Best Study Materials for US CPA Exam 2026 — Top Review Courses Compared

The US CPA exam has a large, demanding syllabus, and the study materials you choose make a real difference to how efficiently you prepare. Most candidates use a dedicated CPA review course rather than studying from scratch. This guide explains the types of US CPA study materials, the main review providers, and how to choose what's right for you — in clear, plain language. (CPA review offerings change over time, so check current features and the latest exam coverage before buying.) It's part of our support for those pursuing professional accounting qualifications.

Why most candidates use a review course

The CPA exam covers an enormous amount of material across its Core and Discipline sections, and tests it through both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBS). A dedicated CPA review course packages the syllabus into structured lessons, provides large question banks, and — crucially — gives you realistic simulation practice. Trying to prepare without one is much harder, which is why the overwhelming majority of candidates invest in a review course.

What a CPA review course includes

A typical CPA review course provides:

• Video lectures — explaining each topic.
• Textbooks or study guides — the written content.
• A large bank of multiple-choice questions — the core of effective practice.
• Task-based simulations — the case-style questions that mirror part of the real exam.
• Practice exams — full mocks under exam-like conditions.
• Progress tracking and (often) adaptive technology — directing you to your weak areas.

The main review providers

Several well-established providers dominate the CPA review market — names such as Becker, Wiley (UWorld), Surgent and Gleim, among others. Each has its own style, strengths and price point: some are known for comprehensive video teaching, others for adaptive question technology, large simulation banks, or value for money. There's no single "best" course for everyone — the right one depends on how you learn and what you value. Many providers offer free trials, which are well worth using to see which suits you before committing.

How to choose the right materials

A few factors should guide your choice:

• Your learning style — do you learn best from video, reading, or doing questions? Pick a course whose emphasis matches.
• Question and simulation quality — since MCQs and TBS practice are where exam skill is built, the size and realism of the question bank matters a lot.
• Adaptive technology — courses that direct you to weak areas can make study more efficient.
• Budget — prices vary widely; weigh cost against what you'll actually use.
• Current exam coverage — make sure the course is fully updated for the current CPA exam model and sections.

The study commitment

It helps to be realistic about the effort the CPA demands, because that shapes how you use your materials. Candidates typically spend a substantial number of hours per section — often well over a hundred each — spread across weeks of preparation, frequently alongside full-time work. That means your materials need to support sustained, efficient study: clear lessons you can work through in manageable chunks, a question bank big enough to keep practising right up to the exam, and progress tracking so you always know where you stand. Planning your study schedule around your NTS validity windows — so you sit each section while it's authorised — is just as important as the materials themselves. Good materials make the hours count; they don't remove the need to put them in.

Using your materials well

Whatever you choose, how you use it matters most. Watch the lectures to build understanding, then spend the bulk of your time on questions and simulations — the CPA exam is passed through practice, not passive reading. Use the practice exams to rehearse under realistic conditions and check your readiness. Work on your weak areas rather than re-covering what you already know. And don't spread yourself across too many resources — one good review course, used thoroughly, beats dabbling in several. Consistent, practice-led study is the reliable route through.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a CPA review course?

Most candidates use one. The CPA syllabus is large and tested through MCQs and task-based simulations, and a review course provides the structure, question banks and simulation practice needed to prepare efficiently.

What does a CPA review course include?

Video lectures, study guides, a large multiple-choice question bank, task-based simulations, practice exams, and often progress tracking and adaptive technology.

Who are the main CPA review providers?

Well-known providers include Becker, Wiley (UWorld), Surgent and Gleim, among others — each with its own style, strengths and price. Free trials help you choose.

How do I choose the right course?

Match it to your learning style, weigh the quality of the questions and simulations, consider adaptive technology and budget, and ensure it's fully updated for the current CPA exam model.

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