Becker CPA Review vs UWorld Roger CPA Review (2026)

Video Lectures: Teaching Style and Instructor Quality

This is where the Peter Olinto story matters most. For two decades, Olinto was one of the main reasons CPA candidates chose Becker. His departure in July 2023 and arrival at UWorld fundamentally changed the competitive dynamic.

UWorld Roger CPA Review now has two powerhouse instructors: Roger Philipp (energetic, whiteboard-driven, mnemonic-heavy) and Peter Olinto (measured, clear, makes complex topics accessible). Their lectures are broken into 10-30 minute segments, which keeps you focused and makes it easy to study in short bursts. Total lecture content is 100+ hours.

Becker CPA Review uses multiple subject-matter experts across sections. Each is credentialed in their field. Their lectures tend to run 40-60 minutes, which is better for deep dives but harder on attention spans. Becker compensates with 900+ video lectures and 2,000+ SkillBuilder videos that walk you through simulations step by step. The total volume of video content at Becker is massive.

Having Roger Philipp and Peter Olinto on the same platform is a genuine competitive advantage. The shorter lecture format also works better for most adult learners. Becker wins on sheer volume of content, but the instructor quality and format tilt this toward UWorld.

Practice Questions: Quality, Quantity, and Explanations

This used to be an easy win for Becker. They dominated on question count for years. That changed when UWorld acquired Wiley's test-prep portfolio in 2023, expanding their question bank to 9,000+ MCQs and 500+ task-based simulations.

Becker now offers 9,000+ MCQs and 400-900+ TBSs, so the quantity gap has essentially closed.

What about quality? Both courses provide detailed answer explanations. UWorld is known for their award-winning explanations that include visual diagrams explaining the "what, why, and how" behind each answer. Becker's explanations are thorough and text-heavy, widely considered among the best in the industry.

Both offer analytics that break down your performance by topic, so you can identify weak areas and focus your study time.

Both courses have 9,000+ questions with strong explanations. Becker edges ahead on simulation prep with SkillBuilder videos. UWorld edges ahead on explanation design with visual aids. Call it a wash and pick based on which explanation style you learn from better.

AI and Adaptive Technology: Newt AI vs SmartPath

Both courses have invested heavily in technology, but they solve different problems.

Becker's Newt AI Tutor is a real-time AI assistant embedded in the study platform. When you hit a concept you don't understand, you can ask Newt and get an explanation instantly, without leaving the page or waiting for a support ticket response. Think of it as a personal tutor on demand.

UWorld's SmartPath Technology is a predictive analytics engine. It compares your study behavior and quiz performance against data from thousands of students who already passed the CPA exam. SmartPath then tells you where to focus your time and gives you a confidence score for each topic area. UWorld reports a 94% pass rate for students who reach their SmartPath targets.

Newt acts like a tutor. SmartPath acts like a coach. If you tend to get stuck on concepts and need explanations, Newt is more useful. If you need help knowing where to focus your limited study time, SmartPath is the better tool. Neither is objectively "better" since they solve different problems.

Live Instruction: Classes, Boot Camps, and Real-Time Teaching

This is one of the clearest differentiators between the two courses.

Becker offers 90+ hours of LiveOnline classes, taught by experienced instructors in a virtual classroom setting. These are scheduled sessions where you can ask questions, interact with the instructor, and follow a structured curriculum in real time. For candidates who learn best in a classroom environment, this is a major advantage that few CPA courses can match.

UWorld Roger CPA Review offers Live Boot Camps included with Elite Unlimited and Elite Unlimited+ packages. Boot camps are more condensed and focused on high-yield exam topics, with Q&A sessions where you can get real-time answers. They're valuable but not as extensive as Becker's full LiveOnline program.

If live, scheduled instruction is important to your learning style, Becker wins this category convincingly. 90+ hours of LiveOnline classes is a significant differentiator. UWorld's boot camps are helpful but don't match the breadth.

Mock Exams and Simulated Testing

Simulated exams are critical because the CPA exam is as much about time management and mental stamina as it is about content knowledge.

Becker provides 12 mini exams (shorter knowledge checkpoints placed throughout the course) and 8 full-length simulated exams designed to mirror exam-day conditions. The mini exams serve as progress checks, while the full simulated exams help you practice pacing.

UWorld Roger includes full-length mock exams with the Elite Unlimited and Elite Unlimited+ packages. These simulate the real exam interface and help you practice under timed conditions.

Becker's combination of mini exams for ongoing progress checks plus full simulated exams gives you more structured assessment opportunities throughout your study process.

Course Access Length and Pass Guarantees

Access length matters more than most candidates realize. Life happens: job changes, family obligations, health issues. You need a course that sticks with you.

Becker's pass guarantee (formerly "Pass Promise") has strict requirements. You must complete 80% of every module's content and score 50%+ on all simulated and mini exams. If you don't follow their prescribed study path exactly, you don't qualify. This forces you to prioritize course completion over actual understanding, which can be counterproductive for some learners.

UWorld's guarantee on the Elite Unlimited+ package is simpler: provide proof of a failed section and receive $250 back per section (up to $1,000). Less red tape.

UWorld's StudyPass is more flexible, and their pass guarantee has fewer hoops to jump through. Becker's unlimited access is solid if you're on Premium or above, but the strict pass guarantee requirements are a drawback.

Customer Support and Supplemental Help

UWorld Roger has licensed CPAs on staff handling content questions, with responses typically within 24 hours. Elite customers get priority support and access to accounting experts. You can also get questions answered during live boot camp sessions.

Becker provides email, phone, and message board support with typical response times of 2 business days. Their Newt AI Tutor provides instant answers to many content questions (which partially offsets slower human response times). Pro-level customers get private tutoring over technical concepts.

Supplement gap: Both courses have areas where support could be stronger. If you need ongoing mentorship, accountability, and study strategy coaching beyond what either course provides, Kesler CPA Review is designed to fill that gap and works alongside both Becker and UWorld Roger.

UWorld is faster on human response times. Becker's Newt AI provides instant answers that reduce the need for support tickets. Both serve different needs well.