Best CPA Review Courses in 2025 – Ranked by a CPA Expert

Think you’re ready for the CPA exam in 2025? Think again. With only about half of CPA candidates passing, the right prep course can make or break your success—and not all courses are created equal.

I’ve reviewed and ranked the top CPA review programs based on real pass rate data, platform updates, and over 15 years of hands-on experience helping 300,000+ candidates prepare smarter—not harder. The truth is, relying on your college background or work experience isn’t enough anymore.

You’re probably wondering..

How do I know what makes a great CPA review course?

First off, I’m a CPA.

Here’s the even better news: I have personally tested and tried out all of the major CPA exam review courses on the market. I’ve combed through their books, watched their videos, and analyzed their test banks so you don’t have to! Plus, I’ve done extensive research on what makes a review program the best of the best. All of this has led me to extensive knowledge and becoming an expert in the CPA arena.

Our Top 2 CPA Exam Review Courses & Study Materials

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Becker CPA Review Course (Rank: #1)

For 60+ years, this quality CPA Review Course has been endorsed by successful CPAs and the Big 4 accounting firms, including PwC and Deloitte.

CRUSH RATING: ★★★★★

Becker CPA Online Pros & Cons

PROS

Proven Success Rate:

My experience with Becker’s CPA Review was transformative. Their impressive 94% pass rate isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to the effectiveness of their curriculum. As a student, I felt aligned with a system that has consistently guided professionals to CPA success. This track record of excellence is what sets Becker apart in the realm of exam preparation.

Comprehensive Free Trial:

Before fully committing, I appreciated Becker’s generous trial offer. It allowed me to explore 31 hours of lectures, tackle over 1,490 multiple-choice questions, and delve into 100 TBS questions complemented by SkillBuilder videos. This extensive trial gave me a real taste of Becker’s comprehensive approach, ensuring I made an informed decision.

Intelligent Support:

My experience with Becker’s NEWT™ AI assistant was a game changer. Instead of getting stuck or sidetracked during study sessions, I could type in a question and get an instant, accurate answer—without breaking my flow. NEWT™ isn’t just convenient; it’s trained on Becker’s trusted materials, so I knew I was getting the right information.

Unique Offerings:

Becker Concierge is the latest solution from Becker CPA Review, providing you with a personalized approach to exam preparation. You’ll be supported by a team of experts/a success coach who will help develop a customized study plan. With up to 50 hours of one-on-one tutoring sessions each week, you can address any weak areas and get the help you need to excel.

Trusted By Over a Million:

Becker’s reputation as a reliable CPA Exam prep partner is well-earned. Having joined the ranks of over 1 million candidates who chose Becker, I can vouch for its effectiveness. The fact that 98% of users feel their CPA Exam needs are met by Becker speaks volumes about its reliability and quality.

Tailored One-on-One Tutoring:

The personalized tutoring included in the Becker CPA Review Pro package was invaluable. Having direct access to CPA-accredited experts allows you to address your specific challenges and doubts, making study sessions more effective and focused.

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Gleim CPA Review Course (Rank: #2)

Highest number of practice questions and simulations backed by powerful SmartAdapt learning tech.

CRUSH RATING: ★★★★★

For my second choice in CPA exam preparation, I turn to Gleim’s Premium Pro CPA Review System. What stands out to me about Gleim is their SmartAdapt™ technology, which guides you through a 100% exam content coverage curriculum, tailored to your individual learning needs. The course offers all-new video lecture content from professional educators, ensuring you receive step-by-step guidance through crucial topics.

Additionally, Gleim simulates the Prometric testing environment, giving you the most realistic exam day experience and reducing test anxiety. With personal counselors and unlimited assistance from accounting experts, Gleim ensures you’re supported every step of the way. Their extensive question bank, direct access to task-based simulations, and comprehensive final review are just a few of the features that make Gleim a top choice for CPA candidates.

Gleim CPA Course Details

How to Use Your Gleim Instruct SmartAdapt Course

What to Expect with Gleim

Gleim courses include:

• Largest bank of MCQs/TBSs – 10,000+ MCQs; 1,300+ TBS
• 100+ Hours of Video (Lectures, MCQs, TBSs)
• Personal Counselors & Private Study Groups
• Physical/Digital Textbooks and digital flashcards

What some CPA exam candidates have said about Gleim:

“The fact that you can customize the MCQ’s by unit or even subunit is HUGE. I personally would just slam out all MCQ’s per subunit after reading that part in the book until I was getting reasonable scores, then move on. Once I did that for all subunits I did a few MCQ’s of the whole chapter, making sure I am still getting reasonable scores. This allowed me to learn it in small, bite sized pieces that I could actually retain.” – Reddit Review Thread

“Used Gleim and passed both sections on the first try.” – Reddit User Dmmb207

“I used the Gleim downloadable test bank as a supplement to the Wiley text. I got great simlet practice out of the textbooks and a ton of MCQs out of the Gleim test bank. The addition of the test bank was a huge help, so if nothing else I can vouch for that piece of their program.” – Reddit thread

“… Gleim is super intense and has one of the most expansive test banks. It’s just their lectures aren’t as great and you have to be self motivated…” Reddit Review from Jamoke57

Case Study: Overcoming Challenges with Gleim CPA Review

Background: A Reddit user, enrolled in an advanced study program through their university, faced significant challenges while preparing for the CPA exam using Gleim CPA Review. They were committed to the program as it was tied to their academic credit and GPA.

Challenge: The user found the Gleim questions extremely difficult, particularly in comparison to their university coursework. They struggled with the complexity of the questions and the depth of detail required, which was not adequately covered in the lectures and textbook provided by Gleim. This led to feelings of demoralization and stress, impacting their study routine and overall motivation.

Experience:

• The user described the EPS portion of the study unit as brutally complex, requiring extensive effort to discern relevant information.
• They spent an excessive amount of time trying to understand and take notes on what they got wrong, leading to frustration and a sense of defeat.
• The lectures and textbook were deemed insufficient for the level of detail required in the MCQs.
• Financial constraints prevented them from supplementing their study with other programs.

Community Feedback: Another Reddit user, suppresser2774, responded with encouragement, noting that Gleim’s questions are intentionally difficult. They shared their own success story of passing the FAR section with an 86 after four weeks of full-time study using Gleim, suggesting that perseverance and deep understanding of the problems could lead to success.

Outcome: Despite the initial struggles, the user eventually passed the CPA section using Gleim. This success story highlights the effectiveness of Gleim’s rigorous approach, albeit challenging, in preparing students for the CPA exam.

Gleim CPA Online Pros & Cons

PROS

MCQs and TBS:

Gleim is another comprehensive course that prides itself on covering all possible subjects that may be encountered on the CPA exam. This extends into their practice materials, which is why they currently offer the highest number of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations out of any other CPA prep course! It should be noted that all of Gleim’s questions emulate the actual exam and come with detailed answer explanations for correct and incorrect answer choices.

AI Assistant:

Gleim’s AI Pal stood out during my review for its simplicity and usefulness. Whenever I hit a wall on a difficult concept, AI Pal offered straightforward explanations in the moment—like having a patient tutor just one click away. It didn’t overwhelm me with too much information, and it worked seamlessly within Gleim’s deep content.

Varied Curriculum:

Gleim’s courses come with a variety of resources like audio lessons, practice exams, a Simulation Wizard, and access to a personal counselor for all 4 sections of the CPA Exam. A point often overlooked, the use of SmartAdapt technology to sift through detailed information and target important areas is also extremely helpful.

Free Resources:

It’s a lot easier to justify paying for an educational course when you get the chance to try it first. That’s why Gleim offers free course materials, including a 40-question multiple choice quiz and a sample of their Task-Based Simulations per section.

Gleim CPA Review offers over 100 hours of video content, including detailed lectures, multiple-choice questions, and task-based simulations. These lectures are led by professional educators and cover all the essential topics required for the CPA exam.

CONS

Very Detailed Content:

The books are detailed and use a significant amount of technical jargon. Gleim’s comprehensiveness is great for students who struggled with accounting concepts while in school or for those who have been out of school awhile. And while this may appeal to these types of students, others may feel overwhelmed by the information overload.

Price Surge:

Over a short span, Gleim’s courses have seen a marked increase in their pricing. This sudden escalation can be a barrier for many students, especially those who are self-financing their CPA exam preparations. While investing in a comprehensive review course is crucial, the affordability factor can’t be ignored.

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Surgent CPA Prep Course (Rank: #3)

The best CPA exam prep course technology, hands down.

CRUSH RATING: ★★★★★

What Everyone Needs To Know About Surgent CPA Review

I placed Surgent CPA Review’s Ultimate Pass in the third spot for its exceptional blend of technology and comprehensive content, making it an outstanding program for CPA exam preparation. What I like most is their adaptive learning technology, A.S.A.P.®, which personalizes my study plan, saving me up to 400 hours of study time. The Ultimate Pass includes over 8,800 multiple-choice questions, 450+ simulations, and an integrated test bank of 1,000 additional questions, ensuring thorough preparation. Additionally, the package offers print textbooks, flashcards for all sections, audio lectures, and one-on-one virtual coaching with a CPA expert. With a full year of Unlimited CPE and Surgent Gamified Learning Access, plus their ultimate customer support, Surgent CPA Review truly stands out as a comprehensive and adaptive solution for CPA candidates.

Surgent CPA Review: In 2 Minutes, Here's Exactly Why We Recommend Them...

What to Expect with Surgent

Surgent CPA Review is a popular choice among CPA candidates, known for its comprehensive content and adaptive learning technology. Here’s what you can expect from the program, including firsthand accounts from students who have used Surgent for their CPA preparation.

Key Features of Surgent CPA Review:

• Adaptive Learning Technology: Surgent’s A.S.A.P.® Technology personalizes your study plan, focusing on areas needing improvement.
• Extensive Question Bank: Over 8,800 multiple-choice questions and 450+ simulations, ensuring thorough preparation.
• One-on-One Coaching: Personalized coaching from CPA exam experts.
• Unlimited Access Until You Pass: Continuous access to course materials until you achieve success.
• Pass Guarantee: Refund offered if you don’t pass the CPA exam after course completion.

Student Experiences:

• “Used it for both CPA and CIA. I’m happy with it, passed all parts on the first attempt while working full time with a family. CPA took about 6 months and CIA 6 weeks.” – This student highlights the effectiveness of Surgent in balancing study with personal and professional commitments.
• “I’m using it, passed audit with a 75, reg with an 85 and take far next month. I enjoy it and their customer service is the best.” – Reflecting on the quality of Surgent’s customer service and its role in their successful exam results.
• “Used Surgent for both FAR and REG, and the exam was not nearly as involved, as far as MCQ’s, as Surgent. SIMS, I would definitely recommend practicing at least some, especially if it’s your first exam. Overall, I would say I felt prepared.” – A testament to the depth of Surgent’s practice materials and their effectiveness in exam preparation.
• “I have used Surgent, Ninja, and Roger. In terms of questions, Surgent is by far the best. Roger had the best lecturers and textbooks, and Ninja was the cheapest.” – Comparing Surgent with other CPA review courses, highlighting its superior question bank.

Surgent CPA Review Pros & Cons

PROS

Comprehensive Content Coverage:

Surgent’s CPA Review course excels in providing extensive coverage of all exam topics. With over 8,800 multiple-choice questions, 450+ simulations, and additional integrated test banks, students have access to a wealth of resources. This depth of material ensures that every aspect of the CPA exam is thoroughly covered, allowing students to build a strong foundation in each subject area. This comprehensive approach not only prepares students for the exam but also instills a deep understanding of the core principles of accounting.

Most Innovative Technology:

Surgent’s adaptive AI system may not talk back, but it definitely listens. From the first diagnostic quiz, I felt the platform adjusting to me—shifting the focus based on where I struggled and streamlining content I already understood. The AI behind ReadySCORE™ and Daily Surge created an efficient, hyper-targeted study plan that kept me progressing without burnout. It’s one of the most quietly effective AI experiences I’ve had in a CPA course.

ReadyScore Indicator:

Surgent eliminates the guesswork in exam preparation with its ReadySCORE feature, offering students a definitive measure of their readiness for the CPA Exam. This feature employs a sophisticated adaptive learning algorithm to assess a student’s understanding across the entire spectrum of CPA Exam material. The result is a real-time ReadySCORE, providing an accurate gauge of a student’s preparedness for the exam.

Money-Back Guarantee:

Surgent is committed to its high-quality promise. Should students not succeed on their initial CPA exam attempt, they are eligible for a refund. This commitment is rooted in the thoroughness of Surgent’s exam review resources, equipping students with all the essential knowledge they need. This ensures that the hard work and dedication of students are reflected in their success when it comes to the exam day.

CONS

Limited Support and Focus

Surgent provides email support for course-related questions, but the turnaround time for responses can vary from one day to several days. Additionally, the comprehensiveness and usefulness of the responses can be inconsistent. The support team primarily focuses on direct course material queries, typically avoiding broader explanations that offer deeper conceptual understanding. This narrower approach may be a drawback for students seeking more extensive insights into the subject matter.

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Lambers CPA Prep Course (Rank: #4)

CRUSH RATING: ★★★★★

Lambers CPA Review, with its 50-year legacy, offers quality review materials that are both effective and affordable. Developed by top accounting instructors, Lambers’ courses are “born in the classroom,” ensuring they meet the exact needs of CPA candidates. Ideal for working professionals, students with busy schedules, and recent graduates, Lambers provides the flexibility essential for successful exam preparation.

While the program is robust and time-tested, it’s worth noting that the digital infrastructure of Lambers can feel somewhat outdated, with a slow-loading website and occasional glitches. Additionally, compared to newer CPA review courses, Lambers may not offer the same level of modern learning tools and interactive elements. Despite these aspects, Lambers remains committed to student success, offering a variety of course options to suit different learning styles and guaranteeing quality in their long-standing program.

Course Details

• Proven Teaching Method: Utilizes the Lambers teaching method of illustrations, examples, and working problems, a technique that has helped over 250,000 candidates since 1966.
• Online and On-Demand Delivery: Offers the flexibility of online learning, accessible anytime and anywhere.
• Three-Mode Testing Methodology:
  • Pre-Test Mode: Establishes a baseline assessment of your knowledge in each AICPA objective category.
  • Adaptive Mode: Focuses on turning weaknesses into strengths through repetitive practice, with detailed explanations and video links for thorough understanding.
  • Simulated Mode: Mimics the real exam environment, with timed tests and no external help, preparing you for the actual test day.
• Personalized Tracking: Monitors your progress, advising on focus areas and readiness for the real exam.

What to Expect with Lambers: My Personal Experience

Diving into Lambers CPA Review, I was curious about their long-standing reputation. Right off the bat, their teaching style clicked with me. It’s all about practical examples and solving problems, which really helped me grasp the tougher accounting concepts.

The flexibility of their online format was a huge plus. Being able to study whenever and wherever fit perfectly with my hectic schedule. The course layout was straightforward and easy to follow, which made a big difference in keeping me on track.

The testing methodology in Lambers stood out. Starting with a baseline assessment, moving into targeted practice on weak spots, and ending with a full-blown simulated exam experience really boosted my confidence. The personalized tracking was a neat feature, keeping me in the loop about my progress.

But, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The website felt a bit old-school and clunky at times, which was a bit of a downer. And compared to some other courses, Lambers could use a tech upgrade, especially in terms of interactive learning tools.

Overall, my experience with Lambers was pretty solid. It’s a no-nonsense, effective way to prep for the CPA exam. If you’re after a straightforward approach without all the bells and whistles, Lambers is a solid bet.

Lambers CPA Online Pros & Cons

PROS

Optimized Study Content:

Lambers offers one of the best ways for a CPA candidate to identify their weak areas and drill them down into strengths. They’ve recently revamped their study materials — 5,000 practice questions and 90 hours of video — to be optimized for this express purpose.

Unique Testing Mode:

Lambers’ innovative testing strategy encompasses a three-phase approach. Starting with the ‘Pre-Test Mode’ for initial knowledge assessment, it then moves to the ‘Adaptive Mode’ for focused learning, and finally, the ‘Simulated Mode’ replicates actual exam conditions. This methodical approach guarantees that candidates are not only well-versed in the material but also thoroughly prepared for the exam environment.

Repeat Takers:

Have you taken the CPA exam once before and failed? If so, Lambers is an effective and inexpensive way to get that extra boost you need to earn a passing score. You can pick a specific section, like FAR or BEC, and then use their adaptive learning tech to learn what you missed.

CONS

Limited Content:

When compared to the top courses on our list, Lambers doesn’t have the same amount of content or competitive extra features. With that being said, it’s still a viable learning resource if you want something very stripped-down.

Platform Challenges:

The Lambers website occasionally faces issues with slow load times, an outdated design, and sporadic glitches. These technical difficulties can disrupt a seamless study experience, particularly for users who depend heavily on online resources.

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UWorld Roger CPA Review Course (Rank: #5)

CRUSH RATING: ★★★★★

What Everyone Needs To Know About UWorld Roger CPA (Formerly Wiley) Review

I have to say UWorld’s CPA Course offers a lot of resources, but it’s not the best for every study style. While it includes unlimited access, a large question bank, and coverage of all core exam sections plus one discipline, the course’s rigid structure and emphasis on its dated SmartPath system make it hard to recommend for everyone.

The video lectures were hit or miss—some helpful, others hard to stay engaged with. I liked having printed books and flashcards, but I didn’t end up using the mobile app much because of all the loading issues. Overall, it’s a solid course if you like a very guided approach, but for the price, I was expecting a bit more flexibility and personalization.

What to Expect with UWorld Roger CPA

• Course Access: Continuous access until you pass, covering all core exam sections and disciplines.
• Practice Material: 8,000 MCQs, hundreds of TBSs, and unlimited full-length practice exams, all aligned with the AICPA Blueprints.
• Learning Resources: 100 hours of video lectures by Roger Philipp & Peter Olinto, digital and printed textbooks, and digital flashcards with spaced repetition.
• Study Tools: Uworld uses what they call “SmartPath Predictive Technology” which sounds more complicated than it is. Really it just gives you an idea if you’re ready for the exam.
• Multi-Platform: Mobile app, audio lectures, downloadable videos, and performance tracking by topic.

UWorld Pros & Cons 2025

PROS

Great Instructors:

UWorld CPA Review has lectures from two of the industry’s most renowned instructors, Roger Philipp and Peter Olinto. Their expertise and dynamic teaching style not only make complex topics more understandable but also add an engaging and motivational element to the learning experience. With these top-tier educators at the helm, students gain invaluable insights and strategies from some of the best minds in the field.

Modern Learning Tech:

UWorld CPA Review’s Elite-Unlimited Course incorporates SmartPath Predictive Technology, a data-driven tool that predicts when you’re ready for the exam. This technology tailors the learning experience by comparing a student’s progress to successful exam candidates, focusing on areas that need improvement.

CONS

Uncertainty Due to Merger:

The recent combination of Wiley and UWorld courses introduces a level of uncertainty, as it’s still unclear how these two established platforms will integrate. This merger leaves potential users wondering about the consistency and quality of the combined course offerings.

Potential Overlap and Redundancy in Course Material:

The merging of two comprehensive courses like Wiley and UWorld might lead to overlap in content, potentially causing redundancy in study materials. This could result in a more cumbersome study process for students who prefer a streamlined, concise curriculum.

Less Engaging Lectures than in the Past:

UWorld’s integration with Wiley has led to longer, less dynamic lectures, moving away from the previously popular concise and engaging format, which has resulted in some student dissatisfaction.

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Other CPA Review Courses & CPA Study Materials to Consider

These CPA review courses didn’t make my Top 6 List for 2025, but I still wanted to give you a thorough overview of their pros and cons. Click on each one to learn more:

• Ninja CPA Review Course – Not comprehensive enough to use as a primary study source, ok as supplementary study material on weaker sections.
• MDS CPA Study Materials– Has recently overhauled entire course to get a much-needed upgrade in technology, overall it looks very promising.
• CPA Exam Tutoring – Compare the top rated CPA exam tutoring companies and find a CPA tutor to help boost your scores.

Compare Top CPA Exam Review Courses By Feature:

1. CPA Review Course Video Lecture Content
2. Multiple Choice Questions
3. Task Based Simulations
4. Discounts and Financing Options
5. Student Support

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Eligible to take the CPA exam?

Candidates will need to meet eligibility requirements set by their regional board of accountancy before they take the CPA exam. There are 55 different jurisdictions in the United States, each with their own specific requirements. You can find out more about your local state accountancy board on NASBA.

How Hard is the CPA Exam?

Although some sections of the 4-part CPA exam are easier than others, all of them are notoriously difficult. On average, roughly half of people who take the exam earn a passing grade.

How do I Prepare for the CPA Exam?

The best way to ensure you are capable of passing the CPA exam is to identify your unique learning style, find CPA review courses geared toward it, and set aside enough study time to ensure you go over all the material covered on every exam section. For more information on different learning styles, I recommend reading more about Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.

Why Should I Become a CPA?

There are both tangible and intangible benefits to becoming a CPA. If you want to advance quickly in your career, beat other applicants for competitive jobs, and land a corner office, this is the certification to pick. When comparing the average salary of an uncertified accountant with a CPA, the latter earns roughly 30% more annually.. Basically, you should become a CPA if you want to achieve the greatest possible success in professional accounting!

What Are the CPA Exam Requirements By State?

For the most part, all 50 US states share requirements to sit for the CPA exam— with a few notable exceptions. However, you should still consult your local state’s board of taxation to learn the specific requirements you’ll need to meet. Typically, you’ll need to accrue some work experience and around 150 credit hours of education; but you should also anticipate more than just that!

How Do I Recognize My “Learning Style”?

If you ascribe to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, recognizing your learning style is key to getting the most out of any educational pursuit— including passing the CPA exam. Ask yourself some introspective questions and be honest: do you learn best from a video lecture, an audiobook, a textbook, a collaborative study group, or through tons and tons of practice questions? Once you’ve identified your learning style, put it to work and you’ll have a much easier time getting a passing score on all your exams!

What Are the Different Testing Windows For the CPA Exam?

In the past, the CPA exam testing windows followed the quarterly fiscal year structure— four windows of time for taking the exam each year. However, in 2020 the AICPA, NASBA, and Prometric rolled out a continuous testing model, which allows you to effectively take the CPA exam year-round.

Which is the easiest part of the CPA exam?

The AICPA reports AUD being the statistically easiest core section most recently with a 44% pass rate.