A mixture of self-study materials, professional prep courses, and individualized coaching can guarantee you a better examination experience and help you complete all four sections of the CPA exams as quickly as possible.
| Resource | Resource Type |
|---|---|
| Becker CPA Exam Review | Self-paced course, coaching, question bank |
| Gleim CPA Review | Self-paced course, test bank |
| Surgent CPA Review | Self-paced course, coaching |
| UWorld CPA | Self-paced course, live lessons, question bank |
| Vishal CPA Prep | Live video lectures, supplemental and targeted material |
| Ninja CPA | Supplemental information, question bank, cram sessions |
| Darius Clark YouTube Channel & I75 Course | Free lectures on YouTube, supplemental paid course |
| Textbooks / Study Guides (various sources) | Targeted supplemental material |
| AICPA Official Sample Tests and Blueprints | Official blueprints for exams |
| State Society Practice Question Hubs | Study material, localized information about events and mentorship |
| Test Prep Insight YouTube Channel | Learn more about different resources before you buy |
| Personal Tutoring or Coaching | Targeted learning and practice as needed |
Becker CPA Exam Review
Becker offers a comprehensive review course for each exam section. The self-paced course contains lectures, learning paths, study planners, and exam-style practice tests. It also offers a large question bank of both multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations, just like what’s found on the real CPA exams. One-on-one tutoring and coaching, plus live classes, are available in addition to the self-paced lessons.
It’s quite a pricey option, with price tiers ranging from $2,500 to $6,000. However, they also have budget options like single-part courses for specific sections at $849. Other options include final reviews and deep-dive workshops ($199 to $599).
Main Features:
- Structured, self‑paced CPA review course
- Live and on‑demand video lectures
- Large test bank of multiple‑choice questions and simulations
- Exam‑day style mock tests and final review
- Mobile and online access with progress tracking
Thanks to the internet, all the courses mentioned here today are exclusively available online. You don’t need to commute to a classroom, so live lessons are more convenient, and you can access all the other information at any time.
Additionally, many companies constantly update the information in their materials for accuracy as regulations change
Gleim CPA Review
Gleim is best known for its enormous bank of practice questions with detailed answer explanations. It has some of the CPA study material available. The resources are more text-heavy than others, so if you’re looking for more resource-type information or learn well through reading, you’ll get even more out of it. Gleim’s adaptive self-paced lessons help target your weak points so you can see what things you need to improve, as well as your progress.
Gleim’s tiers allow more budgeted personalization, with access to just the question bank starting at $999, while packages that include the full course and coaching can cost up to $3,500.
Main Features:
- Self‑paced course with large question bank
- Outline‑style books and digital study guides
- Detailed explanations for correct and incorrect answers
- Adaptive “smart” learning tools and performance analytics
- Lecture videos and office hours give candidates more personalized information
Surgent CPA Review
Sugent focuses more on adaptive learning than other competitors. Candidates begin with a diagnostic test, and the tool builds a personalized study plan to address weaknesses and reinforce strengths. The aim is to allow more efficient studying: quality over quantity.
Through adaptive learning and keeping tabs on your progress, the program gives you an estimate of your readiness level for the different sections of the CPA exam. This can help you determine a timeline for studying and scheduling exams.
Basic features are available for $799, while the highest tier is priced at $1,699.
Learn more about the best CPA exam prep courses available.
Main Features:
- Highly adaptive, self‑paced CPA review course
- Unlimited practice exams
- Large bank of multiple‑choice questions and simulations
- Short, targeted video lectures and downloadable notes
- Coaching and pass‑guarantee options
UWorld CPA Review Course
Formerly Roger CPA and Wiley CPA Review, this course uses video lectures and descriptive answer explanations. It boasts a 90% pass rate for clients, with the entire course being available until you pass. The CPA study material consists of lecture videos, practice questions, and comprehensive study guides.
Additionally, the program evaluates your trajectory and compares it with data from students who went on to pass the exams, so you can see if you’re prepared well enough or on the path to preparedness. Live boot camps are workshops with knowledgeable instructors who help you break down MCQs and TBSs in real time, and who can answer your questions directly.
It’s a mid-tier-priced program, with the levels ranging from $1,999 to $2,899.
Main Features:
- Engaging video lectures with clear explanations
- Integrated notes and digital textbooks
- Exam‑style multiple‑choice questions and simulations
- Full‑length practice tests and performance tracking
- Different access levels, including longer “until you pass” options
Vishal CPA Prep
A different approach from the other mainstream review companies, Vishal CPA Prep offers more free and low-cost study resources. Most of the offerings are live classes covering different topics, so you can learn from an experienced tutor with other students. This gives you the benefit of personalized attention that a self-paced course cannot provide. You can choose from a variety of live lectures covering different topics, so you can target your weak areas without paying for material that you don’t really need.
If you prefer recordings, Vishal also offers access to recorded lectures and info sessions you can review at your leisure.
Many students use this option as a supplement to their other prep courses. It’s a more affordable option, with offerings ranging from $150 per lecture to $200 for one month of membership to study notes, to $2,499 for a full section review with live classes.
Find out more about the different CPA exam sections.
Main Features:
- Live lecture format for classroom-style learning
- Free and low‑cost CPA practice questions
- Exam‑style multiple‑choice questions and short tests
- Good supplement to a main review course
- Useful for drilling weak areas before the exam
Ninja CPA
An up-and-coming powerhouse in the CPA prep sphere, Ninja allows candidates to pay for only what they need. It offers both full courses and supplementary options, allowing you to subscribe to only the type of help you truly require.
Plans are on a monthly basis, so you can cram in as little time as you need without shelling out for an entire course if you don’t want to. The basic supplementary information is available at $67 per month, while the full cram course is $87 per month.
Main Features:
- Free access to test bank questions (8,200 questions and 350+ Simulations)
- Monthly subscription you can activate and de-activate as needed while you pursue your four section exams
- Targeted information for cram-style reviewing and supplementation
- Study planner
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.
Walter Elliot
Darius Clark YouTube Channel
Darius Clark is a CPA tutoring expert who also offers a course, I75 CPA Review. His YouTube channel offers well-reviewed lectures about specific subjects, giving candidates a great free resource for studying for the CPA exam. Both the YouTube channel and the course are supplemental materials that have helped candidates fill in specific knowledge gaps so they could pass their tests.
Main Features:
- Free YouTube videos about a wide array of topics
- I75 Review Course is a great supplemental tool priced at $999
Textbooks and Study Guides from Top CPA Review Companies
For supplemental studying, you can purchase books and study guides from many major companies. Instead of a full course, you can simply read a comprehensive textbook with all the information you need to know.
If you’re a self-starter who effectively studies on your own, this can be a great cost-saving measure.
Discover what makes the CPA exam so difficult.
Popular Options:
- UWorld CPA Study Guides ($75 for each part or $250 for four parts)
- Gleim Exam Questions and Explanations Book ($50 per section)
- Surgent CPA Reference Review Guide Set ($650 for all four sections)
AICPA Official Sample Tests and Blueprints
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants website is where you can find abundant resources about what information is on the exam, as well as practice and study material. You can find an official sample test here for structured practice. Additionally, the CPA Exam Guide serves as a hub page, containing links to resources such as the CPA Exam Blueprints, CPA Practice Analysis, and CPA Exam Announcements.
The Blueprints are critical for CPA candidates. They outline all the material that will be covered in each section, so be sure you read them thoroughly to know exactly what you need to study.
Their student-focused website, thiswaytocpa.com, is also a vital resource for younger students or those who are just beginning their CPA journey.
Main Features:
- Free official information about exam subject matters
- Useful resources, including how to sign up for exams
- Free practice questions and exam samples
State Society Practice Question Hubs
Each state has its own CPA society, and many also host small practice hubs featuring sample questions, short quizzes, and exam tips. Most offer the materials for free or as part of the student membership.
Additionally, some societies also provide study guides and important links to local resources, such as events or mentoring.
Even if you join a full course or private coaching for the CPA exam, it’s worth checking your state’s site for valuable local information.
Main Features:
- Localized tips for the exam and licensure
- Free or low-cost study materials
- Access to student events
- Workshops and webcasts
Test Prep Insight YouTube Channel
Test Prep Insight specializes in reviewing test prep materials for a variety of topics, including CPA exams. You can find more helpful information with their recommendations, and learn unbiased information about different resources.
Watching a few reviews about a resource you’ve been considering can be valuable, so you can decide if it’s really worth the money, considering the features and your learning style.
Main Features:
- Video comparisons of different resources
- Find out if a resource matches your needs, expectations, and learning preferences before you commit
Personalized Coaching or Tutoring
Many CPA candidates can benefit from targeted, personalized coaching or tutoring. Self-paced courses with occasional one-on-one instruction can be highly effective, supplemental materials or classes can help fill in the gaps, but coaching can ensure you’re as prepared as you can possibly be.
When it costs hundreds of dollars and weeks of your time to retake an exam, it can be worth the effort to fully prepare in advance.
CPA coaching helps ensure you don't have any hidden gaps in your knowledge and understanding. Coaches also explain how to approach test questions so you never make easy mistakes. Working with a licensed CPA as a coach means they can give you direct insights you won't get from a course.
Using a coaching service like Superprof as a main or supplemental study method helps ensure that you’ll learn from an experienced CPA tutor. They can give you specific, effective lessons about the different sections of the exam, test-taking methods, and even help guide you through the scheduling process.
Beyond the CPA exam, your CPA coach can even help you with the ethics exam and any other requirements for licensure in your state.
Main Features:
- Personalized lessons about the topics you specifically want to practice
- On-demand learning, take as many or as few sessions as you need
How to Utilize CPA Study Material
Candidates need to be proactive in their studying. Purchasing a self-paced course is a great step, but you must study every day to prepare for the exams. Most candidates find the most success studying for at least 1 hour every day, or 10-20 hours per week on average.
Short, focused study sessions are much more beneficial than long, aimless ones.
Candidates find that a structured study plan helps them stay on track. Learn more about what requirements you must meet in order to sit for the CPA exam.
These are the key features your study plan should incorporate:
- Create a realistic schedule: Choose an exam date at least 3 months in the future and work backwards to see if you can fit the recommended study hours into your schedule. If not, schedule your exam for further out. Make sure you study enough hours per week to progress while avoiding burnout and leaving time for other commitments.
- Create a curriculum or syllabus: If you’re using a course, the majority of this work is done for you. You’ll simply need to plan when you can complete each module or chapter.
If you’re using more self-reliant methods, use the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) blueprints to make sure you have all the resources you need. Plan which supplemental materials, if any, you plan to use if you run into problems or stagnation with your primary learning choice. - Commit to one course: Don’t waste time and money by switching through different review courses. Take a day or two to explore the free trial options of your top picks to make a more informed decision. Then, stick with your course all the way through. Supplement at the end of each section if needed.
- Incorporate practice questions every day: Spend each day going through several MOCs, thinking critically about them, and reading the explanations for why each answer is right and wrong. Incorporate at least one or two TBS case studies per week to improve your simulations skills.
- Review your mistakes: If you get a question wrong, examine the explanations very carefully to understand where your confusion or knowledge gaps lie. If your course doesn’t close these gaps, supplement or find a tutor to explain the concepts to you.
- Evaluate your progress regularly: Use course tools and practice tests to monitor your progress. If you aren’t improving, rethink your study habits and resources. Maybe you need more hours per week, or more focused effort in your study sessions, or maybe you need a coach to lead you in the right direction. Adjust your study plans to suit your actual experience, not the experience you wish you were having.
The biggest takeaway to remember when it comes to studying for the CPA exam is that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Sustained studying is key. You cannot memorize and cram for the exam. You need to be able to dissect information and apply it in technical ways that memorization does not prepare you for.
In the months you will spend preparing for the CPA exam, you’ll spend dozens or even hundreds of hours studying, taking practice tests, and analyzing answer explanations. With the right resources and study plan, all your hard work will be worth it.
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