According to recent data, the current CPA exam pass rate is 47%, making it one of the most challenging professional exams in the world. That’s a tough hurdle to get past, but studying with the best CPA study materials can make a major difference.
Your first step? Learning what features to look for so you can make the right choice.
But with so many options, how do you know which one is the best CPA prep course for you?
I’ve compared some of the most popular CPA review courses to make your decision easier and picked my top courses. This guide breaks down pricing, study tools, practice questions, simulations, access duration, and pass guarantees—so you can find the most valuable course.
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Best CPA Study Materials Compared
- Best Overall Value – Becker
- Best for Practice Questions – Gleim
- Best for Video Lectures – UWorld
- Best for Adaptive Tech – Surgent
- Best Value for Materials – Lambers
| Feature |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $849–$6,349 | $999–$3,499 | $3,499–$4,099 | $799–$1,699 | $999.95 |
| Study Materials | On-Demand Videos, Study Tools, Printed Books, Mobile App, Live/Virtual Classes, Unlimited Practice Tests | Digital Books, Expert Assistance, Adaptive Technology, Personal Counselors | Digital and Print Books, Adaptive Technology, Large Question Bank, Video Lessons, Live Boot Camps | AI-Driven Learning, Printed Books, Gamified Study Tools | Adaptive Test Prep, Progress Tracking, Flashcards |
| Access Duration | 12–60 Months (Or Until Pass) | 18 Months Or Until Pass | 18 Months or Until Pass | Until Pass | Lifetime |
| Pass Guarantee | 100% Money-Back + $1,000 Refund (Concierge & Pro) | Refund If Failed Within 18 Months (Premium Pro) | Up to $1,000 Back (Elite Unlimited+) | Pass Or Money Back | Pass Or Money Back |
| AI Assistant | Newt™ | Prep Pal | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Get Started | READ REVIEW | READ REVIEW | READ REVIEW | READ REVIEW | READ REVIEW |
Video: Best CPA Courses
Want the video version? Check it out here!
1. Becker CPA Review – Best Overall
During my test run, Becker kept me on a steady weekly rhythm—live class when I wanted it, on-demand when I didn’t. Adapt2U kept surfacing the topics I was missing, so study blocks felt shorter and sharper. The Final Review worked like a true dress rehearsal, which made exam day feel familiar instead of frantic.
Key Takeaways
• Adapt2U AI that targets weak areas
• Final Review cram course before exam day
• Live and on-demand class options
• Newt™ AI assistant for quick Q&A
• Access until you pass on higher tiers
• Mobile app and exam-day tools
Course Packages (At a Glance)
Concierge: Personalized coaching, full CPA study materials, license application support, and 1:1 tutoring
• Pro: Comprehensive package with tutoring, live classes, a Final Review, and a pass guarantee
• Premium: Live classes and a Final Review; no tutoring sessions
• Advantage: Core CPA study tools without premium add-ons or live instruction
Check out my detailed guide to Becker CPA courses in this review and see why Becker is rated 4.8/5.
How I Tested Becker
I skimmed through the videos to see how engaging they were, the value of the content being provided, and the overall user experience to find out that the videos didn’t lag, they had good engagement, and the content was easy to digest and learn from.
I also tried out the Adapt2U personalized test mode approach, which helped to identify weak areas (for me, that was basically formulas I’ve forgotten since school). After taking some practice exams to test out the user experience, I found that it was a pretty seamless experience of dragging and dropping windows, the calculator, and spreadsheets right in the same window.
Newt™ added a useful layer to that same practice flow. During review, it felt less like a separate help tool and more like a built-in way to pause on a confusing point, ask a specific follow-up, and keep moving. Because Newt™ is available across Becker’s broader study materials, including lectures, textbook content, flashcards, and exam review areas, it gives students more chances to get clarification before a weak spot turns into a bigger problem.
Overall, from setting up a personalized study planner to work with your weekly schedule, to watching high-quality and valuable video lectures, along with a great user experience of studying flashcards and taking practice exams, it was a great experience from start to finish.
Pros
✅ Structured path keeps you on schedule (live + on-demand)
✅ Full-length practice exams mirror test day
✅ Coaching/tutoring available when you hit a wall
✅ Long track record with firms and first-time candidates
Cons
❌ Higher cost than leaner courses
❌ Feature-dense dashboard can feel busy at first
FAQs
Yes. Becker offers a dedicated Final Review in most packages, which is a condensed version of the core content designed to refresh key concepts and simulate exam-day conditions.
Yes. Becker’s mobile app allows you to download lectures, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions to study without internet access.
Newt™ provides instant AI-driven answers to CPA exam questions, which is very helpful, but Becker still offers human CPA coaches and tutoring in its higher-tier packages.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the whole package in terms of value, the Becker CPA review course is the closest on this list. It’s a premium choice with comprehensive content covering all the Blueprint topics paired with personalized support. It’s ideal for students who want to invest in a well-rounded CPA exam preparation experience.
Becker CPA Review
2. Gleim CPA Review – Best for Practice Depth
Gleim kept nudging me into the exact weak spots I’d been dodging—governmental accounting, pensions—and the thorough answer-choice explanations turned wrong answers into quick lessons. After a few sessions, the momentum was noticeable.
Key Takeaways
• 10,000+ MCQs and 1,300+ task-based simulations
• SmartAdapt™ targeting by topic/subtopic
• 8 full-length mock exams
• Detailed explanations for every answer choice
• Digital & print textbook options
• Access Until You Pass® (no deadline pressure)
Course Packages (At a Glance)
• Premium Pro: Full course + SmartAdapt™, print/digital books, instructor access/coaching, mock exams
• Premium: Full course + SmartAdapt™, expert answers, mock exams; no personal coaching
• Traditional: Core content with SmartAdapt™; best for experienced/retake learners
• CPA Mega Test Bank: Standalone MCQ/simulation bank for extra practice (no lectures)
Learn more about Gleim CPA Review with my detailed analysis of the courses to find out why Gleim is rated 4.6/5.
How I Tested Gleim
After logging into Gleim’s classroom, it’s easy to navigate from courses to videos and practice exams while not feeling any slow loading lag. It felt frictionless; it was quick and easy.
In particular, I loved Gleim’s layout, from their “do this, then this, then this” setup to a video interface that keeps study messes organized. The video lectures had great presentations that outlined the key takeaways on the side as you watch the video, with an area to jot down your notes.
Overall, Gleim felt slick and easy to use, with all the study materials and features to help you study efficiently with more than enough practice questions.
Pros
✅ Mastery through practice: huge question bank with exam-like sims
✅ Targeted drilling: SmartAdapt™ keeps focus where it matters
✅ Explanations teach, not just tell, why an answer is right or wrong
✅ Access Until You Pass® removes time pressure
Cons
❌ Video presentation leans slide-heavy, which some find less engaging
❌ The sheer volume can feel overwhelming at the start
❌ Less live guidance unless you choose Premium Pro
FAQs
Gleim includes over 10,000 multiple-choice questions, making it the largest test bank available for CPA exam prep.
No, Gleim primarily provides digital textbooks, though students can order printed copies separately if they prefer physical books.
SmartAdapt™ is Gleim’s adaptive learning technology that evaluates your performance and adjusts study plans to focus on weaker topics.
Bottom Line
Gleim is ideal for students seeking personalized coaching and a study plan with plenty of practice questions. Though it may feel overwhelming for those who want a more concise study experience, its stellar value for the cost lands it as #2 on this list.
Gleim CPA Review
3. UWorld CPA Review – Best for Engaging Video-Based Learning
In my run-through, UWorld—formerly UWorld Roger CPA Review—had a smooth lecture pace that kept tougher topics digestible, and SmartPath™ made it obvious which subtopics needed another pass. Custom quizzes by subtopic turned short study windows into productive reps.
Key Takeaways
• SmartPath™ predictive targeting by topic/subtopic
• Thousands of MCQs and task-based simulations
• 100+ hours of energetic, instructor-led video
• Unlimited full-length practice exams
• Customizable quizzes and in-platform note-taking
• Digital & printed materials with ReadyDeck flashcards
• Lifetime access available on Elite-Unlimited tiers
Course Packages (At a Glance)
• Elite-Unlimited+: Full materials, unlimited access, flashcards, cram/boot camps, $1,000 pass guarantee
• Elite-Unlimited: Full materials with lifetime access (no $1,000 guarantee)
• Premier: Core course with SmartPath™ and videos; ~18-month access; no printed books
• Single Course (Section-Only): Target one exam part; 6-month or unlimited options
How I Tested UWorld
I worked through it all: flashcards, practice questions and tests, video lectures, and even the UWorld mobile app. The energy of the instructors left the biggest impression on me; they had a lot of passion and talked like real people more than professors. It made it easier to actually follow their instruction.
The answer explanations were also a big perk here; they were far longer and more detailed than any other providers. Many of them even had custom charts and graphs to better explain the right answer for visual learners. If you learn best from guessing and improving, this may be the course you’ve been looking for.
It could feel a little overwhelming due to the sheer volume of content, but overall, UWorld felt engaging, comprehensive, and easy to follow.
Pros
✅ High-energy video instruction helps retention on dense topics
✅ SmartPath™ highlights weak areas and prioritizes study time
✅ Strong practice flow: large QBank, custom quizzes, full exams
✅ Lifetime access available on upper tiers
Cons
❌ No live, instructor-led classes (unlike Becker)
❌ Lower tiers trim access length and printed materials
❌ Video-heavy format may not suit non-visual learners
FAQs
Roger is known for his high-energy, story-driven teaching style that makes difficult accounting concepts easier to remember.
Yes. The course includes both digital and printed flashcards, and students can create custom flashcards within the QBank.
Access depends on the package: Elite-Unlimited includes lifetime access, while lower tiers may include 24-month access.
Bottom Line
If you need an engaging, high-energy study experience, UWorld CPA Review is a great choice. While it’s slightly pricey, the SmartPath learning system and extensive QBank help students focus on the right areas, making them more prepared for the CPA exam.
UWorld CPA Review
4. Surgent CPA Review – Best for Modern Tech
ReadySCORE™ gave me a clear baseline on day one and a target for each study block. The A.S.A.P.® engine kept routing me into weak areas, so sessions felt shorter but more productive. After a few days, the trendline made timing and exam readiness feel far less guessy.
Key Takeaways
• ReadySCORE™ readiness tracking with daily progress signals
• A.S.A.P.® adaptive engine that focuses on weak areas
• 9,000+ MCQs and 500+ task-based simulations
• Unlimited custom and full-length practice exams
• Access Until You Pass® on all plans
• 1:1 coaching (Ultimate) and printed books/flashcards (Premier/Ultimate)
Course Packages (At a Glance)
• Ultimate Pass: 1:1 coaching, expanded test bank, printed books/flashcards, and a year of Surgent CPE
• Premier Pass: Core course plus printed books, audio lectures, and access to coaching sessions
• Essentials Pass: Adaptive core with MCQs, sims, e-books, ReadySCORE™, and unlimited access
How I Tested Surgent
Once I logged into Surgent’s CPA course, it was simple to set up a custom weekly study schedule and take an assessment quiz that would give me my ReadySCORE, so I could get a handle on where I was strong and where I was slacking.
With the custom study schedule, I could take practice questions, watch helpful video lectures, and take a realistic practice exam using adaptive technology.
Surgent didn’t always feel especially elegant, but it did feel effective. I found myself improving my scores pretty quickly, just by following their protocol.
Pros
✅ Time-efficient study: adaptive targeting trims low-yield review
✅ Readiness clarity: ReadySCORE shows where you stand at a glance
✅ Coaching option for accountability (Ultimate)
✅ Unlimited access removes deadline pressure
Cons
❌ Video style leans voice-over slides, which some find less engaging
❌ Less fixed structure than live-class formats
❌ Some helpful extras (coaching, print) locked to higher tiers
Learn more in my article about Surgent CPA Review and why it’s rated 4.2 out of 5.
FAQs
ReadySCORE™ is a diagnostic tool that predicts your potential CPA exam score based on practice performance, helping you know when you’re exam-ready.
Yes. All Surgent packages include unlimited access until you pass the CPA exam.
Yes. Surgent’s A.S.A.P.® Technology is designed to cut study time by up to 400 hours compared to traditional prep by focusing only on your weak areas.
Bottom Line
Surgent is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a tech-driven, adaptive study method. I appreciated that the “micro-learning” format kept me engaged while the practice questions closely reflected the exam’s difficulty. However, students who prefer live instruction or unlimited practice questions might find Becker or Gleim a better fit.
Surgent CPA Review
5. Lambers CPA Review – Best Value for Study Materials
During my walkthrough, Lambers’ instructor-led videos made note-taking straightforward, and the three-mode testing (pre-test → adaptive → simulated) gave a clear rhythm for review. It’s a no-frills path that stays focused on explanations and practice.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional instructor-led video lectures
- 4,400+ MCQs and 100+ simulations, including DRS
- Three practice modes: pre-test, adaptive, simulated
- Unlimited practice exams with lifetime access
- Adaptive learning technology
Course Packages (At a Glance)
• Enhanced CPA Exam Prep: The complete package with all six sections, including over 4,400 practice questions.
• Single Course (Section-Only): Focused prep for FAR, REG, AUD, BAR, TCP, or ISC exam sections.
How I Tested Lambers
Lambers isn’t a complete course with videos and a curriculum like you’d get from Becker, Gleim, UWorld, or Surgent. Instead, it’s focused on practice, with a test simulator + generator rather than the traditional CPA study materials.
I could work through adaptive drills with as many questions as I wanted, then review my results and read through comprehensive answer explanations that broke down the right answer and why the wrong ones didn’t quite fit.
It isn’t a complete option for someone starting from scratch, but for someone who already has the knowledge and just needs to put it into practice (or if you’re just good at tests), this is a great choice. Otherwise, it’s a solid supplement, affordable enough to add on to a complete course if you run out of practice questions.
Pros
✅ Clear, lecture-first teaching that suits auditory note-takers
✅ Section flexibility—buy only what you need for retakes or targeted study
✅ Includes DRS-style simulations often missing in budget options
✅ Lifetime access reduces time pressure
Cons
❌ Smaller MCQ/simulation volume than Becker or Gleim
❌ Limited modern analytics/adaptive tech; no dedicated mobile app
❌ Interface feels dated compared to newer platforms
See more in my guide about Lambers CPA Review and its 4.1 overall rating.
FAQs
Yes. Once you purchase Lambers, you retain access for life without paying renewal fees.
Lambers uses an “explain-practice-test” method, with instructors teaching a topic, followed by practice CPA exam questions, and then full simulations to reinforce learning.
Yes. Lambers’ adaptive test prep platform adjusts practice exams based on your performance to strengthen weak areas.
Bottom Line
Lambers is the best value for students who prefer a tried-and-true, structured CPA study plan without the extras. I liked how the three-mode testing system helped measure progress, but the platform felt like it needed an upgrade. The limited updates and smaller test banks may disappoint CPA candidates looking for the most current CPA exam prep.
If you want a simple, focused study experience, Lambers could be a fit, but those looking for more adaptive technology or comprehensive materials may prefer another course, like Becker.
Lambers CPA Review
6. NINJA CPA Review – Best Value for Budget-Friendly Study
I paired NINJA with a primary course and it shined for quick reinforcement—the audio notes and flashcards made commutes and short breaks productive, and the month-to-month plan was easy to pause between sections.
Key Takeaways
• Month-to-month subscription; cancel anytime
• Notes, audio, flashcards, and digital book
• 7,000+ MCQs and 300+ TBSs with unlimited custom quizzes/exams
• Mobile-friendly for study on the go
• Private study group and live “open sparring” sessions
Course Packages (At a Glance)
• Monthly Subscription: All NINJA study tools (notes, audio, book, flashcards, MCQs) plus community access
How I Tested NINJA
I got to take a crack at NINJA’S notes, flashcards, digital textbook, and practice questions. Overall, I was impressed for the price: everything is nice to look at and easy to use. I especially liked the practice question interface, which felt modern and clean.
That said, I didn’t love the navigation, which felt like constantly going back to the dashboard to find what I needed next. Further, I don’t think it’s enough to pass the exam on its own; it’s best used as a supplement on top of another prep course.
Overall, it’s good for the price, but unless you’re a test whiz, I’d use it as a supplement only.
Pros
✅ Affordable flexibility without a long contract
✅ Excellent on-the-go reinforcement (audio + flashcards)
✅ Easy to stack alongside Becker, Gleim, or Surgent
✅ Simple interface—jump in and study fast
Cons
❌ Not a full replacement for a comprehensive course
❌ Smaller simulation/question depth than top providers
❌ No live instruction or 1:1 tutoring
❌ Lacks adaptive analytics to target weak areas
FAQs
NINJA provides study notes, practice questions, audio lectures, flashcards, and adaptive quizzes for a flat monthly fee.
Yes. Since it’s a monthly subscription, students can cancel anytime without a long-term commitment, which makes it great additional course to the ones above.
Not usually. NINJA is best as a supplemental resource or for students who want affordable practice tools, though some use it as their sole study method.
Bottom Line
NINJA CPA Review is a good option for students who want an affordable and flexible study plan. The subscription model allows you to pay as you go, making it ideal for those who don’t want to commit to an expensive course upfront. However, if you need in-depth video lectures or instructor support, an option like Becker or Gleim might be better.
Ninja CPA Review
Honorable Mentions: Other CPA Study Materials
Method of Ranking the Best CPA Review Courses
| Category | Weight | What Was Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Content Accuracy & Exam Relevance | 22% | How closely lessons align with the latest AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints. I checked for clarity, real-world examples, and whether key updates (like ISC and new REG content) were fully covered. |
| Practice Tools & Question Quality | 20% | The size, realism, and difficulty of each question bank. I tracked how well explanations taught the “why,” not just the “what,” and noted which providers’ sims felt most like the actual exam. |
| Technology & Study Efficiency | 18% | Adaptive tools and AI features such as Becker’s Newt™ or Surgent’s ReadySCORE™. Courses scored higher if they clearly saved study time or targeted weak areas accurately. |
| User Experience (Navigation & Interface) | 13% | How natural it felt to move through lessons and quizzes. I factored in dashboard design, loading speed, and mobile usability after several study sessions. |
| Instruction & Engagement | 10% | Teaching style, pacing, and how engaging lectures felt over time. Courses that kept me focused through longer topics like FAR and REG scored higher. |
| Student Support & Accountability | 7% | Access to live help, coaching, and quick responses from instructors or support teams. I tested response times and overall helpfulness firsthand. |
| Access Length & Pass Guarantees | 5% | The flexibility of course access (e.g., “until you pass” or lifetime access) and refund policies. Longer access and stronger guarantees added bonus points. |
| Price & Overall Value | 5% | Measured the return on investment—how much study power you actually get for what you pay. Budget-friendly tools earned points if performance held up under testing. |
Every set of CPA study materials went through a full hands-on evaluation that mirrored the real experience of preparing for the exam. I personally tested practice sets, video lessons, and adaptive features to see which platforms made studying more effective—not just easier. The rankings reflect how well each course balanced accuracy, usability, engagement, and overall support.
The weighting gives the most credit to courses that teach exam content thoroughly and provide realistic, high-quality practice tools since those are the biggest predictors of exam success. Factors like technology and usability were next in importance, rewarding systems that helped streamline study time and reduce burnout. Instructor quality, support, and value rounded out the scoring to capture the full picture of what makes a prep course worth the investment.
This process rewarded well-rounded programs like Becker, Gleim, UWorld, and Surgent, which performed strongest across multiple dimensions. Meanwhile, courses such as Lambers and NINJA earned recognition for delivering accessible, budget-friendly options that still make steady progress possible. Each ranking reflects how the course performed in real use—not just how it looked on paper.
Final Verdict: What Are the Best CPA Study Materials?
Here’s the deal: Every CPA prep course on this list has something outstanding to offer. Becker, Gleim, Surgent, Lambers, UWorld, and Ninja all cater to different learners (and are valuable in a plethora of ways).
Gleim, Surgent, and Becker are great for the tech-focused student who loves extras, while Becker, UWorld, and Lambers might be more appealing to traditional learners who appreciate structure. Whichever you ultimately pick, I wish you the best of luck on passing your CPA exam!
FAQ
Surgent features over 9,000 practice questions, while Gleim offers the largest test bank with 10,000+ questions. If you prefer extensive question banks for reinforcement, Gleim is the best choice.
Investing in a CPA exam review course like Becker’s Concierge option can definitely be worth it, especially if you need personalized coaching or extensive resources. These CPA courses typically have higher pass rates due to their support and comprehensive materials. However, you want to make sure the course aligns with your learning needs before jumping in.
Choosing the right CPA prep course depends on your learning style, budget, and the support you need. Consider the access length, course format, and any additional resources like coaching that might benefit your learning routine.
Gleim and Surgent are my recommendations for self-paced study. Gleim’s SmartAdapt technology customizes lessons, while Surgent’s AI-driven system adjusts study plans so you’re more efficient. Both value independent learning without being on a strict schedule.
The Becker CPA review course provides the most comprehensive study materials and support, making it the best overall value. However, Surgent offers the fastest study path with AI-driven learning, and Lambers is a budget-friendly option with lifetime access.
Yes, some do. Lambers provides lifetime access with no renewal fees, while Gleim and Becker offer access until you pass. NINJA’s monthly plan is flexible but doesn’t include lifetime access.
Becker and UWorld both offer pass guarantees, with Becker’s Pro package allowing unlimited access until you pass, and UWorld Elite-Unlimited+ offering a $1,000 refund if you don’t pass.
Yes. Becker’s Concierge and Pro packages include tutoring, and Surgent’s Ultimate Pass provides 1-on-1 coaching sessions with CPA experts.
