Note: Wiley CPA has been acquired by UWorld, where some of the materials are being used within UWorld’s program. For more information, check out our UWorld CPA Review.
If you want to become a Certified Public Accountant, you must take the difficult CPA exam. This test is extremely important for developing your career— so you’ll want to pass it on the first try. Of course, that’s easier said than done, which is why you’ll want to take a CPA prep course ahead of time.
In order to help you choose, I’ve compared two of the biggest names in the field: Becker CPA Review and Wiley CPA.
Both Becker and Wiley claim to be the top company in test prep. But only one of them can offer the best set of video lectures, multiple choice questions, and digital flashcards.
Read on to see which company has the better product!
Wiley vs Becker: A Quick Overview
If you want the most comprehensive and trusted content,
Then choose Becker CPA Review. Becker’s extensive, time-tested curriculum is highly regarded by the Big 4 accounting firms and aligned with AICPA exam updates. This makes Becker an ideal choice if you’re looking for high-quality, targeted content that’s proven to help CPA candidates succeed.
If you need adaptive learning technology that targets your weaknesses,
Then choose Becker CPA Review. Becker’s exclusive Adapt2U® technology personalizes your study experience by highlighting areas for improvement and delivering practice questions tailored to your needs, helping you study more efficiently and improve faster than with Wiley’s adaptive options.
If you’re looking for affordable add-on options,
Then choose Wiley CPA Review. Wiley offers a range of affordable add-ons, like extra practice questions, cram courses, and targeted study aids. These options allow you to supplement your core study plan with focused materials, potentially at a lower cost than Becker’s premium upgrades.
If you want flexibility to keep studying until you pass,
Then choose Becker CPA Review. With Becker’s Unlimited Access policy, you can continue accessing materials, updates, and support for as long as it takes to pass the exam. This feature removes time constraints that Wiley may impose, offering peace of mind for candidates aiming for a first-time or repeat attempt.
If you want engaging video content and high-quality instruction,
Then choose Becker CPA Review. Becker’s interactive SkillMaster videos and expert-led lectures make complex topics accessible and enjoyable. This high standard of production and instructor expertise gives Becker an edge over Wiley’s more basic video materials, especially for visual and auditory learners.
If you want affordability and a basic self-study plan,
Then choose Wiley CPA Review. Wiley offers a more affordable self-study option for those looking for a budget-friendly review course. While Becker’s quality and support come at a higher price, Wiley’s plans provide an economical starting point for CPA candidates with limited resources.
A Note On Wiley Sell Out
Before reading further, keep in mind that a recent acquisition of Wiley by UWorld may impact the CPA review market. This consolidation means that Wiley’s materials, structure, and study resources could be restructured or changed in line with UWorld’s existing framework. As details unfold, it’s wise to stay updated on any adjustments to course features, pricing, or support policies that may affect Wiley CPA Review students.
Becker vs. Wiley: Price
Both of these CPA review courses have an identical price when comparing their complete sets. Each costs starts at $2499 and includes their entire catalog of study materials. However, there is one key difference worth mentioning: Becker does a much better job of mitigating that price by allowing you to pay for it in monthly increments. They’ll allow you to pay $200 a month until the course is completely paid off. They also offer some significant discounts on their courses.
Unlike some competitors, Wiley currently doesn’t offer built-in payment plans or financing options through their own platform. While students may be able to use PayPal Credit at checkout, this isn’t always an accessible solution for everyone—especially those managing existing credit balances or without a PayPal account.
In this category, Becker may have a slight edge thanks to its flexible financing options and added support features in premium packages, such as one-on-one coaching. It would be great to see Wiley explore more flexible payment alternatives in the future to further support a wider range of students.
Winner: Becker CPA
Becker vs. Wiley: Study Materials
Like the previous section, both of these review courses offer similar offerings: multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, video lectures, and so on. However, these two courses differ in the details—especially when it comes to which materials are offered in which course tier.
Becker CPA Review offers several course options to suit different learning preferences and support needs. The Advantage Package provides a self-study program with comprehensive online access, including Adapt2U® technology, SkillMaster videos, practice exams, and a mobile app for on-the-go learning. For those seeking additional guidance, the Pro Package includes live online and in-person classes with access to academic support and flexible scheduling. For the highest level of support, the Concierge Package offers a personalized experience, including unlimited one-on-one tutoring and customized study plans. With these options, Becker caters to a range of learning styles to help CPA candidates succeed.
Wiley delivers comprehensive study materials in familiar, easy-to-navigate formats, with solid coverage across multiple-choice questions, mock exams, and study guides. While their video lectures tend to take a more traditional, lecture-style approach, this can be a good fit for students who prefer a no-frills, academic presentation. That said, learners who thrive with more energetic instruction may want to supplement with alternative resources or focus more heavily on Wiley’s robust practice tools, which are among the course’s strongest features.
Winner: Becker CPA
Wiley CPA vs Becker CPA: Instructors
Becker has a highly qualified team of instructors. Each one has years of experience in both teaching and their own profession. Every single one of them has at least one degree and at least 10 years of experience teaching. Clearly, this CPA review company isn’t playing around when it comes to your education.
For example, Becker’s Michael Brown is a notable figure within Becker Professional Education, renowned for his profound expertise and pioneering contributions to the realm of CPA exam preparation. His wealth of knowledge and dynamic leadership have played pivotal roles in the advancement of Becker’s educational offerings. With an unyielding commitment to student success,
Michael has been instrumental in crafting innovative curricula and resources, empowering candidates to confidently navigate and conquer the challenging CPA exam. His unwavering dedication to educational excellence continues to cement Becker as a trusted and effective resource for aspiring CPAs striving to reach their professional milestones.
But what about the teachers behind Wiley’s review course?
Wiley’s instructors are knowledgeable and experienced educators, with strong backgrounds in teaching complex CPA exam topics clearly and effectively. While their expertise tends to lean more toward academic instruction than professional industry experience, many students will appreciate their ability to break down dense material in an approachable way. For learners who prefer a more classroom-like style over industry anecdotes, Wiley’s teaching team can be a great match.
Winner: Becker CPA
Wiley CPA vs. Becker CPA: Mobile App
Although both of these companies offer mobile support for their CPA prep materials, they go about it differently:
Becker’s mobile app allows you to switch seamlessly between studying on your computer and on the go. It’s compatible with both Android and Apple devices, so you shouldn’t be limited by your device. Plus, it contains the entirety of Becker’s course content. This allows you to work on your phone with no limits. Finally, your mobile and desktop accounts are synchronized so you’ll automatically pick up from where you last stopped next time you study. That way you won’t have to waste time finding where you were once you switch devices.
Wiley offers a dedicated mobile app designed to support on-the-go studying, with access to digital flashcards and a broad range of study questions. Available on both iOS and Android, the app serves as a helpful companion tool for quick review sessions. However, it doesn’t include all the content found in the full desktop version, so it’s best used alongside the primary platform rather than as a standalone resource.
Some users have mentioned occasional performance issues with the app, such as crashes or connectivity hiccups. While it may not yet match the depth and cross-device integration of Becker’s mobile platform, Wiley’s app still provides a convenient way to fit in extra practice when you’re away from your desk.
Winner: Becker CPA
Wiley CPA vs. Becker CPA: Add-On Content
Becker used to charge customers for add-on content, but now it’s included free with most courses. This includes hundreds of digital flashcards and additional practice questions. Plus, the course comes with print and digital textbooks that were also previously sold separately. Basically, this means you’ll have access to everything you could possibly want in order to pass the CPA exam.
Wiley, like Becker, includes supplemental materials such as flashcards and ebooks to help reinforce key concepts. While additional multiple-choice questions are available, they typically come at an added cost. This approach may not be ideal for students hoping to get everything in one package, but it does allow more flexibility in customizing your prep experience.
Compared to Becker’s more all-inclusive course structure, Wiley’s model leans toward optional add-ons, which might appeal to students who want to focus only on the resources they’ll use most. For those looking to minimize extra spending, Becker may offer a more bundled value—but Wiley gives you room to tailor your study tools.
Winner: Wiley CPA
Bottom Line
While both Becker and Wiley offer solid CPA prep programs, Becker stands out for its comprehensive course design, seamless technology, and robust support features. It’s an especially strong option for students seeking an all-in-one solution with proven results. That said, Wiley still brings value with flexible content and a lower upfront commitment for students who prefer a more modular approach. If you’re weighing your options, exploring Becker’s free demo is a great place to start.
