- ✎ Updated:
- ➫ Author: Bryan Kesler, CPA
⚠ Ownership & affiliate disclosure: I’m Bryan Kesler, CPA, founder and owner of Kesler CPA Review. I have a financial interest when Kesler or competing CPA review providers are discussed. CPA Exam Guide also earns affiliate commissions from some providers; if you purchase through an affiliate link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read the editorial policy and affiliate disclosure. My review approach is published below.
Looking to find the right CPA Review Course for you? You are in the right place!
I've spent approximately 10–20 hours testing each CPA review course on this page. The recommendations below combine that experience with current product information to help you compare teaching style, study support and value.
After all that testing, plus feedback from 68,000+ CPA candidates I've served since 2012, here are the best CPA review courses for passing the CPA exam in 2026-2027.
Which course is best for you? That depends on how you learn, what you can spend, and whether you need someone to hold you accountable or prefer to grind solo. The breakdowns below will help you figure that out.
Key Takeaways
- Kesler, Becker, UWorld and Gleim are the four current full courses compared here. Choose based on instruction, practice, support and the package you will actually use.
- This guide compares pricing, access duration, question banks, and support services to help you find the right course for your learning style and budget.
- Kesler is our Best Value pick for a complete CPA review course. Its whiteboard lessons support visual learners, and its mentorship course helps you build an effective study routine.
- The AICPA provides free resources but no study materials, while paid courses deliver structured plans, pass guarantees, and performance tracking for candidates seeking confidence in their exam readiness.
- Choose Kesler for the best value in a complete course, Becker for structured instruction, UWorld for engaging instructors, or Gleim for extensive practice. Compare the current package details below.
- How to Choose: There is no single "best" course for everyone. The right choice depends on your learning style, budget, and whether your firm provides study materials. Read the full testing methodology and individual reviews below to find your fit.
Ultimately, it all depends on your learning style, budget and existing knowledge of the topics tested on the CPA exam.
You will find a breakdown of all of this below in my side-by-side comparisons and reviews of the top CPA prep courses.
Feel free to contact me at bryan[@]cpaexamguide.com if you have any questions - happy to help!
Best CPA Review Courses by Category:
- Best Value: Kesler CPA Review Course
- Best Instructors: UWorld CPA Review (Formerly Roger CPA & Wiley CPA) Course
- Best for Big 4 Candidates: Becker CPA Review Course
- Best Question Test Bank: Gleim CPA Review Course
- Other CPA Review Courses
| . | 》Best Value | ✓ Best Instructors | ✓ Best For Big 4 | ✓ Biggest Test Bank |
COMPARE CPA REVIEW COURSES |
Monthly, Complete & Max |
Check out the latest UWorld CPA Review promos - Deal Expires Soon! Grab Deal Here |
SAVINGS: Grab The Becker CPA Review Deals and Promo Codes Below - Expires Soon! Grab Deal Here |
SAVE Big Off Gleim CPA Review Premium Pro below Grab Deal Here |
| BEST CPA PREP COURSES | Kesler CPA Review |
UWorld CPA Review |
Becker CPA Review |
Gleim CPA Review |
| PROMO OFFERS AVAILABLE | ||||
| STRONGEST FEATURE(S) | Mentorship & visual explanations |
Peter Olinto & Roger Philipp |
Largest online CPA Self Study Review Course Company |
Best CPA Exam Multiple Choice Analytics |
| PRICING | ||||
| PURCHASE REFUND | ||||
| PASS GUARANTEE | ||||
| ACCESS UNTIL PASSING | ||||
| PRE-EXAM MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| ACCOUNTABILITY SUPPORT | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| DESKTOP + MOBILE APP COMBO | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| VIDEO LESSONS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CPA EXAM TEXTBOOK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CPA EXAM QUESTIONS | 8,000+ MCQs / 600+ TBS |
9,000+ MCQs / 500+ TBS |
9,500+ MCQ / 450+ TBS |
12,000+ MCQ / 1,200+ TBS |
| GAMIFIED LEARNING FEATURES | ✓ |
✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| STUDY BREAK VIDEO GAMES | Play Now | ✗ | ✗ |
✗ |
| MCQ EXPLAINER VIDEOS | ✓ 8,000+ Learn N GO videos |
✗ | ✓ ExamSolver videos for Mini Exam and Simulated Exam MCQs/TBSs |
✗ |
| AI-POWERED STUDY ASSISTANT | ✓
Ask Kes |
✓
UAsk |
✓
Newt AI |
✓
Prep Pal |
| CUSTOMER SUPPORT OPTIONS | Email Support / Private Study Group |
Email & Phone Support |
Phone, Email & Academic Support |
Personal Counselor – Phone & Email Support |
| FINANCING OPTIONS | ||||
| FLASHCARD GENERATOR | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| LIVE CPA EXAM CLASSES | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| FINAL REVIEW CRAM COURSE / SUPPLEMENTAL TEST BANK | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FULL REVIEW | ||||
BUY THE BEST CPA COURSE HERE → |
KESLER CPA REVIEW VIEW COURSE |
UWORLD CPA REVIEW GET DEAL |
BECKER CPA REVIEW GET DEAL |
GLEIM CPA REVIEW GET DEAL |
Quick Pick: Find Your CPA Course in 10 Seconds
The best choice depends on learning style, budget and support needs. This guide compares Kesler, Becker, UWorld and Gleim; review the methodology and try the tools before committing.
Becker CPA Review and UWorld CPA Review (Formerly Roger CPA & Wiley CPA) CPA are both complete CPA review courses. UWorld is our Best Instructors pick because Peter Olinto and Roger Philipp make technical topics engaging. Becker is worth comparing for its structured course path, simulation support and employer relationships. Try a lesson and related questions in each to judge which teaching style helps you learn.
Becker CPA Review is a premium-priced CPA review course and one of the most recommended CPA prep options by the Big Four firms. It is not automatically more expensive than every UWorld or Gleim package, but it is still a significant investment if you are paying out of pocket. Try free trials and compare Becker against Kesler, UWorld, and Gleim based on the package you would actually buy.
Kesler CPA Review is a top mentorship and study supplement for Becker CPA Review. This self-study supplement teaches you HOW to use Becker CPA Review and includes a flashcard generator so you can create your own study materials on the fly as you study. Becker CPA + Kesler CPA review, mentorship is a powerful combination for any CPA candidate struggling to pass the CPA exam.
In terms of popularity, Gleim CPA Review Course and Becker CPA Review are two of the most established CPA review courses. Gleim is stronger for candidates who want maximum practice volume and granular analytics. Becker is stronger for candidates who want a more guided platform with bite-sized concept videos, live class options, Newt AI, SkillBuilder TBS walkthroughs, and ExamSolver simulated exam review.
Full-course prices vary with access length, instruction and support. Kesler costs $77/month, $697 for Complete or $1,197 for Max. Compare the cost over your expected study timeline, especially if you are choosing between a subscription and a one-time purchase.
A CPA Review Course is exactly what it sounds like: it's a online self-study course designed to teach you exactly what you need to know to pass the CPA exam. Typically, CPA review courses include multiple choice practice question, task-based simulations, video lectures and textbooks built into a desktop and/or mobile app for you to access 24/7.
Kesler is our Best Value pick for a complete CPA review course, especially if you prefer visual lessons and want help building a study routine. All three plans include the full digital course, so you can use it as your primary course or alongside another provider. Try a lesson and its practice questions before deciding whether the teaching style fits you.
The Good
- Short whiteboard lessons with notes alongside
- Video explanations for individual practice questions
- Study Loops bring earlier topics back into review
- Mentorship modules help organize a study routine
- Ask Kes for follow-up concept explanations
- Full digital course at every price tier
The Trade-offs
- No live CPA classes
- Gamification may distract some learners
- One active exam section at a time
- A subscription can cost more over a long study timeline
Kesler CPA Review
From $77/month
Complete: $697 | Max: $1,197
One-time plans
- Topic lessons: 913 videos / 85+ hours
- Practice: 8,000+ MCQs & 600+ TBSs
- Question explanations: 8,000+ Learn N GO videos
- Study materials: Digital Textbook, 210 Study Notes & 210 Audio Notes
- Flashcards: 8,000+ plus custom cards
- Study support: Mentorship, Ask Kes & email help
- Study anywhere: Mobile & desktop web app
Why Kesler Is Our Best Value Pick
Kesler earns our Best Value pick because the $697 Complete plan combines a full digital CPA course with study-strategy mentorship. For comparison, Becker Advantage and Gleim Traditional each list at $2,499 before discounts. You get topic instruction, a digital textbook, practice questions, simulations and mock exams. Its value is especially clear if you prefer whiteboard explanations and want guidance on how to study as well as what to study.
The mentorship modules are useful if you know what to study but struggle to build a workable routine. They cover study strategy alongside the accounting instruction. If you already have a course you like, Kesler can also supply another way to work through difficult concepts without requiring you to start over.
In an r/CPA account of studying with Kesler alone, one candidate reported passing FAR and AUD on the first attempt. They still had two sections to finish. That is an individual experience to consider alongside the course trial, rather than a measure of typical results.
How the Lessons and Practice Fit Together
Topic lessons come before practice. The 913 bite-sized videos total more than 85 hours and pair whiteboard instruction with Study Notes. This format is worth trying if you prefer to learn one concept, work a few questions and return to the explanation when something does not click. The Digital Textbook gives you a longer written treatment; Audio Notes offer another way to revisit a topic.
Learn N GO handles the question you just missed. Each of the 8,000+ MCQs has a question-specific video explanation, separate from the topic lessons. That gives you a way to review the reasoning behind an answer instead of repeating the same question from memory. Ask Kes can help with a follow-up explanation while you are studying.
The review routine matters as much as the lesson. Study Loops bring earlier material back through cards, cumulative questions and Focus Notes. Study Funnels help you identify weak areas, research them and retest. Progress Center and ReadySignal help you decide what to review next; XP and streaks serve a different purpose, encouraging a regular habit.
Where Kesler Fits and Where It May Not
Kesler is a sensible shortlist option if you want a full course at a lower upfront cost, prefer visual explanations, and benefit from having a review routine laid out. Try its whiteboard lessons against a sample from Becker or UWorld to see which teaching style helps you understand and remember the topic.
There are trade-offs. Kesler does not offer live CPA classes, and its XP and achievement system will not appeal to everyone. You also study one active section at a time, with up to two switches every 30 days. If you regularly work on two sections together, that access model deserves attention before you enroll.
For supplement use, start with the gap in your current course. Topic mapping can help you locate related Kesler material, but it does not combine your accounts or transfer another provider's progress. If your employer has already paid for a course that teaches you well, you may get more value from using it consistently than from buying another full package.
Which Kesler Plan Is Worth Paying For?
Choose around your timeline and the materials you will use. Monthly, Complete and Max share the same digital lessons and practice bank.
- Monthly ($77/month): a flexible option for a short supplement period or if you want to avoid a larger initial payment. It renews until canceled. Ten monthly payments cost $770, so reassess the subscription if you expect a longer study timeline.
- Complete ($697 one time): worth considering if you want the full digital course for a longer preparation period. It includes $60 in Print Credit. Monthly and Complete both include limited Ask Kes use.
- Max ($1,197 one time): costs $500 more than Complete and adds $720 total Print Credit, unlimited personal Ask Kes use for the first 12 months, and conditional retake support. It makes the most sense if printed books and frequent AI help are things you expect to use.
At current member redemption prices, Max's credit covers four textbooks and four Study Notes. You choose and order them by section when ready. Monthly earns a one-time $60 credit after the initial payment and two consecutive successful renewals. If you prefer studying digitally, unused print credit should not be a reason to spend more.
How much weight should you give the guarantee? Eligible Max members can receive $250 toward a retake after the first qualifying failure per section, up to four sections and $1,000 total. Covered exams must be taken within the first 12 months, and preparation and claim requirements apply. Read the Max Pass Guarantee requirements before choosing Max for this benefit. Treat it as possible help after a setback, not money to subtract from the purchase price.
Access and refunds: Monthly access lasts while the subscription is active. Complete and Max require a valid NTS after 12 months, with reactivation through support at no extra charge. First-time buyers have a separate 30-day membership refund window; redeemed promotional Print Credit reduces the refund. The purchase terms and Ask Kes usage rules explain the full policies.
My Recommendation
Kesler is my Best Value pick for a complete CPA review course, particularly for visual learners who want whiteboard explanations and a clear study routine. Start with a topic you find difficult: watch its lesson, answer questions and review a mistake. That exercise will tell you more about fit than the size of the feature list.
Complete is a practical starting point for comparing a longer digital study plan; Monthly offers flexibility for shorter use. Consider Max if you will use the additional books and AI access. If you want live instruction or your firm covers Becker, weigh those advantages before paying for a second course. The full Kesler review goes into more detail.
The Good
- QBank with SmartPath Predictive Technology™
- Engaging instructors: Peter Olinto & Roger Philipp
- Great question explanations with visual guides
- Fully integrated mobile app
- Flashcard creator with spaced-repetition technology
- Complete textbook to teach you the AICPA blueprints
The Bad
- Limited support and no community
- Premier access ends after 18 months
Overview and CPA Exam Guide Ranking
UWorld CPA Review earns our Best Instructors pick because its teaching team includes Peter Olinto and Roger Philipp, two of the most engaging instructors in CPA exam prep.
Their energy, examples and clear explanations make UWorld worth trying if you tend to lose focus while studying technical material. Watch a lesson, then try the related questions to see whether the explanation helps you work through the problem on your own.
Why consider UWorld: The instructors are its main draw, but the tools around each lesson matter too.
SmartPath tracks your practice against study targets and helps identify where you need more work. Use those targets to guide review, then check that you can explain the reasoning behind your answers.
UWorld's detailed question explanations use visuals such as diagrams and tables to explain the underlying concepts. That is particularly useful if a short answer key leaves you unsure why you missed a question.
UWorld's mobile app lets you fit practice into shorter study windows. Try it on the device you plan to use, especially if much of your studying will happen away from a desk.
UWorld's digital textbooks support search, highlighting, annotations and offline reading. QBank questions link to the relevant chapter and subsection, so you can move from a missed question back to the explanation. Try that workflow before deciding whether you also need printed books.
The instructors are the main reason for our UWorld recommendation. Its detailed question explanations, SmartPath analytics and mobile app support the work you do after each lesson.
What To Expect With UWorld CPA Review
UWorld has a built-in study planner with set, flexible and custom schedules. It uses your exam date and available study time, and can redistribute missed work. That makes it useful for candidates whose work schedules change. UAsk also provides AI study help inside the course.
Once you figure out scheduling, diving into the study materials is a breeze and they will help you efficiently bounce back and forth between the practice questions and learning materials.
The SmarPath will also be a crucial tool to your success as it compares your results against other candidates who have already passed.
Is UWorld CPA Review Any Good?
Absolutely, we have seen hundreds of candidates find success using only UWorld CPA Review. The key is to learn HOW to study the right way and find help with scheduling and planning due to the limited support offered compared to other courses.
Follow this tutorial to learn how to use UWorld CPA Review the right way.How Does UWorld CPA Review Compare To Other CPA Test Prep Platforms?
UWorld CPA Review vs Becker CPA: UWorld CPA Review still has the stronger instructor lineup for engagement, with Roger Philipp and Peter Olinto leading the lecture experience. Becker offers bite-sized concept videos within a structured study path, plus SkillBuilder TBS walkthroughs, ExamSolver simulated exam review and Big 4 recognition. UWorld's question explanations and visual guides are still excellent, so the best choice depends on which teaching style keeps you studying consistently.
Note on Wiley CPAexcel: UWorld acquired Wiley CPAexcel in 2023 and merged all Wiley content into the UWorld CPA Review platform. Wiley CPAexcel no longer exists as a standalone product. If you previously used Wiley, your closest equivalent is now UWorld CPA Review.
Guarantee and access: Elite-Unlimited+ offers $250 per qualifying failed section, up to $1,000, after meeting SmartPath targets and claim rules. Review the package and guarantee terms before paying extra for it. Premier has 18-month access; the Elite tiers include access until passing. The separate purchase-refund policy allows requests within one week of activation or receiving printed materials, whichever comes first, subject to usage limits, returns and cancellation fees.
UWorld CPA Review vs Kesler CPA: Both can serve as your main course. Compare Peter Olinto and Roger Philipp's teaching styles at UWorld with Kesler's whiteboard lessons and question-specific explanations. Kesler also places more emphasis on a guided review routine and study-strategy mentorship. Try the same difficult topic in each before paying for both.
Does UWorld CPA Review Offer Any Discounts And Promo?
UWorld CPA Review typically has discount promotions available for CPA candidates.
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
UWorld is my Best Instructors pick. Put it on your shortlist if Peter Olinto and Roger Philipp help you stay engaged with difficult material. Use the trial to watch a lesson and work through its practice questions before committing.
The Good
- Big-Four backed CPA Review Course
- Newt™ AI assistant for 24/7 Q&A support
- Adapt2U adaptive practice test technology
- Thousands of questions
- Tutoring options available
- Powerful question analytics
- SkillBuilder videos for task-based simulation walkthroughs
- Detailed textbook and video lectures
- Flashcards
The Bad
- Structured workflow may feel rigid for self-directed candidates
- Digital notes can't be searched and are locked to individual modules
- Can't copy and paste any text inside of the platform
- Complaints on forums that content doesn’t help you understand the material
- Slower support
Overview and CPA Exam Guide Ranking
Becker CPA Review has been around since 1957 and is by far the most popular CPA review course in the industry. That being said, just because it’s the most popular does not mean Becker CPA Review is the best CPA prep course for you after our research.
Why consider Becker: Its structured course and simulation walkthroughs are worth comparing if you want a guided study routine.
Becker lists 9,500+ MCQs and 450+ task-based simulations. SkillBuilder videos explain how to approach simulations, while ExamSolver walks through questions in Mini Exams and Simulated Exams. Those explanations are useful when you need to understand the steps behind an answer.
Newt provides AI study help within Becker. It is useful as a way to ask for clarification during practice; the buying decision should also account for instruction, access and the human support included in your package.
Where Becker frustrated me: The old lecture-length criticism is no longer fair. Becker redid its lecture videos in 2024 into shorter bite-sized concept videos, generally around 10-20 minutes each. The remaining issue is fit: Becker is still a highly structured, premium-priced course. If you like a guided path, live class options, and a complete all-in-one system, that structure helps. If you need more flexibility, mentorship, or accountability, the platform can still feel rigid.
For self-funded candidates, the main tradeoff is cost and package selection. Advantage has 24 months of access; the higher packages add unlimited access and more support. Compare the tools you will actually use before paying for an upgrade.
Do not count on a fixed "Becker Bump" between practice scores and exam scores. Use missed questions to identify gaps and check your understanding before scheduling the exam.
There are tons of features that Becker gets right but like every CPA review course there are flaws.
What To Expect With Becker CPA Review
Becker CPA Review is a big-box CPA exam course so expect the materials to be high quality, the support to be a bit slow and for them to lock their platform down in a way that makes it harder to use.
Becker uses short concept videos within a structured course path. During a trial, check how the notes and practice tools fit your study routine.
In my experience using Becker to study plus the feedback we see from candidates, Becker works best when you want structure and are willing to follow the course plan. If your biggest problem is consistency, accountability, or knowing how to study, you may still need mentorship or a supplemental system layered on top.
Becker's practice tools include question analytics, SkillBuilder videos for coursework TBSs and ExamSolver videos for Mini Exam and Simulated Exam questions. These are useful when you want a worked explanation after practice.
Is Becker CPA Review Any Good?
Absolutely, Becker CPA Review gets passing results for CPA candidates who understand the limitations and design roadblocks inside of the Becker platform. Becker CPA Review is by far the biggest CPA review course and helps the most CPA candidates pass but they also have the most candidates who fail.
Becker says Exam Day Ready students have 64% higher CPA Exam pass rates than all other test takers. That is a strong claim, but you still need to read it as a conditional, company-reported metric rather than an independently verified pass rate for every Becker user.
It’s crucial that if you use Becker that you understand how you learn best and make Becker work for you and not the other way around.
If you want to increase your odds of passing the CPA Exam with Becker I do recommend finding a CPA exam mentor to help you get started on the right foot and help you understand how to overcome the Becker design frustrations.
When you have this, it can get you great results with the platform!
Not sure Becker is right for you? Read my full analysis: Is Becker CPA Review Worth It in 2026? or explore Becker CPA Review alternatives.
How Does Becker CPA Review Compare To Other CPA Exam Review Courses?
Becker CPA Review vs UWorld CPA Review: Becker CPA Review and UWorld CPA Review are neck and neck in terms of ease of use and course design. Both courses have excellent mobile apps, question analytics and textbooks. UWorld gets my vote for Best Instructors because Peter Olinto and Roger Philipp keep the explanations engaging.
Guarantee and access: Eligible Pro and Pro+ buyers who reach Exam Day Ready can receive $250 per qualifying failed section, up to $1,000. Concierge instead offers a conditional refund of 25% of its purchase price per failed section. The Pass Guarantee has a first-year exam window and purchase-channel restrictions, so employer-provided access should not be assumed eligible. Advantage has 24-month access; Pro and higher packages offer unlimited access. Becker's separate purchase-refund policy generally provides 10 days, with material-return requirements and nonrefundable fees.
Becker CPA Review vs Kesler CPA: Both include topic lessons and practice for a full study plan. Becker is worth considering for its instructor-led options and employer relationships; Kesler offers a lower-cost digital course with short visual explanations and study-strategy mentorship. If your firm covers Becker, try it first and add another resource only to address a specific gap.
For a full breakdown of every major Becker competitor including pricing, features, and trade-offs, see 6 Best Becker CPA Review Alternatives.
Does Becker CPA Review Offer Any Discounts And Promo?
Becker CPA Review does run $1,000+ off promotions and discounts from time to time. Check out the latest promotions below before buying!
Best Becker CPA Reviewmo Codes
CURRENT PROMO: SAVINGS: Grab The Becker CPA Review Deals and Promo Codes Below - Expires Soon!
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
If your firm is paying for your study materials then Becker CPA Review will be one of your best options, but I would compare it to Kesler CPA Review and Gleim CPA Review first. I would also consider adding a CPA exam mentor to your study toolset as well to ensure you use Becker CPA review efficiently.
The Good
- Boasts the largest MCQ & TBS Test bank
- Gold standard for self-study
- Adaptive learning platfor
- In-depth text and lectures
- Flashcards now available
- Audio lectures available
- Great customer support
- Integrates with Kesler CPA Mentorship
The Bad
- Adaptive Teaching format a bit awkward
- Lectures are dry
- No Mobile App
Overview and CPA Exam Guide Ranking
Gleim CPA Review has been around since 1974 and I wouldn’t be a CPA today if it wasn’t for their test bank. It was the missing piece to my study materials that helped me increase my failing scores. But how is their full CPA review course? Does it compare to the competition?
Why consider Gleim: Its large practice bank and detailed written explanations suit candidates who learn by working through questions.
Gleim currently lists 12,000+ MCQs and 1,200+ simulations in its Premium courses. That gives retakers substantial practice material, but the benefit comes from reviewing unfamiliar concepts rather than chasing a question count.
SmartAdapt helps direct practice toward weaker areas. For a retaker, that can make review more focused than repeating every lesson from the beginning.
Where Gleim may not fit: Its assessment-led approach can feel less comfortable if you want a lesson before attempting questions. Try a study unit to see whether that sequence helps you learn.
If you study mainly on a phone, try Gleim's mobile browser experience before buying. Make sure reading explanations and working simulations feel comfortable on your screen.
Gleim CPA Review is close to the mark but still lags behind in a few key areas, which is why we rank Gleim CPA Review #4 on our list.
What To Expect With Gleim CPA Review
Gleim CPA Review is a smaller CPA review course which is good news in terms of support.
Their personal counselors are very hands on in terms of helping to set you up the right way with the CPA exam process. They hold your hand through nearly every step if you need them to which is great.
The platform itself takes a bit to get used too. Gleim tries to use an adaptive learning system to assess your existing understanding of topics by having you answer multiple choice questions first.
The problem I have with this system is that answering multiple choice doesn’t truly assess your understanding since they don’t test your higher order learning skills.
Once you dive into the content that Gleim provides, it is very top notch. Their textbook is detailed and full of examples to work through. They also have decent video lectures that, while not as engaging as other courses, gets the job done.
Gleim CPA Review does lack a mobile app which makes it a bit difficult to study on the go.
Is Gleim CPA Review Any Good?
Absolutely, we have many success stories of our students who only use Gleim CPA Review.
They provide you with more than enough multiple-choice and task-based simulations that you can be assured that you will cover any possible topic that could be tested on the CPA exam.
If you use Kesler alongside Gleim, use its mentorship and review routine to address a specific study problem. Adding another course is most useful when you know what you need from it.
When you combine mentorship and Gleim, you can get you great results with the platform!
How Does Gleim CPA Review Compare To Other CPA Exam Prep Courses?
Guarantee and access: Gleim's premium packages include Access Until You Pass and a conditional refund of the price paid for qualifying failed sections. You must follow the prescribed study steps and request the refund within 18 months of purchase. That differs from a fixed retake payment. Its separate 30-day return policy limits online usage to one study unit. Check the guarantee and package return terms before choosing on price alone.
Gleim CPA vs Kesler CPA Review: Compare Gleim if a broad practice bank and granular topic review are priorities. Compare Kesler if you prefer short whiteboard explanations and a guided review routine. The useful test is how each helps you work through a topic you keep missing, rather than question counts alone.
Gleim CPA Review vs UWorld CPA Review: Gleim CPA Review is difficult to compare to UWorld CPA Review just because they are so different. UWorld CPA Review has Gleim beat in terms of studying on the go, instructor engagement and ease of use but Gleim has UWorld CPA Review beat in terms of quantity of questions.
Becker CPA Review vs Gleim CPA: Gleim and Becker CPA have been rivals for decades and are ultimately the first two CPA review courses still standing. Becker CPA is more popular than Gleim by a long shot, but those who prefer to self-study and don’t need live classes will prefer Gleim to Becker.
Does Gleim CPA Review Offer Any Discounts And Promos?
Gleim CPA Review is always running a discount that takes up to 20%+ off their list price. Use the link below to save before buying.
Best Gleim CPA Review Discounts
SAVE up to $1,000 OFF Gleim CPA Review Premium Pro below
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
If you need a personal counselor for the CPA exam then Gleim CPA Review is right for you. They will give you more CPA questions you will know what to do with and a textbook and video lectures that will cover all your AICPA blueprint bases.
How To Pick The Right CPA Review Course For You In 5 Steps
Now that you are fairly familiar with the most popular players in the industry, the next step is to understand how to pick the right course for your situation.
These are the five rules for picking a CPA Review Course:
1) Always sign up for the free trial and do real studying before buying.
2) Never believe the marketing hype or fancy tech promises.
3) Take a CPA Exam study personality quiz to identify what study tools you need to succeed.
4) Just because your firm gives you a CPA course for free doesn’t mean it’s the right course for you.
5) Find a course with a built-in CPA Exam Support System.

What’s The Expert Recommendation:
Use the selection criteria above to compare current packages from Kesler, Becker, UWorld and Gleim. A consistent study routine matters as much as choosing a course.
Which CPA review course has the best price and financing?
Kesler offers Monthly at $77, Complete at $697 one time and Max at $1,197 one time. Complete costs less than ten monthly payments. For a shorter supplement period, Monthly may still be the more economical choice.
Most major CPA review courses now offer 0% financing, making the upfront cost more manageable. Compare the monthly payment options below:
Here are other popular discounts and financing plans:
Best CPA Review Course Financing And Promo Offers - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Financing Offered | Promotion Pricing |
Kesler CPA Review |
Yes | $77/mo · $697 Complete · $1,197 Max |
Gleim CPA Review |
Yes | $2,499 list |
Becker CPA Review |
Yes | $2,499 list |
UWorld CPA Review |
Yes |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
Compare the total you expect to pay over your study timeline. Six months of Kesler Monthly costs $462; twelve months costs $924. Complete avoids recurring membership payments, while Max adds benefits worth paying for only if you will use them.
Which CPA Review Course has the best textbook?
Your textbook is going to be a crucial piece of your study routine. It’s the source material that you need to use to understand WHY a specific question is right or wrong.
So who has the best CPA exam textbook in the industry?
Best CPA Review Textbook - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Printed Book Available | Take Digital Notes | In-Depth Examples |
Kesler CPA Review |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Gleim CPA Review |
Yes | Yes, but search limited | Yes |
Becker CPA Review |
Yes | Yes, but search limited | Yes |
UWorld CPA Review |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
UWorld CPA Review and Becker CPA Review have some of the most in-depth and example-heavy textbooks currently available. They focus on covering all of the areas and topics included in the AICPA blueprints.
If digital notes are important to your routine, use the course trials to check search, highlighting and navigation before choosing a textbook format.
Which CPA Review Course Has the Best Instructors?
The best instructor for you keeps you engaged and helps you answer questions on your own.
UWorld is our pick for Best Instructors, with Peter Olinto and Roger Philipp standing out for their engaging teaching styles. Their explanations make it worth trying if you learn best by watching someone work through a concept.
Kesler is worth sampling if you prefer short whiteboard explanations. Its topic lessons teach concepts before practice, while Learn N GO videos explain individual MCQs afterward. Compare that format with UWorld's instructor-led approach using a topic you find difficult.
Becker also offers bite-sized concept videos within a structured course path. Compare how each course explains the same difficult topic and whether you can apply the lesson to practice questions.
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
Start with UWorld if instructor engagement is your priority. After a sample lesson, try explaining the concept in your own words and answering a few questions. That helps you judge whether the teaching style works for you.
Which CPA Review Course has the best CPA Exam multiple choice?
The number of multiple-choice is not necessarily the most important factor to consider. When rating the quality of multiple-choice you need to look at the explanation itself and assess their philosophy on explaining the WHY behind each answer.
Does it explain WHY the question is right? Does it explain why the other options are wrong? Does it provide links to the source material for you to research further? Does it make it easy to mark questions for later review and make notes on each question?
Best CPA Exam Multiple Choice Questions - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Total Questions | Explain WHY Question Is Right | Advanced Question Analytics |
Kesler CPA Review |
8,000+ | Written & video | Yes |
UWorld CPA Review |
6,000+ | Yes, Written | Yes |
Becker CPA Review |
9,000+ | Yes, But Can't Copy Or Paste To Notes | Yes |
Gleim CPA Review |
10,000 | Yes, Written | Yes |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
When taking all of these factors into consideration, we found that UWorld CPA Review and Kesler CPA Review hit all of these boxes and had the best explanations overall.
Becker CPA Review and Gleim came in a close third.
Which CPA Review Course has the best Task-Based Simulations?
Task-Based Simulations now make up 50% of your score on the CPA Exam so finding a CPA review course that will prepare you for anything is crucial to your success. When you truly understand the AICPA blueprints it doesn’t matter what TBS you get on the real exam, you will be able to master it.
With that being said, which CPA review course is going to best prepare you for the complex Task-Based Simulation CPA exam questions?
Best CPA Exam Task-Based Simulation Questions - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Total TBS | Video Explanation | Written Explanations |
Kesler CPA Review |
600+ | No | Yes |
UWorld CPA Review |
400+ | No | Yes |
Becker CPA Review |
500+ | Yes | Yes |
Gleim CPA Review |
1200+ | No | Yes |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
In our research, we found that Gleim CPA Review and Becker CPA Review have the most TBS.
Becker CPA Review also include video explanations for most of their TBS to further explain in-depth the right way to answer each of their TBS.
Which CPA Review Course Has The Best User Support?
User Support that is fast and accurate is crucial when you are in a crunch.
The bigger courses like UWorld CPA Review and Becker CPA struggle with providing fast support but excel on the accuracy.
Compare each course's instructor access and support options before choosing.
Depending how much hand holding you need, here is our ranking for best user support across the major CPA courses.
Best CPA Review Course Customer Support - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Tutoring | Phone |
|
Kesler CPA Review |
Yes | No | No |
UWorld CPA Review |
Yes | No | No |
Becker CPA Review |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Gleim CPA Review |
Yes | No | Yes |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
While support is important, most CPA prep courses do a great job of teaching the material to you without any issues. While we do recommend that you otusource anything you are spinning your wheels on trying to understand, as long as your course has email support you should be good to go.
Which CPA Review Course has the best mobile app?
Having a CPA review course mobile app is crucial if you are an accountant on the go.
Becker and UWorld offer dedicated mobile apps. Kesler uses a mobile-friendly web app that you can access from your phone or computer.
For Kesler, try reading a lesson and answering questions on your own phone during the trial. A useful mobile experience depends on whether the text and controls work comfortably on your screen.
Best Mobile App For CPA Exam - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Has App | Syncs Activity With Desktop App? |
Kesler CPA Review |
Web app | Yes |
UWorld CPA Review |
Yes | Yes |
Becker CPA Review |
Yes | Yes |
Gleim CPA Review |
No, Mobile Browser Friendly Only | NA |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
After testing the available mobile app for CPA Test Prep, we found that the UWorld CPA Review mobile app works best for studying on the go.
Which CPA Review Course has the best study planner?
Having a functional study planner is key as life inevitably gets in the way of studying. You want a study planner that will automatically update based on your situation and can adapt in real time.
Best CPA Review Course Study Planner - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Dynamic Planner |
Kesler CPA Review |
Yes |
UWorld CPA Review |
Yes |
Becker CPA Review |
Yes |
Gleim CPA Review |
Yes |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
Compare the study planners in your current course options. Check whether the schedule fits your exam date, available weekly hours and actual progress.
UWorld has a built-in study planner with set, flexible and custom schedules. It uses your exam date and available study time, and can redistribute missed work. That makes it useful for candidates whose work schedules change.
Which CPA Review Course has the best flashcards?
Flashcards are an essential learning tool for CPA candidates. It’s a great way to quickly review concepts and identify areas you are struggling to understand.
So who has the best CPA exam flashcard system?
Best CPA Exam Flashcard Deck - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Printe/Digital Flashcards | Flashcard Creator |
Kesler CPA Review |
Yes | Yes |
UWorld CPA Review |
Yes | Yes |
Becker CPA Review |
Yes | No |
Gleim CPA Review |
Yes | No |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
Kesler lets you review prebuilt cards and create your own. That is useful for saving the rule or calculation behind a missed question, then revisiting it as part of a Study Loop.
Try building a card during the free trial. Look for a workflow that makes it easy to save and revisit your weak points without spending more time organizing cards than studying them.
Which CPA Review Course has the best Cram Course?
A CPA Exam Cram Course is perfect for nailing the key AICPA blueprints you need to know in the final days before your exam.
Typically a Cram Course will include targeted video lectures summarizing exactly what you need to know and related questions.
So who has the best CPA exam cram course?
Best CPA Review Cram Course - Comparison
CPA Prep Course Company |
Has A Cram Course | Includes Questions |
Kesler CPA Review |
Study Funnels | Yes |
UWorld CPA Review |
Yes, Core final review | Question walkthroughs |
Becker CPA Review |
Yes, Final Review Product | Yes |
Gleim CPA Review |
Yes, Final Review | Yes |
What’s The Expert Recommendation:
Kesler's Study Funnels are useful when you need a final-review routine: identify weak topics, research the gaps, then retest. If you already have a course, use its results to identify what extra help you need before buying a second review product.
Which CPA Review Course Is Best for Retakers?
If you are paying for a retake out of pocket, another course needs to justify its cost. Start with what went wrong: gaps in understanding, too little simulation practice, or a study plan you could not sustain. Choose the help that addresses that problem.
Kesler: Best Value for retakers. Kesler is our pick when you need a more workable study routine at a manageable price. Its mentorship course teaches study strategy, while Study Funnels target weak areas and Study Loops bring earlier topics back into review. Whiteboard explanations offer another way to work through concepts that did not click the first time. At $77 per month, three monthly payments total $231. You can use the complete digital course on its own or alongside materials you already own.
Gleim: Worth considering for more targeted practice. If you understand the lessons but struggle to apply them, Gleim's extensive question bank and SmartAdapt guidance can help you focus practice on weaker areas. Compare the test bank with the full course before paying for lectures you may not need. Its Help Me Pass program also offers savings for eligible candidates switching providers.
UWorld: Worth considering for a different teaching approach. If your original course's explanations did not connect, try a difficult topic with UWorld before committing. Its instructors and detailed answer explanations are the main reason to consider switching; SmartPath provides practice targets to guide your review. Compare its single-section and QBank options with a full package if only one exam stands between you and finishing.
Becker: Often the economical choice if you already have access. Before buying a replacement, use Becker's study planner and personalized practice to rebuild your schedule around weak topics. If the teaching still works for you, changing how you use the course may be enough. For new buyers, compare a single-section course with the cost of targeted help for the materials you already own.
What's The Expert Recommendation:
For retakers buying additional help, Kesler offers the best value here because it combines a complete course with guidance on how to study. Monthly suits a shorter retake window; the $697 Complete plan costs less than ten monthly payments if you expect a longer path. Keep useful materials you already paid for, and use our guide to retaking a failed CPA exam section to build your next study plan.
FAQ
We compare Kesler, UWorld, Becker and Gleim as complete CPA review courses. NINJA and Universal are covered separately as supplements.
UWorld acquired Surgent in April 2026, and new buyers are now directed to UWorld. Read our historical Surgent review for details.
Each state is slightly different in the various CPA exam requirements you need to hit in order to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam.
The most important factor to consider is whether your state allows you to sit for the CPA exam with 120 credit hours or 150 credit hours.
Other factors to consider are residency, age and the mix of college credits you have received. If you are international, the requirements get even more complex because you will have to have your transcript evaluated to ensure you hit the necessary education requirements to sit.
Starting the CPA exam process is simple. Submit your application to your state board of accountancy of choice. Include your transcript and an application fee. Then wait for 4-8 weeks for your state to evaluate your application and transcript.
The CPA exam is by far the most difficult professional exam in accounting. This is for a good reason because it is also the most valuable and recognized across nearly all industries in business. Your odds of passing the CPA exam on your first try without failing are around 20-30%. Don’t let this scare you from starting the CPA exam process. Becoming a CPA will change your life and help you become the best accountant you can be.
Here are 25 CPA exam study tips that will help make passing the CPA exam easier if you follow them step-by-step.
The CPA exam is absolutely worth pursuing. Being a CPA is by the far the most recognized professional license in business. It will also set you apart from the thousands of accountants who have masters degrees and a CIA, EA, CMA or other lesser known professional license.
A typical accountant can easily pass the CPA exam in 6-12 months with the proper support.
The key to passing the CPA exam is to have a robust CPA review course and someone to mentor/coach you through the passing process. When you have someone with experience helping people pass the CPA exam it will reduce your risk of making mistakes and speed up your passing process.
Your study personality is all about optimizing how you study. Depending how you learn best you need to cut certain study activities out of your routine. To start, determine if you are a visual learner or more of a self-studier. Do you prefer to be in a classroom setting or do you prefer to teach yourself.
With trial and error you will be able to perfect your study methodology based on your study personality.
There are several CPA Review Courses that aren’t as popular as others but still deserve to be mentioned.
Ninja CPA Review is a popular supplement founded by Another71s Jeff Elliot.
Universal CPA Review is worth considering as a visual supplement to your main course if you need another explanation of difficult topics.
For the history of adaptive learning in the former Surgent course, see the historical review. For new purchases, compare the four current full courses above.
Lambers CPA Review is a small CPA Review Course that I don’t have any data on based on the fact that none of my students have used it to study and pass. Will dig in if someone wants me to research this company. Please shoot me an email: bryan@cpaexamguide.com.
MDS CPA Review is another small CPA Review Course based out of Ohio. I knew their founder Steve Martin but he has since retired and I haven’t interacted with the new owners or heard anything about the direction the company has taken in terms of teaching style or quality.
Fast Forward Academy was recently purchased by CeriFi Company and no longer offers CPA Exam test prep products.
For free practice, confirm that questions match the section and current exam content you are studying. Older free-course directories may describe products that are no longer sold.
The AICPA recommends around 300-400 total hours of study time. The key is to study at your own pace and with high intensity. We recommend not giving yourself more than 12 weeks per section due to the fact that you risk buring yourself out. If you are working full time we don't recommend giving yourself less than 8 weeks due to the fact that you won't have time to cover everything on the exam.
Thankfully there is no limit to the number of times you can fail a section of the CPA exam. The only limitation is that once you pass your first section you will have 30 months to pass your remaining 3 sections. If you can't pass the other 3 sections then you will lose credit for your first section.
Hands down the hardest section of the CPA exam is Financial Accounting and Reporting or FAR. FAR is the largest section and covers the most content and has the highest fail rate year over year of any section of the CPA exam. It is highly recommended that you start with FAR as your first section. If you can pass FAR then you can pass ANY section of the CPA exam.
Related Resources: What Is a CPA Review Course? (Complete Guide) • Our Editorial Policy & Review Standards • About Bryan Kesler, CPA
About the Reviewer: Bryan Kesler is a Licensed CPA in North Carolina (License #41490, verified via NASBA), PwC alum, and CPA Practice Advisor Top 20 Under 40. He founded CPA Exam Guide (2015) and Kesler CPA Review (2022), and has served 68,000+ CPA candidates through mentorship, study materials, and his podcast.
Review Update History
October 13, 2026: Corrected current product details and removed unsupported survey statistics, testing specifics and retesting claims.
How I Review CPA Courses
I am Bryan Kesler, CPA. I spent approximately 10–20 hours testing each course reviewed here. My recommendations consider teaching style, question explanations, study tools, access and cost, with different choices for different candidates.
Product details were checked against the providers' published information on October 13, 2026. This fact check is separate from my earlier hands-on testing; it does not mean every current feature has been personally retested.
I own Kesler CPA Review and earn commissions from some competing providers. These interests are disclosed so you can weigh my recommendations. See our editorial policy for the review approach.
Provider pass rates use different populations and methods. They are not a reliable head-to-head ranking of course effectiveness.
Disclaimer: Discontinued CPA Review Courses
Surgent CPA Review: former course
UWorld acquired Surgent in April 2026, and Surgent's CPA sales page now directs new buyers to UWorld. Surgent is no longer a separate current pick in this comparison. Read our historical Surgent review and transition explanation; existing customers can use the Surgent retake guide and contact support about access.
Yaeger CPA Review is no longer a current buying option in this guide. Compare UWorld, Kesler, Becker and Gleim for a replacement that matches your needs.
Fast Forward Academy has also discontinued its CPA exam prep program and is no longer available. Former Fast Forward Academy users should consider Gleim CPA Review for a similar comprehensive test bank approach, or explore any of the courses reviewed above.
We keep these courses listed on this page for historical reference and to help candidates who may still be searching for them. All recommendations above reflect currently active, fully operational CPA review courses only.











