Finding the right CPA exam prep course is frustrating when you don't know where to start.
This comparative analysis promises to cut through the confusion by reviewing the top courses side-by-side, so you can confidently choose the one that best fits your learning needs and budget.
You'll get an in-depth look at the key features of each course, from study materials and platform functionality to instructor support and pass rate data. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to select your CPA champion.
Decoding the CPA Exam: An Introductory Guide
The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam is a rigorous test that measures the knowledge and skills required for accounting professionals. As one of the most difficult professional exams, thorough preparation using comprehensive CPA review courses is key.
Selecting the right CPA prep course that aligns with your learning needs and budget can be challenging. To streamline your decision process, here is an introductory guide into some of the best CPA Exam review courses available today:
Becker CPA Review
Becker is one of the leading CPA review courses, providing engaging video lectures, detailed study textbooks, adaptive learning software, and unlimited access to academic coaches. While pricier than competitors, Becker integrated a proven learning methodology focused on memorization and application of concepts.
With flexible online access and software functionalities, Becker can appeal to varied learning styles. However, the abundance of material may seem overwhelming for some students.
Wiley CPAExcel
Wiley CPAExcel takes a personalized approach through its adaptive learning platform. Assessment tools evaluate your knowledge levels to create customized study plans aligned to your learning needs.
For visual learners, Wiley balances reading with instructional videos. However, some students find Wiley's study textbooks lack sufficient detail compared to Becker. Yet, with affordable pricing options, Wiley offers a budget-friendly course.
Roger CPA Review
Roger CPA Review leverages unique memorization techniques, engaging video lectures, adaptive software, and flexible pricing options to provide a comprehensive yet budget-friendly prep solution.
While Roger may suit auditory and visual learning styles through dynamic lectures, some students may prefer access to physical textbooks for reading reinforcement. Still, Roger's charismatic instructors and proven strategies have demonstrated success in boosting CPA Exam pass rates.
With personalized course features, students can discover the right CPA review provider tailored to their learning requirements and budget. Consulting online reviews can further help ascertain the best course to optimize your CPA Exam preparation.
Which CPA review course has the highest pass rate?
UWorld Roger CPA Review helps students achieve a high 94% CPA Exam pass rate, significantly exceeding the overall national average.
What is the best study materials for CPA Exam?
Deciding which CPA review course to use to prepare for the CPA exam is a big decision. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which one is truly the "best." When researching CPA review courses, key aspects to evaluate include pricing, study materials, test bank quality, and pass rates.
The most popular CPA review course options include:
Becker - Becker is one of the oldest and most well-established CPA review courses. Owned by DeVry University, Becker offers robust study materials including textbooks, digital flashcards, lecture videos and an extensive test bank of over 7,500 multiple choice questions. However, pricing is on the higher end.
Wiley - Wiley CPAexcel provides well-regarded study texts, online test prep and study guides for all sections of the CPA exam. They update content frequently and offer performance tracking analytics. The downside is that video lectures may not be as engaging as other courses. However, they offer very competitive pricing.
Roger - Roger CPA Review uses a unique teaching style focused on memorable acronyms and engaging instructors. While light on reading and heavier on videos compared to other courses, some learners enjoy Roger's energetic approach. Roger also offers adaptive learning technology to customize study sets based on performance. The only drawback is that course materials may need to be supplemented for those who prefer reading.
Surgent - Surgent takes a balanced approach with study texts, video lectures, and thousands of practice questions. The course is moderately priced and the technology enables you to study anywhere through use of mobile friendly features. A downside cited by some is that the user interface seems a bit dated.
There are many other CPA prep courses to consider beyond the "big four" highlighted above. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly compare pricing, formats, study tools and user feedback when determining which CPA review course best fits their learning needs and style in preparing for the challenging CPA exams. Mixing and matching different review course components is another viable strategy used by many exam takers.
What is the most efficient way to study for the CPA Exam?
Flashcards are one of the most efficient study methods for the CPA Exam. As you create flashcards, you actively review the material which enhances retention. Studying in small increments also makes it easier for your brain to absorb and remember the concepts.
Our Wiley CPA Review courses provide over 4,000 digital flashcards covering all sections of the exam. Creating and reviewing flashcards ensures you fully understand the core concepts which translates into better performance on exam day.
Flashcards have the added benefit of portability as well. You can review flashcards anytime, anywhere whether sitting at your desk or during your commute. Maximizing study time by reviewing flashcards during spare moments throughout the day leads to long-term knowledge retention.
Overall, flashcards are an extremely useful study tool for passing the CPA Exam. The process of creating and repeating flashcards cements the material in your mind. Supplementing textbook study with Wiley CPA Review digital flashcards helps fully prepare you for every topic tested on the exam.
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What is the best CPA review course for 2024?
The Vintti staffing agency specializes in helping businesses hire top-tier remote accounting professionals from South America. As such, many of Vintti's clients and candidates may be interested in obtaining CPA certification to advance their careers. When considering the best CPA review course, key factors include course comprehensiveness, flexible access to study materials, question bank size, and affordability.
According to recent market analysis, the top CPA prep providers for 2024 are projected to be UWorld Roger CPA Review, Becker CPA Review, Surgent CPA Review, and Gleim CPA Review based on metrics such as pricing tiers, the volume of exam practice questions in their test banks, and course study materials. Of these, UWorld Roger CPA Review stands out as a top choice with mid-range pricing from $1,599 - $2,499, and access to over 7,500 practice questions to prepare examinees for the CPA exam's unique question formats. Surgent CPA Review is also very affordable at $1,599 - $3,499 while providing 6,800 practice questions.
When preparing for such an intensive exam that is critical for career advancement, utilizing a leading CPA review course can give candidates a key edge in passing on their first attempt. As Vintti continues assisting businesses in hiring specialized accounting talent, we recommend shortlisting prep providers like UWorld Roger or Surgent that deliver excellent results but with lower costs than Becker's premium $2,399 - $3,499 course pricing. This allows more prospective CPAs access to the expert materials needed to gain this valuable certification.
The Best CPA Review Courses Unveiled
We analyze the Best CPA Review courses, highlighting their unique offerings and how they can turbocharge your CPA exam success.
Becker CPA Review Course: The Industry Benchmark
Becker CPA Review has been the market leader in CPA exam prep for over 60 years. Its comprehensive study program is designed to provide all the key materials and practice you need to pass the CPA exam.
Some key features of Becker CPA Review include:
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Video lectures taught by expert CPA instructors that breakdown complex accounting concepts
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Over 2,500 MCQs to practice with in their test bank
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Adaptive technology that personalizes your study plan based on performance
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Final Review course for last minute cramming before your exam date
Becker stays on top of constant CPA exam changes, updating their material regularly. They also have specialized courses for those re-taking failed exam sections. With pass rates up to 10% higher than the national average, Becker clearly leads in results.
The downside is Becker's more expensive price point compared to competitors. However, they often run promotions, so cost-conscious students can find good deals.
Wiley CPA Review: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Wiley CPAexcel has updated their CPA review course offerings to better suit today's modern candidates, while keeping their core foundation of knowledgeable instructors and proven materials developed over 30 years in business.
Some interesting features Wiley provides include:
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Over 2,400 bite-sized video lectures optimized for short study sessions
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Test bank with over 13,500 practice questions and detailed explanations
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Community platform to study with peers and share tips
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Adaptive practice exams using AI to target weak areas
A big perk for self-motivated students is Wiley's unlimited access to their course materials at a fair price point. This allows the flexibility to study anywhere and anytime. They also offer discounted retake fees versus other major review course providers.
Those wanting more guidance may find Wiley's virtual instructor-led courses for additional support. On the whole, Wiley balances tailored resources and technology nicely without overwhelming students.
Roger CPA Review: Engaging Prep for Aspiring CPAs
Roger CPA Review leverages unique teaching methods to engage students with entertaining and energetic video lectures. The goal is to make studying more fun and enjoyable compared to traditional lecturing.
Specific advantages of Roger CPA Review include:
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Video lectures featuring famous Roger Phillip, keeping students entertained
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Mnemonics, songs and other memory aids to reinforce concepts
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Adaptive software to identify weak areas and recommend lessons
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Solid test bank with over 6,000 MCQs to practice
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Flexible pricing and access options
The engaging lecture style appeals to visual and auditory learners. The more interactive approach helps information stick better according to learning science. This makes retention easier than static textbooks.
Some may find Roger's study style overly casual for their tastes though. The dynamic lectures also cover topics rapidly, which some may consider a weakness. So the more experimental learning style may not suit everyone.
Overall Roger CPA Review strives to make exam prep more palatable using multimedia, humor and flexible tools. This resonates with today's students seeking modern, adaptive learning solutions.
Surgent CPA Review: Customized Learning for All
Surgent CPA Review is built around their proprietary Adapt2U learning technology. This enables continuous assessment to tailor prep material based on each student's unique strengths and weaknesses.
Benefits Surgent provides includes:
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Individualized study plans adjusted in real-time
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Over 5,600 practice questions with detailed solutions
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Flashcard app to reinforce retention on-the-go
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Affordable unlimited access pricing model
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Performance analytics to track progress
The dynamic learning platform appeals to all kinds of learning preferences, from visual, to self-paced, to hands-on. This flexibility lets you learn faster and identify knowledge gaps more easily.
The self-adaptive approach may provide too little structure for some though. But convenient mobile access and detailed progress reporting keeps you accountable.
On the whole, Surgent CPA Review focuses heavily on customization for more efficient and focused learning. The cutting-edge adaptive tech provides a modern take on tried-and-true methods.
Yaeger CPA Review: Decades of Expertise
Yaeger CPA Review leverages over 30 years of experience preparing accounting professionals for CPA exam success. They offer flexible on-demand prep courses tailored to all four exam sections.
Specific assets Yaeger provides includes:
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Video lectures and study guides from expert CPAs
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Printable textbook PDFs for those preferring hardcopy material
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Over 2,400 digital flashcards to reinforce memory recall
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Affordable one-time fee compared to monthly subscriptions
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Free course updates in response to CPA exam changes
The varied format and delivery options appeal to those with different learning preferences. This flexibility focuses your time on preferred mediums. The expert-crafted content also builds confidence.
Some may consider Yaeger's course technology and user experience a bit dated though. However, regular content updates ensure material stays relevant.
Overall Yaeger CPA Review delivers proven and practical curriculum honed by decades of CPA exam prep experience. The adaptable self-study resources cater well to different learning needs.
In-Depth Analysis: CPA Review Course Features Face-Off
Compare the Best CPA study material and features across top CPA review courses to see which one fits your learning pattern and goals.
Financial Investment: Pricing, Discounts, and Value
When deciding on a CPA Exam review course, it's crucial to analyze the value proposition based on pricing models, available discounts, and overall return on investment. For example, Becker CPA Review offers flexible subscription options starting at $2,299, with discounts for students and academic versions. Wiley CPAexcel provides unlimited access for 12-18 months through two main course options priced at $2,850 and $1,950. Meanwhile, Roger CPA Review touts its affordability at $3,393 while still providing robust materials.
Consider your budget, timeline, and potential future salary when scrutinizing costs. A more expensive course could pay dividends through higher exam pass rates, while affordable courses allow bootstrapping candidates to avoid loans. Calculate total savings from student, early bird, or other promotional discounts across providers. While pricing is a key factor, avoid choosing based on cost alone - make sure ample study resources and support systems tailor-fit your learning style.
Best CPA Study Material: What's Inside the Package?
Robust CPA Exam prep books, video lectures, customizable study plans and other materials inside a review package greatly impact your study effectiveness. For example, Kaplan offers 3,000+ print and ebook pages across textbooks, guides, notes and flashcards to supplement live or on-demand video lectures. Most providers equip you with some form of test bank containing past CPA Exam questions. Wiley CPAexcel touts over 15,000 digital test bank questions with detailed explanations, categorized by topic.
Consider which combination of study materials fits your learning preferences between digital, print, video-based, offline access or different formats to study anytime, anywhere. Using multiple materials like visual lectures plus concrete examples through books/notes balances reinforcement. Outside of core materials, handy tools like Wiley's Focus Notes or Roger CPA Review's Audio Lectures enable repeating concepts during daily routines for better memorization.
Tech-Forward Learning: Platforms with a Punch
Today's CPA Exam review courses leverage technology to customize study approaches beyond static textbooks of yore. For example, Surgent CPA Review's adaptive learning platform creates personalized assignments by gauging strengths/weaknesses from past module performance, while its analytics track study metrics like progress rate, peak performance times and more. Other tools like Wiley CPAexcel's mobile app, Roger CPA Review's video lecture bookmarking or Becker CPA Review's digital flashcards enable maximum flexibility.
Consider how each platform's design and features suits your technical proficiency, need for mobility, analytics-tracking and access. Do you still prefer physical textbooks for concrete examples and tactile reinforcement? If mobile responsiveness matters, ensure platforms and apps sync across devices without issue, provide reliable offline access and deliver a seamless user experience. Analyze each one's approach - beyond personal preferences, identify truly useful functionalities that will enhance your retention and focus.
Progress Tracking: Analytics and Adaptive Feedback
Understanding key progress metrics allows better optimization of study time for CPA Exam success. Many top providers deliver analytics like Ninja CPA Review's platform which tracks time studying, progress rate, overall ready score and recommendations to improve weak areas. Rogers CPA Review provides Post Assessment Analytics after practice questions to chart overall vs recent average scores, measure skill retention and benchmark performance against other students.
Useful analytics empower you to pinpoint bottlenecks like low-scoring or neglected topics and tailor limited study time accordingly. Consider how easily accessible and actionable the metrics are from each provider’s platform. Can you quickly filter analytics based on date ranges, sub-topics or specific exam sections? How effectively do the insights translate into customized study plans or adaptive follow-up assignments? The right analytics transform data into insights for continual improvement.
Expert Help: Instructor Support and Personal Tutoring
While self-paced online CPA review reigns supreme for busy professionals, many crave options for in-person CPA review courses, instructor access or one-on-one tutoring for personal guidance. For example, Kaplan offers virtual proctored exams to simulate real testing environments with instructor feedback on performance. Multiple providers like Roger CPA Review provide email support from knowledgeable mentors when questions arise. For next-level support, Becker CPA Review offers one-week and eleven-week instructor-led bootcamps to solidify exam readiness through live interaction.
Evaluate what support channels matter most - solo studying or group collaboration? Pre-scheduled or on-demand availability? Consider pricing and delivery of instructor access, support hours, tutor response times and breadth of expertise areas covered. Perhaps email/chat channels suffice over pricier options, but confirm response quality and speed meets your needs. If classroom settings are preferred, research locations, sizes and teaching methods of regional partners for an in-person advantage.
Choosing Your CPA Champion: Factors for Final Decision
Reflect on factors beyond the course rankings to choose a CPA review course that resonates with your personal study habits and goals.
Tailoring to Your Learning Style: From Visuals to Vocals
Different people have different learning styles. Some prefer visual aids like diagrams and demonstrations, while others respond better to vocal guidance like lectures and explanations. As you evaluate CPA review courses, consider which format allows you to best absorb and retain information.
For visual learners, Becker CPA Review provides over 2,500 flashcards and 350+ simulations to supplement their video lectures. Wiley CPAexcel builds visual connections with over 500 study text pages featuring callouts, illustrations, and examples.
If you learn better by listening, Roger CPA Review's dynamic video lectures may suit you. Their charismatic instructors explain concepts conversationally, without a script. Audio learners can also benefit from Surgent CPA Review's 850+ pages of audio lectures covering every exam section.
By selecting a review course aligned with your learning preferences, studying for the CPA exam can become an enriching educational journey rather than a chore.
Exam Section Strategies: How to Prioritize Your Study
The four sections of the CPA exam - Audit, Business Environment Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR) and Regulation - each require different study strategies.
FAR covers a vast amount of material and is often considered the most difficult section by candidates. A comprehensive course like Becker CPA Review is ideal for tackling FAR's breadth and depth of content.
For Audit, many favor Roger CPA Review's unique mnemonic devices that transform concepts into memorable stories. These techniques help counter the memorization challenges of Audit's technical standards.
If time management is crucial, Wiley CPAexcel's bite-sized video lessons allow you to absorb information in short bursts. Their customizable study planners also help organize your exam section priorities.
Customization Capabilities: The Power to Personalize
While rankings provide a useful snapshot of the overall quality of CPA review courses, finding the best fit requires customizing materials to your personal needs and goals. This allows you to play to your strengths while addressing areas for improvement.
For example, Surgent CPA Review offers performance analysis tools highlighting your proficiency levels across exam topics. This enables targeted practice on weaker areas. Their customizable flash cards and study plans also facilitate adaptable studying catered to evolving needs.
Before committing to any one course, dig into supplemental resources like practice exams, progress trackers and performance metrics. Such customization capabilities empower more efficient, focused preparation journeys.
Kesler CPA Review: A Supplementary Strategy
While comprehensive courses like Becker or Wiley can provide a strong CPA exam foundation across all sections, supplementary providers like Kesler CPA Review offer specialized materials that can fill knowledge gaps.
Take Audit, which presents some of the CPA exam’s thorniest concepts. Kesler’s expert instructors break down Audit principles into simplified, memorable frameworks not found elsewhere. Their unique analysis maps reveal connections between standards and foster intuitive recall on test day.
For FAR, Kesler delivers targeted video lessons explaining troublesome Inventory, Bond and Cash Flow accounting treatments the experts’ way. Paired with a core review course, these specialized supplementary resources address tricky topics in alternative formats for stickier learning.
Crafting Your CPA Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide
Successfully passing the 4 CPA exam sections in an efficient, organized manner requires strategic planning and discipline. Here is a step-by-step guide to developing your custom study timeline:
1. Choose initial study course and register for exam
Select your primary review course provider, purchase materials for one exam section and book your test date.
2. Develop section-specific schedules
Using your provider’s study planners, craft customized prep schedules for each section leading up to test day. Factor in work, life commitments.
3. Evaluate progress frequently
Every two weeks, use performance analytics tools to identify weaker areas needing more focus. Refine approach accordingly.
4. Supplement with secondary prep as needed
If struggling with particular topics, augment core materials with specialized video lessons from supplementary providers like Kesler CPA.
5. Adjust timeline if necessary
If feeling unprepared as test day nears, postpone and update timeline to ensure you are ready. Repeats are free within the same testing window.
Staying organized, flexible and self-aware of your progress enables adjusting on the fly for CPA exam victory. With the right timeline guiding targeted, consistent effort, you will stand tall as a newly certified accountant.
The CPA Conquest: A Recap of the Right Resources
Summing up the essential points, we arm you with the knowledge to choose the best CPA Exam review course, setting you up for success on exam day and beyond.
The CPA exam is notoriously difficult, with pass rates hovering around 50%. Choosing the right prep course is crucial to maximize your odds of success. As we've explored, courses like Roger CPA Review, Wiley CPAexcel, Becker CPA Review, and others have unique strengths and best fit different learning styles and schedules.
Key factors to weigh include:
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Teaching style: Do you prefer textbooks and lectures (Becker) or more adaptive and interactive options (Roger, Surgent)?
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Access length: Do you need longer access to spread out studying (Wiley unlimited) or is shorter access ok (Roger expires after 18 months)?
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Practice questions: Which course offers the highest quality, most realistic test questions aligned to the exam itself?
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Price: Balance costs against features to find the best value for your study needs.
No two students or situations are alike. While picking the overall best CPA review course is nearly impossible, we outline key details on the top providers. Now equipped with insider tips, you can confidently select the right course for your learning preferences, schedule and budget.
Stay tuned for more insights on acing the rigorous CPA exam the first time. Knowledge truly is power when tackling such a behemoth test. We're rooting for your success!
