Overview
The CPA exam is one of the most challenging professional exams in the United States. Choosing the right review course can mean the difference between passing on your first attempt and spending thousands more on retakes. Most CPA review courses cost between $1,999 and $5,999 for full access.
We built CPApractice to offer a focused, affordable alternative. At $49.99/month (or $399 lifetime), it costs a fraction of traditional CPA review courses while covering all six CPA exam sections: AUD, FAR, REG, BAR, ISC, and TCP. Below is an honest comparison of every major CPA prep tool available in 2026.
Feature Comparison
| Course | Price | Questions | Practice Exams | Free Tier | Mobile App | Money-Back |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPApractice ★ | $49.99/mo or $399 lifetime | 1,200+ flashcards | 100 mini + 20 full-length | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Becker CPA | $3,499 to $5,999 | 9,200+ MCQs | Simulated exams | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roger CPA Review | $2,999 | 6,000+ MCQs | Unlimited practice exams | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Surgent CPA | $1,999 | 7,700+ MCQs | Adaptive practice exams | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Wiley CPAexcel | $2,000 to $3,000 | 6,000+ MCQs | Unlimited practice exams | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Gleim CPA | $1,999 | 10,000+ MCQs | Unlimited practice exams | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Pricing Breakdown
Most candidates study for the CPA exam over 12 to 18 months. Here is what each course costs over a typical 12-month study period:
| Course | 12-Month Cost | vs CPApractice |
|---|---|---|
| CPApractice (Lifetime) | $399 | - |
| CPApractice (Annual) | $249 | - |
| Surgent CPA | $1,999 | 5x more |
| Gleim CPA | $1,999 | 5x more |
| Wiley CPAexcel | $2,000+ | 5x more |
| Roger CPA Review | $2,999 | 7.5x more |
| Becker CPA | $3,499+ | 8.8x more |
Detailed Reviews
1. CPApractice
arteura.com/cpa - $49.99/mo, $249/yr, or $399 lifetime
CPApractice covers all four CPA exam sections (AUD, FAR, REG, BAR) with 1,200+ flashcards, 100 mini exams, and 20 full-length timed simulations. The free tier gives you 20 flashcards per section and 2 sample mini exams per section with no credit card required. SM-2 spaced repetition ensures you retain what you study.
Strengths
- 80%+ cheaper than Becker, Roger, and Surgent
- Generous free tier, no credit card needed
- $399 lifetime option: one payment, done
- SM-2 spaced repetition for long-term retention
- Detailed wrong-answer explanations
- Covers all 4 CPA sections (AUD, FAR, REG, BAR)
Weaknesses
- No video lectures
- No mobile app (mobile-responsive web)
- Newer platform, less brand recognition
- Smaller question bank than legacy providers
2. Becker CPA Review
becker.com - $3,499 to $5,999
Becker is the most recognized name in CPA exam prep. Their courses include video lectures from experienced CPAs, 9,200+ multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and adaptive learning technology. Becker offers three tiers: Advantage ($3,499), Premium ($4,199), and Concierge ($5,999). They are the industry standard, but also the most expensive option by far.
Strengths
- Most recognized CPA review brand
- 9,200+ MCQs with detailed explanations
- High-quality video lectures
- Task-based simulation practice
- Mobile app and offline access
- Pass guarantee (Becker Promise)
Weaknesses
- Extremely expensive ($3,499 to $5,999)
- No free tier or trial
- Overwhelming volume of content
- Lectures can feel dry and slow-paced
3. Roger CPA Review
rogercpareview.com - $2,999
Roger CPA Review is known for its engaging, energetic video lectures taught by Roger Philipp. The course includes 6,000+ practice questions, unlimited practice exams, and a SmartPath adaptive study planner. Roger is a good middle-ground option for candidates who learn best through lectures and want a more affordable alternative to Becker.
Strengths
- Engaging, high-energy video lectures
- SmartPath adaptive study planner
- 6,000+ MCQs with explanations
- Mobile app with offline access
- Money-back guarantee
Weaknesses
- Still expensive ($2,999)
- No free tier or trial
- Lecture style may not suit all learners
- Fewer MCQs than Becker or Gleim
4. Surgent CPA Review
surgent.com - $1,999
Surgent uses adaptive learning technology (A.S.A.P. Technology) to identify your weak areas and create a personalized study plan. Their course includes 7,700+ MCQs, 400+ task-based simulations, and video lectures. Surgent claims candidates can study 46% less time compared to traditional courses thanks to their adaptive approach.
Strengths
- Adaptive learning technology (A.S.A.P.)
- 7,700+ MCQs and 400+ TBS
- More affordable than Becker and Roger
- Money-back pass guarantee
- Efficient, personalized study plans
Weaknesses
- Still $1,999 upfront
- No free tier or trial
- No mobile app
- Video lectures less engaging than Roger
5. Wiley CPAexcel
efficientlearning.com - $2,000 to $3,000
Wiley CPAexcel features bite-sized lessons designed for busy professionals. The course includes 6,000+ MCQs, 200+ task-based simulations, and video lectures broken into short 30-45 minute segments. Wiley offers unlimited access until you pass, which is valuable for candidates who study at a slower pace.
Strengths
- Bite-sized lessons (30-45 min each)
- Unlimited access until you pass
- 6,000+ MCQs with explanations
- Mobile app for on-the-go study
- Good for busy professionals
Weaknesses
- $2,000 to $3,000 upfront
- No free tier or trial
- No money-back guarantee
- Interface can feel dated
6. Gleim CPA Review
gleim.com - $1,999
Gleim CPA Review has the largest question bank of any CPA review course with 10,000+ MCQs and 1,300+ task-based simulations. The course includes video lectures, a personal counselor, and access until you pass. Gleim is a strong choice for candidates who want maximum practice volume at a mid-range price.
Strengths
- Largest question bank (10,000+ MCQs)
- 1,300+ task-based simulations
- Personal counselor included
- Access until you pass
- Money-back guarantee
Weaknesses
- $1,999 upfront
- No free tier or trial
- No mobile app
- Video lectures less polished than Becker or Roger
- Interface can feel overwhelming
Why Choose CPApractice?
There's no single “best” CPA review course. It depends on how you study, your budget, and your timeline. Here's why CPApractice stands out:
- If you're on a budget: CPApractice costs $49.99/month, $249/year, or $399 lifetime. That is 80% cheaper than Becker and 50% cheaper than Surgent or Gleim. You do not need to spend $3,500 to pass the CPA exam.
- If you want to try before you buy: CPApractice is the only major CPA prep tool with a free tier. Get 20 flashcards and 2 mini exams per section with no credit card required. None of the legacy providers offer this.
- If you learn by doing, not watching: CPApractice is built around active recall and spaced repetition. If you already have a textbook or accounting background and just need structured practice, you do not need 100+ hours of video lectures.
- If you want flexibility: Monthly billing means you only pay for the months you study. If you pass a section early, cancel and save. With Becker or Roger, you pay $3,000+ upfront whether you study for 6 months or 18.
Common Questions
Is CPApractice free?
Yes. CPApractice has a free tier with 20 flashcards per section and 2 sample mini exams per section. No credit card required. You can upgrade to Full Access ($49.99/mo), Annual ($249/yr), or Lifetime ($399 one-time) when you are ready.
What is the cheapest CPA review course?
CPApractice is the most affordable full-featured CPA review course at $49.99/month or $399 lifetime. Surgent and Gleim are the cheapest among legacy providers at $1,999 each. Becker is the most expensive at $3,499 to $5,999.
Can I pass the CPA exam without Becker?
Absolutely. Becker is a well-known brand, but it is not the only path to passing. Thousands of candidates pass the CPA exam using alternatives like Surgent, Gleim, Roger, or CPApractice. What matters most is consistent daily study and completing enough practice questions, not which brand name is on your course.
How many practice questions do I need for the CPA exam?
Most experts recommend completing at least 3,000 to 5,000 multiple-choice questions across all six sections. The key is quality over quantity: focus on understanding why each answer is correct or incorrect, not just memorizing answers. Practice until you consistently score above 75% on timed simulations.
What are the six sections of the CPA exam?
The CPA exam has six sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Each section is 4 hours long and includes multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations.
Can I use CPApractice alongside another review course?
Yes. Many candidates use CPApractice as a supplementary tool alongside a primary review course. The spaced repetition flashcards and timed mini exams are especially useful for reinforcing concepts you learned through lectures in another course.
Pricing and features were verified in September 2026. Providers change their offerings frequently. Check each site for the latest. If you spot an error, let us know.