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.
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
Disclosure: Sophos Academy earns commissions from course links above.
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
| Criterion | What We Measured | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | LOS coverage depth, accuracy, recency | FAR has enormous breadth — thin coverage leaves critical gaps |
| Q-Bank | MCQ quality + TBS library depth | TBS accounts for 50% of your score — MCQ-only prep is not enough |
| Value | Outcomes per dollar, not features per dollar | CPA review is expensive; ROI matters more than feature lists |
| Support | Instructor access, community, live sessions | A 12–18 month exam journey needs human support, not just content |
| Interface | Adaptive tech, UX, mobile access | Surgent's A.S.A.P. can cut study time ~40% — if you trust the algorithm |
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.