Choosing the right Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) course can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Whether you're looking to advance your career, gain specialized knowledge, or prepare for the CPA exam, finding the best course that aligns with your goals is critical. Many aspiring CPAs struggle with questions like: Which course offers the best value for money? Which one provides the most effective teaching methods? And most importantly, how do I know if a course will help me pass the CPA exam on the first try?
This guide is here to solve that problem. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the seven best CPA courses, considering factors like content quality, user reviews, affordability, and success rates. You'll not only discover which courses stand out but also learn practical tips for choosing the right one for your unique needs. Whether you're a working professional with limited study time or a recent graduate diving into accounting, this guide will help you navigate your options with confidence.
Quick Reference
- Focus on pass rates: Choose a course with consistently high CPA exam success rates.
- Utilize free trials: Many providers offer free trials to explore their teaching style and content before committing.
- Avoid overloading: Don't select a course with an overwhelming amount of material you won't realistically use.
1. Becker CPA Review
Why it’s a top choice: Becker is widely regarded as the gold standard for CPA exam preparation. With over 60 years of experience, it’s trusted by top accounting firms and has a proven track record of high pass rates. The course offers in-depth materials, live and on-demand lectures, and adaptive learning technology to tailor the experience to your needs.
Key features:
- Extensive question bank with over 9,000 practice questions.
- Access to over 400 task-based simulations.
- Live virtual classes and on-demand options to fit any schedule.
- Mobile app for on-the-go studying.
Who it’s best for: Becker is ideal for students looking for a comprehensive, structured course with a strong reputation. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize their chances of passing the CPA exam on the first try.
Pro tip: Take advantage of Becker’s free trial to explore its interface and materials before committing to a package.
2. Surgent CPA Review
Why it’s a top choice: Surgent stands out for its adaptive learning technology, which helps students focus on the areas where they need the most improvement. Its “ReadySCORE” feature predicts how likely you are to pass the CPA exam, giving you real-time insights into your progress.
Key features:
- Adaptive learning system for personalized study plans.
- Over 7,700 multiple-choice questions and 400 simulations.
- Short, bite-sized video lectures for efficient learning.
- Progress tracking with the ReadySCORE feature.
Who it’s best for: Surgent is perfect for busy professionals who need an efficient, targeted approach to studying. Its adaptive technology ensures you’re not wasting time on material you already know.
Pro tip: Use the ReadySCORE feature to identify weak areas early and focus your efforts there.
3. Roger CPA Review (UWorld)
Why it’s a top choice: Roger CPA Review combines engaging video lectures with a dynamic teaching style that keeps students motivated. The course is known for its energetic instructor, Roger Philipp, and a user-friendly platform that simplifies the learning process.
Key features:
- High-energy video lectures that explain complex concepts clearly.
- Customizable study planner to keep you on track.
- Over 6,000 multiple-choice questions and 200 simulations.
- Mobile app for studying anywhere.
Who it’s best for: Roger CPA Review is great for students who need engaging, easy-to-understand explanations of tough accounting concepts. If traditional lectures bore you, this course will keep you interested.
Pro tip: Pair Roger’s video lectures with its practice questions for a well-rounded preparation strategy.
4. Gleim CPA Review
Why it’s a top choice: Gleim CPA Review is the go-to course for students who want the most practice questions and detailed explanations. It offers the largest test bank in the industry, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer to learn by doing.
Key features:
- Over 10,000 multiple-choice questions and 1,300 simulations.
- Comprehensive textbooks and study guides.
- Access to a personal counselor for study support.
- Customizable quizzes to target weak areas.
Who it’s best for: Gleim is ideal for self-starters and detail-oriented students who thrive on extensive practice. It’s also a great choice if you’re on a budget, as it’s more affordable than some competitors.
Pro tip: Use Gleim’s customizable quizzes to drill down into specific topics you find challenging.
5. Wiley CPAexcel
Why it’s a top choice: Wiley CPAexcel offers a modular approach to studying, breaking down material into smaller, more manageable sections. This makes it an excellent choice for students who prefer to tackle one concept at a time.
Key features:
- Short, focused lessons that fit into a busy schedule.
- Over 12,000 multiple-choice questions and 500 simulations.
- Access to a mentor for personalized guidance.
- Unlimited access until you pass the CPA exam.
Who it’s best for: Wiley is perfect for students who need flexibility and prefer to study in bite-sized chunks. It’s also great for those who want a course that doesn’t expire before they pass the exam.
Pro tip: Take advantage of Wiley’s unlimited access policy to revisit material as needed.
6. Fast Forward Academy CPA Review
Why it’s a top choice: Fast Forward Academy offers an interactive, streamlined learning experience. Its course adapts to your progress, ensuring you’re always focusing on the most important topics.
Key features:
- Interactive course design with real-time progress tracking.
- Over 6,000 multiple-choice questions and 200 simulations.
- Customizable study plans to fit your schedule.
- Lifetime access to course materials.
Who it’s best for: Fast Forward Academy is ideal for students who prefer an interactive, hands-on approach to learning. It’s also a good choice if you value lifetime access to materials.
Pro tip: Use the course’s progress tracking to identify and focus on your weakest areas.
7. Yaeger CPA Review
Why it’s a top choice: Yaeger CPA Review emphasizes personalized support and detailed explanations. Its instructors are highly accessible, and the course provides a straightforward, no-frills approach to CPA exam preparation.
Key features:
- Direct access to instructors for support.
- Step-by-step video tutorials.
- Over 4,000 multiple-choice questions and 200 simulations.
- Focuses on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization.
Who it’s best for: Yaeger is great for students who prefer a more personal touch and value in-depth explanations. It’s also a good option if you struggle with understanding complex accounting topics.
Pro tip: Reach out to Yaeger’s instructors whenever you get stuck—they’re there to help!
What should I look for in a CPA course?
Look for a course with high pass rates, a teaching style that suits your learning preferences, and features like adaptive technology or live support. Consider your budget and schedule as well—flexibility can be key if you’re balancing work and study.
How long should I study for the CPA exam?
Most students spend between 300-400 hours preparing for the CPA exam. Break this down into manageable daily or weekly study sessions, and use a course with a built-in study planner to stay on track.
Are expensive CPA courses worth it?
Not always. While premium courses like Becker offer extensive resources, some budget-friendly options like Gleim or Surgent can be just as effective. Focus on the features you need rather than the price tag.