[wmoeder08]

I am gearing up to start studying for the CPA exam but wanted insight on which CPA study material I should go with. Most of my accounting career has been done in a governmental setting which did not follow anything I learned through school. I am now working at a non-profit hospital so it’s a new world. I haven’t been in school for five years but am confident I will do just fine on the exam if I could decide on study material. What is the best CPA study material for someone who may be starting fresh?! Becker? Wiley? Roger? Surgent? Gleim? NINJA? Others? I get conflicting reviews online so hoping to get some feedback in this forum. Thank you!

[Sandy]

I would totally recommend Roger CPA review.
I don't have any background in auditing and regulation but Roger helps a lot.
Use the free trial to find out if he is a good fit for you.

[SuperAccountingGod]

There is no “best” study material. Only what works best for you. Try the free trial for all of them and see which one fits your learning style.

[cafeteria_food]

Obligatory “Ninja CPA Review is the best!” comment. But seriously, I used Roger and Ninja – preferred Ninja.

[TommyTheCat]

2nd what SuperAccounting said above. All depends on your learning style. For me, it was roger CPA review and it worked like a charm. Research them all and find what suits you. Probably best to first figure out how best you learn….reading solo, listening to lectures, working through practice problems and learning from the explanations of the ones you got wrong. Note-taking, etc…

[Green CPA]

@Sophie sorry going off topic, I see you have AMAZING scores. I am taking FAR soon, can you share with me how you prepared for it?

[RoseMarie]

Definitely need to pick based on how you study best. I learn best through videos and audio so after doing all the free trials I could find (please do this!!!) I chose Roger. His teaching style worked best for me and his lectures didn't put me to sleep or make me want to shove my pencil through my brain. I have supplemented that a bit with NINJA as well but Roger was definitely my main resource.

[Sandy]

I used Wiley at first, but I often found myself not engaged and not learning anything.
So that I switched to Roger CPA. He gave the students the whole picture first and then goes into detail.
He inspired me in the accounting field and then I finally understand what's going on.
As for FAR, my tip is to understand journal entry thoroughly. once you understand JE, everything else will be easier.
Use notes and write down all the JEs related to certain transactions. Make sure you understand them and memorize them.
Familiarity with JEs are super helpful when you want to answer SIMs fast and accurate.

[lilisanei17]

Not “Becker”. I have Becker unlimited and I just finished F5, but I don't like it at all. It's not a good choice for students who have been out of college for a while. I am having hard time to understand the lectures performed by Mr. Gearty. He reads straight from the text and tells you to highlight the entire page. He basically never explains things well. I just bought ninja's monthly membership. I liked it so far. Good luck!

[Greg]

In my opinion, Becker was an incredible study program. It helped me zip through BEC, AUD, and REG. I noticed that by the time I had completed the first three, I didn't have the self-discipline to study as thoroughly so I used NINJA to supplement Becker for FAR. I think Becker is sufficient but if you need supplemental materials for MCQ's – use NINJA as well.

[Author]

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