Best CMA Review Courses Reddit

So, you’re gearing up to tackle the CMA exam? 🧐

Hold on a second.

Before you dive headfirst into study materials, let’s look at a scary stat that can put this exam into perspective.

Only about 45% of candidates pass the CMA exam on their first try, according to the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). This means that, more likely than not, either you or the person you’re sitting beside on test day will fail.

But here’s the deal: the right review course can be the difference between celebrating a pass and the sinking feeling of a resit. As much as we wish this was a test that could be aced with your current knowledge of accounting, this just isn’t the case.

Thankfully, some awesome test prep providers have stepped in to create some solid CMA courses.

In this guide, we’ve combed through Reddit reviews to bring you the top CMA review courses and what real users are saying about them. Keep reading to ensure you’re well-equipped for success on the big day.

Best CMA Prep Courses Reddit Reviews

Becker – Best for Live Classes and Mobile App

Review of Becker: Becker’s live classes and mobile app are ideal for those seeking engaging and flexible study options. Many users have found their content well-aligned with exam requirements, though the price point can be a barrier for some.

Positive Comments:

1. “Becker’s live classes were a game-changer for me. The instructors were engaging and really knew their stuff.” – CPAGoals
2. “The mobile app made studying on the go convenient. Becker fits into a busy lifestyle seamlessly.” – FinanceWhiz
3. “The practice questions were incredibly similar to the real exam. Becker’s material is aligned perfectly with what you need to know.” – AuditAce
4. “Their study planner helped me stay on track. It’s customizable and adjusts based on your performance.” – StudyGuru

Negative Comments:

1. “The cost of the course is on the higher side. It might not be affordable for everyone.” – PriceConscious
2. “I wish there were more examples and exercises in some sections. It would help reinforce the learning.” – MoreExamplesPlease

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Surgent – Best for Adaptive Learning and Support

Review of Surgent: Surgent’s strength lies in its adaptive learning platform and the support they offer to students. It caters to a variety of learning styles, ensuring student success. A few users have expressed wishes for more developed content and enhanced video quality.

Positive Comments:

1. “Surgent’s adaptive learning is amazing. It made my study time efficient and targeted my weak areas.” – AdaptiveLearner
2. “The real-time performance tracking gave me confidence in my progress. I knew exactly where I stood.” – ExamReady
3. “I appreciated the flexibility in study material. From videos to quizzes, there’s something for every learner.” – CPAJourney
4. “The customer service team was attentive and supportive. Surgent seems to truly care about student success.” – PassingScores

Negative Comments:

1. “Some areas felt underdeveloped in terms of content. More depth would be beneficial.” – NeedMoreContent
2. “The video quality could be improved. Sometimes it was hard to engage with the material.” – VideoQualityConcerns

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Gleim – Best for Comprehensive Self-Study Materials

Review of Gleim: Gleim offers a robust suite of self-study materials that have received widespread acclaim, particularly for its practice exams and adaptive learning features. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding the overwhelming volume of material and the lack of video content.

Positive Comments:

1. “Gleim’s practice exams were spot-on. They helped me feel confident and prepared on exam day.” – TheAccountant91
2. “I love the adaptive learning technology. It identified my weak areas and tailored the study material accordingly.” – FutureCPA22
3. “Their customer support is fantastic. Whenever I had a question, they were quick to respond and very helpful.” – StudyHawk
4. “The books and online materials are well-written and easy to follow. A great value for the price.” – ExamCrusher

Negative Comments:

1. “The sheer volume of material can be overwhelming. It’s a bit much for those new to the subject.” – OverwhelmedLearner
2. “I wish they had more video content. The course is heavily text-based, which might not suit everyone.” – NeedsMoreVisuals

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Wiley – Best for Flashcards and Progress Tracking Tools

Review of Wiley: Wiley’s flashcards, mock exams, and progress-tracking tools stand out as top-quality resources. Their platform is highly motivating and can be tailored to various study routines. However, there have been minor technical glitches reported, and a desire for more in-depth topic coverage.

Positive Comments:

1. “Wiley’s flashcards and mock exams were invaluable for my study routine. The content is top-notch.” – SuccessDriven
2. “The progress tracking tools kept me motivated and focused on my goals. Highly recommend Wiley.” – LifelongLearner
3. “Their instructors are experts in their fields. The live online classes were engaging and interactive.” – MarketingMaven
4. “The flexibility of studying at my own pace made all the difference. Wiley accommodates all learning styles.” – PassFirstTry

Negative Comments:

1. “I experienced some technical difficulties with the platform. It caused a few interruptions in my study schedule.” – TechTroubles
2. “Some topics were covered too briefly for my liking. I needed to supplement with additional resources.” – SeekingDepth

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Choosing the Best CMA Review Course Using Reddit Reviews

When it comes to honest, raw feedback, there’s hardly a better place than Reddit. Comprising a community of professionals, students, and aspirants, Reddit offers a goldmine of candid insights. The reviews here are typically free from marketing biases and packed with the real-life experiences of users.

So, how can you make the most of Reddit to select the right CMA review course for you?

Check the Credibility of the Reviewer

When you find a review on Reddit, take a moment to check the reviewer’s profile. Have they been active in the accounting- or CMA-related subreddits? How long have they been a member? A genuine user with a history in the relevant communities often provides more credible feedback.

Look for Detailed Reviews

Comments that dive into specifics—be it about the course structure, practice questions, or instructor support – tend to be more informative than generic statements. The more details, the better.

Watch Out for Recurring Themes

If multiple Redditors are praising or criticizing the same aspect of a course, it’s likely a consistent strength or weakness of that course. For instance, if several users mention that a course has outstanding mock exams but lacks video content, take note.

Consider the Date of the Review

Courses evolve. An outdated negative review may not be relevant if the course has since updated its content or addressed previous shortcomings. Always check for the most recent feedback.

Engage with the Reviewer

If you have questions or need further details about a course, don’t hesitate to reply to the comment or send a direct message. Most Redditors are willing to share more about their experience if asked.

Cross-check with Other Sources

While Reddit is a fantastic resource, it’s always a good idea to validate findings with other review platforms or personal networks to get a well-rounded perspective.

Conclusion

Reddit reviews can be instrumental in choosing a CMA review course that aligns with your learning style, goals, and budget. By considering the authenticity of the reviewer, delving into detailed feedback, and keeping an eye out for consistent praise or criticisms, you can make an informed choice that sets you up for success.