Surgent CPA Review is one of the newest CPA exam study materials on the market today, but the company itself isn’t a newbie. Surgent has been producing the highest quality professional continuing education for accountants, CPAs, EAs, and other professionals for over three decades. They’ve taken all of this experience and expertise in professional education and have applied it to help candidates pass the CPA exam.
Let’s walk through each component of the Surgent CPA Review course format and see why Surgent is ranked high on my list of the best CPA courses on the market.
Surgent CPA Course Offerings and Options
At first glance, Surgent’s CPA Review courses highlight a dedication to meeting various study needs and budgets. The Ultimate Pass, priced at $3,799, stands out as a comprehensive option. I was particularly impressed with its offering of unlimited access to instructional videos, a massive question bank of 9,000 MCQs, 500+ TBS, and an extra 1,000 MCQs. The package also includes printed textbooks, flashcards, a pass guarantee, and personalized one-on-one coaching, making it a standout choice.
For those who might not need all the features of the Ultimate Pass, the Premier Pass is a strong alternative at $3,099. It retains most of the core features, including the extensive video library and question sets, and comes with printed resources, though it lacks some of the exclusive perks of the Ultimate. The Essentials Pass, at $2,499, caught my attention as a streamlined yet robust option. It offers a similar digital experience to the higher-priced packages but scales back on physical materials, making it ideal for students who prefer a digital format. The Single Course option, priced at $549, is perfect for those with specific study needs, offering great flexibility.
Stand Out Features of Surgent CPA
- Student Assessment & Diagnostic Report: Gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses.
- Personalized Daily Study Planner: Stay organized with a custom daily planner.
- 1-on-1 Coaching: Get personalized guidance from a CPA expert.
- Integrated Test Bank: Access an additional 1,000 MCQs with some plans.
- Audio Lectures: Learn on the go with comprehensive audio lectures.
- Ultimate Customer Support: Get responses within one business day.
- Full Purchase Price Pass Guarantee: Rest assured with a pass guarantee covering your full purchase price.
- Unlimited Access Until You Pass: Access all resources until you pass the exam.
Surgent CPA Prep Course Format
What really stands out about Surgent’s offerings is their focus on adaptive learning. Every student receives a diagnostic assessment, resulting in a customized study plan. This approach maximizes the efficiency of study sessions, further enhanced by features like course category weighting and daily study planners.
For those considering the Ultimate Pass, it offers a premium experience. The integrated test bank, audio lectures, rapid-response customer support, and the exclusive data analytics roles and mastering ETL courses add significant value.
The Surgent CPA Review materials have several different components within the dashboard. We’ll discuss the details of each one and how you can use them to study for the exam.
Video Lectures
One of the most important parts of any review course is video lectures. Surgent includes more than 350+ lectures covering the most important topics and concepts covered on the exam. These lectures are presented by Surgent’s professional instructors, who have decades of experience educating accounting professionals. One of the coolest parts of the lectures is the interface. The videos are played alongside the study text and the notebook. This allows candidates to follow along in the book, highlight sections of interest, and make notes and bookmarks for reference later.
Study Textbook
The study book contains detailed information about the topics covered in the lectures and the practice questions. This book is also integrated into Surgent’s adaptive system, so it suggests readings based on your current readings and pace through the practice questions.
“I am studying with Surgent. I think it’s great. The textbook, the lectures, the MCQs, the sims, the explanations–it has everything the other study guides do, so I’m thinking the reason for its lack of popularity must be because it’s newer and less advertised than the other brands are. I took AUD prematurely while my ReadySCORE was about 64%. Lo and behold I got a 60% on the test.”
u/Sad-Reporter-8602
Surgent CPA Review Test Bank
The Surgent CPA Review course test bank includes more than 9,000 multiple-choice and exam questions that candidates can use to learn concepts and practice taking the exam. This isn’t the biggest test bank on the market, but it is uniquely used. The software tracks your answers to help improve your knowledge of different subjects.
For example, if you score low on one subject, it will automatically add that topic to your study schedule and suggest that you read that section in the study text. This type of interactive study guide helps create more helpful study materials and increases the candidates’ learning efficiency. You can also create custom quizzes on any topic you want through their custom exam generator.
Although some people have negative things to say about Surgent’s lectures, I could find a few negatives to their MCQ test bank.
“Passed all 4 first try with Surgent. I think their lectures are near worthless, but the mcq and sim bank are good and their ReadyScore system was incredibly accurate to my actual scores, typically +/- 3 points.”
u/Sellum
Task-Based Simulations
Surgent CPA Review includes more than 500+ task-based simulations in their course. This is plenty to practice and get a feel for their format on the exam. Plus, like everything else in this course, they are integrated into the adaptive technology. When the software identifies a weak area, it will suggest you try the task-based solution as well to improve your knowledge of the topic.
One thing I’ve noticed a lot from reading CPA forum comments is that CPA candidates who don’t spend time on SIMs usually struggle with the actual exam. So make sure whichever program you choose allows for lots of simulation practice, even if it’s not Surgent.
“Sims really help you cement that theory down. MCQs are too easy because you may just plug the figures to find the right answer. Ie, MCQs draw off of recollection a bit too much. Sims are really what test your knowledge because it’s a blank slate. IMO, if you are getting half of the Sim problems right per Sim, you are in very good shape. People don’t do them out of fear of getting problems wrong and doubting themselves.”
u/austerlitzer
Exam Simulator
An exam simulator is one of the most important parts of any review course. It allows the candidate to practice taking the exam and navigate the AICPA interface. The Surgent exam simulator is very close to the AICPA version. It also allows you to practice questions in two different modes. Practice questions display the answer and explanation for the answer right after you click your choice. This mode is great for studying concepts and understanding information. The exam mode doesn’t display any answers until you submit the full quiz. This mode allows you to practice actually taking the exam.
“I use Surgent and felt well prepared when I took FAR last week. Unfortunately, I’m planning for a retake because I froze during my exam and couldn’t concentrate or make sense of much. I was so nervous! One of the things I liked was that I could choose and isolate problems I needed to work on. I also liked how organized everything was. After doing a trial, I chose them because of the test bank and the video explanations.”
u/GaapGeneration
Flashcards
Many review companies either don’t offer flashcards as an option, or they charge a ridiculous fee for them. 2,000 plus digital Surgent CPA flashcards come with the standard study materials for no extra charge. You can use these on your phone or mobile device to study and practice answering questions anywhere. They also have beautiful, spiral-bound flashcards included in the Ultimate Pass or available as a standalone product.
Course Analytics
As with any adaptive review course, analytics is the main engine that drives it. Surgent proves to be one of the most robust analytic packages out of any CPA review course on the market today. For example, their revolutionary ReadySCORE system generates a constantly changing score that evaluates the readiness of each student to pass the exam; the ReadySCORE is 99% accurate. This algorithm is backed by research into the inner workings of the CPA exam itself, making it highly accurate to real student results.
Furthermore, Surgent’s A.S.A.P. technology allows you to pinpoint your weak areas and double down on studying those concepts in a manner that feels effortless. A.S.A.P. technology also uses analytics to suggest areas for you to study. This is one of the most powerful tools in this study guide because it dynamically generates a unique learning environment for every candidate. This means your study guide will be tailored specifically to your learning needs!
Interactive Study Schedule Planner
The interactive study schedule creates a custom study schedule for you. After you identify how many hours per week you want to study and block out free days, the planner automatically generates a study schedule for you. You just have to follow it. The best part is if you miss a day or don’t get through enough information in one day, the schedule will automatically update and generate a new schedule based on the remaining material that you need to get through.
Overall Value
Surgent CPA Review offers exceptional value with its competitively priced packages and comprehensive features. The Ultimate Pass is priced at $3,799, the Premier Pass at $3,099, and the Essentials Pass at $2,499. These prices are directly comparable to Becker’s Pro, Premium, and Advantage packages, making Surgent a strong competitor in terms of cost. Notably, Becker’s Concierge package is $6,349, but it’s a little bit like the Ferrari of CPA prep courses.
Gleim’s top product is $300 less expensive than Surgent’s, and with their wealth of support options and top-tier practice questions, those savings may be worth jumping on! Surgent is obviously an excellent course as well, but I tend to believe that Gleim is more valuable.
UWorld’s products are priced higher, ranging from $4,099 to $3,499, making Surgent’s packages more cost-effective . However, UWorld delivers significantly more materials
Pros of Surgent
No program is perfect, but I’ve found Surgent’s pros to far outweigh the cons. Here are some of the most unique aspects of Surgent’s offerings that I believe help them stand out in the CPA exam realm.
- Special Options for Struggling Students: Surgent’s CPArescue program combines its amazing program with coaching to help struggling students succeed. It offers a full four-part review course that is 100% aligned with AICPA blueprints, making sure you have everything you need to pass your CPA exam.
You will also receive (6) 1-on-1 virtual coaching from a CPA Exam expert, with coaching sessions distributed among Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4, as you define with your coach the order in which you will take the sections of the exam, each session lasting for 30 minutes. The course also includes a study companion app, unlimited practice exams, ultimate customer and technical support, and a 100% pass guarantee, with course access until you pass the CPA Exam. - Free Trial: Are you still on the fence about trying out an adaptive course? Well, you don’t have to commit to it before you shell out a bunch of money. Surgent offers a free trial that you can test drive before you buy it.
- Customer Service: Ultimate Customer Service includes unlimited content and technical support with responses guaranteed within 1 business day. If you run into any problems during your studies, Surgent offers support via email. You can email editorial@surgent.com with specific questions about the course content, and the Surgent editorial group will respond within 24 hours. With Ultimate courses, you also get a Dedicated Coach who offers you personalized guidance along your studying journey.
- Unlimited Access: Surgent allows you to use your full course materials until you pass the entire exam. There are no renewal or extension fees. You simply keep using it until you become a CPA. This is a big benefit and huge cost savings, especially when compared to courses that allow you to study for a certain number of months.
- Financing Options and Discounts: Let’s face it: one of the reasons you might go with a less-than-stellar review course over Surgent is budget. Thankfully, Surgent CPA Review offers financing options with 0% interest, making it affordable and accessible for everyone, especially when combined with discounts! Although this can change frequently, Surgent offers exclusive discounts on all their courses. Please click the link below to learn more!
Cons of Surgent
- Steep Price Increases: Surgent has notably raised their prices over the years. While this can be a concern, the hikes are accompanied by added value in the form of new features, updated content, and advanced technology, aiming to enhance the learning experience.
- Occasional Content Issues: Some users have come across incorrect questions that could be misleading or confusing. Despite reporting these issues, there seems to be limited corrective action. Additionally, typographical errors suggest a need for more meticulous proofreading.
Bottom Line
Surgent CPA Review excels with its adaptive learning technology, personalized study plans, and extensive support. The CPArescue program, which offers targeted coaching for struggling students, along with unlimited course access until you pass, sets it apart. Financing options with 0% interest and regular discounts make it accessible, and the free trial allows you to experience its benefits risk-free. These features highlight why Surgent’s strengths far outweigh any drawbacks, making it a top choice for CPA exam preparation.
Surgent CPA Coupon Codes & Discounts
Save $629 Surgent CPA Ultimate Pass
Surgent CPA Course Comparisons
Surgent vs. Becker CPA
Surgent and Becker both offer comprehensive CPA review courses at similar prices. Surgent’s adaptive learning technology and unlimited access are standout features, providing a personalized study experience. However, Becker takes the crown for their outstanding pass rates and ability to churn out Elijah Watts Sells Award winners.
Surgent vs. Gleim CPA
Gleim’s slight edge on affordability is great, but where they really pull out in front of Surgent is in their practice materials. Gleim offers the largest, best question bank on the market and multiple dedicated final review sources, which Surgent lacks. Don’t get me wrong, Surgent is an excellent choice. However, of the two, Gleim is the winner.
Surgent vs. UWorld CPA
Surgent is typically the more affordable option and is known for its adaptive learning tools and flexible study access, which can appeal to budget-conscious candidates. UWorld CPA Review, while priced higher, offers a more refined experience with engaging instruction and deeper explanations, giving it a slight edge for candidates who want a more guided and comprehensive prep experience.
Surgent vs. NINJA CPA
While NINJA is known for affordability, Surgent delivers a richer learning experience with its adaptive technology and personalized study plans. Unlimited access and the CPArescue program make Surgent a superior option for those seeking a thorough and supportive CPA review course.
FAQ
Surgent CPA Review is fantastic. It’s an extremely comprehensive course, and it would be a great choice for students who want to study efficiently (especially if they prefer having the material explained to them via concise video lectures).
Surgent, Becker, and Gleim all offer compelling benefits, depending on what is most important to your study (video content, practice questions, scheduling technology, exam simulations, etc). Every student is different, so use our comparison chart below to see how they all stack up against each other. But overall, I rank Becker the highest, with Gleim coming in close behind. Last but certainly not least, Surgent is a good third option.
If you buy the Ultimate or Premium Pass options, you retain access to course content until you pass all of your CPA exams. However, if you purchase the Essentials Pass, don’t fret! You still have access for a whopping 30 months.
