Best CMA Review Course Options and Study Materials

If you plan to pass the CMA exam, you need two things: a little bit of magic and a genie to grant you unlimited study time! Since that genie part might not happen, you might consider investing in one of the best CMA review course options instead.

But where do you even start?

After all, choosing the wrong CMA review course can hurt your chances of passing the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), dramatically slowing down your professional progress. So when there are so many CMA exam prep providers claiming to be “the best”, how are you supposed to know which one to choose?

Here’s what you need to know:

To start, you need to understand that there is no objective “best” way to prepare for the CMA exam. Everyone learns in different ways, and each course caters to different learning styles. What’s most important is finding a service that focuses on your specific style of learning.

Now, that’s not to say there aren’t A-list CMA review courses and not-so-stellar CMA review options.

Listed below are some of the best CMA prep courses. Each one emphasizes different learning styles, but they’re organized in a way that allows you to find the one that’s the best fit for you. Read on to see the benefits and drawbacks each CMA review course has to offer!

What Are the Best CMA Review Courses? Quick Picks

Best Overall: Becker CMA Review
Becker delivers live instruction, adaptive tech, and two customizable packages. With over 4,000 MCQs, 76 SkillBuilder essay walkthroughs, and the Newt™ AI assistant, it’s the top choice for most CMA candidates—especially first-timers who want a flexible, premium experience.

Fastest Path to Passing: Gleim CMA Review
Gleim offers deep question banks (3,000+), SmartAdapt™ adaptive learning, and access until you pass. It’s ideal for fast-moving, self-motivated learners who want affordability without sacrificing quality.

Best Question Bank: UWorld CMA Review
UWorld has over 6,200 practice questions, with lengthy answer explanations and corresponding visual aids. With the added utility of UWorld’s mobile app for practicing on the go, their question bank gives them a strong spot on this list.

Best Tech-Driven Study Plan: Surgent CMA Review
Surgent uses ReadySCORE™ to give you a real-time estimate of exam readiness. With unlimited practice exams and adaptive study paths, it’s built for busy professionals who need efficiency and personalization.

Best Coaching Support: CMA Exam Academy
This 16-week structured program offers 1-on-1 coaching, printed materials, and a detailed study calendar. It’s perfect for candidates who want extra accountability and guidance from day one.

Best CMA Exam Prep Course Comparison

---

---

2. Gleim CMA Review

Gleim CMA Review offers an extensive range of CMA exam review materials, including thousands of practice questions, dozens of video lectures, and interactive essay problems to prepare for the essay portion. Similar to Surgent, Gleim CMA Premium also provides the option of consulting with a personal counselor to create a study schedule. The course is priced at $1349, and you can opt for one part only or purchase just the test bank for $999.

Gleim CMA Review Features:

• Thousands of Practice Questions with Detailed Answer Explanations
• 45+ Hours of Video/Audio Lectures
• Detailed Performance Results
• Personal Coaching
• Access Until You Pass Guarantee

The Pros:

---

Accounting Team Support

Perhaps the biggest draw of Gleim CMA Review is its excellent support team. Any time you have difficulty with a question, you can easily contact Gleim’s accounting team for assistance. Help is always one click away when you’re working on difficult materials; you should never be stuck for too long, thanks to this.

Essay Questions

Unlike other companies, Gleim actually includes interactable essay questions with their CMA review courses. That means that rather than only being prepared for multiple choice segments, you’ll also be ready for the essay portion of the exam. This is a massive selling point for the company as very few services prepare you in this way.

Study Planner

Gleim’s CMA course comes with a fully customizable CMA exam study planner. This allows you to schedule all of your studies to fit your lifestyle and free time. It does this by working with your online review course in order to keep content flexible, so it can be accessed at any time. Using this allows you a greater degree of control over what you’re learning— more so than other study materials offer!

Largest CMA Test Bank

Gleim CMA Review boasts the largest test bank in the industry, offering thousands of practice questions that closely mimic the CMA exam format. Each question includes detailed answer explanations, ensuring you not only understand the correct answer but also why other options are incorrect. This extensive test bank allows for unlimited practice and helps build confidence before exam day.

Performance Feedback System

Gleim includes a performance feedback system that tracks your progress and identifies weak areas as you study. This feature provides detailed analytics, helping you focus on specific topics where you need improvement. With this tailored feedback, you can make the most of your study time and feel confident knowing you’re strengthening the areas that matter most.

The Cons:

---

Pass Guarantee

While Gleim does have a pass guarantee, it is unfortunately locked behind the highest tier of courses. This can get pretty expensive because of that, although they are actually on the cheaper side of CMA courses with our Gleim CMA discounts. As a result, it shouldn’t be too hard on your wallet, but it’s important to take note of this anyway.

---

Gleim CMA FAQs

---

Go To Gleim CMA Review

---

3. UWorld CMA Review

Unlike some CMA review courses that lean heavily on reading and repetition, UWorld CMA Review Elite Unlimited is built around active practice and explanation-driven learning. Its biggest strength is the depth of the question bank and answer rationales, which are meant to help candidates understand why an answer is right or wrong instead of just memorizing formulas. The package also adds premium support tools like live boot camps, an 11th Hour Final Review, full-length mock exams, and StudyPass access that stays active until you pass, making it a strong fit for students who want both structure and long-term flexibility.

UWorld CMA Review Features:

• 6,200+ Practice Questions with Detailed Answer Explanations
• 150 Video Lectures
• 28 Case-Based Questions and 75+ Essay Questions
• 2 Full-Length Mock Exams Plus 2 More in the 11th Hour Final Review
• Live Boot Camps
• Print and eBook Study Guides
• SmartPath Predictive Technology and Detailed Performance Metrics
• StudyPass Access Until You Pass

The Pros:

---

Explanation-Driven Question Bank

One of the biggest strengths of UWorld CMA Review is how heavily it leans on practice with detailed answer rationales. The Elite Unlimited package includes 6,200+ multiple-choice questions, plus essay and case-based practice, so it gives you a lot of repetition while also helping you understand why each answer is right or wrong.

Access Until You Pass

UWorld’s StudyPass is a major plus for candidates who do not want to worry about their course expiring mid-prep. Elite Unlimited includes unlimited access until you pass, which makes it easier to study at your own pace without feeling pressured by a short access window.

Strong Final Review Support

Elite Unlimited goes beyond the standard self-study setup by including live boot camps, full-length mock exams, and the 11th Hour Final Review. That extra layer of review can be especially helpful when you are getting close to exam day and want more structure around final prep.

Flexible Study Tools

UWorld does a nice job of giving students multiple ways to study instead of forcing everything into one format. The package includes video lectures, print and digital study guides, flashcards, a mobile app, and a study planner, which makes it easier to build a routine that fits your schedule.

The Cons:

---

Limited Personalized Support

UWorld does include live boot camps, but its support appears to be more group-based than individually guided. If you are the type of student who wants a dedicated coach or highly personalized one-on-one academic support, this package may feel less hands-on than some competing courses.

Feature Overload

UWorld Elite Unlimited packs in a lot, including 6,200+ MCQs, 150 video lectures, live boot camps, multiple mock exams, print and digital study guides, and an 11th Hour Final Review. That depth is great for some students, but it can also feel overwhelming if you prefer a simpler study plan with fewer moving parts.

---

UWorld CMA FAQs

---

---

4. Surgent CMA Review Course

Surgent’s CMA Review Course combines excellent self-study materials with adaptive learning technology for a more efficient exam preparation. The adaptive technology focuses on areas needing improvement, streamlining study schedules, and eliminating wasted time. With three course options, including the Ultimate Pass with mock exams and 1-on-1 coaching,

Surgent CMA review provides comprehensive and affordable choices, ranging from $699 to $1299. The course offers over 4,000 questions, 65 essay problems, unlimited practice exams, 55+ video lectures, and two private coaching sessions with a Surgent Exam Review expert, all accessible until you pass the exam.

The Pros:

---

Unlimited Practice Tests

The Surgent CMA Study Materials include a wide test bank of practice questions that can be organized into an unlimited number of practice exams. These questions have been taken directly from previous exams, so you know you’re always working with accurate representations of the real thing. On top of that, you’ll never need to worry about outdated test prep materials; these questions are constantly updated free of charge with the Surgent CMA Ultimate Pass.

Smart Technology

Surgent’s study program includes patented adaptive learning technology, making it one of the best CMA review courses. Referred to as A.S.A.P., this software attempts to find gaps in all CMA candidates’ knowledge and helps to fill them in. It does this by creating custom study plans based on your performance, as well as optimizing your overall course to speed up your learning. Using this system ensures that you’re always studying relevant subject matter and never wasting time on areas you already know.

ReadySCORE

In addition to customized study plans, Surgent CMA review course technology also provides you with an overall measurement of your exam readiness. ReadySCORE works with the A.S.A.P. system to tell you how well you’ll perform on the CMA exam at any point in your CMA exam prep journey. Consequently, you’ll always know exactly how close you are to your exam goals, and you’ll know immediately when you can pass. This way, you’ll be confident when exam day arrives!

Expert Guidance Support

Surgent CMA stands out by providing 1-on-1 coaching as part of its Ultimate Pass package. This personalized support allows you to connect directly with CMA experts who can answer your questions, provide study tips, and help you navigate challenging topics. This feature is perfect for candidates who benefit from additional guidance beyond self-study materials.

The Cons:

---

No Live Content

Although it is one of the best CMA exam prep programs, Surgent CMA Review doesn’t offer a live content option. So, anyone who learns better in a classroom setting may be disappointed with what Surgent has to offer. If you prefer a live learning option, Becker CMA Review is probably the better pick for CMA exam review courses.

Overly Ambitious Timelines

While Surgent CMA’s adaptive learning technology is efficient, some candidates find its suggested study timelines overly ambitious. The program’s pace may feel rushed, especially for those balancing full-time work or other responsibilities. Candidates might need to customize the schedule to avoid burnout or ensure they fully grasp the material before moving forward.

---

Surgent CMA FAQs

---

Go To Surgent CMA Review

---

5. CMA Exam Academy Review

CMA Exam Academy review focuses on live content, with weekly CMA coach contact for progress reports and unlimited personal coaching support. The 16-week Accelerator program offers a structured approach and 2-year access to ensure first-time exam success. Additionally, practice exams take place at a Prometric testing center, providing a valuable real testing environment experience, complemented by a free Prometric Test Drive, a 1-year CPE Flow subscription ($699 value), and an exclusive discount.

The Pros:

---

One on One Coaching

CMA Exam Academy’s biggest feature is its usage of one-on-one coaching while studying. CMA Exam Academy students get a complete 16-week Accelerator study plan for each part of the exam to reduce the amount of study time by over 80 hours.

Each week you’ll work with a CMA coach via phone calls, email, or course features. This ensures that you’re being guided toward a good grade at all times. With highly qualified instructors on your side and a 90% success rate, you’ll easily pass the CMA exam.

HD Video Lectures

In addition to the coaching aspects of the course, you’ll also have access to a list of HD video lectures. These will supplement the learning from your coaching time and further diversify your methods of studying. As a result, you’ll find yourself using these to break up lessons into more varied formats in order to keep yourself interested in the CMA exam material.

Print and Online Materials

CMA Exam Academy’s review materials also include a set of printed textbooks. Each of these books has been written by highly qualified CMAs and CPAs. While it may seem like an old-fashioned edition to an otherwise cutting-edge course, the truth is that these study resources are worth recognition due to their high-quality content and presentation.

Not a fan of traditional textbooks? CMA Academy also has digital options. Not only are digital textbooks available, but they also host an iOS & Android Flashcards mobile app to help with studying.

Currently, they are offering their Accelerator option at a discounted rate of $1,997. This fee includes 2-year access to a 4,000+ question test bank.

The Cons:

---

Strict Schedule

Whether or not this is really a negative is up to the individual student, but it’s worth mentioning regardless. CMA Exam Academy has a strict weekly schedule for its coaching, with limited access to personal counselors. This is great for anyone who’s looking for some discipline and accountability in their CMA exam review course, but busier students may find this hard to handle. Consequently, you’ll need to decide for yourself if this is something you like before you buy it.

Price Increase

After increasing the number of questions in their test bank, CMA Exam Academy also raised their prices significantly. Priced at the higher end of CMA prep, this makes the review program unaffordable for some.

Limited Brand Recognition

CMA Academy, compared to some other established CMA prep providers, has a lesser-known brand presence in the market. This might lead to potential students questioning the credibility and effectiveness of their course offerings.

---

CMA Exam Academy FAQs

---

Go To CMA Exam Academy

---

6. Hock International CMA Review

Hock offers affordable CMA study materials without the advanced features of top picks like Surgent and Gleim. However, their course includes high-quality essay questions, mock exams, video lectures, and textbooks. Prices vary based on the chosen materials, with options ranging from under $500 for the test bank and exams to around $1,600 for the complete set. The course features experienced instructors, 3,000+ practice questions, private student forums, a step-by-step study guide, and a “You Pass Or We Pay” guarantee.

The Pros:

---

Live Classes

Hock CMA’s biggest claim to fame is its live online classes. These are one-hour-long sessions hosted once a week for sixteen weeks. These cover the various topics you’ll see on the exam, as well as additional personal tips. Each class is archived after completion if you missed it or want to re-watch it. Furthermore, each week has live office hours where you can ask questions about what you’ve learned.

Textbook

The core element of Hock’s exam prep is its effective CMA textbook. It comes in both PDF and hardcopy formats and was designed to be easy to understand. That means that even people who have been out of school for a while can easily follow and understand what’s being taught on these pages!

The Cons:

---

Cost

Unfortunately, these bonuses do come with a downside. This is one of the pricier options on the list— it doesn’t even offer an above-average quantity or quality to justify it, like with Wiley CMAexcel. However, Hock’s courses are frequently on sale and offer a specialized format that few other courses can match.

Not Well Known

One potential drawback of Hock International CMA is its less recognized brand compared to some of the more prominent CMA review course providers. As a result, candidates might be less familiar with the reputation and credibility of the Hock program compared to industry-leading alternatives, which could influence their decision-making process.

Less Engaging Content

Some users find Hock’s study materials and videos to be less engaging or dynamic compared to other CMA prep courses. The straightforward delivery may not suit candidates who thrive with more interactive or visually appealing content.

---

Hock CMA FAQs

---

---

CMA Exam Prep Course Comparison

Becker vs Gleim

Choose Becker if:

• You prefer structured, instructor-led learning with live online classes and tutoring sessions (Review Pro).
• You want real-life examples and case studies to connect theory with practical application.
• You value simple and intuitive progress tracking, plus the confidence of the Becker Promise (free extension if needed).
• You prefer a course that adjusts to your understanding level through personalized review feedback.

Choose Gleim if:

• You want access to the largest CMA practice question test bank in the industry.
• You’re self-disciplined and want more flexibility and control through a powerful customizable study planner.
• You need detailed performance analytics and feedback to guide your study strategy.
• You’re looking for a more affordable course with comprehensive materials, including interactive essay questions and accounting team support.

---

Becker vs Surgent

Choose Becker if:

• You prefer live learning formats and one-on-one academic tutoring.
• You want a clear, visual progress tracking system.
• You’re willing to invest more for extra features like CPE credits and live virtual coaching.

Choose Surgent if:

• You value adaptive technology and want a course that quickly targets your knowledge gaps (via A.S.A.P. Technology).
• You need efficient, personalized study plans and want to minimize wasted study time.
• You’re budget-conscious but still want access to a massive bank of up-to-date practice questions and ReadySCORE exam readiness tracking.
• You prefer as-needed coaching rather than ongoing live sessions.

---

Becker vs CMA Exam Academy

Choose Becker if:

• You want flexibility, not a fixed weekly schedule.
• You’re interested in progressive, real-life application learning with top-tier branding and recognition.
• You want a course with live online class options plus self-paced materials.

Choose CMA Exam Academy if:

• You want strict accountability, live weekly check-ins, and structured study with a 16-week Accelerator program.
• You prefer personal coaching every step of the way and thrive on having a defined, tight schedule.
• You like access to both printed and digital materials, including mobile flashcard apps.

---

Becker vs Hock International

Choose Becker if:

• You want a well-established, brand-recognized program with modern tech and real-life integration.
• You prefer an engaging user interface, strong tutor support, and consistent updates to your learning material.
• You want both live class and on-demand video options with premium extras like CPE and tutoring.

Choose Hock if:

• You want unlimited course access and appreciate a simplified step-by-step guide.
• You prefer a straightforward, textbook-heavy learning approach and don’t mind a slightly less engaging format.
• You want a solid support structure with office hours but don’t necessarily need Becker’s branding or advanced platform features.

---

Gleim vs Surgent

Choose Gleim if:

• You want complete content coverage and essay practice, with robust instructor and accounting team support.
• You appreciate a more traditional structure and a deep question bank for exam simulation.
• You’re looking for a more affordable long-term prep solution with the Access Until You Pass guarantee.

Choose Surgent if:

• You need to optimize your time with adaptive technology that focuses on your weak spots.
• You like the idea of exam readiness scores to track performance.
• You want 1-on-1 coaching with your higher-tier plan but don’t require live classrooms.

---

Gleim vs CMA Exam Academy

Choose Gleim if:

• You want the freedom to self-schedule and learn at your own pace using a robust digital platform.
• You value massive question volume and built-in analytics but don’t necessarily need weekly calls or live coaching.
• You need a lower-cost solution with flexibility and depth.

Choose CMA Exam Academy if:

• You thrive on structure, accountability, and coaching, with consistent check-ins to ensure momentum.
• You want a 16-week fast-track program with live coaching and printed materials.
• You appreciate a high pass rate and direct instructor guidance over tech-heavy platforms.

---

Surgent vs CMA Exam Academy

Choose Surgent if:

• You prefer AI-powered adaptive technology that helps you focus only on what you don’t know.
• You want to maximize study efficiency and reduce time investment without losing coverage depth.
• You’re comfortable with on-demand learning and don’t need weekly coaching sessions.

Choose CMA Exam Academy if:

• You value weekly coaching, personal feedback, and a fixed schedule to stay motivated.
• You want both printed and digital learning formats, including a test center simulation.
• You need structured discipline and guided pacing rather than choosing your own adventure.

---

Hock vs Surgent

Choose Hock if:

• You’re interested in live weekly classes and office hours, but at a slightly lower price point.
• You prefer a straightforward, textbook-based curriculum and traditional learning.
• You want lifetime access and don’t mind a less interactive or less engaging format.

Choose Surgent if:

• You’re short on time and want to leverage adaptive learning to focus on your weak areas.
• You prefer smart technology, dynamic feedback, and streamlined self-study tools.
• You don’t need live classes but want efficient, focused, and measurable prep.

UWorld vs Hock

Choose UWorld if:

• You want access to a very large question bank (6,100+ questions), full-length mock exams, and extensive study guides aligned with ICMA’s outlines.
• You’re a self-directed learner comfortable with long video lectures (49+ hours) and minimal instructor interaction.
• You want to explore the platform through a 14-day free trial before committing.
• You’re okay with the uncertainty of the platform’s future due to Wiley’s acquisition and are seeking a budget-friendly option short term.

Choose Hock if:

• You value live weekly online classes and office hours, with archived sessions available for review.
• You want both hardcopy and PDF textbooks written in a simplified, easy-to-follow format.
• You prefer a more structured but traditional learning style, with fewer distractions and clear weekly pacing.
• You’re looking for a “You Pass or We Pay” guarantee with lifetime access, and don’t mind fewer bells and whistles (e.g., no adaptive tech).
• You want personalized student forum access and active instructor engagement—which UWorld lacks.

---

UWorld vs CMA Exam Academy

Choose UWorld if:

• You want self-paced learning with a massive volume of materials, including 6,100+ practice questions, 49+ hours of video, and full mock exams.
• You’re comfortable navigating a platform that may have outdated content or navigation issues, especially as it transitions from Wiley to UWorld.
• You prefer on-demand digital study and want free trial access before purchasing.

Choose CMA Exam Academy if:

• You thrive in a high-accountability environment with a 16-week Accelerator program and weekly personal coaching sessions.
• You want frequent instructor touchpoints via phone, email, or course portals.
• You prefer structured study timelines that keep you on track and reduce the time spent preparing for the exam.

---

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 — not just affiliate payouts. 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 what users need?
• 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.

---

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve been able to pick the right CMA course that suits your budget, studying style, and needs. Now, get studying and make sure you know all of the CMA exam requirements when you’re ready to take the exam.