Best CPA Prep Courses 2025
Updated April 29, 2025
Edited by
Reviewed by
Credit: Riska / Serbia / Getty Images
Every aspiring certified public accountant (CPA) will encounter the Uniform CPA Examination on their journey to licensure. All states require CPA candidates to pass this challenging four-part exam.
Studying for the CPA exam demands a structured approach, especially considering its difficulty. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), 2024 pass rates were as low as 38.08% for certain exam sections.
The best CPA prep courses provide structure while reviewing essential accounting skills and concepts. This guide explores six leading CPA exam prep resources, comparing their profiles to help you identify those best aligned with your learning style.
Popular Online Accounting Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Are Ways to Study for the CPA Exam?
A CPA exam prep course usually covers the content you can expect to find on the exam and provides the tools to help you study successfully.
To develop a study plan, consult the AICPA's Exam Blueprints. This foundational set of documents explains what the test entails, including content, score weighting, sample task statements, reference materials, and the number of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations you need to complete in each section.
Since some effective study tactics vary based on the person, you should personalize your study strategy to fit your learning style.
Test preparation companies also provide exam review packages with study materials such as practice tests, digital textbooks, online flashcards, live tutors, and real-time courses. Since some effective study tactics vary based on the person, you should personalize your study strategy to fit your learning style.
Many test-takers prefer to read textbooks, listen to recorded lectures, and review handwritten notes to fully understand exam material. CPA candidates may spend dozens or hundreds of hours reviewing flashcards, answering thousands of mock questions, and completing at least simulated exams before attempting the actual test.
Some prefer to study in groups, while others dig into course content independently. In addition to enrolling in one of the top CPA exam prep courses, examinees can find support online and through in-person study groups.
6 Best CPA Exam Prep Courses
This curated list of the best CPA prep courses of 2025 explores six leading options. It is not an exhaustive list, but the providers profiled below are reputable and make compelling claims about student success. Their courses also align with the best practices identified in the CPA Exam Candidate Guide published by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
Compare program costs and details to discover each provider's benefits and potential drawbacks.
American Institute of CPAs
The AICPA offers many free resources to CPA exam candidates, including examination blueprints and sample tests. It is an excellent place to start, since the AICPA develops and scores the Uniform CPA Examination.
AICPA exam blueprints organize multiple-choice and task-based simulation questions by area, group, and topic. Individual blueprints are available for all three required exam sections, along with the three specialized disciplines you can choose for the final section.
Importantly, the AICPA delivers its sample tests using the same interface you will encounter at the testing center for the proper examination.
You can also access free sample tests, which are shorter versions of the actual exam. Importantly, the AICPA delivers its sample tests using the same interface you will encounter at the testing center for the proper examination.
Pros
- No-Cost Access: The AICPA makes its exam blueprints and sample tests available to anyone free of charge, allowing you to potentially save thousands of dollars.
- Authoritative Source: As the originator and developer of CPA exam content, the AICPA is arguably the best source of study materials.
Cons
- Self-Guided Study: The AICPA's CPA exam prep materials are not organized into courses. Instead, you must integrate them into a study plan yourself.
- Minimum-Level Knowledge: While the AICPA updates its exam blueprints annually, they only cover the minimum knowledge you need for the CPA exam.
Becker CPA Exam Review
Widely regarded as a top provider of some of the best CPA prep courses on the market, Becker offers four programs: Concierge, Pro, Premium, and Advantage. Pricing for 2025 starts at $2,499 and rises as high as $4,999.
Features vary by program. Lower-cost courses are leaner and more economical, while higher-cost programs include personal coaching and one-on-one tutoring. However, all courses adapt to your knowledge level, feature simulated exams, and offer personalized progress trackers. Becker also includes its mobile app for on-the-go studying with every package.
In addition, Becker offers special pricing programs through partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and professional associations. You can also take standalone review courses that focus exclusively on specific CPA exam sections.
Pros
- Free Trial: You can try Becker's courses free of charge for 14 days, with no obligation to continue.
- Industry Recognition: Becker claims that 100 leading CPA firms trust its services, including the Big Four accounting firms.
- Extensive Record: More than 2 million CPA exam candidates have enrolled in Becker's exam prep courses.
Cons
- High Costs: Becker offers interest-free monthly payment plans, but program costs are high.
- Tiered Courses: Lower-cost plans do not offer some essential features, which may drive candidates toward higher-cost alternatives.
Gleim Exam Prep
Gleim has helped more than 1 million candidates pass the CPA exam. For 2025, you can choose from three course options: Premium Pro, Premium, and Traditional. Costs start at $2,499 and go up to $3,499.
All packages cover the three core CPA exam sections in detail, with Premium and Premium Pro offering flexible coverage of the exam's specialized discipline topics. Higher-level programs also include Gleim's Access Until You PassⓇ guarantee, which offers unlimited access to course materials until you pass the exam.
Gleim offers discounts of up to 46% to college and university students and affordable monthly payment plans.
Pros
- Huge Question Bank: With more than 11,500 multiple-choice questions and 1,200 task-based simulations, Gleim has the largest question bank of any provider featured in this guide.
- Realistic Design: Gleim engineered its program to replicate the CPA exam experience.
- Detailed Answer Explanations: In its practice questions, Gleim provides reasoning for correct and incorrect responses.
Cons
- High Cost: While not as expensive as Becker, Gleim's courses are the second-most expensive of all programs featured in this list.
- Rigid Study Format: Gleim bases its program content on traditional video lectures and printed materials. Some users find the format less engaging.
Surgent CPA Exam Review
Surgent claims its students have an 88% CPA exam pass rate. It offers three course levels: Essentials Pass, Premier Pass, and Ultimate Pass.
All programs share these features:
- Predictive technologies that reduce study times by up to 50%
- Full access to all six CPA exam sections
- Downloadable notes, eBooks, and exam readiness trackers
- 9,000-plus multiple choice practice questions and 500-plus task simulations
Higher-level programs also include coaching sessions, printed guides, flashcards, and access to audio lectures.
Every Surgent program grants users unlimited access until they pass the CPA exam.
Pricing starts at $799 for Essentials and peaks at $1,699 for Ultimate. You can finance your course at 0% interest with Surgent's payment plan.
Pros
- Try It Free: Surgent offers free, no-obligation trials for all three course packages.
- Unlimited Access: Every Surgent program grants users unlimited access until they pass the CPA exam.
- Pass Guarantee: Under certain conditions, Surgent guarantees that you will pass the CPA exam on your first try, or you can qualify for a full refund.
Cons
- Limited App Features: Surgent's mobile app mainly supports flashcards, video lectures, and short-form learning sessions. You must access other course materials through the Surgent website.
- Gated Support: Surgent limits its fastest and most responsive customer support plan to the Ultimate Pass program. If you choose a lower course tier, you may face longer wait times.
Universal CPA Review
Universal CPA Review brands its program as an engaging alternative to the textbook-like formats its competitors use. Instead, Universal infuses creativity into the learning process with immersive materials that engage visual learners. Universal's course also uniquely presents material in short-form video formats to improve knowledge retention.
The Universal program also claims to be the only CPA exam prep course that offers video explanations for every multiple-choice practice question in its library. This feature also extends to practice task simulations, enhancing the program's appeal to exam candidates seeking visual engagement.
Pros
- Different and Engaging: Universal built its program as a more engaging alternative to traditional academic styles used by its competitors.
- Accessible Billing Model: Unlike most course providers, Universal does not create tiered programs with variable features. Instead, you choose from monthly, annual, or lifetime access plans and pay accordingly. Costs are relatively affordable, peaking at $899.
- Free Trial: You can try Universal's program free for seven days, with no obligation to continue.
Cons
- Limited Personalized Support: Unlike some competitors, Universal's program does not offer personalized coaching or tutoring sessions.
- Smaller Question Banks: While Universal provides engaging video explanations for all practice questions, its question banks are smaller than those of other courses.
UWorld CPA Review Courses
UWorld's CPA exam review course has three pathways:
- Premier: 18-month access for $1,999
- Elite Unlimited: Lifetime access for $2,299
- Elite Unlimited+: Lifetime access for $2,899
All three options offer an enriched lineup of study materials and support resources, which cover all four exam sections and align with official CPA exam blueprints. Users can also access unlimited full-length practice tests, making it easier to track their progress and prepare for the real-life examination.
UWorld claims its students have achieved CPA exam pass rates of up to 94%.
Pros
- Multi-Format Learning: The UWorld program draws on multiple formats, including textbooks, video lectures, flashcards, study planners, and customizable practice quizzes.
- Large Question Bank: While not as big as Gleim's or Surgent's, the UWorld library includes more than 8,000 multiple-choice and task-based simulation practice questions.
- Seamless Mobile Access: UWorld's mobile app can sync with any device to offer full on-the-go access to all course features.
Cons
- Elevated Costs: While UWorld's programs are not the most expensive on this list, its costs are relatively high.
- Payment Plan Restrictions: Unlike many competitors, UWorld does not automatically offer payment plans. Instead, you must apply at the checkout for the option to pay over time.
- Limited Guarantee: UWorld only offers a $1,000 money-back guarantee and is only available with the premium Elite Unlimited+ plan.
Questions About CPA Exam Preparation
What is the best way to prepare for the CPA exam?
To prepare for the CPA exam, start early, create a structured plan, study daily (if possible), and emphasize the areas where you need the most work. Paid CPA exam prep courses provide a structured approach that many students find helpful. Consider these options if you have the financial means.
Which course is best for the CPA exam?
The best CPA exam prep depends on your learning style and knowledge level. If you want a uniquely engaging experience, the Universal program might make the best match. If you prefer a more traditional approach and large practice question banks, consider Gleim or Surgent. Becker and UWorld also have strong user reviews.
Which CPA prep has the highest pass rate?
UWorld reports pass rates of up to 94% – the highest quoted figure among featured providers. However, providers may base these claims on technicalities. Generally, it is wise to view them with caution.
Are CPA prep courses worth it?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the best CPA prep courses often deliver value. Paid courses provide structure, resources, and support. For many students, these features are essential to their success on the Uniform CPA Examination.
Recommended Reading
Search top-tier programs curated by your interests.
Let us know what type of degree you're looking into, and we'll find a list of the best programs to get you there.