Passing the CPA Exam is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires hundreds of hours of dedicated study. A solid plan, the right tools, and effective study habits are the keys to success. This guide breaks down how to build your strategy.
Part 1: Choosing Your CPA Review Course
A high-quality review course is the single most important investment you'll make in this process. With so many providers, it's crucial to find one that fits your learning style and budget.
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Learning Style & Video Lectures | Do you prefer engaging, high-energy lectures or quiet, in-depth technical explanations? Watch free trials from multiple providers. |
| Practice Questions (Test Bank) | Look for a large test bank with questions that closely mimic the style and difficulty of the real exam, including task-based simulations (TBSs). |
| User Interface (UI) & Technology | Is the platform easy to navigate? Does it offer adaptive technology to target your weak areas? Is there a good mobile app for studying on the go? |
| Course Materials | Do you want physical textbooks, or are you happy with digital-only? Are flashcards, audio lectures, or final review cram courses included? |
| Pricing & Access | Look for "Until You Pass" access so you're not pressured by a time limit. Check for financing options, discounts, and what's included in each pricing tier. |
CPA Review Course Comparison
Choosing the right review course is a critical first step. The best course depends on your budget, learning style, and discipline. Below is a comparison of the most popular providers.
| Provider | Plan | List Price (USD) | Access Length | Test Bank | Lectures | Textbooks | Flashcards | Review Course | Live Classes | Tutoring / Coaching | Pass Guarantee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Becker | Concierge | ~$5,349–$6,349 | Unlimited | 9,000+ MCQs 900+ TBSs |
Video (250+ hrs) | Printed & digital | Printable | Final Review | LiveOnline | 25 tutoring & coaching sessions | Money-back | Dedicated License Navigator |
| Pro (+) | ~$2,469–$3,799 | Unlimited | 9,000+ MCQs 900+ TBSs |
Video (250+ hrs) | Printed & digital | Printable | Final Review | LiveOnline | 5 tutoring & coaching sessions | Money-back $250 per section | — | |
| Advantage | ~$2,499 | 24 Months | 9,000+ MCQs 900+ TBSs |
Video (250+ hrs) | Digital only | Printable | — | — | — | — | — | |
| UWorld | Elite-Unlimited+ | ~$2,899–$4,099 | Unlimited | 9,000+ MCQs 500+ TBSs |
Video (140+ hrs) | Printed & digital | Digital | Final Review | Live Boot Camps | — | Money-back $250 per section | SmartPath™ Roger Philipp & Peter Olinto |
| Elite-Unlimited | ~$2,199–$3,899 | Unlimited | 9,000+ MCQs 500+ TBSs |
Video (140+ hrs) | Printed & digital | Digital | Final Review | Live Boot Camps | — | — | SmartPath™ Roger Philipp & Peter Olinto |
|
| Premier | ~$1,999–$3,499 | 18 Months | 9,000+ MCQs 500+ TBSs |
Video (140+ hrs) | Digital only | Digital | Final Review | — | — | — | SmartPath™ Roger Philipp & Peter Olinto |
|
| Gleim | Premium Pro | ~$3,499 | Access Until You Pass | 10,000+ MCQs 1,300+ TBSs |
Video | Printed & digital | Digital | — | Live Webinars | Personal counselor Accounting expert |
Access Until You Pass | SmartAdapt™ 8 mock exams |
| Premium | ~$2,999 | Access Until You Pass | 10,000+ MCQs No TBSs |
Video | Printed & digital | Digital | — | — | Accounting expert | Access Until You Pass | SmartAdapt™ No mock exams |
|
| Traditional | ~$2,499 | 18 Months | 10,000+ MCQs No TBSs |
No | Printed | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Surgent | Ultimate Pass | ~$1,299–$2,999 | Access Until You Pass | 9,250+ MCQs 375+ TBSs |
Video + Audio | Printed | Yes | — | — | Ultimate support | Access Until You Pass | A.S.A.P.® Excel course ReadySCORE™ |
| Premier Pass | ~$799–$2,399 | Access Until You Pass | 8,250+ MCQs 375+ TBSs |
Video (350+) | Printed | Yes | — | — | 1-on-1 virtual coaching | Access Until You Pass | A.S.A.P.® ReadySCORE™ |
|
| Essentials Pass | ~$699–$1,899 | Varies (not unlimited) |
8,250+ MCQs 375+ TBSs |
Video (350+) | Digital only | — | — | — | — | — | A.S.A.P.® ReadySCORE™ |
|
| NINJA | Monthly | $67/mo ($87/mo for full) |
Monthly | 8,000+ MCQs & Sims |
Audio | NINJA Notes & Book |
Digital | NINJA CRAM | Live Sparring | — | — | Supplemental All sections included |
Pricing Disclaimer
Prices are based on publicly available list prices and do not reflect the frequent discounts or promotions offered by providers. Always check the official website for the most current pricing.
Part 2: Creating Your Study Plan Framework
A structured plan is essential. Don't just "study FAR" – break it down into a manageable, daily schedule. Here is a general framework to follow.
1. Choose Your Discipline
Before you can plan, you must know what you're testing on. The exam is 3 Core sections + 1 Discipline. Choose the discipline that best aligns with your career goals or academic background.
2. Understand the AICPA Blueprints
The AICPA Blueprints are your map. They detail exactly what topics are testable and at what skill level (remembering, application, analysis). Focus your time on the heavily-weighted areas.
3. Allocate Study Hours
Be realistic about how many hours you can study per week (e.g., 15-20 hours) and map out your timeline. Use our table below to estimate the total time needed for each section.
4. Schedule Your First Exam
Once you have your Notice to Schedule (NTS), book your exam date. This creates a hard deadline and turns your plan into a reality. We recommend scheduling it 8-12 weeks out.
5. Execute & Review
Follow your review course's plan. A typical module involves watching a lecture, reading the text, and completing Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Task-Based Simulations (TBSs). Leave 1-2 weeks at the end for a final review and mock exams.
How to Choose Your Discipline
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Ideal for those who enjoy financial analysis, data analytics, and controllership topics. Builds heavily on the FAR core.
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Perfect for candidates interested in IT audit, cybersecurity, and data governance. Builds on the AUD core.
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): The clear choice for those pursuing a career in tax, focusing on complex individual and entity tax planning. Builds on the REG core.
Estimated Study Hours Breakdown
The total study time for all four sections typically ranges from 350 to 500 hours. These estimates vary based on your prior knowledge, work experience, and time since college.
| Exam Section | Estimated Study Hours | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| FAR (Core) | 120 - 150 Hours | The most comprehensive section. Covers financial reporting, statements, select transactions, and government/NFP accounting. |
| AUD (Core) | 90 - 110 Hours | Very conceptual. Focuses on audit procedures, ethics, risk assessment, and reporting. |
| REG (Core) | 100 - 120 Hours | A mix of memorization and application. Covers federal taxation (individual & entity), business law, and ethics. |
| Disciplines (BAR, ISC, TCP) |
80 - 100 Hours | Deep dive into your chosen specialty. Do not underestimate this section; it requires just as much focus as a Core. |
| Total Estimated Time | ~390 - 480 Hours | This commitment requires a consistent weekly schedule over several months. |
Pro-Tip: Active Studying
Simply watching video lectures or re-reading a textbook is not enough.
You must practice active studying:
- Work the problems: Spend at least 60% of your time in the test bank (MCQs and TBSs). Ideally after each video lectures.
- Read the "why": Don't just check if you were right or wrong. Read the full explanation for every question.
- Take mock exams: Simulate the 4-hour test day experience at least twice per section to build stamina and time management skills.