Best CPA Review Courses by Reddit Users

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?

I went to Reddit, the internet’s hive mind, for answers. What I found were real opinions and reviews from actual CPA exam takers.

Explore my top takes below with Reddit’s top 2 picks:

Our Top 2 CPA Exam Review Courses & Study Materials

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

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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

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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

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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_

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CPA Course Comparisons

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Becker vs Gleim

Choose Becker if you’re looking for a premium, all-in-one learning experience with a high pass rate track record. Becker is consistently recommended for its structured curriculum, clear lecture delivery (especially Mike Brown’s), and overall polish. The platform is ideal for candidates who want everything in one place—videos, books, MCQs, and support—and who are willing to invest more for peace of mind and brand credibility.

On the other hand, Gleim is perfect for self-starters who want extensive practice at a lower cost. Gleim shines in its massive question bank and exam-level difficulty, which many Reddit users found excellent for preparation. However, its video lectures lack engagement, making it better suited for learners who rely more on reading and independent practice than instructional videos.

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Gleim vs Surgent

Gleim is the better fit for candidates who want depth and breadth in question coverage. With harder-than-exam MCQs and highly detailed answer explanations, Gleim is geared toward learners who have time to deep-dive into content and value realism in practice. It’s especially attractive to budget-conscious students who still want comprehensive prep.

Surgent is ideal for those needing a smarter, faster study strategy. Its adaptive learning technology targets weak areas and reduces study time, making it a great fit for professionals juggling full-time work. While its lectures may not be the most dynamic, Reddit users appreciate its efficiency-focused design for getting exam-ready quickly.

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UWorld vs Becker

UWorld (Roger) stands out for its engaging and effective lectures. Reddit users repeatedly praise Roger’s enthusiasm and the clarity of his explanations, especially in video format. If you’re someone who learns best with high-energy instruction and prefers an intuitive UI, UWorld will keep you motivated and better retain complex accounting topics.

Becker, by contrast, appeals to those who value a more traditional, comprehensive approach. Its structured path and superior support infrastructure give it an edge for students looking for consistency and accountability. Becker’s breadth makes it ideal for candidates seeking a more methodical prep experience, even if some find the explanations less thorough than Roger’s.

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Becker vs Surgent

Becker is the go-to choice for those who want proven results and full-spectrum coverage. Its name recognition, high pass rates, and structured support make it perfect for students who need everything planned out. Even though it comes at a premium price, the perceived return on investment is high, especially for first-time takers.

Surgent, however, is better for efficiency-focused learners who want targeted study. Its strength lies in cutting out the fluff and honing in on weak areas with adaptive tech. Reddit users appreciate how it caters to busy schedules, but it may fall short for learners who want stronger instructor engagement or deeper content explanation across all mediums.

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UWorld vs Gleim

UWorld (Roger) is better for visual and auditory learners who need lectures to be stimulating and memorable. Roger’s energy and storytelling approach keep users engaged, which helps with material retention—particularly valuable for concepts that can be dry. It’s a top pick for learners who prefer active instruction over dense texts.

In contrast, Gleim is ideal for textbook-oriented learners who want rigor and repetition. With a massive pool of challenging questions and detailed, albeit sometimes overly technical, answer explanations, Gleim prepares users by drilling down on key concepts. If you don’t need engaging videos and prefer practice-first learning, Gleim is more your speed.

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Surgent vs UWorld

Surgent is for candidates looking to optimize study efficiency with data-driven feedback. Its AI-adaptive features cut down on wasted time by focusing on personal weaknesses, which Redditors note is helpful for accelerating prep. It’s great for learners who are confident, short on time, and prefer minimal distractions.

UWorld (Roger) serves learners who thrive with charismatic teaching and need more instructional depth. The video lectures are often cited as the best among all CPA prep courses for their ability to make dense material feel digestible. If you’re someone who struggles to stay engaged or wants an enjoyable way to study, Roger is more likely to keep you on track.

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How to Choose the Best CPA Review Course Based on Reddit Feedback

After analyzing hundreds of Reddit threads and real user experiences, a few patterns emerged about which CPA review course works best for different types of students. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide based on your learning style, time constraints, and study preferences:

✅ Choose Becker
If you want a structured, all-in-one study program with the highest brand trust, Becker consistently earns praise for its depth, clarity, and premium support features. Reddit users frequently highlight the pass rate advantage and quality of instructors like Mike Brown.

Best for: Students who want the most comprehensive experience with high accountability and support.

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✅ Choose Gleim
If you’re a self-motivated learner who values volume and realism, Gleim is widely regarded as the best bang-for-your-buck option. Reddit users consistently praise its massive question bank, tough simulations, and strong alignment with the actual exam.

Best for: Independent learners who want affordability without sacrificing quality.

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✅ Choose Surgent
If your schedule is tight and you need a smarter, more efficient way to study, Reddit users point to Surgent’s AI-driven platform and micro-learning modules. It’s designed to reduce study hours and target your weak areas.

Best for: Busy professionals and fast learners looking to minimize time without sacrificing readiness.

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✅ Choose Roger (UWorld)
If you retain more through dynamic teaching and engaging visuals, Roger’s energetic lecture style is consistently praised. Redditors who struggle with dry material say Roger made even the most technical content easier to absorb.

Best for: Students who learn best through video-first instruction and interactive content.

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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, and Gleim for affordability.

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.

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FAQs