Choosing the right CPA review course is crucial to passing the CPA exam and becoming a Certified Public Accountant. This guide covers the top courses for 2025—Becker, Surgent, and NINJA—highlighting their unique strengths, features, pricing, and rankings.
How to Choose the Right CPA Review Course Before you pick a course, consider your study style, budget, schedule, and whether you prefer video, text, or practice-heavy learning. This guide breaks down each course based on these factors, making it easier for you to find the perfect match for your CPA exam preparation needs.
Disclosure: CPAexam.com has affiliate partnerships with courses on this page.
Table of Contents
Best CPA Review Courses
These popular CPA Review courses (Becker CPA Review, Surgent CPA Review, and NINJA CPA Review) represent a large chunk of the CPA Exam prep market and different points of the pricing spectrum.
The number of courses and options out there (and options within those options) can be quite overwhelming.
If you follow these three crucial guidelines, you stand a great chance of choosing the Best CPA Review course for you:
- Budget (What can you afford? Debt vs No Debt?)
- Learning Style (Powerpoint lectures? “Dry Erase Board” lectures? No lectures? Test Bank only?)
- The ‘5 AM Test’ (Can you stomach studying with this course at 5 am, or will you most likely hit snooze for the next 2 hours until you really have to get up?)
Getting this choice right is critical to your success as a CPA candidate and becoming a CPA.
It’s important to compare CPA Review courses and make the best choice for you.
Note: All course prices are retail and not reflective of any current sales or promotions.
Let’s get started…
Becker CPA Review
Becker CPA Review is the most expensive, most popular, and most searched company because it is the biggest name in CPA Exam prep.
The four Becker CPA Review courses are Concierge ($5,999), Pro ($3,799), Premium ($3,099), and Advantage ($2,499).
Check the Becker Website for the latest Becker CPA Discounts.
Becker has a popular cram course called the Becker Final Review.
For those looking to supplement, new Becker students also get Free NINJA with the Becker + NINJA promotion.
Becker’s larger packages (Concierge) also offer CPA tutoring and CPE.
Investopedia ranks Becker CPA as a top-5 CPA prep course and rated Becker the “Best Overall Course” in 2024.
Becker CPA Review allows returns & refunds up to 10 business days after purchase, with limitations.
Read More about Becker CPA Review.
| ✅ Pros |
|---|
| 🔹 Most recognized brand; trusted by Big 4 and universities |
| 🔹 Comprehensive packages: lectures, MCQs, SIMs, Final Review |
| 🔹 Offers both live and on-demand classes |
| 🔹 Free NINJA supplement with select packages |
| 🔹 Financing, military discounts, and firm partnerships available |
| ⚠️ Cons |
|---|
| 🔸 Higher cost compared to most other courses |
| 🔸 Short refund period (10 business days, with restrictions) |
| 🔸 Some users find the interface dated or less intuitive |
Surgent CPA Review
Surgent CPA Review is a relatively new company in the CPA Exam space, but it’s actually run by CPA Review industry veterans like Liz Kolar, who have decades of experience. Most companies have a book/lecture + test bank approach, whereas Surgent’s foundation was their test bank and adaptive learning first, and then added videos and other features later.
Primarily known for its Continuing Professional Education (CPE), Surgent has also become an emerging force in the CMA, Enrolled Agent, CIA, and CISA Prep space.
Like Becker, new Surgent students who are looking to supplement get Free NINJA with the Surgent + NINJA promotion.
Surgent’s strength is easily its Adaptive Learning software. Most companies nowadays claim to have “adaptive” test banks, but Surgent was the first company to be known for its Adaptive Learning.
Investopedia rated Surgent CPA Review “Best Artificial Intelligence” in 2024.
| ✅ Pros |
|---|
| 🔹 Strong adaptive learning technology tailors your study path |
| 🔹 Efficient for working professionals—minimal wasted study time |
| 🔹 Free NINJA supplement available for new students |
| 🔹 Includes access to CPE and other exam prep (e.g., CMA, CIA) |
| 🔹 Rated “Best A.I.” by Investopedia in 2024 |
| ⚠️ Cons |
|---|
| 🔸 Less traditional content delivery—leaner on lectures and printed materials |
| 🔸 Adaptive algorithm may feel restrictive to students wanting more control |
| 🔸 Limited refund flexibility compared to competitors |
NINJA CPA Review
NINJA CPA Review is the cheapest full CPA Review course and the most popular CPA Study Supplement with its NINJA Notes, Test Bank, and Audio.
The NINJA CPA Subscription is $67 and can be started and stopped as needed.
NINJA CPA offers discounts to new Becker and Surgent students.
While NINJA has one product (NINJA Subscription), it can be used with two CPA study paths: NINJA Only and NINJA as a Supplement.
Investopedia ranks NINJA CPA as a top-5 CPA prep course and rated NINJA CPA Review “Best Price” in 2024.
NINJA CPA Review allows returns & refunds up to 30 days after purchase, with limitations.
Read More about NINJA CPA Review.
| ✅ Pros |
|---|
| 🔹 Most affordable option ($67/month) with pause/cancel flexibility |
| 🔹 Adaptive test bank with a simple, intuitive application interface that targets your weak areas effectively |
| 🔹 Compact, high-impact study tools: notes, audio, flashcards, MCQs, SIMs |
| 🔹 Weekly live tutoring sessions included (Sparring sessions) |
| 🔹 Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee |
| ⚠️ Cons |
|---|
| 🔸 Although fully mobile-responsive, there’s no standalone Android or iOS app. |
| 🔸 While live group sessions exist, there’s no 1:1 tutoring available—may not suit learners seeking personalized instruction. |
| 🔸 Limited visual aids (e.g., whiteboard instruction or animations) |
| Course | Becker Pro | Surgent Premier | NINJA Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | $3,799 | $3,099 | $67 |
| Investopedia Rank (2024) | Best Overall | Best A.I. | Best Price |
| Discounts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CPA Review Course FAQ
Which CPA Exam review course is the best?
The best CPA Review course is the one you’ll study with, which is why it’s critical to do free trials before purchasing.
| Course | Free Trial |
|---|---|
| Becker CPA Review | Becker Free Trial |
| Surgent CPA Review | Surgent Free Trial |
| NINJA CPA Review | NINJA Free Trial |
Are CPA review courses worth it?
Yes. You must use a CPA Review course because it is geared toward one goal: helping you pass the CPA Exam. Studying with accounting textbooks or other materials is a waste of valuable time. Whether it’s Becker, Surgent, or NINJA, CPA review courses are worth it.
Which CPA review course has the best pass rate?
The AICPA claims that the pass rate is 45-65%, depending on the section. The pass rate for most review courses likely follows the same pattern.
What is the best CPA course for working professionals?
One that has an audio course to maximize study time while commuting. This leaves Surgent, or NINJA.
How do I choose the right CPA course for me?
Budget, Learning Style, and Peer Review. What can you afford? What clicks best for your learning style? What do others say about the course?
What is the Best CPA Review course for international students?
Each person is different, but if English is your Second Language (ESL), free trials are essential to ensure that you can understand the lecturer(s).
Are Live CPA Review classes still offered?
Becker CPA Review and NINJA host live classes online.
Can I get College Credit for my CPA Review Course?
Possibly. Some MAcc programs have the CPA Review course integrated into their program. Suppose you’re looking into a Master of Accounting program. In that case, it might not hurt to email the CPA Review course you’re looking at and ask them if they have any partnerships with colleges or universities where you can accomplish this very thing. Then, see if that school has an online program.
Where do I find CPA Promo Codes for the Best Deal?
To counter the affiliate farms advertising that they have the “best CPA Review coupon codes [you won’t BELIEVE how much money you’ll save!!! MUST SEE!!! Click our Link!!!!], Courses now put the coupon code directly on their sites to avoid paying unwarranted affiliate commissions. Go directly to the course website for the best deal.
Becker CPA Promos are typically listed on their site.
Surgent CPA Promos are also listed on their site.
NINJA CPA Promos offers a one-time upgrade to all six parts for $197 after checkout.
Which CPA Test Banks Have Adaptive Learning?
Adaptive Learning in a CPA test bank was a major feature a few years ago. Today, most courses have some form of adaptive technology. You can still pass the CPA Exam without it (as people have done for decades), but you could make a case that you’re at a disadvantage vs. other CPA candidates using it. Adaptive Learning allows the test bank to ‘feed’ you more questions based on your weak areas. Your strong areas are still tested but less frequently. Different courses have different names for them – and each company uses its own adaptive algorithm, so they aren’t the same.
Becker CPA Review, Surgent CPA Review, and NINJA CPA Review all feature Adaptive Learning Test Banks.
Can I get College Credit for my CPA Review Course?
Some MAcc programs integrate CPA Prep courses. If you’re looking into a Master of Accounting program, it might not hurt to email the CPA Review course you’re considering and ask if they have any partnerships with colleges or universities where you can accomplish this. Then, see if that school has an online program.
Is Buying Used CPA Prep Courses a Bad Idea?
Nowadays, many things are digital, and reselling a course – especially a digital version of a course with logins- violates the terms of use for a course. Not only is it unethical (to violate the terms of use) as an aspiring CPA (oh, the irony), but you also run a significant risk of buying someone else’s course access only to have it shut off by the course. If the “customer” lives in California and logged in 435 times from LA, and you live in New York and start logging in, good luck explaining that. Don’t start cutting ethical corners to save a buck. Not a good start to your CPA career.
Do Accounting Firm employees get discounted CPA Prep courses?
The bigger firms have relationships with the various courses. The courses set up bulk pricing with the firms (usually far below retail), and then new hires pick from the list of “approved” courses, and the course gets paid whatever the contracted amount is. If the employee leaves within X amount of time, they have to pay the firm back for the course. If the firm employee needs a second course or an add-on like NINJA, it’s on the employee’s dime. If you work for a CPA firm – best sure to ask about special pricing from your HR department.
Most larger firms offer Becker and Surgent.
Do CPA Review Courses have Military Discounts?
There are two types of Military Discounts for CPA Review: Direct Bill and your regular “discount” code used at checkout.
Direct Bill
The CPA Review course has a direct billing relationship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Becker has a direct billing relationship with the military.
Military Discount
Other courses have a flat military discount, but with the competitive nature of the CPA Review course industry right now and courses discounting the packages $1,000+ OFF, the military discount isn’t likely going to be any better than the regular discount, and depending on the timing, it might be a lower discount.
Do Courses Have Former Student Discounts?
Courses are always happy to get their former customers back vs going to a competitor, which is why most courses have attractive former student discounts. Some courses even offer discounts to former students of other courses and are happy to convert them as well.
Do CPA Review Courses offer Financing?
Yes, most courses offer financing. However, double-check the fine print. Some payment plans have high interest rates.
Becker & Surgent offer financing.
NINJA offers a monthly subscription, but it’s not financing, as you can start and stop as needed.
Should I hire a CPA tutor?
No. NINJA hosts four CPA Exam tutoring sessions weekly, and Becker offers live tutoring services. Instead, buy a CPA Review course with tutoring built-in.
Should I be concerned about CPA Review Course Return & Refund Policies?
Most CPA Review Return Policies are not friendly. NINJA is the only mainstream course in the industry with a 30-day refund guarantee.
Why are CPA Free Trials so important?
Because it’s hard to return a course that you don’t like.
Some even have a stiff monetary penalty for returning their courses.
Choose wisely.
Final Verdict: Which CPA Review Course does CPAexam.com recommend?
Go with the CPA Review Course that matches your:
- Budget
- Learning Style
- Lifestyle
The best CPA Review course is the one that is best for you.
| Start Your Free Trial |
|---|
| Becker CPA Free Trial |
| Surgent CPA Free Trial |
| NINJA CPA Free Trial |
