CPA Review Courses | Best CPA Review Courses
Updated June 1, 2023
Disclosure: This site has advertising partnerships with the courses on this page. Assume that any link is a paid link and consider this bias before investing.
These five popular CPA Review courses are the majority of the CPA Exam prep market and represent three distinct price points:
Choose the best CPA Review course for your unique budget, learning style, and preferences.
Table of Contents
CPA Review Courses
CPA Review courses are designed to help individuals prepare for the CPA exam and become a Certified Public Accountant. These courses offer structured study materials, practice questions, and exam simulations that mimic the format and difficulty level of the actual CPA exam. Many courses are available in the market, each with unique features and pricing.
The number of courses and options out there (and options within those options) can be quite overwhelming.
It’s important to compare courses before making an investment.
Each CPA Review course has strengths and weaknesses and ranges from relatively inexpensive (NINJA) to the most expensive (Becker) and mid-range (Wiley, Roger, and Surgent).
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?)
CPA Review course discounts can also help you save money taking the CPA Exam because NASBA retake fees are very expensive and add up quickly.
Getting this choice right is critical to your success as a CPA candidate and becoming a CPA.
Becker CPA Review
Becker CPA Review is among the longest-standing CPA prep courses.
Founded in 1957 by Newt Becker, Becker CPA Review is the most popular (and most expensive) CPA Exam Prep course in the marketplace today.
Becker stands out as the only CPA Review course that all 4 Big 4 Accounting Firms endorse.
Becker also features CMA Prep and CPE Courses for Continuing Education.
Becker CPA Exam Review has one of the best all-around tech platforms and provides a consistent user experience across Desktop and Mobile studying.
For CPA candidates looking for maximum accountability and study mentorship, Becker introduced their “Conciege” course in 2023.
The Becker CPA Pro Course features unlimited access and is often priced at $2,199 to $2,499 after discounts.
Investopedia rated Becker CPA Review “Best Overall Course” in 2023.
See becker.com for a free trial of Becker.
Wiley CPA Review
Wiley CPA Review, like Becker, is one of the old-school CPA prep courses.
Primarily known for the Wiley Book and Wiley Test Bank, Wiley become a fully-integrated CPA Review course when it acquired Efficient Learning, owners of CPAexcel, out of Arizona in 2012.
The merged Wiley CPAexcel course included the CPAexcel lectures, LMS, and the Wiley book and questions.
In addition to CPA Review, Wiley features CMA Prep, among others.
Becker CPA, Bisk CPA (acquired by NINJA in 2016), and Wiley CPA were the “Big 3” of CPA Review in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
Wiley has the largest CPA Test Bank (Wiley Test Bank) and has a diverse roster of accounting and CPA Review instructors.
The Wiley CPA Review Platinum package also includes unlimited access and is typically on sale for $1,799.
See efficientlearning.com/CPA for a free trial of Wiley.
UWorld Roger CPA Review
Roger CPA Review was founded by Roger Philipp, CPA, in the early 2000s.
Roger’s course was acquired by UWorld in 2019 and became UWorld Roger CPA Review.
The merger combined two company strengths (Roger Philipp’s dynamic lectures and UWorld’s technology platform), making an already popular CPA Review course even better.
UWorld also features Bar, CFA, and MCAT Prep, among others.
Investopedia rated UWorld Roger CPA Review “Runner-Up, Best Overall” in 2023.
See uworld.accounting.com for a free trial of UWorld Roger CPA.
Surgent CPA Review
Surgent CPA Review as a company is relatively new to the CPA Exam space, but it’s actually run by CPA Review industry veterans like Liz Kolar with 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.
Surgent’s strength is easily their Adaptive Learning software. Most companies these days claim to have “adaptive” test banks, but Surgent was the company that brought adaptive learning to the dance.
While the Ultimate Pass is Surgent’s flagship program, the sneaky value with Surgent is the Essentials Pass, which is a strong consideration if you want to go the “MCQ Only” approach to studying.
Investopedia rated Surgent CPA Review “Best Artificial Intelligence” in 2023.
See surgent.com for a free trial of Surgent.
NINJA CPA Review
NINJA CPA Review was founded in 2011 and quickly established it as the most popular CPA Study Supplement with its NINJA Notes and Audio.
In 2017, NINJA acquired the Bisk CPA Review Course from Thomson Reuters.
It later put the entire (albeit very outdated) Bisk CPA Review course library on YouTube for free.
NINJA CPA Review is now a full CPA Review course and has since increased its offerings to include CPA Tutoring, Books, Flashcards, Cram Courses, and a large Test Bank.
The NINJA CPA Subscription is $67, which will appeal to budget-conscious CPA candidates, and also offers CMA Prep, which follows the same subscription pricing model.
Investopedia rated NINJA CPA Review “Best Price” in 2023.
See ninjacpareview.com for a free trial of NINJA.
Discounts
CPA Promo Codes
CMA Promo Codes
| Discount | CMA Promo Code |
|---|---|
| Becker CMA Pro – Save $1,000 | See Site |
| Wiley CMA Platinum – Save $500 | See Site |
| Surgent CMA – Save 25% | BRAVE23 |
| NINJA CMA Monthly – $67 subscription | See Site |
CPE Promo Codes
| Course | CPE Promo Code |
|---|---|
| Becker CPE – Save 20% | COURSES20 |
Course Comparison
Becker CPA Pro
| Course Features | Becker |
|---|---|
| Access | Unlimited |
| Discount Price | $2,299 |
| Course Lectures* | 114 hours |
| Test Bank* | 7,146 MCQ |
| Simulations* | 654 Sims |
| Cram Lectures* | 35 hours |
| AICPA-Licensed | ✅ |
| CPA Book | ✅ |
| CPA Notes | ✅ |
| CPA Audio | 🚫 |
| CPA Flashcards | ✅ |
| CPA Tutor | ✅ |
| CPE Included | ✅ |
| EWS Award Winners | ✅ |
| 30-Day Guarantee | 🚫 |
| * Source: becker.com | Buy Becker |
Wiley CPA Platinum
| Course Features | Wiley |
|---|---|
| Access | Unlimited |
| Discount Price | $1,799 |
| Course Lectures* | 140 hours |
| Test Bank* | 10,000 MCQ |
| Simulations* | 500 Sims |
| Cram Lectures* | Included Not Disclosed |
| AICPA-Licensed | ✅ |
| CPA Book | ✅ |
| CPA Notes | ✅ |
| CPA Audio | 🚫 |
| CPA Flashcards | ✅ |
| CPA Tutor | 🚫 |
| CPE Included | 🚫 |
| EWS Award Winners | ✅ |
| 30-Day Guarantee | 🚫 |
| * Source: efficientlearning.com | Buy Wiley |
Roger CPA Elite
| Course Features | Roger |
|---|---|
| Access | Unlimited |
| Discount Price | $1,799 |
| Course Lectures* | 100+ hours |
| Test Bank* | 6,000+ MCQ |
| Simulations* | “Hundreds” of Sims |
| Cram Lectures* | Included Not Disclosed |
| AICPA-Licensed | ✅ |
| CPA Book | ✅ |
| CPA Notes | ✅ |
| CPA Audio | ✅ |
| CPA Flashcards | ✅ |
| CPA Tutor | 🚫 |
| CPE Included | 🚫 |
| EWS Award Winners | ✅ |
| 30-Day Guarantee | 🚫 |
| * Source: uworld.com | Buy Roger |
Surgent CPA Ultimate
| Course Features | Surgent |
|---|---|
| Access | Unlimited |
| Discount Price | $1,499 |
| Course Lectures* | Not Disclosed |
| Test Bank* | 8,800 MCQ |
| Simulations* | 450 Sims |
| Cram Lectures* | 🚫 |
| AICPA-Licensed | ✅ |
| CPA Book | ✅ |
| CPA Notes | ✅ |
| CPA Audio | ✅ |
| CPA Flashcards | ✅ |
| CPA Tutor | 🚫 |
| CPE Included | 🚫 |
| EWS Award Winners | ✅ |
| 30-Day Guarantee | 🚫 |
| * Source: surgent.com | Buy Surgent |
NINJA CPA Monthly
| Course Features | NINJA |
|---|---|
| Access | 1 Month |
| Discount Price | $67 |
| Course Lectures* | 287 hours |
| Test Bank* | 7,061 MCQ |
| Simulations* | 358 Sims |
| Cram Lectures* | 64 hours |
| AICPA-Licensed | ✅ |
| CPA Book | ✅ |
| CPA Notes | ✅ |
| CPA Audio | ✅ |
| CPA Flashcards | ✅ |
| CPA Tutor | ✅ |
| CPE Included | 🚫 |
| EWS Award Winners | ✅ |
| 30-Day Guarantee | ✅ |
| * Source: ninjacpareview.com | Buy NINJA |
CPA Review Course FAQ
Which CPA Exam review course is the best?
The one that clicks best with you and the one you’ll actually study with.
Are CPA review courses worth it?
Yes. NINJA CPA Review is relatively affordable and has no commitment if money is an issue.
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 NINJA, Roger, and Surgent.
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 important to ensure that you can understand the lecturer(s).
For instance, Roger is a great lecturer but speaks very fast.
Are Live CPA Review classes still offered?
Becker CPA Review and NINJA still 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. If you’re looking into a Master of Accounting program, it might not hurt to email the CPA Review course you’re looking at (I’d start with Becker CPA Review or Wiley CPA Review) 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 the Coupon Codes for the Best Deal?
To counter the affiliate farms advertising that they have the “best CPA Review coupon codes [you don’t BELIEVE how much money you’ll save!!! MUST SEE!!! Click our Link!!!!], CPA Review 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.
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 Test Bank: Adapt2U
NINJA CPA Test Bank: RECON
UWorld Roger CPA Test Bank: SmartPath
Surgent CPA Test Bank: ASAP
Can I get College Credit for my CPA Review Course?
Some MAcc programs have CPA Review courses integrated into their program. If you’re looking into a Master of Accounting program, 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.
Wiley has partnerships with schools like the University of Northern Alabama.
Is Buying Used CPA Review 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 CPA Review 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.
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 this and is the only course with direct billing.
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?
CPA Review courses are always happy to get their former customers back vs them 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. Double-check the fine print. Some of those payment plans have high interest rates.
Should I hire a CPA tutor?
No. NINJA hosts four CPA Exam tutoring sessions weekly, and Becker also offers live tutoring services.
Should I be concerned about CPA Review Course Return & Refund Policies?
Most CPA Review Return Policies are not friendly.
Ironically, despite being the cheapest, NINJA is the only course on this list with a 30-day return policy.
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.
CPA Review Course Websites: