Best CMA Review Course Options and Study Materials
Here’s the biggest lie in choosing the best CMA review course:
“You need the perfect course to pass.”
You don’t. I guarantee right now, there are multiple options that could help you succeed. The difference is finding the course that’s easy to come back to every day.
But how do you find that course? I’m so glad you asked. I tested the top contenders, and in this guide, I’ll help you find your perfect CMA course match.
What Are the Best CMA Review Courses?
Best Overall: Becker CMA Review
Fastest Path to Passing: Gleim CMA Review
Best Question Bank: UWorld CMA Review
Best Tech-Driven Study Plan: Surgent CMA Review
Best Coaching Support: CMA Exam Academy
Which CMA Course Is Right for You?
This short questionnaire will help you decide what is the best option for you when it comes to preparing for the CMA exam.
Best CMA Exam Prep Course Comparison
| Course Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMA EXAM REVIEW COURSES |  |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $1,599 | $1,799 | $1,499 | $1,299 | $2,497 |
| Discounts | Save $500 | Save $600 | Save $500 | Save $600 | Save 30% |
| Practice Questions | 4,000+ | 4,250+ | 6,000+ | 4,000+ | 4,000+ |
| Course Access | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 Years |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes (Partial) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Phone, Email, Success Coaching | Email, Phone, Chat | Live Boot Camps, Email | Phone, Email | |
| Get Started | Start Now! | Start Now! | Start Now! | Start Now! | Start Now! |
1. Becker CMA Review Course
I’d start most first-time CMA candidates in Becker because of its polished simplicity, ease of use, and level of quality, from impressive answer explanations to bite-sized, easy-to-understand video lectures.
The study planner made everything so blissfully simple (because let’s be real, studying is stressful enough). I was able to choose a target exam date, preferred pace, available days of the week and hours for each, and even days I didn’t want to do anything. Then, all I had to do was click directly from the planner to go to the suggested task for that day, and then just click to the next task from that new page. It was truly seamless.
I also found Becker more flexible than I expected for a premium course. If I wanted a full lesson, the videos and textbooks were there; if I wanted faster clarification, Newt™ made it easier to get unstuck without digging through every resource again. And where I expected textbook levels of lingo, they actually used really simple language. I never had to think harder or look up a definition to understand something.
Overall, the course feels built for candidates who want a polished experience but still need enough freedom to study around work, deadlines, and uneven confidence across topics. It’s truly the perfect balance for the average CMA candidate.
My full Becker CMA review goes deeper on the platform and each package tier.
Key Features
- 4,000+ Multiple-Choice Questions
- 40+ Case-Based Practice Questions
- 2 Full-Length Simulated Exams Per Part
- Adapt2U Personalized Practice Tests
- Newt™ AI Study Assistant
- 500+ Digital Flashcards
- Digital and Printed Textbooks
- LiveOnline Classes, Tutoring, and Success Coaching with Pro
Pros
- Best Overall Structure: Becker gives you a clear path through the material without making the course feel rigid.
- Great for First-Time Candidates: The study planner and support tools help reduce the guesswork around where to start.
- Useful AI Support: Newt™ is helpful when you need a quick explanation without reopening the textbook.
- Premium Support Options: LiveOnline classes, tutoring, and coaching make Becker feel more complete than basic self-study courses.
Cons
- Best Tools Sit in Pro: Becker’s strongest support features are tied to the more complete package.
- Can Feel Like a Lot: The course may feel heavier than necessary if you only want practice questions.
- Not the Most Minimal Option: Becker works best for candidates who want structure, tech, and support.
Bottom Line
Becker is the best overall CMA review course for most candidates because it combines structure, adaptive practice, live support, and AI help in one polished package. It’s especially useful for first-timers who want a premium course that still feels flexible.
A working Becker CMA discount code is listed on the dedicated coupon page.
2. Gleim CMA Review
Gleim is excellent in its own right, but compared to Becker, I think it’s better for candidates who learn best from practice. To be clear, I think the videos are excellent, and the texts are certainly usable, but it was clear that the question bank felt like the center of the experience.
I got to work through a lot of practice questions with detailed explanations and adaptive direction, so if I was falling behind on internal controls, I could filter by those questions (instead of boosting my ego covering the same stuff I was already acing).
Gleim is best for candidates who already trust themselves to sit down and study. I wouldn’t pick it for someone who needs a coach checking in every week, but I would pick it for someone who wants to move efficiently, hammer weak areas, and keep practicing until the score data says they’re ready. It feels built for disciplined learners who want depth without unnecessary polish.
Key Features
- 4,250+ Multiple-Choice Questions
- 215+ MCQ Walkthrough Videos
- 120+ Case-Based Questions
- 45+ CBQ Walkthrough Videos
- SmartAdapt™ Adaptive Technology
- Unlimited Practice Exams
- 2 to 4 Mock Exams Depending on Package
- 700+ Digital Flashcards
- Access Until You Pass with Premium
Pros
- Fast Practice Loop: Gleim makes it easy to move from weak-area review into targeted questions.
- Deep Question Bank: The extensive practice bank provides self-motivated candidates with plenty of repetition.
- SmartAdapt Guidance: SmartAdapt™ helps you focus on the topics that need the most work.
- Good for Independent Learners: Gleim works well if you don’t need constant coaching to stay on track.
Cons
- Less Polished Interface: The platform feels more functional than premium.
- Can Feel Dense: Gleim offers a lot of material, which may overwhelm candidates seeking lighter prep.
- Requires Self-Discipline: The course works best when you follow the system consistently.
Bottom Line
Gleim is the fastest path to passing for disciplined candidates who want a deep question bank, adaptive review, and access until they pass. It’s best for self-motivated learners who care more about efficiency and practice than a premium-feeling interface.
Student Savings – Up to 30% Off Gleim CMA Review
3. UWorld CMA Review
UWorld’s question bank definitely gives Gleim a run for their money, so let’s start there.
The answer explanations were almost double the size of other providers, and even showed the percentage of students who chose each option. It made getting something wrong feel better when everyone else agreed that we had the right answer. And the explanations didn’t just summarize the right answer; they went line-by-line, picking apart each answer to truly prove how to make the right choice next time.
The mobile app also changed how I used this course. It was a lot more accessible and portable, so there were days when I had to study for this review, so I took myself to a park. Video lectures on a walk, flashcards on a bench, practice questions on a blanket under a tree. Because I have free will, and I used it, gosh darn it.
Overall, I think UWorld is great for people who learn by doing, whether that doing takes place contorted under a blanket on the couch or for a walk through the park on a cool, breezy day.
Key Features
- 6,200+ Practice Questions
- Visual Answer Explanations
- SmartPath Predictive Technology
- UAsk™ AI Assistant
- Full-Length Mock Exams
- Unlimited Practice Tests
- Video Lectures and Study Guides
- Mobile App Access
Pros
- Best Answer Explanations: UWorld explains missed questions in a way that helps you learn the concept.
- Great Visual Support: The visual explanations make difficult topics easier to process.
- Huge Question Bank: The large practice bank gives candidates plenty of room to build accuracy.
- Mobile Practice: The app makes short study sessions much easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Cons
- Can Feel Tool-Heavy: UWorld gives you a lot of features, which may distract candidates who want simplicity.
- Less Coaching-Focused: The course is better for question-driven learners than candidates who need personal accountability.
- Higher-Tier Features Matter: Some of UWorld’s strongest tools are tied to more complete course options.
Bottom Line
UWorld is the best CMA review course for candidates who care most about practice questions, detailed explanations, and visual learning. It’s especially useful if you want a question bank that teaches as much as it tests.
Take $500 Off UWorld CMA Elite-Unlimited Course
4. Surgent CMA Review Course
Surgent surprised me, because it somehow managed to blend affordability with ease.
Instead of treating the course like a traditional “start at chapter one and keep going” program, I’d lean into ReadySCORE™ and the adaptive study path to tell me where to spend my time. That’s the main appeal: Surgent is designed for candidates who need the course to prioritize the material, rather than just teach everything equally.
That said, it isn’t as guided as some of the other courses. The video lecture layout, for example, felt like a long list, and I got confused, so I had to start keeping track of the next video on a notepad. However, keeping in mind that this is a budget option, I was still impressed with the videos themselves and the practice questions (which had a beautiful interface, showing the percent of correct first-time guesses, relevant terms, video links, and reference links).
So if you want to focus on an affordable, adaptive system where you prioritize your weaknesses and move past your strengths while getting ready for exam day ASAP, Surgent could be a great fit.
The standalone Surgent CMA prep review tests whether ReadySCORE holds up across both exam parts.
Key Features
- 4,000+ Multiple-Choice Questions
- 65+ Scenario-Based Practice Items
- ReadySCORE™ Exam-Readiness Indicator
- Predictive AI Technology
- Unlimited Practice Exams
- E-Books and Automatic Content Updates
- 60+ Videos with Downloadable Lecture Notes
- Study Companion App
Pros
- Best Readiness Tracking: ReadySCORE™ gives you a clearer sense of when you’re close to exam-ready.
- Efficient Adaptive Review: Surgent helps busy candidates focus on weaker areas instead of restudying everything.
- Unlimited Practice Exams: The course gives you enough testing repetition to build confidence before exam day.
- Good for Busy Professionals: The adaptive format works well when your study time is limited.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Lecture-First Learners: Surgent works better if you trust adaptive practice over long content review.
- Package Differences Matter: Videos, coaching, printed materials, and access length vary by package.
- Less Traditional Feel: Candidates who want a classroom-style course may not love Surgent’s software-first approach.
Bottom Line
Surgent is the best tech-driven CMA review course for candidates who want adaptive study planning and readiness tracking. It’s a practical fit for busy professionals who need efficient prep instead of a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Get $390 Off Surgent CMA Ultimate Pass
5. CMA Exam Academy Review
I’d recommend CMA Exam Academy to candidates who already know they struggle with consistency.
I loved the coaching elements: weekly calls, accountability check-ins, and a real sense of camaraderie thanks to connecting with other students in the 16-week program. There’s really no way to wiggle out of staying on track; you literally have dates where you need to have certain things done, or you will have wasted your money. It was a major incentive for me to hit the books.
That said, it is one of the pricier options on this list, so apply the CMA Exam Academy discount before you enroll.
I also think this course makes the most sense for someone who wants decisions taken off their plate. Instead of deciding what to study every week, I followed the 16-week schedule and used the coaching support when I got stuck. That level of structure can be a big advantage if you’ve tried self-study before and kept losing momentum.
Key Features
- 16-Week Study Plan Per Part
- Weekly Coaching Calls
- Weekly Assignments and Accountability Check-Ins
- Unlimited Coaching Support with 24-Hour Response Time
- 24/7 AI CMA Coach
- Thousands of Multiple-Choice Questions
- Video and Audio Lectures
- Printed and Digital Textbooks with Formula Guide
Pros
- Best Coaching Support: CMA Exam Academy gives candidates accountability through coaching, assignments, and weekly structure.
- Clear Weekly Plan: The 16-week schedule makes it easier to know what to study next.
- Good for Procrastinators: The check-ins help candidates stay consistent when self-study alone is not enough.
- Helpful Material Mix: The course combines video, audio, textbooks, formulas, flashcards, and practice tools.
Cons
- Less Flexible Than Self-Study: The structured schedule may feel restrictive if you prefer total freedom.
- Not Just a Question Bank: Candidates who only want practice questions probably don’t need the full program.
- Coaching-First Feel: The course is best for students who actually want outside accountability.
Bottom Line
CMA Exam Academy is the best CMA review course for candidates who want coaching, structure, and weekly accountability. It’s a smart pick if you’ve struggled to stay consistent with self-study and want a guided plan from day one.
Save 30% on CMA Exam Academy Review Course
How I Chose The Best CMA Review Courses
I tested and ranked the best CMA review courses based on real-world user experience, feature depth, and learning support.
Here’s what I evaluated:
- Content Quality: Does the course cover all ICMA Learning Outcome Statements in detail?
- Practice Questions: Are the MCQs and essays realistic, and do they include solid explanations?
- Adaptive Tech: Does the course personalize your study plan based on performance?
- Instructor Support: Can you get help from real people when you need it?
- Learning Style Fit: Is the course structured, flexible, or hands-on, depending on users’ needs?
- Value for Money: Do you actually get what you pay for, or is it just fluff?
- Pass Guarantee: Does the course give you access until you pass or offer a refund if you don’t?
- Student Feedback: I reviewed testimonials, complaints, and Reddit threads to see how real people felt about the course.
My rankings reflect how each course serves different types of learners, whether you want a fast-track cram plan or a coaching-heavy structured schedule.
CMA Review Course FAQs
What’s the best CMA course for busy professionals?
Becker is a strong choice for busy schedules thanks to its structured lessons, live classes, and progress tracking. Surgent is also great with adaptive tech that targets weak areas to save time.
Which CMA course offers the best personal support?
Becker Pro includes 1-on-1 tutoring, making it ideal for guided help. For ongoing weekly support, CMA Exam Academy offers personal coaching and a structured study plan.
Do any CMA prep courses have a pass guarantee?
Yes—Gleim and Becker both offer pass guarantees. Hock and Surgent provide similar assurances with conditions, but Becker’s structured format may offer added peace of mind.
I prefer printed textbooks. What are my best options?
Becker and CMA Exam Academy offer high-quality print materials alongside digital tools. Both balance traditional study with modern flexibility.
What CMA course is best for self-paced learners?
Gleim is excellent for self-paced study, thanks to its large test bank and detailed analytics. Surgent adds adaptive learning to make studying more efficient. Becker supports both structured and self-paced learners well.
Which CMA review course gives the best value for the price?
Gleim delivers strong value with its robust content and lower price point. Surgent also offers great ROI with its smart tech. For more support, CMA Exam Academy and Becker justify higher costs with added coaching and structure.
