🏆 Editor’s #1 Choice: Becker CPA Review
Why we chose it: Becker remains the undisputed leader for 2026. With the most realistic exam simulations, a new personalized “Concierge” tier, and direct partnerships with the Big 4 firms, it offers the highest probability of passing on the first try. It’s comprehensive, updated for the new Discipline sections, and offers the best structure for serious candidates.
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How to Choose the Right CPA Review Course
Not all CPA candidates learn the same way. Some prefer detailed textbooks, others rely on practice questions, while many benefit most from video lectures or adaptive study tools. Before choosing a course, it’s important to evaluate:
- Your learning style: Do you need engaging videos (visual) or a massive test bank (active learner)?
- Your timeline: Are you cramming in 6 months or spreading it over 18 months?
- Structure vs. Flexibility: Do you need a rigid daily schedule or an adaptive tool that skips what you already know?
- Budget: Are you willing to pay for a “Big 4” endorsed brand, or do you want maximum value?
🏆 CPA Review Course Comparison (2026 Overview)
Below is a detailed data breakdown of the top CPA exam prep options on the market today.
| Feature | Becker CPA #1 Overall | Surgent CPA #2 Efficiency | Gleim CPA #3 Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Price (Before Discounts) |
~$2,499 Save ~35% |
~$1,599 Frequent Sales |
$2,499 – $3,499 Save ~$1,250 |
| MC Questions | 8,100+ | 7,700+ | 10,000+ |
| Simulations | 500+ | 400+ | 1,300+ |
| Lecture Hours | 230 – 275 per part | Bite-sized (350+ clips) | 100+ total |
| Access Limit | 24 Mo or Unlimited | Unlimited (Ultimate) | 18 Mo or Unlimited |
| Pass Rate / Claim | “Exam Day Ready” users pass at 94% | Reported 88% | Reported 91% |
| Discount | Check Promo | Check Promo | Check Promo |
In-Depth Reviews: The Top 4 for 2026
1. Becker CPA Review
Best for StructureIf you’ve spent any time on Reddit’s r/CPA, you’ve heard of the “Becker Bump”—the phenomenon where students score significantly higher on the actual exam than they do on Becker’s practice tests. That’s because Becker trains you harder than the real thing.
Becker completely revamped their platform for the 2026 exam evolution. They didn’t just slap a new label on old content; they built new Discipline sections (BAR, ISC, TCP) and modernized their videos to be more engaging and less “highlight this line.”
- No Surprises Software: The interface is virtually identical to the real exam. When you sit for the test, the muscle memory kicks in immediately.
- Big 4 Endorsement: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG don’t mess around. They trust Becker to get their associates licensed. That speaks volumes about the quality.
- Constant Updates: The accounting world changes fast. Becker employs a massive team just to ensure their typos are fixed and their tax laws are current. You rarely find errors here compared to budget courses.
- Comprehensive Notes: The digital and physical textbooks are excellent references that you’ll likely keep on your desk even after you pass.
- The Price Tag: Let’s be real—if you are paying out of pocket, it hurts. You are essentially subsidizing the corporate discounts they give the big firms. (See our discount links below to soften the blow).
- Live Classes are “Meh”: Don’t buy it just for the “Live Online” classes. Many students find them overrated, often just consisting of an instructor playing the pre-recorded video in a Zoom room.
- The “Promise”: Their money-back/guarantee policy is stricter than competitors. If you buy the lower tiers, you might not get the extension you need if you fail.
🔥 Current Becker Deals for 2026:
Redeem 35% Off Becker Pro & Pro+ Packages Claim $1,000 Discount on Concierge Activate Lowest Price on Becker Premium Reveal Exclusive Deal for Becker AdvantageClick buttons to reveal code & activate deal. Concierge packages are limited availability.
2. Surgent CPA Review
Best for EfficiencySurgent utilizes an proprietary algorithm called A.S.A.P. Technology™. Instead of forcing you to watch every video, it assesses your knowledge first and creates a study plan that only targets your weak areas.
- Can reduce study time by up to 40%.
- ReadySCORE™ predicts your actual exam score with high accuracy.
- Unlimited access on most packages.
- Short, bite-sized video lectures (10-20 mins).
- Web interface is less polished than Becker.
- Diagnostic phase can be tiring initially.
- Fewer “bells and whistles” (flashcards, games).
3. Gleim CPA Review
Best for Practice QuestionsGleim is famous for one thing: Difficulty. Their test bank is notoriously harder than the actual exam, which means if you are scoring well in Gleim, you are likely over-prepared for the real thing. It’s perfect for self-studiers who want to drill questions.
- Massive test bank (10,000+ MCQs & 1,300+ SIMs).
- “Access Until You Pass” guarantee is industry-leading.
- Detailed explanations for every right and wrong answer.
- More affordable than Becker.
- Video lectures are functional but less engaging (“dry”).
- The level of detail can feel overwhelming for some.
- Textbooks are written in a dense, outline style.
4. NINJA CPA Review
Best Budget SupplementUnlike the others that charge thousands upfront, NINJA charges a simple monthly subscription ($67/mo). It is excellent as a standalone for budget students, or as a “final review” supplement to add fresh questions to your main course.
- Extremely affordable ($67/month).
- Cancel anytime—no long-term contracts.
- Famous NINJA Notes are great for last-minute cramming.
- Audio lectures allow you to study while commuting.
- Lacks the full “course” feel of premium providers.
- Simulations are not as robust as Gleim or Becker.
- No video background for complex topics (mostly audio/text).
💰 How to Save on CPA Review Courses in 2026
CPA review courses are expensive, but most candidates don’t pay full price. Discounts typically come from:
- Seasonal Promotions: Black Friday, New Year’s (Jan), and post-tax season (April/May) often see the biggest drops.
- Volume Discounts: Buying all 4 sections at once is always cheaper than buying single sections.
- Professional Partnerships: Check if your firm or state society offers a reimbursement or discount code.
Pro Tip: Don’t just look at the sticker price. Look at the “Access Length.” A cheaper course that expires in 12 months might cost you more if you have to re-buy it because life got in the way. We almost always recommend “Unlimited Access” packages for peace of mind.
Final Verdict: Which Course Wins?
- Want Prestige & Safety? Go with Becker.
- Want Deep Practice & Value? Go with Gleim.
- Want Speed & Efficiency? Go with Surgent.
- On a Tight Budget? Go with NINJA.
The key is choosing a course that fits your needs—and finding a way to save money without sacrificing quality. Good luck on the 2026 exam!
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