One of the most difficult choices you will make during your certification process is selecting a CPA review course. After all, you're entrusting it with your time, money, and career, it's more than just a collection of books and videos. One of the most well-known brands in this field is Becker. But do you think it's the right one?

What Becker offers, how I used it specifically for my own exam preparation, pricing and promotions, user experience, benefits and drawbacks, and whether it fits your learning style are all covered in this review.

What Becker Offers: Course Features & Packages

The jewel in the crown of Becker Professional Education's decades-long reputation is its CPA Exam Review. The following characteristics of Becker's course match those of the AICPA exam blueprint:

  • On-demand and live video lectures
  • Both digital and printed textbooks
  • Practice questions and simulations (MCQs and Task-Based Simulations, or TBS)
  • Based on your performance, adaptive learning technology (Adapt2U) modifies the questions you see next.
  • Most packages include unlimited access until you pass
  • Help with coaching or tutoring (at premium levels)
  • Tools include review manuals, practice exams, and planning materials.
  • Certain packages include pass or money-back guarantees.

Becker offers multiple package tiers. As of now, examples include:

Package

Typical Price

Key Benefits

Advantage

~$2,499

24-month access, full video + question banks, textbooks

Premium

~$3,099

Unlimited access, more tools, updates included

Pro

~$3,799

Added tutoring, success coaching, advanced features

Concierge

~$5,349

Top tier: personal coaching, high touch support, guarantee


Prices and names can change, so check the latest offers on Becker's website.

Becker also frequently offers discounts, e.g., "$1,331 off Pro+," or "$1,000 off Concierge" in some offers. Becker also provides flexible payment/installment plans (0% interest) to make the price less burdensome. Get this course now.

My Experience Using Becker: What I Liked & What Was Tough

When I signed up for Becker's Pro package, this is how I applied it and what I learned:

  • I began by creating the Study Planner and set up my weekly calendar to include work, sleep, and buffer days. The planner adjusts as you move along.
  • I viewed on-demand video lessons at night. Occasionally I participated in live classes when offered, and that assisted with discipline and structure.
  • I heavily utilized the adaptive question banks, Becker would bring forward more practice where I was weaker and less where I was stronger. That saved time.
  • During weeks leading up to exam date, I utilized simulated full exams and Becker's "Final Review" modules.

Find out more about this course. If you're interested in enrolling, click here.

What Was Difficult:

  • The cost was high (I had to stretch my budget), although financing assisted.
  • Some students (myself at times included) felt live classes dragged or were less engaging compared to on-demand videos.
  • If you are an auditory learner (listening on the way to work), Becker's resources are more text/video heavy.
  • The vast amount of content is intimidating; you have to dedicate focused time to keep on track.
  • It was not insignificant to use Becker overall,  it took consistency and dedication, but I felt empowered and confident going into exam day.

Value, Strengths & Limitations

  • High pass rate & reputation, Becker is recommended by numerous large accounting firms, and user feedback frequently mentions a >90%+ pass rate.
  • Comprehensive content & alignment with the CPA Evolution changes, Becker updates its content to comply with the latest exam blueprints.
  • Support & tutoring, higher levels provide 1-on-1 guidance.
  • Guarantees & updates included, less risk if you remain active.
  • Unlimited access in many packages means you can repeat content.

Downsides / Considerations

  • More expensive than most competitors. Becker is one of the more costly review courses.
  • Certain users experience certain aspects of the course (live lectures) as less interesting or too slow.
  • Less suited for auditory learners because it's video/visual based.
  • In lower levels (Advantage), time of access is restricted (e.g. 24 months). 

Is Becker the Right Course for You?

Becker can be a good match, if these criteria are met:

  • You have a realistic budget or financing plan (or employer support).
  • You prefer a structured, comprehensive program with high support and tutoring.
  • You value adaptive learning, updated content, and reputation.
  • You’re willing to put in consistent effort and schedule your study time.

However, if you:

Are on a tight budget, Learn best by listening only (audio), Want a lighter, question-heavy course without many frills, then other courses (e.g. Gleim, Surgent) might offer better value for your style.

Conclusion

So, is Becker the CPA review course you've been searching for?

Short answer: possibly yes, possibly no, it depends on your values. Becker provides unparalleled comprehensiveness, assistance, and brand reputation. My experience demonstrated to me that its adaptive tools, live classes, and tutoring assistance can definitely come in handy, but only if you are willing to put in the time and investment.

If you have the funds (or can stretch through financing) and prefer the full-service experience, Becker is one of the best around. If you have a lighter, more flexible, or lower-cost need, compare similarly powerful competitors and determine if one would be a better fit.