01 Oct Best CPA Review Courses & CPA Exam Study Materials Of 2019
Bryce Welker, CPA
Choosing the best CPA review course is the most important decision you will make to help you pass the CPA exam. That’s why we’ve put together all the best options below! It’s crucial to find CPA study materials that best fit your learning style. Every CPA prep course company claims to have the best product, yet picking the wrong course could waste you hundreds of valuable study hours and thousands of dollars.
I have personally tested and used all of the CPA exam review courses, study materials, and books below so you don’t have to!
This CPA prep course comparison guide is aimed at helping you figure out which review course is best for you. If you can’t decide on one of these CPA test prep options, please leave a comment at the bottom of this page and I’ll personally help you find the CPA exam prep course that best fits your learning style, study plan, budget, and needs.
Compare The Top 7 Best CPA Review Courses in 2019 (October):
| CRUSH RANKING | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 |
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| WHAT’S THE X FACTOR? | Best Adaptive Technology | Most Engaging Lectures + SmartPath Tech | Bite-Sized Lessons | Endorsed by Big 4 | Most Comprehensive Content | Personalized Learning System | Best Value |
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| DISCOUNT | Save $800 Show Coupon | ||||||
| VIDEO LECTURE HOURS | 350 Video Lessons | 120 | 140 | 275+ per section | 100 | 80+ | 104 |
| MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS | 8,700 | 6,200 | 12,000 | 8,100+ | 10,000 | 6,000+ | 5,000 |
| TASK-BASED SIMULATIONS | 417 | 400 | 500 | 530+ | 1,300 | 230 | 164 |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | Unlimited content and technical support with responses guaranteed within 1 business day | 24/7 Homework Help Center | Message Board 24 Hour Response Time | Unlimited personal case submission. Coaching and tutoring sessions available | Personal Counselor Phone & Email Support | Email Support & Community Forum | Instructor Hotline Phone & Email Support |
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| OFFLINE COURSE (FLASH DRIVE) | Access Offline via Mobile App |
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Summary of the Top 10 Best CPA Review Courses in 2019 (October):
- Surgent CPA Exam Review Course – Best Rating
- Roger CPA Review Courses
- Wiley CPAexcel CPA Prep Course
- Becker Live Online CPA Review Courses
- Gleim CPA Exam Test Preparation Course
- Fast Forward Academy CPA Exam Review
- Yaeger CPA Exam Review Study Materials
- Universal CPA Review Course
- MDS CPA Self-Study Review Course
- Lambers CPA Exam Prep Program
Surgent CPA Review Course (Rank: #1)
The best CPA exam prep course technology, hands down.
Surgent CPA Review Pros & Cons [2019]
What Everyone Needs To Know About Surgent CPA Review
Surgent CPA Review is the only non-linear CPA prep course on the market. This means instead of studying through a structured format, like other companies, Surgent’s CPA course will adapt to your unique level of knowledge. With this efficient way to study, most of their students pass in 3 weeks, with an average study time of 58 hours! Using Surgent, you’ll be able to pass all 4 CPA exam sections in the time it takes other students to pass one section using another review provider.
Since Surgent’s software utilizes true adaptive study algorithms throughout your entire study process, you will eliminate unnecessary study time. And you don’t have to worry about getting updated material that prepares you for the new 2019 CPA exam! Surgent incorporates new adjustments whenever the AICPA introduces a change or based on student feedback, ensuring you have the most up-to-date course that is easy to use, for no extra cost.
(note: Other CPA prep course providers might charge you for these updates which happen annually, but with Surgent you never have to worry about that.)
Popular Questions About Surgent CPA Review Course:
A: Yes, all of Surgent’s course features are compatible with most smartphones and tablets. The only devices that don’t support Surgent’s software are Kindle Fire, Nook Tablets, and E-Readers.
A: Adaptive learning is a learning technology that Surgent CPA Review course incorporated into their software so it can quickly reveal your areas of need and automatically create a customized study plan that focuses on where you need the most help. The goal is to reduce study time and increase efficiency.
The Bottom Line: Surgent and its impressive adaptive software will help you pass the CPA exam as quickly as possible.
Surgent CPA Review Course Discount Codes [Up To $1,000 OFF]
Find the Surgent CPA Exam Prep promo code that works best for your budget below!
Roger CPA Review Course (Rank: #2)
The most exciting CPA Review Course designed to keep you engaged.
Roger CPA Review – Reviews, Pros & Cons [2019]
What Everyone Needs To Know About Roger CPA Exam Prep
If you are struggling with the dry and boring content of accounting topics, you need Roger Philipp as your CPA test prep instructor. His energetic “Roger Method” study plan has kept students motivated to stay focused for more than 25 years.
Roger CPA Review is known for its engaging video and audio lectures, but this course also has material that clearly breaks down difficult CPA exam topics into simplified concepts. The course technology is cutting-edge compared to the other dated courses out there, so if you want a great video lecture course supported by an awesome software, Roger is the one for you.
FAQs About Roger CPA Review Course:
A: If you get the course, you’ll have access to the lectures on your cellular phone, tablet, or mobile device. Additionally, Roger CPA Review now offers a companion mobile app that provides full functionality with all their course materials.
A: Roger CPA Review has a Homework Help Center to answer questions regarding the CPA exam. Moderators are available to help, as they can provide assistance on conceptual issues or topical questions. This service is meant to be a supplemental support to the content that’s covered in the lectures.
The Bottom Line: If you have difficulty staying focused with boring accounting topics, you will love the easy-to-read and engaging style of Roger CPA Review.
Roger CPA Review Promo Code Discounts
Looking for a Roger CPA discount? Take a look at the promo codes below to find the one that makes the most sense for your situation.
Wiley CPAexcel Review Course (Rank: #3)
Bite-sized lectures make this CPA Review Course easy to study on tight schedules.
Wiley CPAexcel Course Pros & Cons [2019]
What You Need To Know About Wiley CPA Prep Courses
Wiley is a perfect course for you if you have a busy schedule with work or family obligations. I used Wiley to pass my CPA exam while also working 50 hours a week. I would not have been able to do so without the small sized lectures that made fitting in small study sessions easy—these also helped to increase my retention.
If you identify as a self studier, this is the course for you! Some may want more human interaction, but if you prefer to study on your own Wiley is the way to go.
Most Asked Questions About Wiley CPAexcel Review:
A: Wiley has been updating their material over the past year to reflect all CPA exam developments. In October and November 2019, these updates include new coaching videos, a revamped flashcard bank, and additional material focusing on skills related to data analysis and Microsoft Excel.
The Bottom Line: Wiley is the course for you if you need small sized lessons to squeeze into your busy schedule.
Wiley CPAexcel CPA Course Discount Codes
Save valuable money on your review course with these Wiley CPA discount codes!
Becker CPA Review Course (Rank: #4)
This quality CPA Review Course is backed up and endorsed by Big 4 accounting firms
Becker CPA Online Pros & Cons [2019]
Top Things You Need To Know Before You Buy!
Becker is one of the most known companies for CPA candidates since it is sponsored by most accounting firms (including the Big 4) and universities. While this is great for name recognition.
With this secure customer base, Becker has no problem being the most expensive course out there because they are the most trusted name in the CPA exam prep industry. So if you have been told by a boss, professor, or fellow CPA that Becker is “the only way to go,” it’s not. However, recently they’ve been over hauling their program, like adding Adapt2U learning technology that’s powered by A.I. so their product is starting to justify the high price tag.
FAQs About Becker CPA Review:
Q: Can I try Becker’s CPA review course before making a purchase?
A: Yes! Becker offers a 21-day demo with over 150 multiple choice questions and 20 task-based simulations. This is a great way to make sure Becker is the right choice for your study needs before spending your money.
Q: Does Becker offer a pass guarantee?
A: Yes. Under the Becker Promise, students who complete all or most of their course material but fail the CPA exam will receive tuition reimbursement.
The Bottom Line: You should use Becker CPA Review only if someone else is going to pay for it. If not, check out the other CPA exam prep courses.
Becker CPA Review Course Discount Codes [$500 or More Off!]
Why pay full price when you can use a Becker CPA coupon code to save big?
Gleim CPA Review Course (Rank: #5)
Gleim is another comprehensive course that prides itself on covering all possible subjects that may be encountered on the CPA exam—this is another great option for those who have been out of school for awhile.
Gleim’s course comes 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. The unlimited access and free course content updates make this option pretty great too!
FAQs About Gleim CPA Review Courses:
A: With Gleim, you get an Access Until You Pass guarantee. This means that you’ll have full access to the entire course, without needing to buy an extension, until you pass the CPA exam.
A: The Gleim Traditional CPA Review offers less student support and doesn’t come with the pass guarantee. The Premium review comes complete with the Gleim Instruct Video Series and a more built out support infrastructure.
The Bottom Line: If you haven’t been in a classroom for a number of years and want a personal counselor to help you throughout your studies, Gleim is the course for you.
Gleim CPA Review Course Discounts & Special Offers
Trying to be cost conscious about your CPA review course purchase? A Gleim promo code is exactly what you need. Choose one below.
Fast Forward Academy CPA Review Course (Rank: #6)
Fast Forward Academy is relatively new to the CPA Review arena and the course is still proving itself. The feedback is mixed, but it’s certainly a fine course for passing the CPA exam.
If you are on a tight budget, Fast Forward Academy is one of the least expensive courses on the market and will give you what you need to pass the CPA Exam.
FAQs About FFA CPA Review:
Q: Does Fast Forward Academy offer a return guarantee?
A: Yes! Students who are unsatisfied with Fast Forward Academy’s study materials can request a refund within 30 days of their purchase.
Q: Does Fast Forward Academy offer financing?
A: Yes. Students have the option of enrolling in a 3, 6, or 12 month payment plan when enrolling in one of Fast Forward Academy’s CPA review courses.
The Bottom Line: Fast Forward Academy CPA Review has some of the best technology out there, I would recommend this course for students who prefer to self-study and have a smaller budget.
Fast Forward Academy CPA Review Course Discount Codes
A Fast Forward Academy discount can save you valuable money on your review course! Take your choice from the promo codes below.
Yaeger CPA Prep Course (Rank: #7)
Phil Yaeger has been teaching CPA candidates since 1977. His focus back then was customer service, and that tradition continues to this day. So if you are nervous about starting this solo CPA exam study process and want a course that will have all sorts of student support, Yaeger would be a solid fit for your learning style.
When Yaeger updated its course for the new 2019 CPA exam, it added several new features to make the course more up to date in terms of technology. The exam questions and other course content is also quite comprehensive and closely tied to the AICPA blueprints, making this course ideal for those who have been out of college for a while and want more information and easy access to instructor support.
Yaeger CPA Review – Reviews and Most Frequently Asked Questions:
A: With Yaeger, you can access the materials via a browser that adapts well to mobile devices. The student portal can be easily entered via any mobile phone or tablet. The flashcards can be accessed via mobile devices, so you can take studying on the go!What’s the difference between the Traditional and Premium courses”
A: Yaeger offers a unique combination of support services: there’s an instructor hotline and phone and email support. The instructors who field questions have years of experience in the industry.
The Bottom Line: Yaeger is a good fit for you if you want a comprehensive course that gives you more than enough information to pass the CPA Exam.
Yaeger CPA Prep Course Discount Codes
Want to save money on your CPA exam prep? Below are some Yaeger CPA discount codes just for you.
Universal CPA Review Course (Rank: #8)
The Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a new take on CPA study materials, Universal CPA Review isn’t a bad choice. However, it shouldn’t be your first choice; instead, go for a more established and comprehensive provider like Surgent or Roger.
Universal CPA Review Discounts & Promo Codes
What’s the Best CPA Prep Course?
It can be hard to pick between so many great CPA courses. Each have their own strengths, but the key to picking the right one lies in exploring how each one fits their studying niche.
Wiley CPA Review vs. Becker CPA Review Course
Becker has a strong emphasis on flexibility when studying. It offers both Study Roadmap and Study Planner toolkits so you can fine tune a personalized study routine.
On the other hand, Wiley is designed around bite sized lectures. Each lecture is 30-45 minutes so that they don’t overwhelm you. Because of that, they’re great for anyone who needs to study during work or school breaks.
What’s most important to note is the difference in price between the two. Becker is the most expensive course on the market, so unless someone else is covering payment for it I would recommend Wiley.
Surgent CPA Review vs. Becker CPA
Surgent and Becker are both built around their innovative technology. Becker is one of the few courses to offer a mobile app, but Surgent just has a stronger offering in terms of content. They show this through their concise video lectures and intuitive dashboard design. Because of their focus on accessibility and quality, Surgent’s course was named one of Accouting Today’s Top New Products.
Becker once again loses out when it comes to their price tag. Not only is Surgent cheaper, they also offer both a free five day trial of their service and a money back guarantee. Hence, picking Surgent is a bit of a no brainer here.
Roger CPA Review vs. Becker CPA Exam Review
When it comes to instructors, Becker and Roger have very different doctrines. While Becker’s program is taught by a host of instructors, Roger’s lectures are built around their teacher and namesake, Roger Philip. This is done so that the course has a solid through line. Roger Philip delivers his lectures with a characteristic enthusiasm and energy that really draws you in. However, I actually prefer the variation that comes from Becker’s larger group of instructors.
If you can afford the higher price tag, I would recommend Becker. However, Roger is still a good value option if you can’t.
Gleim CPA Review vs. Wiley CPA Review
Both Gleim and Wiley’s greatest strengths come from their wide breadth of content. Gleim offers over 10,000 multiple choice questions while Wiley’s platinum course offers 12,000 questions. Furthermore, Wiley takes their questions from previous CPA exams so you can focus on certain areas without having to repeat the same questions. In contrast, Gleim focuses on having more types of questions such as true/false questions, task based
simulations, and MCQ tests.
Unfortunately Gleim does miss out in one key area. Many of their books tend to slip into technical jargon that’s great for an expert, but not so much for a beginner. If you’re worried about information overload, I would recommend choosing Wiley instead.
Gleim CPA Review Course vs. Becker CPA Review Course
Gleim offers a great deal of versatility in their CPA study materials that should appeal to a specific kind of student. The addition of audio lectures is helpful for those who prefer to study while doing other things, like commuting or exercising.
On the other hand, Gleim’s lack of a mobile app can frustrate these same students. Fortunately, Becker provides a full mobile app that will work on both Apple and Android devices. This is a big deal for students who are constantly on the go that need to study in short bursts.
Although both CPA review courses offer a suite of appealing features, Becker is the ultimate winner in this comparison. Thanks to their accessibility in both content and mobile resources, it’s just a better option overall for modern students.
Fast Forward Academy CPA Review vs. Gleim CPA Review Course
The biggest advantage that Fast Forward Academy provides to students when compared to the Gleim CPA review course is its price. If you’re a student with a tight budget that wants to stretch it as far as possible, you may want to choose Fast Forward Academy.
However, if you have even a few hundred dollars more to spend on your review course, Gleim is a much better option. It offers nearly double the amount of review material for students while also providing helpful support options and excellent personalization features.
If you don’t mind the fact that their study material is a bit more difficult to parse, Gleim is a better choice in terms of overall exam preparedness. Alternatively, Fast Forward Academy is a decent choice for students who just want something simple and less stressful.
Other CPA Review Courses & CPA Study Materials to Consider
These CPA review courses didn’t make my Top 7 List for 2019, 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.
- Lambers CPA Review Courses – Has a comprehensive Audio Review Course, that’s pretty much it, though.
- 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 2019’s Top CPA Exam Review Courses By Feature:
Best CPA Prep Course Video Lecture Comparison
CPA video lectures are great for people who miss the classroom setting and prefer to learn by watching a teacher go over the important accounting concepts. Video lectures are one of the most important parts of any CPA review course, as many students prefer this style of learning. Roger CPA Review has some of the best video materials in the industry with his engaging talks, while Surgent CPA Review has the most knowledgeable instructors.
Best CPA Review Courses Video Lecture Hours
| CPA Review Course | Video Lecture Hours |
| Roger CPA Review | 120 |
| Wiley CPAexcel | 110 |
| Surgent CPA Review | 350 Short Videos |
| Yaeger CPA Review | 104 |
| Gleim CPA Review | 100 |
| Fast Forward Academy | 470 Short Videos |
| Becker CPA Review | 150 |
Bottom Line: Roger CPA Review will likely occupy this spot until the namesake retires—he’s the most engaging instructor in the industry.
Most Multiple Choice Questions – CPA Review Course Comparison
Multiple choice questions are the bread and butter of the best CPA review books, as these mirror the exam content and are an amazing way to practice for the test. The number of MCQs isn’t always the most important metric for these questions, as some are harder and more like the actual exam than others. Wiley has a ton of great questions, but Surgent has very targeted multiple choice questions that will help you prepare for the test.
Best CPA Review Courses Multiple Choice Questions
| CPA Review Course | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Wiley CPAexcel | 12,000 |
| Gleim CPA Review | 10,000 |
| Becker CPA Program | 7,200 |
| Surgent CPA Review | 6,840 |
| Roger CPA Review | 6,200 |
| Fast Forward Academy | 6,000 |
| Yaeger CPA Review | 5,000 |
Bottom Line: Wiley CPAexcel has more multiple choice questions than any course, so you’re not going to run out of CPA study materials.
Comparison of CPA Review Course Task-Based Simulations
Task-based simulations are increasingly important because of the 2019 CPA exam structure. Because of this new test, CPA review courses now place more emphasis on these questions, ensuring you can pass after practicing the TBS section. Surgent and Wiley are the top two courses that have included up to date TBS materials and have optimized these sections for the new CPA exam blueprints.
Best CPA Review Courses Number of Task-Based Simulations
| CPA Review Course | Number of Task-Based Simulations |
| Gleim CPA Review | 1,300 |
| Wiley CPAexcel | 600 |
| Surgent CPA Review | 417 |
| Roger CPA Online | 400 |
| Becker CPA Review | 400 |
| Fast Forward Academy | 230 |
| Yaeger CPA Review | 164 |
Bottom Line: While Surgent has extremely up-to-date materials, Gleim CPA Review has the most task based simulations with which to practice.
Best CPA Courses Discount Prices & Financing Compared
Why pass full price for a CPA review course? There are plenty of great CPA discount codes that are available to students and candidates. Take hundreds of dollars off Roger CPA Review, Surgent CPA Review, Wiley CPAexcel, and many more with our great CPA Prep Course promo codes. If you can’t put a bunch of money down upfront, check out the financing options from Surgent or Roger CPA Review.
Best CPA Review Courses Pricing & Financing
| CPA Review Course | Price (before discount) | Financing |
| Surgent CPA Review | $2,899 | Yes |
| Roger CPA Review | $2,999 | No |
| Wiley CPAexcel | $2,800 | Yes |
| Becker CPA Review | $3,987 | Yes |
| Gleim CPA Review | $1,999 | Yes |
| Fast Forward Academy | $1,549 | Yes |
| Yaeger CPA Review | $1,589 | Yes |
Bottom Line: Surgent CPA Review offers great financing options, with 0% and a low monthly rate thanks to an affordable price point.
After using the top 5 CPA courses thoroughly, I found that certain prep courses deliver on their student support promises better than others.
Which CPA review course provider answers questions the fastest?
How easy is it to use the student support software?
Which course gives the most personal response?
Best CPA Review Customer Support
| CPA Review Course | Surgent | Roger | Wiley | Becker | Gleim | FFA | Yaeger |
| Phone Support? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat Support | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| 24/7 Availability? | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
These are the Rankings for the Top CPA Review Courses for Student Support:
- Surgent – Dedicated coaching and onboarding, live chat, student support, email & phone
- Gleim – Personal Counselors, assistance from accounting experts, email & live chat
- Roger – Homework Help Center, expert instructors
- Wiley – Live chat, student discussion board, team of accredited university professors
- Yaeger – Email, phone, student-only message board, direct access to instructors and CPAs
Best Supplemental CPA Study Materials
Best CPA Exam Test Banks
One of the most popular supplements in the CPA exam industry includes 4,500+ CPA Exam practice questions with detailed answer rationales and 160 task-based simulations, including new Document Review Simulations (DRS).
With more than 10,000 exam-emulating multiple-choice questions and simulations of the largest test bank on the market, Gleim tests your knowledge and skills at the levels of the CPA Exam to ensure that you’re completely prepared.
Best CPA Exam Cram Courses
Whether you need to improve your CPA Exam score by 10 points, or you simply want to solidify difficult concepts for final review, a solid Cram Course is the best study supplement to get you there. A Cram Course is the best way to reinforce your understanding of the most heavily tested CPA Exam topics in a short amount of time.
Roger’s CPA Review Course is offered in two convenient formats. The Online Cram gives you two months of access from start of activation, while the portable Flash Drive Cram provides a full eight months of access time and offers the convenience to study without an internet connection.
All practice questions covered during the lectures come with full, in-depth explanations. The course also includes Cram Textbooks that were written by expert CPAs alongside the infamous Roger Philip.
Best CPA Course Printed Flashcards
Roger offers hundreds of print flashcards that come in one convenient spindle. Each card has two definitions on the front and detailed explanations on the backside.
Wiley CPAexcel includes more than 250 printed flashcards for each section of the CPA exam with their Platinum course. You can also buy them a la carte to supplement your primary review course studies with which is a great way to boost your memorization skills.
Best CPA Exam Mobile Apps
Surgent is offering a completely free Flashcard app for iPhone and Android giving you the chance to study 2,200+ CPA exam terms and definitions on your smartphone. Every candidate should be taking advantage of this offer while it lasts!
Roger recently rolled out a full mobile app that offers a 1:1 experience when compared to their desktop version. This is a fantastic choice for any students who are constantly on the go.
Best Audio CPA Review Course
If you have a commute or want to make time in the gym more efficient you can download the Roger CPA Audio Course for listening on the go. This is by far the most engaging audio course that almost makes accounting fun.. almost 😉
Best CPA Course for Visual and Auditory Learners
This is the absolute best option for visual & auditory learners. Roger Philip, the instructor, is extremely animated and his genuine passion is obvious in his interesting lectures. The Elite course also includes an audio version of the CPA course.
Top CPA Review Course on a Budget (Less than $1200)
Get all 4 sections for less than $1200 with our exclusive CRUSH coupon code. Yaeger launched their new software platform and the organized, user friendly interface is truly impressive. This great all around course is the best bang for your buck!
Best CPA Study Combo for Self-Studiers
Wiley’s Platinum course comes fully loaded with over 12,000 multiple choice practice questions, more than any other CPA Test Prep company. This course is ideal for those who don’t need to have their hand held while studying.
Self-studiers tend to learn very well from drilling thousands of multiple choice questions, analyzing the answers they got wrong, and then doing more practice questions. Combined with Wiley’s Platinum course, Gleim’s CPA Test Bank is ultimate combo for self-studiers.
CPA Review Course Frequently Asked Questions
Who can 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 the NASBA’s website.
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 50% 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 your learning style, and set aside enough study time to ensure you go over all the material covered on every exam section.
How Much Is Becker CPA Review Self-Study?
Becker CPA Review’s Self-Study course is currently the most expensive online CPA review course. The price is $3,393 for their full course which covers all four parts of the CPA exam. Other CPA review course companies like Roger CPA Review, Wiley CPAexcel, and Surgent CPA Review offer very similar study materials and software features for about half the cost of Becker with prices starting around $1,500 for these top notch CPA Review Course materials. All of them also offer financing options and special discounts so CPA candidates have the chance to start studying at a much lower cost or with a small down payment.
Why Should I Become a CPA?
The benefits of being a CPA are both tangible and intangible. With that designation next to your name, you get a better career trajectory, a higher salary, respect from similarly accredited peers, and the potential to secure corner office positions. Over the course of their careers, CPAs make $1 million more than their non-certified counterparts. The C-Suite is more likely to be made up of people who are CPAs than those who lack the title—executive search firm Spencer Stuart noted roughly 45 percent of CFOs have a CPA.
What Are the CPA Exam Requirements By State?
The requirements to sit for the CPA exam aren’t especially varied from state to state, but there are certainly some outliers. Understanding these CPA exam requirements is necessary, however, as the first step to becoming a CPA is being able to sit for the exam. For the most part, you’re going to need 150 credit hours of accounting education, along with some work experience. There’s definitely more to the requirements than just 150 credit hours, but you’re going to have that as a basic educational foundation to sit for the exam.
How Do I Apply for the CPA Exam?
Applying for the CPA exam is a complicated process, especially given the date restrictions and many requirements. Understanding how to apply will help with scheduling and time management, so make sure you cover all of the bases. The basic application process involves school transcripts, submitting the fee and application, receiving the ATT from your state board, getting your NTS from NASBA, going to the Prometric website to schedule the exam dates, and then finally studying and taking the test. The CPA exam application process is very specific and can be confusing, so make sure you follow every detail exactly to a T.
How Do I Stay Motivated After Failing a CPA Exam Section?
Finding the motivation to carry on with studying after a failed test is heartbreaking for many people. However, if you can make the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel a tangible goal or event, it will ease the process of starting over. Many people fail at least one section, so it’s certainly possible to keep studying if you know WHY you’re taking the test. Failing a section also doesn’t mean you’re not cut out to become a CPA—many people who occupy corner offices of Fortune 500 companies have failed one section of their exams. The important thing with regard to failing is to make sure you don’t make the same mistake twice.
How Do I Recognize My “Learning Style”?
Recognizing your learning style is the key to cutting hours and hours off of your studying time. Once you know what works with regard to specific types of prep tools—videos, audio content, or practicing by doing via test banks or books—the whole process becomes easier and each minute of studying becomes more valuable. If you’re wondering what your learning style is, I suggest you check out the above post and determine exactly how you process and consume information. Not knowing how you learn best before you invest in a CPA review course is basically burning money!
What Are the Different Testing Windows For the CPA Exam?
The test is broken down into the quarterly fiscal schedule on which all businesses rely. So, for the first quarter, you get to take the test within the first two months and an additional ten days into the second month. Once this testing window is over, the schedule simply repeats that pattern. Basically, there’s a 20-ish day period per quarter in which you cannot take the test. If you’re able to plan your studying and schedule your exams correctly, you’ll be able to knock out the CPA in roughly a year!
How Do I Create a Study Schedule?
Creating a CPA exam study schedule is reliant on you making an honest assessment of how many hours you can devote per week. If you’re working full-time, you’re going to want to study a certain amount per day, with somewhat longer sessions on the weekend. If you’re not working, you can devote larger chunks of time per day—the key is to keep a consistent level of studying, as you don’t want to do too much on one day and none on another. Knowing how to study for the CPA exam will be the difference between passing and failing each individual section.
Which Section Of the CPA Exam Should I Take First?
Your first CPA exam section should be the one that you feel most confident about passing. Check out the video below to find out why!
Which is the easiest part of the CPA exam?
The AICPA reports AUD being the statistically easiest class. The FAR, AUD, BEC, and REG respective pass rates are 45.42%, 45.82%, 55.54%, and 48.41%. With the lowest cumulative passing rates on FAR.
How do I study for the CPA?
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. 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! A lot of college students and grads ask which course is best for them since they are freshly out of school, and already in course mode. 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 Surgent CPA Review, Roger CPA Review, and Wiley CPAexcel first.
How do I apply for the CPA exam?
Applying for the CPA examis a complicated process, especially given the date restrictions and many complicated requirements. Understanding how to apply will help you with scheduling and time management, so make sure you cover all of the bases. The general application process involves school transcripts, submitting the fee and application, receiving the ATT from your state board, getting your NTS from NASBA, going to the Prometric website to schedule the exam dates, and then finally studying and taking the test. The CPA exam application process is very specific and can be confusing, so make sure you follow every detail precisely.
What are the CPA exam requirements by state?
The requirements to sit for the CPA exam aren’t especially varied from state to state, but there are certainly some outliers. Understanding these CPA exam requirements is necessary, however, as the first step to becoming a CPA is being able to sit for the exam. For the most part, you’re going to need 150 credit hours of accounting education, along with some work experience. There’s definitely more to the requirements than just 150 credit hours, but you’re going to have that as a basic educational foundation to sit for the exam.
Shiv
Posted at 20 June, 2019 23:50 PMYes, Wiley CPAexcel would be a great option based on the info you've given.
Ashley Thurston
Posted at 4 March, 2019 12:59 PMI have been agonizing over which review to buy between Gleim and Roger. The more reviews I read, the more confused I become. I would almost say, I need to learn everything from the beginning. I have been out of school for about 9 years and I am a mom of two. I currently work in state government as a senior accountant in the Financial Reporting Section.I am a very average student that needs to be physically shown how to do things. I also need in depth explanations. When working on day to day reports and year end adjustments, I follow the previous work papers and piece together the process, if it is not clearly outlined.I believe the lectures of Roger would be the best because I get bored easily but I think the practice from Gleim would be best too. As you can see, I am really torn. I currently have both reviews on the checkout screens online and cannot make a decision. HELP!!
Lianora
Posted at 18 December, 2018 01:57 AMThank you for the coupon code! So excited to start studying! I decided on the elite Roger!
Brandie
Posted at 20 November, 2018 14:58 PMI work for a bank, as the Assistant Controller, but in order to move up, I have to get my CPA. I'm trying to decide which review course would work best for me. I graduated with my Accounting degree back in 2004 and my MBA in 2010. I am a full time working mother, with 3 small children. I feel my learning style is a combination of Visual and Experience. I'm not strong in Audit or Tax, as I do not directly perform those in my current job. I feel Wiley might be best because of the smaller lessons, does it have the in-depth lessons I need since I have been out of school for several years? Can you please help me determine which course would fit me best? Thanks in advance for your help!
Bryce Welker, CPA
Posted at 15 January, 2019 09:17 AMHi Brandie,Yes Wiley CPAexcel would be a great option based off the info you've given. I would recommend to download a free trial of Wiley, Surgent, and Roger and study with each of them for a few days to learn which one best fits your learning style and preferences.Cheers, Bryce
c
Posted at 7 November, 2018 12:50 PMBryce,I took the exam about 15 years ago, with the Person and Wolinsky live class. It wasn't my type of learning style. I am back into trying to pass, you know, life happens. They basically gave us a bunch of books to read but no real instruction or test questions. It was also the old written format and FARE, ARE, LAW and AUDIT. Which review class do you think suits me best. I have a pretty busy schedule, and a little rusty but more mature and committed. I worked for CPA firms as a senior accountant/auditor full time for about 7 years, before changing careers. I have been preparing tax returns the entire time and just confirmed I can still sit for it. What do you think?
Bryce Welker, CPA
Posted at 15 January, 2019 09:42 AMHi, do you prefer learning from video lectures, textbooks, or doing lots of mulitple choice questions (or a combo of which ones)?