Did you know that 60% of candidates fail at least one section of the CPA exam the first time around? It’s a startling statistic that underscores the importance of selecting the best CPA review course to help you prepare for the CPA exam.
But what makes one course better than the other? Are there certain things you should be looking for?
We went to Reddit, the internet’s hive mind, for answers. What we found were real opinions and reviews from actual CPA exam takers.
Explore our top takes below.
Best CPA Review Course Reddit: What the Users Have to Say
1. Becker CPA Review on Reddit
Becker’s CPA course is renowned for its comprehensive question bank, a testament to its thoroughness in preparing students for the exams. Many praise Mike Brown’s lectures for their exceptional clarity, adding a valuable dimension to the course content. Numerous users credit their exam success to Becker’s premier package.
While some believe there’s room for enhancement in the explanations, potential users will find that the overall value and quality make Becker a top contender in CPA preparation.
Read our review of Becker CPA for more information on course features.
Positive Comments:
- “Becker gives you review material, so no matter what your learning style is, you’re covered.” – jillbait55
- Ive literally gotten 95% of my accounting knowledge through Becker. I dont even know what the 4 years of college were for. – DionsaurDied
- “Mike Brown at Becker’s also explains things to me like I am a 3-years old.” – No-Sky-3394
- “You’re best chance of passing is with Becker. They have the highest pass rates.” – Reimmop
Negative Comments:
- “Becker has a lot of questions but poor explanations.” – ctrssxcl
2. Gleim CPA Review on Reddit
Gleim is highly praised for its comprehensive MCQs and SIMs, which users found to be on par with the actual CPA exam. It’s also recognized for its affordability and effectiveness, with users passing all sections on their first attempt using only Gleim’s materials. The course seems to be a top choice for those looking for a solid and cost-effective CPA review course.
Check out our Gleim CPA review that dives deep into pros and cons of this course.
Positive Comments:
- “I used Gleim for BEC and REG. Questions were definitely harder than the actual exam. Prepared me well.” – BasisofOpinion
- “Yeah Gleim was actually pretty solid and affordable. Passed all 4 on the first try just with their material. Their multiple choice and SIM question bank is awesome.” – Expensive_Umpire_975
- “HUGE test bank. I was able to answer 2k-3k questions per test and have different questions all the time. 97% of answer explanations were well laid out (although sometimes wordy, especially REG).” – Alone_Obligation_973
Negative Comments
- “The videos suck and are a waste of time – the instructors literally just read off of the book and maybe give a hint here or there.” – red_glass
- “Honestly I feel like gleim goes way into subjects, maybe to the point of over-explaining on topics.” – AlekB03
3. Surgent CPA Review on Reddit
Surgent is widely recognized for its emphasis on practice questions, helping students hone their skills effectively. This targeted approach is a boon for those who prioritize hands-on learning.
However, some users have mentioned finding the lectures somewhat plain. Additionally, there have been reports of occasional technical issues with the platform.
If you want more information, read our Surgent CPA review, which dives deep into course features.
Positive Comments:
- “I like the Surgent lectures. Some may find them bland, but if the speakers are too entertaining, I don’t retain the information as well because I get distracted from the content.” – GaapGeneration
- “The textbook, the lectures, the MCQs, the sims, the explanations—it has everything the other study guides do, so I think the reason for its lack of popularity must be because it’s newer and less advertised than the other brands are.” – Sad-Reporter-8062
- “I bought SurgentCPA in December and have been using it for FAR in April. It is pretty much the software that falls in line with the “Lazy Man CPA Strategy,” as it focuses on drilling MCQ.” – DrDrCR
Negative Comments:
- “I used surgent at first and had buyer’s remorse. Did not work for me. Becker was much better.” – TheGoldenTuba
- “I could never get the free trial to work. It kept giving me errors and locking me out of content.” – ohyouarethatdude
4. UWorld (Roger) CPA Review on Reddit
Roger, especially under UWorld, is highly praised for its comprehensive explanations, engaging lectures, and user-friendly interface. Their Qbank is also highlighted for its beneficial features. Users particularly value Roger for its instructional quality, making it a top recommendation for those who prioritize lectures in their study approach.
Check out our detailed review of Roger CPA for more information.
Positive Comments:
- “Roger has excellent explanations and lectures. Also, Roger UI and qbank has a lot of good features.” – ctrssxcl
- “For AUD I use Roger’s (Uworld). Universal CPA is great too.” – No-Sky-3394
- “If lectures/instruction are what you value most, I’d check out Roger first.” – another71
Negative Comments:
- “I think where he’s not good is someone who wants structure and clearly defined points to study.” – Pelios_
5. Wiley (UWorld) CPA Review on Reddit
Wiley is appreciated for its structured content, which is broken down into bite-sized chunks, making it easier for users to digest. A unique feature highlighted by users is Wiley’s ability to inform them about new topics on the exam, which has proven beneficial for many. However, some users feel that while Wiley has an extensive question bank, the explanations could be improved. Comparatively, some users prefer Roger’s MCQs and lectures over Wiley.
Read our Wiley CPA review to get more details on course features.
Positive Comments:
- “I used Wiley. The content was broken in more bite size chunks.” – dawglurker
- “I am really trying to decide between Wiley and Roger. Wiley was recommended to me because they let you know what topics will be new on the exam (AUD specifically) and that helped them tremendously.” – mycoldhamburger
- I use Wiley as my primary study material, and the biggest advantages of their program are how broken apart their lessons are and how professionally presented the material is.” – Paltheos
Negative Comments:
- “Roger mcqs and lectures are so much better. Wiley has too many questions with poor explanations. Try free trials.” – ctrssxcl
- ” I started with Wiley and absolutely hated it. Instructors were sooooo boring. My firm paid for Becker so I used that and passed all 4.” – tksx99
Conclusion
In summarizing feedback from Reddit users, several CPA review courses emerge as favorites. Becker is known for its vast question bank, Roger (UWorld) for its dynamic lectures, Surgent for its direct approach, Gleim for affordability, and Wiley for structured content.
When selecting a CPA review course, it’s crucial to consider individual preferences, budget, and the course’s features. Utilizing free trials can also provide valuable insights. Ultimately, the best course will align with one’s learning style and effectively prepare them for the CPA exam. Making the right choice can significantly impact exam preparation and success.
FAQs
Reddit users often mention Becker, Roger (UWorld), Surgent, Gleim, and Wiley as top CPA review courses. Each has its strengths, and the best choice often depends on individual learning preferences and budget.
Yes, many CPA review courses, including Becker, Roger, and Wiley, offer free trials. These trials allow potential users to experience the course’s features and teaching style before making a purchase.
Feedback varies. For instance, Becker is sometimes criticized for its explanations, while Roger (UWorld) is praised for its detailed and comprehensive explanations. It’s essential to choose a course that aligns with your preference for depth and clarity in explanations.
Gleim is frequently mentioned on Reddit as an affordable yet effective option. However, it’s essential to balance cost with the course’s features and effectiveness in preparing for the CPA exam.
Teaching style is a significant factor for many Reddit users. Courses like Roger (UWorld) are known for their engaging lectures, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a dynamic teaching approach. However, the best teaching style is subjective and depends on individual learning preferences.
While many courses receive positive feedback, some courses might be mentioned less frequently or receive mixed reviews. For instance, while Wiley is recognized for its structured content, some Reddit users have expressed concerns about the depth of its explanations. It’s essential to sift through user feedback to identify any specific reservations about a course. However, individual experiences can differ, so it’s always a good idea to consider multiple perspectives and perhaps try out a course’s free trial before making a final decision.
