CPA Review Courses

Second this.

I used Roger CPA review (6 or 7 years ago), right out of college. Preferred it to Becker because Becker simply throws everything at you, while Roger concentrated on topics most likely to be covered on the exam. You can either do a live lecture (depending on where you live), online streaming, or even videos on hard drive.

I did the Becker self-study (DVD + textbooks), and passed each section on the first attempt. I really though that the Becker product was about all that you could ask for in exam prep materials. I basically just made sure that I listened to every lecture and worked every practice problem. It feels a bit repetitive when you're doing it, but when you sit for the exam you'll realize that the exam and the Becker materials are very similar.

I can't speak to the value (my firm paid my expenses, so it was free to me) or the live lectures, but I was very satisfied with my Becker experience.

Great question and here’s a great answer: take a look at CPAexcel.

Since 2004, 87% of our alumni have passed the CPA Exam. Why? CPAexcel teaches Bite-Sized Lessons which take you about 30 minutes to complete—reading the study text, watching the lecture, answering the questions. Compare that to another course which has 1 video lecture for 1 lesson which lasts for 4 hours!

Since you would like to interact, why not interact with a full professor not just an instructor? With CPAexcel, you can opt for Professor Mentored Learning: subject-expert professors are on call to answer your questions within 24 hours of posting. You can ask as many questions as you wish and search archived discussions from past sessions in case you want additional information. The advantage? After your class, your instructor goes home. How do you get a question answered outside of the classroom? With CPAexcel, the classroom never closes: you can post a question any time of the day or night and your professor will get back to you within 24 hours. That's an advantage!

With CPAexcel, it’s a great combination of the 24/7 support you want along with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of an online course.

--Your Friends at CPAexcel

Can't speak for anyone else, but I loved using Becker. Sure, I got the firm discount at the time (and the books were expensive as hell even after that), but it was by far money well spent. Passed everything when I actually sat down and paid attention.

The program now integrates a study plan along with questions and lectures. You literally have to punch a button and it's just all there for you to do. And if you get the CD lectures, watch as often as you like whenever you like. The only downside is that it expires in 12 months or so, but you can get a 6 month extention if you ask. If you START your window with FAR though, that's more than enough time.

[Disclaimer: I am not an employee of or have ever been paid by Becker to say any of this.]