Why do so many people recommend Becker?

Becker has decades of history and is the default choice at Big 4 firms. Many recommenders received Becker free from employers and assume it's the best because it worked for them—but they might have passed with any course given their dedication.

What if my employer only reimburses Becker?

Take the free Becker course. When cost isn't a factor, premium courses provide good value. But if you're paying out of pocket, you're not disadvantaging yourself by choosing a quality alternative.

Is Surgent really as good as Becker?

Surgent's adaptive technology is arguably better than Becker's for many learners. The content covers the same AICPA blueprint. The main difference is brand recognition and live class options—neither of which affects the exam itself.

Should I use NINJA as my only course?

Many candidates succeed with NINJA alone, especially if they're retaking sections or have strong accounting backgrounds. However, it works best as a supplement for candidates who need more structured primary content.

Study Resources10 min read

Why the Most Expensive CPA Course Isn't Always the Best

Challenging the "you get what you pay for" assumption

Expensive courses don't guarantee higher pass rates

Your study habits matter more than your course price

Learning style fit trumps brand recognition

Many candidates pass with budget courses or supplements

Premium CPA review courses cost $3,000-$6,000, but do they guarantee better results? This analysis challenges conventional wisdom about price and value in CPA exam preparation, using real data and candidate outcomes.

Last updated: February 6, 2026

$2,499-$5,999

Becker Price

$999-$1,999

Surgent Price

$67/month

NINJA Price

~50%

National Pass Rate

The Premium Pricing Assumption

When you're investing 300+ hours and your career trajectory into the CPA exam, it's natural to think "I should buy the best." But in CPA exam prep, "best" doesn't always mean "most expensive." The assumption that premium pricing guarantees premium results doesn't hold up when you examine the evidence.

Becker, the most recognized brand, starts at $2,499 and goes to $5,999
Surgent offers similar content with adaptive technology for under $2,000
NINJA CPA provides comprehensive prep for $67/month
Pass rates across courses are remarkably similar when you control for study effort

What Premium Prices Actually Buy

Premium courses don't necessarily have better content. Here's what that extra $2,000-$4,000 typically gets you:

Brand recognition valued by some employers (especially Big 4)
More live class options and scheduling flexibility
Larger support staff and faster response times
Physical materials and premium packaging
Tutoring credits bundled with elite packages

When Expensive Makes Sense

Premium courses do provide genuine value for certain candidates. Consider paying premium if:

Your employer reimburses the full cost (free is always good value)
You need daily live classes to stay accountable
You learn best in structured, traditional classroom environments
Brand name matters for your target employer
You want tutoring included rather than paying separately

When Budget Options Outperform

Many candidates achieve the same results—or better—with budget-friendly alternatives:

Self-motivated learners don't need live class structures they won't attend
Adaptive technology (Surgent, UWorld) can be more efficient than comprehensive courses
Monthly subscriptions (NINJA) offer flexibility for unpredictable schedules
Career changers can test commitment without major upfront investment
Some candidates prefer practice-heavy approaches over video lecture libraries

The Real Predictors of CPA Exam Success

Research on CPA candidate outcomes consistently shows that success depends more on study behaviors than course selection:

Consistent daily study habits (15-25 hours weekly)
Active learning through practice problems, not passive video watching
Matching your course to your actual learning style
Completing the full course before exam day
Using a study schedule and sticking to it

A Smarter Approach to Course Selection

Instead of defaulting to the most expensive option, consider these questions:

How do I actually learn best? (Videos, reading, practice, or live instruction)
How much time can I realistically dedicate each week?
Do I need external accountability or am I self-motivated?
What's my actual budget if there's no employer reimbursement?
Would I use those extra premium features, or are they padding?

Recommended CPA Review Courses

Surgent

Adaptive learning that reads your needs

$999–$1,999View Review

NINJA CPA

Affordable flexibility with monthly pricing

$67–$87/monthView Review

Becker

The industry standard for CPA exam prep

$2,499–$5,999View Review

UWorld

Visual learning meets adaptive technology

$2,299–$4,100View Review

Best For Your Situation

Best for Budget-Conscious Candidates

Getting CPA certified shouldn't break the bank. You're looking for quality preparation at an affordable price, whether that means lower upfront costs or flexible payment options.

Best for Working Professionals

Balancing a full-time job while studying for the CPA exam requires maximum flexibility and efficient study methods. You need a course that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Thousands of candidates pass each year using Surgent ($999-$1,999), NINJA ($67/month), or Meridian (under $500). The course matters less than your study habits and course completion rate.