Best CPA Review Courses 2026
The CPA exam is four sections — FAR, AUD, REG, and TCP. Each section takes 4+ hours, costs over $200 to sit, and must be passed within an 18-month window. Picking the wrong review course, or not using it consistently, is the most common reason candidates re-sit.
We evaluated the top providers on pass rates, Task-Based Simulation (TBS) depth, adaptive technology, and price-to-value ratio.
Key Takeaways
- TBS (Task-Based Simulations) account for 50% of your CPA score — MCQ-only prep is not enough.
- Becker users report 94%+ pass rates but pay the highest price of any major provider.
- Surgent's A.S.A.P. adaptive technology can cut average study time by ~40%.
- Most candidates need 150–200 study hours per section and 12–18 months to pass all four.
Disclosure: Sophos Academy earns commissions from course links below.
2026 Rankings at a Glance
| Criteria | #1BeckerEditor's Choice | #2SurgentBest Value |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,345–$6,349 | $1,299–$2,999 |
| Overall | ★★★★4.7 | ★★★★4.5 |
| Curriculum | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Q-Bank | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Value | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Support | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Interface | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Best For | Candidates who want the most thorough, structured preparation | Busy professionals who need an efficient study path |
| View → | View → |
Scores are editorial assessments based on curriculum coverage, Q-bank quality, and candidate feedback.
Detailed Course Reviews
Becker CPA Review
Editor's ChoiceStarting at
$2,345–$6,349
Pass Rate
94%+ reported
TBS Questions
400+
Price
$2,345–$6,349
Pros
- ✓Highest verified pass rates — consistently cited at 94%+ among Becker users
- ✓Most comprehensive TBS (Task-Based Simulation) library available
- ✓Structured 4-section curriculum leaves no gaps
- ✓Instructor-led video lectures with on-demand replay
- ✓Strong brand recognition — widely used by Big 4 firms
Cons
- ✗Most expensive CPA review option by a significant margin
- ✗Study materials can feel overwhelming for efficient learners
- ✗Some candidates report repetitive content in later sections
Best for: Candidates who want the most thorough, structured preparation
View Course →Surgent CPA Review
Best ValueStarting at
$1,299–$2,999
Study Time Saved
~40%
Adaptive Engine
A.S.A.P.
Price
$1,299–$2,999
Pros
- ✓A.S.A.P. adaptive technology reduces average study time by ~40%
- ✓Significantly less expensive than Becker with similar pass outcomes
- ✓Score predictor tells you when you are ready to sit the exam
- ✓Unlimited access until you pass — no time pressure
Cons
- ✗Adaptive system requires trust — some candidates prefer a structured syllabus
- ✗Video lecture library is smaller than Becker
- ✗Less TBS depth on some niche FAR topics
Best for: Busy professionals who need an efficient study path
View Course →Disclosure: Sophos Academy earns a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
How We Scored Each Course
We weighed curriculum coverage, Q-bank/TBS depth, value, support, and interface — see our full scoring methodology for how each criterion is defined.
Which Course Fits Your CPA Section?
FAR, AUD, REG, and TCP stress different skills, so the "right" course can vary by section rather than being one blanket choice.
- FAR — the broadest section by content volume, with the deepest TBS component (business combinations, governmental/nonprofit accounting, leases). Becker's more extensive TBS library is a meaningful edge here.
- AUD — heavy on judgment-based scenarios (risk assessment, internal controls) rather than pure calculation. Surgent's adaptive engine is well-suited to identifying which specific audit concepts you're shakiest on, since AUD tends to reward targeted review over brute-force repetition.
- REG — dense, rules-heavy tax material (individual/corporate/partnership taxation, estate and gift tax). Becker's structured, comprehensive lecture format tends to suit candidates who haven't studied tax law before.
- TCP — the newest Discipline section, focused on tax planning rather than compliance. Fewer candidates have taken it yet, so course material here is less battle-tested across both providers — budget extra time with official AICPA sample TCP questions regardless of course.
Who Should Choose Which Course?
Choose Becker if…
- Your employer reimburses CPA exam costs (standard at Big 4 and most public accounting firms)
- You want the most comprehensive, leave-nothing-on-the-table preparation
- You prefer structured, instructor-led video lectures over adaptive systems
- Pass rate matters most: Becker users report 94%+ across sections
Choose Surgent if…
- You are self-funding and want the best price-to-outcome ratio
- You have limited study hours and need to pass efficiently
- You trust data-driven adaptive systems over fixed curricula
- You want a score predictor that tells you exactly when you are exam-ready
- Surgent's A.S.A.P. technology cuts average study time by ~40%
Frequently Asked Questions
Not affiliated with AICPA or NASBA.