Of all of the best CPA review courses, Gleim and Becker are inarguably two of the most popular. Both are highly regarded, have excellent exclusive features, and even offer AI study assistants. Further, both Becker CPA Review and Gleim CPA Review cost roughly the same when accounting for discounts and sales.
So the question is: how do you possibly pick between two of the best CPA review courses out there?
These courses cost thousands of dollars, and making the right choice could be the difference between whether or not you pass the CPA exam (which had a pass rate of ~53% in 2024). As someone who’s passed the exams myself and been in the review course trenches, I get the stress you’re under, and I’m here to help. I thoroughly studied both courses, covering everything from live classes to mobile apps to digital textbooks. In this guide, I’ll make it as simple and transparent as possible to make the right choice for you.
Gleim vs Becker CPA: Decisions, Decisions (The TL;DR)
- If you’re a visual learner, then Becker’s structured and instructor-led video content may help you absorb complex topics more effectively.
- If you rely on community and coaching to stay motivated, then Becker’s live support options and active study groups could make a meaningful difference.
- If you prefer studying on the go, then Becker’s app offers added flexibility.
- If drilling practice questions are your main study method, then Gleim’s massive test bank provides more repetition than any other provider.
- If you learn best through listening, then Gleim’s audio lectures allow you to review concepts in a low-stimulation, podcast-style format.
Becker vs Gleim: Comparing the CPA Prep Providers
Becker CPA Review
Becker is used by all 100 of the top accounting firms. Not only that, they have a 94% pass rate and have served around two million students in the financial exam prep industry since their founding.
One of the most important factors that differentiates Becker from Gleim is their live classes. Though they’re also available in-person, on-site in Dallas, Texas, the live online classes are the more popular choice. These have flexible schedules, including weekend and evening presentations. Becker also offers a positively reviewed mobile app, ideal for learning on the go. Finally, Becker’s support options are the most high-touch of the two, including up to 25 sessions each of success coaching and tutoring.
Pros
- At 94%, Becker has one of the highest pass rates in the industry
- Becker has a mobile app, adaptive learning technology, and an AI study partner
- Becker delivers 900+ bite-sized video lessons that keep your mind engaged
- Partial money-back pass guarantee, full refund guarantee available in Becker CPA Concierge
- Extensive support options for multiple kinds of assistance, from 1:1 aid to online study groups
Cons
- Becker features nearly 5,000 fewer practice questions than Gleim
Check out my full review of Becker CPA here, or keep reading below.
Becker CPA Review
Gleim CPA Review: More Than a QBank
Becker may be the top dog, but Gleim is close on their heels. In fact, in some cases, Gleim is undoubtedly a better choice for students. I should note that Gleim has the largest CPA exam prep test bank available, with over 13,000 practice questions (11,500+ MCQs and 1,600+ TBSs). I’d argue this is the #1 reason why someone picks Gleim over another CPA exam prep course, but there’s a lot more to Gleim than just being a practice question treasure trove.
For example, like Becker, Gleim is one of the only providers to offer an AI study assistant, Prep Pal, which is akin to ChatGPT. Further, they include audio lectures for auditory learners to get their fill without the overstimulation of video content on top of it. But if you want video lectures, they’ve got those too—over 100 hours of them. So yes, Gleim is known for their “mega test bank.” However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a comprehensive course to back it up.
Pros
- Most extensive test bank for CPA candidates available
- Has a longer return window and a more robust pass guarantee than Becker
- Offers unlimited discipline section changes
- Delivers audio lecture versions of the video lectures for podcast-style learning
- Includes an office hours webinar archive to learn from other students’ questions
Cons
- Doesn’t include live online or in-person class options
- Video lessons aren’t as enjoyable as Becker’s videos
Read more details in my review of Gleim CPA, and continue reading below.
Enjoy $1,050 Off Gleim CPA Premium Pro Course
Gleim CPA Review
Becker vs Gleim CPA Feature Comparisons
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Most Popular Package | Becker CPA Pro | Premium Pro CPA Review System |
| Access | Until You Pass | Until You Pass |
| Price | $3,799 | $3,499 |
| Financing | $205/mo and Higher | $343/mo and Higher |
| Discounts | Save $1,346 | Save 40% |
| Discipline Sections | 1 | 3 (Unlimited Changes) |
| Total Practice Questions (MCQs and TBSs) | 8,500+ | 13,100+ |
| Practice Exams | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Mock Exams | 8 Full, 12 Mini | 8 Full |
| Video Lessons | 900+ Videos | 100+ Hours |
| Live Online Classes |  |  |
| AI Study Assistant | Newt™ | Prep Pal |
| Guarantees | Partial Money-Back | 100% Money-Back |
| Refund Policy | 10 Days | 30 Days |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
Becker vs Gleim: The Highlights
Like to peek ahead at the final pages of a book before you’re there? This section is for you. Here’s how each course caters to different students.
🔵 The Perfect Fit for Becker: Visual learners, students who struggle to focus, anxious CPA candidates, students who thrive with personalized support, live learners, tech-savvy folks
🔴 The Perfect Fit for Gleim: Kinesthetic learners, students valuing audio lectures, students with a preference for self-paced learning, candidates who plan to learn through practice question drilling alone
Comparing the CPA Course Experience: Details and Features
Structure and Study Materials
Both providers include reference books, video lectures, practice questions, mock exams, and so much more, all to help you learn the testable topics and reinforce your knowledge. Further, both have their own structures and strategies to get you from Point A to Point B, and both have questions modeled after what you’ll find on the actual CPA exam. But which provider does it better?
Firstly, Becker’s interface is gorgeous. So clean, modern, and engaging; it really puts me “in the zone” to learn when I log in. Further, it’s easy to find every tool you need, and I’ve never had a problem with the way everything is laid out. Obviously, with a 94% pass rate, they’re doing something right. As far as practice questions go, it’s important to acknowledge that Becker has around 5,000 fewer practice questions than Gleim, which could be a serious hit for kinesthetic learners. Nevertheless, the thousands of questions available are exam-quality, and the answer explanations do a great job of pointing out the correct answer (and why the other answers don’t quite cut it).
As for Gleim, 13,000 practice questions is the dream of every MCQ-drilling learner. In fact, some students report passing by studying Gleim’s practice materials alone. That being said, most people can’t learn this way, as disappointing as that is. Even if they’re not your main resource, though, these practice questions can lift a pretty heavy load in helping you reach the finish line. Where Gleim loses points in this category is in their interface. I honestly think it’s pretty good, but Becker’s is so strategic and aesthetically pleasing, it’s practically unbeatable.
“Gleim test bank was the game changer for me in FAR. I did 3500 mcqs and finally passed. For AUD I probably did 2800-3000. Using it for REG and plan on doing 2700-3000. I averaged about 45-55 on Gleim and passed my exams. So I will say Gleim is tough on the ego. But worth it.”
Reddit Review
Winner: Gleim
Though Becker’s interface and layout are more appealing, Gleim’s gargantuan practice question bank makes it the best for practice material aficionados.
Videos (Live and On-Demand)
You already know that Becker’s live virtual classroom is a significant difference between the two providers, though both offer a metric ton of videos. Becker delivers 900 unique video lessons, while Gleim delivers over 100 hours of video-based content with corresponding audio lessons.
First and foremost, Becker’s bite-sized videos are engaging, and a simple way to learn the broad overview of material without falling asleep and waking up hours later with a drool-covered keyboard. If you know, you know. As with video lectures from any provider, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll probably still have to do some reading, but I think these videos are comprehensive enough to help most students pass. I mean, there are 900 of them. That certainly helps. I particularly appreciated some of the instructors (not to name names, but Mike Potenza) for their sense of humor, casual way of speaking, and the ability to connect with me like a person, not a subordinate I was paid to train.
Meanwhile, Gleim’s video lectures are still worth using, but they feel more traditional. You’re getting fewer jokes, analogies, and metaphors, and more instances of instructors reading off the slides to reinforce concepts as you take notes. So no, they aren’t as “fun,” but they get the job done, and may even be your preference if you don’t love the idea of change. Personally, it was a little harder for me to stay focused over a long period of time, but if you’re able to lock in, Gleim could be a solid selection.
Winner: Becker
Becker’s live classes and uniquely entertaining education style give them an advantage over Gleim in this section.
Support, Access, and Guarantees
Tied into value (which we’ll discuss in greater detail below), it’s important to consider the “fine print” of your provider’s terms, conditions, and support options before you make a purchase. Having a strong access length and pass guarantee can reduce some study anxiety, particularly when it comes to finances. And some students simply can’t perform at their best without someone to answer their questions and guide them through a notoriously difficult process.
There’s a lot to cover, so here’s a mini-table to refresh your memory:
| Becker | Gleim | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Unlimited Course Access | Unlimited Course Access |
| Refund Policy | 10 Days | 30 Days |
| Guarantees | Partial Money-Back | 100% Money-Back |
| Support | Facebook Study GroupsSuccess Coaches1:1 TutoringLive Instruction and Q&A | Facebook Study GroupsPersonal CounselorsAccounting Expert Q&A |
As you can see, both providers include unlimited access in their most popular courses. However, Gleim beats Becker in the refund policy and guarantees realms, offering a 100% money-back pass guarantee and a 30-day return window, whereas Becker only provides up to $1,000 back for failed exams, and the refund window is 10 days. In both examples, Becker gives back roughly 1/3 of what Gleim does.
However, the tables turn when we look at support. While both offer Facebook-based private study groups, I joined both, and Becker’s were far more populated and active. This is a case where their popularity is really useful, because I was able to talk to more students, see more activity, and watch more questions getting answered by peers and instructors alike. Further, they offer more support overall, mostly due to their live instruction. However, the face-to-face tutoring and success coaching felt more personal than Gleim’s message-driven Q&A options, so it isn’t live classes alone that divide support.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single person involved — the entire Becker team and all the tutors (Peter Olinto, Tim Gearty, Mike Brown). You did an outstanding job, and because of your efforts, a new CPA was born on May 16th, 2025! 🎉”
Lubov Zotova, Trustpilot Review
Winner: Becker for Support, Gleim for Guarantees
Where Gleim’s refund policy and pass guarantee are more robust, Becker’s support felt more personalized and prioritized a human-to-human connection.
Value
Value is a tough word to fully explain, but what I’m trying to get at is, which course is more “worth it” for the price tag? Obviously, this depends on a variety of things, and my answer won’t be accurate for everyone. For example, the Becker CPA Advantage Package is the most affordable Becker bundle. However, for the most part, I wouldn’t recommend it, because the Pro Package has so much more value aacct a similar price when it’s on sale. Likewise, I recommend the Gleim CPA Premium Pro package the most of their trio, even though it’s more expensive, because A) it’s the most popular, and B) it has the most value.
Of the two, and particularly in comparison to their most popular packages, Gleim has an edge in the practice material department. However, Becker offers unique features that Gleim doesn’t, like live classes, more on-demand video lectures, and a mobile app. Because their most-purchased offers are roughly the same price when discounts are added, I’d wager that Becker has the better “value score.”
Winner: Becker
Becker offers more features at a similar price (when discounts are included), giving them the point here.
Bottom Line
While both Gleim and Becker have created excellent CPA exam review courses, if you’re choosing between the two and struggling to finalize your decision, I’d nudge you in Becker’s direction. The live classes are unmatched, the tech is helpful (not frustrating!), and the mobile apps make it easy to fit studying into your busy day.
However, Gleim is no slouch, and is the perfect match for kinesthetic learners who prep best with endless multiple-choice question drills and practice exams.
Interested in learning more about Becker? Click below for more information on Becker.
Think Gleim might be for you? Click below to see more of what Gleim has to offer.
I wish you the best of luck in earning your certified public accountant license!
FAQs
Gleim has over 13,000 practice questions, significantly more than Becker’s 8,500+.
Yes, Becker includes live online and onsite classes, while Gleim does not offer any live instruction.
Gleim’s flexible structure and deep question bank make it ideal for independent, self-paced study.
Not really—after discounts, their most popular packages are usually within a few hundred dollars of each other. Before discounts, however, Becker is slightly more expensive.
Becker wins here, offering a study companion app with nearly perfect ratings. Gleim’s app is still usable, but it isn’t as universally celebrated.
