Gleim vs. Becker CPA Course Comparison

When it comes to Gleim vs. Becker CPA, there’s one thing to keep in mind: Either way, you’re in good hands. Both of these are in my top three for CPA review courses, so I highly reccomend both options.

But for most candidates, buying and using two different programs isn’t reasonable or feasible. So, to help you make a solid choice between., I’ve put together this detailed comparison of Gleim and Becker’s CPA course offerings.

Which is my number one and which ranks number three in my book?

Check out my breakdown below of all the different features of Gleim CPA Review and Becker CPA Review to find out.

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Becker vs. Gleim CPA Review Course Options

Becker CPA Review Packages

Becker offers several comprehensive packages, starting with the Concierge package. This package includes unlimited access to all materials, featuring hours of video content, 8,500 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) plus a bonus bank, and 400 task-based simulations (TBS).

It also includes live courses, both in-person and online, printed textbooks, and a money-back guarantee. The Concierge package stands out with its extensive support, offering a dedicated Success Coach, a Licensing Navigator, and 25 private 1:1 tutoring sessions.

Additionally, it provides

• Access to all three Discipline options.
• Unlimited custom practice tests powered by Adapt2U Technology
• Eight simulated exams and 12 mini-exams
• One-year Continuing Professional Education (CPE) subscription

The Pro package also offers unlimited access and includes all the features of the Concierge package but with fewer tutoring sessions (five 1-hour academic tutoring sessions) and only one accessible discipline option. It still provides a comprehensive final review course and a bonus bank of MCQs, making it a robust choice for those seeking extensive preparation without full Concierge support.

The Premium package includes unlimited access to the same core materials (8,500 MCQs and 400 TBS). However, it lacks live courses, in-person options, and the extensive coaching sessions found in higher-tier packages. It does, however, include printed textbooks and a one-year CPE subscription, making it a solid mid-range option.

For those on a tighter budget, the Advantage package, which includes 24 months of access. This package includes 8,500 MCQs and 400 TBS but does not offer live courses, printed textbooks, or the extensive additional support found in higher-tier options.

Becker also offers a Single-Course option, ideal for those needing to focus on one section of the CPA exam.

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Gleim CPA Review Packages

Gleim also offers a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets. The Premium Pro package includes unlimited access to 100 hours of video content, over 10,000 MCQs, and 1,300+ TBS. This package also features webinars (audio only) and two mock exams, as well as access to private study groups, printed textbooks, and a money-back guarantee. Flashcards are included, adding another layer of study aids.

The Premium package offers similar features but without some of the extras found in the Premium Pro package. It includes unlimited access, 100 hours of video content, over 10,000 MCQs, and two mock exams but lacks private study group access and flashcards.

For a more economical choice, Gleim’s Traditional package provides 18 months of access. It does not include video access but offers the same extensive question bank (10,000+ MCQs) and one mock exam, along with printed textbooks.

Gleim’s Mega Bank package offers 18 months of access to over 10,000 MCQs without video content or live courses. This package focuses on providing extensive question practice at a lower cost.

Finally, Gleim offers a Single Course option catering to those who need targeted study material for a specific section of the CPA exam.

Becker and Gleim’s Books and Dashboards

When it comes to textbooks and dashboards, both Becker and Gleim offer resources designed to help you succeed, but they do so in different ways.

Becker’s Books and Dashboard

Becker’s textbooks have traditionally been known for their comprehensive and detailed content. However, with the recent CPA Evolution changes, Becker has significantly reduced the size of their books, focusing on must-know material only. This streamlined approach aims to make studying more efficient by cutting down on unnecessary information and honing in on the essentials.

Although this reduction in content size seems promising, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison at this time. Becker is currently undergoing a massive content update for all of its sections, which will undoubtedly change the materials and how they are received.

The Becker dashboard is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface. It seamlessly integrates various study tools, allowing students to track their progress, manage their study schedule, and access practice questions and simulations with ease. This polished interface enhances the overall study experience, making it easier to stay organized and focused.

Gleim’s Books and Dashboard

Gleim’s textbooks are known for their thoroughness. They provide detailed explanations and a vast array of practice questions. Many students appreciate the depth of content, which can be particularly helpful for understanding complex topics. However, Gleim’s interface is often seen as less intuitive and polished compared to Becker’s.

While it may not be as visually appealing, Gleim’s dashboard excels in functionality, especially in identifying and addressing weak areas. As one user noted, “I also have Gleim. It’s comparable to Becker, but the user interface isn’t as nice. But they do a great job of pointing out your weak areas. I take practice exams on Gleim to find out just that.”

Becker’s interface is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, providing a seamless user experience. The comprehensive nature of Becker’s content, including the detailed examples and extensive information in their textbooks, sets it apart from Gleim. Many users find Becker’s platform more intuitive and packed with useful features, which can significantly enhance the study experience.

Currently, it seems both Gleim and Becker, along with other providers are in a race to update their materials in response to changes from the AICPA. Given the limited information available for core sections, this has created a situation where few candidates know exactly how to pass the new exams. The AICPA appears to be ahead of the CPA exam course providers for once, adding a layer of uncertainty for students preparing for the upcoming exams.

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Comparing Becker and Gleim’s Video Lectures

Both Becker and Gleim offer substantial video lectures designed to complement their textbooks. These videos provide an interactive way to highlight important information and absorb new concepts. However, the style and effectiveness of these videos differ significantly between the two providers.

Gleim CPA Review Videos

Gleim’s video lectures are crafted to be engaging and somewhat playful, aiming to keep students focused and entertained. Despite their lighter tone, these videos maintain a strong emphasis on the content, ensuring that learners grasp essential concepts. A notable feature of Gleim’s videos is the audio-only format, which is particularly useful for those who like to multitask while studying. This flexibility allows you to absorb information while engaging in other activities, making study sessions more adaptable to different lifestyles.

However, many users find that Gleim’s videos fall short in terms of engagement and depth. The videos often come across as robotic, with instructors simply reading the material. This can make it difficult for learners who rely on dynamic and interactive teaching methods to stay motivated and fully grasp the material. As a result, some students prefer to skip these videos altogether, focusing instead on Gleim’s robust test bank, which is often praised for its comprehensive question set.

Becker CPA Review Video Lectures

In contrast, Becker’s video lectures are known for their professional and efficient delivery. While they might not be as entertaining as Gleim’s, they are highly focused and packed with valuable information. Becker’s lectures are designed to be watched alongside textbook study, serving as a guide for highlighting and note-taking. This method helps solidify your understanding of the material before diving into practice questions.

One of the standout features of Becker’s video offerings is the SkillMaster videos. These videos are separate from the main lectures and are specifically designed to supplement exam simulations. They guide you through the steps needed to tackle complex topics and apply them to task-based simulations (TBS). This approach can reinforce what you’ve learned or reveal gaps in your understanding, making them an invaluable resource.

From a personal perspective, using Becker’s videos as the final step in the study process has proven highly effective. Reading the textbook first and using lecture slides for note-taking sets a solid foundation. Watching the concept videos afterward helps to solidify this understanding, making the information more tangible and easier to retain. Following this, diving into multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and simulations using Becker’s SkillBuilder videos ensures a thorough comprehension and application of the material.

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Gleim CPA Review vs. Becker CPA Review: Question Banks

A crucial element of any CPA review course is the quality and comprehensiveness of its question bank. Both Becker and Gleim offer extensive question banks designed to help students practice and master the material, but they differ in several key aspects.

Becker’s Question Bank

Becker’s question bank is renowned for its breadth and depth, featuring over 8,500 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 400 task-based simulations (TBS). These questions are designed to closely mimic the format and difficulty of the actual CPA exam, providing students with a realistic practice experience. Becker’s questions are frequently updated to reflect the latest exam trends and content changes, ensuring that students are always working with the most current material.

One standout feature of Becker’s question bank is the integration of their Adapt2U Technology, which customizes practice tests based on individual performance. This adaptive learning tool helps identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing students to focus their efforts on areas that need the most improvement. Additionally, Becker’s SkillBuilder videos offer step-by-step explanations for complex questions, reinforcing key concepts and problem-solving techniques.

“I had no idea how to do the sims when I first started and studying my 4th exam now, sometimes I still see a sim and feel that way lmaooo. There is no shame in watching the skillmaster videos or hitting the show solution button to get some help on how to approach it. Some people skip the sims entirely but I think they are good practice to know how you should approach a sim on the exams and sometimes they help me learn the concepts better than the MCQs. I remember feeling really discouraged by the sims when I first started studying for FAR but you’ll get the hang of it over time and they will feel easier.” – u/sarbearluv

Gleim’s Question Bank

Gleim also offers an extensive question bank, boasting over 10,000 multiple-choice questions and a significant number of task-based simulations. Known for its thoroughness, Gleim’s question bank provides detailed explanations for each answer, helping students understand why certain answers are correct and others are not. This level of detail can be particularly beneficial for mastering challenging topics and concepts.

“I prepped with Gleim and found the Gleim questions to be tougher than the real exam, both for the MCQs and the SIMs…Vis-a-vis MCQs, I felt Gleim always threw an additional kicker in there whereas the MCQs on the exam were more straight forward. I felt well prepared by Gleim.” –u/fortynslow

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Extra Study Materials

Both companies offer a variety of additional study materials. Some of these are available with a course upgrade, while others need a separate purchase in addition to your course purchase. Here’s a quick list of what both companies offer:

Becker CPA Extra Study Materials:

• Live classroom instruction
• Flashcards
• Final Review
• Mobile Study App

Gleim CPA Extra Study Materials:

• Flashcards
• Downloadable Audio-only Lectures
• Webinars

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Becker CPA Review vs. Gleim CPA Review: Customer Support

When preparing for the CPA exam, having reliable customer support is crucial. While you may not need to contact support often, it’s important to have a responsive team to resolve any issues quickly, ensuring you don’t lose valuable study time to technical problems.

Gleim CPA Review Customer Support

Gleim offers prompt and personalized support to its customers. It promises a response within 24 hours, significantly quicker than Becker’s 2 business days response time. Gleim also provides each customer with a personal counselor who can assist with technical questions and clarify any confusion, offering a supportive and responsive experience.

Becker CPA Review Customer Support

Becker matches Gleim in providing multiple support channels but goes a step further with their educational support. In addition to standard customer service, Becker offers a course tutor who can monitor your progress and provide guidance. Moreover, their dedicated CPA Exam Success Coaches are available to help you stay on track and achieve your goals. This additional layer of support ensures that you have access to expert advice and encouragement throughout your CPA exam preparation.

Both Gleim and Becker provide strong customer support, but Becker’s educational support options, including course tutors and Success Coaches, offer an extra advantage. While Gleim’s faster response time and personal counselors are beneficial, Becker’s comprehensive support system is designed to help you succeed at every step of your CPA journey.

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Gleim and Becker’s Course Access

How much time do you need to study for the CPA exam? Ultimately, both of these courses are designed to be completed in the exact amount of access time they provide. But if you want to know which of these CPA exam review courses offers the longer access period, check out our comparison below:

Becker CPA Review

If you’re looking for a long study period, we recommend Becker’s Pro package because of its Access Until You Pass guarantee. If you purchase one of their other course plans, you’ll need to pay additional money per section after the traditional 24-month study period. But most students should be able to complete their exam prep in 2 years!

Gleim CPA Review

Gleim offers a similar Access Until You Pass Guarantee for two levels of their CPA review (Premium and Premium Pro). So, it doesn’t matter how much you pay upfront or how much time it takes; you’ll never have to pay another dollar to access the content.

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Value: Becker vs. Gleim CPA Review

When comparing pricing and value, Becker and Gleim offer different packages to suit various budgets and needs.

Becker’s higher-priced packages provide extensive support, including personalized tutoring, live courses, and comprehensive materials, which justify the higher cost for those who can afford it. Gleim, while more budget-friendly, still offers thorough content and robust performance analysis tools. For instance, Gleim’s Premium Pro package is slightly cheaper than Becker’s Pro package, yet it provides significant value with extensive question banks and detailed explanations.

Ultimately, Becker offers superior value for those willing to invest in top-tier resources and support. At the same time, Gleim remains a strong contender for those seeking comprehensive preparation at a lower cost.

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Final Comparison

After comparing various aspects, Becker consistently comes out on top, making it my recommended choice for CPA exam preparation. However, it’s important to note that Gleim also offers an excellent review course.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, the time you anticipate needing to pass the CPA exam, and your preferred learning style. While Gleim provides a solid and comprehensive review experience, Becker’s superior support, advanced features, and streamlined content give it the edge.

Becker is the top option for those looking to maximize their chances of passing the CPA exam on the first try.