[Evero]

My Becker expired and it was gold except for lectures. Roger is about to expire but I’m getting mixed results and weak scores but the lectures are gold. But we all know the lectures don’t matter much, it’s the test-banks that matter.
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They now both offer unlimited course access, talk about BAD TIMING FOR ME! What is working for you guys? I worked my tail off for AUD with Roger and got a 73… I’m just unsure about his test-banks… They seem weak compared to Becker. I have BEC passed with Roger. I have also passed FAR with Becker but that was before the exam format change. I’m confused. Hurts to keep losing your review programs and also hurts when you bust your ass and your current review program lets you down… Any insight?

[AnAccountant]

I used WileyCPAExcel to study for all four of my exams and passed all four on the first try, so obviously I'd recommend Wiley to anyone. All I did to study was watch every single video lecture and answer all of the post lesson questions. I would also take a practice exam or two the week before the test and that same week I would take multiple choice exams in sets of 10 questions from the unlimited test bank that Wiley offers. Honestly, I think the study materials that work the best just depend on what the companies offer and how you learn best.

[Asja]

@AnAccountant – I'm using WileyCPAExcel too – I find that it is very straightforward and I always know my progress…I really can't say enough good things about it and I hope to pass on the first try too!

When you did the questions at the end of each lesson – did you do them in exam mode or study mode? So, you didn't read the textbook either? I find I can read the bullet point content under each video lesson – it breaks it down very well…probably just as good as read the textbook.

[Jen200215]

I just took FAR for the FOURTH time and passed with an 86 with Yaeger and supplemented with Ninja MCQ. I had used Roger with Ninja MCQ previously and couldn't score higher then a 70. You could say proof is in the numbers, but it's really just finding what works for you.

[chandler]

This is an interesting topic, but I doubt you'll find many meaningful answers since everyone has different preferences. You'll find people who feel strongly about programs one way or the other (success vs. failure). I used Becker exclusively and will say that in my opinion that it was more than sufficient. That being said, I think I could have passed with any of the major programs. I know people who have passed with Roger or Becker or Gleim or Wiley. I also know people who have failed with each of these. To my knowledge, there isn't a single course that produces consistently higher pass rates. I do think it's important to choose one you don't mind spending some time with since it is such a commitment. If you haven't had luck with two of the majors, there may be more to the equation. Perhaps, you should consider how you're studying, how much you're studying, and if there is something you should do differently. I think they almost all have free trials. Try them out and see if any of them jive better with you. Good luck with the exams!

[Jimmy Dugan]

They all work and they generally all have the same test bank. I like Becker but I still had to supplement with material outside of the course, even as comprehensive as it was. I used Roger to pass one but didn't like it as much because I felt like he ran through complex topics too quickly. If you move onto another one and pass, it's not likely that it's because the next course you pick is better. More likely to be you having more total study time and exam experience under your belt. You wouldn't be making a terrible mistake by going back with either Becker or Roger. You also would be fine moving on to any of the big names if you wanted to try something else. I think the best thing you could do is get the Ninja test bank and do a bunch of questions, then use the progress report to see which areas you are struggling in. Study those like hell.

You aren't that far out with a 73. Just plug your leaks and you will be golden.

[AnAccountant]

@BrightLight I always answered the questions in study mode on Wiley for everything. That way I could read what was wrong about my answer right away after I chose it and could connect it with what the question was. I feel like it is too easy to skip over what you got right/wrong if you answer all of the questions and then review all answers at the end.

[PNS2CLT]

It's not the review program. ALL programs sufficiently cover the material that's necessary to pass the exam, and offer (mostly) the same MCQ. That said, if your review program is not ‘clicking' for you, you should explore changing it up. Each program offers either a free (sometimes limited) trial or sample — spend some time experimenting to see which one is for you; don't assume Becker is the best because it may not work for you either.

[Asja]

The answer that “all programs sufficiently cover the material” is what got me in trouble in the first place…I chose the wrong program because I thought it “clicked” when in reality, I didn't receive their printed material until after I paid them, and even during the first 10 days that I could get my refund, I realized that it wasn't right for me the second I looked at their textbooks and flashcards…guess what? There is the $300 non-refundable fee if you decide to get a refund…So, make sure that you choose a program that will refund you the whole amount if you decide it ins't right for you, because the free trials only give you a part of the picture.

[Jimmy Dugan]

@Roze et. al.

If you are talking about Surgent again, their text is online and you could easily have seen it during the free trial. I did their free trial and know that to be the case. I actually don't blame them for not doing a 100% money back guarantee. So many people buy review courses and set out to become CPA's, only to find out that it's really hard and then want to get a refund because surely it's the course's fault they don't understand this stuff, right?!

At any rate, the point is that none of them are perfect. The review courses are great tools to help you pass but in the end, it's the archer, not the arrow, that really makes the difference.

[Author]

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