[hannah]

I’m thinking about starting up on studying again. It’s been around 3 years since I’ve even attempted studying. Right after college and during my first year of work, I used CPAExcel and then the next few years I tried Becker. I never passed one test, because I think my studying methods were wrong and were to just get through the material and not truly understand it. I’m contemplating buying Becker again, but I’m curious as to what others think is the best material and why? I live in MT and there are no live courses but Becker does have online courses so I’m also contemplating trying that instead of just the self-study course I have done in the past. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[Biff Tannen]

If you already used Becker and failed, then why would you drop another $3K on the course? I would switch it up and use another course. If you're good at teaching yourself and learning the material through a constant bloodbath of difficult MCQ's, then sign up for Gleim. If you learn best through videos then sign up for Roger.

I think Becker does a fair job of explaining the material. If you couldn't pass with Becker, which is noted as the best CPA review course on the market, then is it a review course issue? Maybe you weren't putting in the time to study?

[hannah]

It wasn’t the study material. It was me not studying enough…I just went through the materials and didn’t actually study like I should have. Which is why I’m still considering Becker. I actually didn’t even open 2 of the 4 books, I just wasn’t into studying at all at that point in my life.

[Stony]

I've been using CPAExcel and passed FAR and AUD (waiting on BEC and REG scores). I think the testbank and lectures are very helpful and it doesn't expire which is a plus! I wouldn't recommend CPAExcel for the BEC section though, as the cost accounting lectures are horrible and the MCQ and Sim explanations are very short and don't give much explanation.

[RaulB]

This is something unrelated, but I think to myself that how's life. Roll Forward Specialist does show his age in the picture. It's tough and we all have to change physically. With him having gone over the bloodbath of Gleim that really must have been hell and it shows. He probably looked different like 10 years ago. I am considering taking Gleim when I start with my CPA review prep, but definitely want to supplement it with Ninja.

[cpa1234]

I think it's hard to say what is the best review course for any particular person. I used Becker self-study, but I didn't even open the Reg or Audit books. I was always listening to lectures in the car or at my desk at work when I had free time so I never had my books around. I still think Becker was the reason I passed the exams, but I did what was best for me which was listening to lectures in my free time anywhere, taking my own extensive notes during or after listening, doing all MCQ and skills practice, doing sims after I was done all the lectures during my final study week, and reading my personal notes over and over whenever I had free time anywhere. I can't speak on other study materials, but it's not only finding a good study program, if it's self-study, you have to use it in the way it will help you the most.

[chandler]

@Hannah,
I would try free trials of all of the major ones (Becker/Wiley/Gleim/Rogers). You will find there is no consensus to which one is best. Many people are very happy with the one they choose, and some are always unhappy. I think you already have the right idea since you know that you will not pass with any of them if there is not significant effort.
By the way, I used Becker and it was sufficient so that I did not need to supplement with any other material. That being said- I feel I could have probably passed easily with any of the majors. Key is just getting the one you don't mind spending time with.

[Author]

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