How CPA Exam Review Courses Measure Up
By Philip Sookram, CPA, Saint Peter's University –
July 8, 2019
When preparing to take the CPA Exam, the first step before you start studying is to choose a CPA Exam review course. While all CPA review courses offer similar content, each provider has unique features. Each provider in the table below offers discounts during certain months as well as monthly payment plans. Also, each provider offers a discount for those who have failed using a competitor’s review course, and most will offer a discount if you become a campus representative for their review course.
Each review course offers similar sample exams, multiple choice questions and task-based simulations. When comparing course content, there are a few questions to consider before selecting a specific review course.
- Is the review course only a self-study, or are there live classes offered?
- Can it be accessed on a mobile device when that mobile device is not connected to the internet?
- Are you a visual learner or an audio learner?
- What length of time will you have access to the review course content?
The answers to these questions will better direct you to the course that fits your needs. Each review course allows a free trial to test out their product, which is a great option to take advantage of.
Good luck on your journey towards becoming a CPA. Pat yourself on the back for taking the first steps. Remember, it always seems impossible until it’s done.
|
Surgent CPA Review
|
Becker CPA Review
|
Yaeger CPA Review
|
Wiley CPA excel
|
Roger CPA Review
|
Gleim CPA Review
|
Fast Forward Academy
|
|
Package Name
|
Ultimate Pass*
|
Becker Bundle*
|
All-Access Bundles*
|
Platinum Review Course*
|
Elite Course Package*
|
CPA Review Premium*
|
CPA Smart Bundle*
|
|
COST
|
|
Price
|
$2,899
|
$3,987
|
$1,589
|
$2,800
|
$2,999
|
$1,999
|
$1,549
|
|
Discounts Available?
|
✓
check website
|
✓
check website
|
✓
check website
|
✓
check website
|
✓
check website
|
✓
check website
|
✓
check website
|
|
Monthly Payment Plan Available?
|
✓
(Interest rates vary)
|
✓
(No interest, 18-month payment plan)
|
✓
(Interest free upon inquiry)
|
✓
(No interest if fully paid within six months)
|
✓
(Interest rates vary)
|
✓
(Interest rates vary)
|
✓
(Interest rates vary)
|
|
Pass Guarantee/
Money-Back Promises?
|
✓
CPA Exam Pass Guarantee (read website for guidelines)
|
✓
Becker Promise Policy
(read website for guidelines)
|
✓
But there are course access extensions available for those who fail a CPA exam
(read website for guidelines)
|
x
|
✓
Money Back Guarantee (read website for guidelines)
|
✓
(read website for guidelines)
|
x
But you will be provided with personal assistance from a coach who will create a study plan and guide you on areas of weakness (read website for guidelines)
|
|
Discount available if previously failed a CPA exam using another competitor's review course?
|
✓
50% discount
|
✓
50% discount
|
✓
25% discount
|
✓
50% discount
|
✓
20% discount
|
✓
Up to 20% off
|
✓
20-25% discount
|
|
Student Ambassador/
Campus Representative Program
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
x
|
|
COURSE ACCESS
|
|
Unlimited access until you pass
|
✓
|
✓
|
x
Access up to 24 months if needed
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Free trial duration
|
5 days
|
21 days
|
No expiration
|
14 days
|
2 days
|
Unlimited access to the first study unit of each section
|
14 days
|
|
PLATFORM ACCESSIBILITY
|
|
Platform types
|
Self-study only
|
1. Self-study 2. Live Online Classroom, and
3. Live Classroom
|
Self-study only
|
1. Self-study, and 2. Live Online Classroom
|
Self-study only
|
Self-study only
|
Self-study only
|
|
Platform access
|
Online only
|
Online & offline
|
Online only
|
Online & offline
|
Online & offline
|
Online only
|
Online only
|
|
Access on handheld/mobile/smart device?
|
✓
(with connection to internet or Wi-Fi only)
|
✓
|
✓
(with connection to internet or Wi-Fi only)
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
(with connection to internet or Wi-Fi only)
|
✓
(with connection to internet or Wi-Fi only)
|
|
Separate Mobile App
|
✓
(flashcards only)
|
✓
|
x
|
✓
|
✓
|
x
|
x
|
|
LEARNING METHODS
|
|
Audio
|
✓
|
x
|
✓
|
x
|
✓
|
✓
|
x
|
|
Visual
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
PERSONALIZED STUDY PLANS
|
|
Personalized Study Plans
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
|
|
Customer and Technical Support
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
COURSE CONTENT
|
|
Incorporates AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Separate Final Review/CRAM Course
|
x
|
✓
|
✓
|
x
|
✓
|
x
|
x
|
|
Free Content Updates
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Questions (Multiple Choice)
|
7,250+
|
7,000+
|
4,300+
|
12,000
|
6,200+
|
10,000+
|
5,000+
|
|
Questions (Task-based Simulations)
|
Near 400
|
400+
|
160+
|
540+
|
400+
|
1,300+
|
120+
|
|
Video Lectures
|
350+ hours
|
100+ hours
|
100+ hours
|
140+ hours
|
120+ hours
|
100+ hours
|
80+ hours
|
|
Practice Exams *Additional Practice Exams are available on AICPA.com
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
TEXTBOOKS
|
|
Printed books
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Electronic books
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
FLASHCARDS
|
|
Flashcards (Online/Digital)
|
✓
(2,200)
|
✓
(1,400)
|
✓
(2,000)
|
✓
(4,000)
|
x
|
x
|
✓
(Digital Flashcard Creator)
|
|
Flashcards (Printed)
|
✓
(1,050)
|
✓
(1,000+)
|
x
|
✓
(1,000)
|
✓
(200+ terms)
|
x
|
x
|
 | Philip SookramPhilip Sookram, CPA, MAcc, is assistant professor in the Department of Accountancy & Business Law at Saint Peter's University. He is a member of the NJCPA, is an appointed member of its Emerging Leaders Council and participates in the Student Programs & Scholarships Committee and Cannabis Interest Group. He can be reached at psookram@saintpeters.edu. More content by Philip Sookram: |
This article appeared in the July/August 2019 issue of New Jersey CPA magazine. Read the full issue.