Last updated: July 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology.
QUICK VERDICT
Bottom line: A CPA review course is the single biggest factor in passing the CPA Exam, and the right one depends on how you learn. Becker is the established market leader most big firms use; Surgent and UWorld Roger are strong, often more affordable alternatives with adaptive tech and engaging lectures; Gleim is the value pick with a huge question bank. We do not have an affiliate relationship with any of them, so the comparison below is entirely on merit — check each provider directly for current pricing, which changes often.
The CPA Exam is hard, and your review course is what gets you through it. Under the 2024 CPA Evolution structure you sit three core sections (Auditing, Financial Accounting & Reporting, and Regulation) plus one discipline section of your choice. Every major review course covers all of it — the differences are teaching style, question-bank quality, adaptive technology, and price. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.
Becker — the established standard
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Becker is the course most large accounting firms provide to staff, and it has the deepest track record. It is comprehensive, well-supported, and structured — the safe choice if you want the market default and your firm may reimburse it. The trade-off is price: it is typically the most expensive of the major options. If cost is not your constraint and you want the name firms trust, Becker is the benchmark others are measured against.
Surgent CPA Review — adaptive and efficient
Surgent's selling point is its adaptive engine, which targets your weak areas to cut study time. For working candidates trying to pass efficiently, that focus can be a real advantage, and it is often priced below Becker. It is the pick if you are time-constrained and respond well to a data-driven, study-what-you-do-not-know approach.
UWorld Roger CPA Review — the most engaging lectures
UWorld (which acquired Roger CPA Review) pairs energetic, memorable lectures with UWorld's respected test bank. If dry accounting lectures have held you back before, this is the course people credit with actually keeping them engaged. It sits in the mid-to-upper price range and is a strong all-rounder.
Gleim CPA Review — the value option
Gleim is known for a very large question bank and a lower price, which makes it the value pick for self-motivated, question-heavy studiers. It is less polished than Becker or UWorld on lectures, but if your strategy is to grind thousands of practice questions, Gleim delivers the most reps per dollar.
How to choose your CPA review course
Match the course to how you study and what you can spend. If your firm reimburses, take Becker. If you are paying yourself and want efficiency, look at Surgent; if lecture engagement is your issue, UWorld Roger; if you want maximum practice questions on a budget, Gleim. Most providers offer free trials — use them, because the interface you will spend hundreds of hours in matters as much as the brand.
First, make sure the fundamentals are solid
Review courses assume you already understand core accounting; they are exam prep, not first-principles teaching. If your accounting foundation is shaky — or you are still deciding whether the CPA path is right — build the underlying skills first. Our best accounting courses guide covers affordable ways to get there, and if you are weighing the CPA against other credentials, see CPA vs CFA and CPA vs CMA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CPA review course?
It depends on how you learn. Becker is the established standard most firms use; Surgent is efficient and adaptive; UWorld Roger has the most engaging lectures; Gleim is the value pick with the largest question bank. Try free trials before committing.
How much do CPA review courses cost?
Pricing varies widely by provider and package and changes often – the major courses generally range from around a thousand to several thousand dollars. Check each provider directly for current pricing and frequent promotions.
Do I need a CPA review course to pass?
In practice, almost everyone uses one – the CPA Exam is too broad to self-assemble efficiently. The review course provides structure, a large question bank, and simulated exams that are very difficult to replicate on your own.
Which CPA review course is best for working professionals?
Adaptive courses like Surgent are popular with working candidates because they concentrate study time on weak areas. UWorld Roger is also well-suited if you need engaging lectures to stay consistent around a job.