Are you getting ready for the EA Exam and looking for a review course that actually helps? Smart move. Becker and Gleim EA are great options to consider.
More schools are recognizing the value of the Enrolled Agent credential—at least 77 community colleges now include EA prep in their programs, and that number continues to grow each year.
As someone who reviews exam prep courses, I’ve seen a lot of what’s out there. Out of the top EA prep courses on the market, two names consistently rise to the top: Becker and Gleim. Both are strong options, but they’re designed for very different learning styles. From the videos to the adaptive tools, here’s what I found—and which one gives you the best shot at passing with confidence on your first try.
Becker or Gleim EA Review: Picking the Right EA Prep Course
- If You’re a Guided Learner: Becker EA’s adaptive learning tech and AI tutor keep your study plan focused and personalized from day one.
- If You’re a Practice-Heavy Learner: Gleim EA’s massive test bank and unlimited practice tests let you drill every topic until it clicks.
- If You’re a Visual Learner: Becker EA’s short, high-quality video lectures make complex tax concepts easier to understand and remember.
- If You’re a Traditional Self-Starter: Gleim EA’s detailed textbooks and written explanations are perfect if you like studying independently at your own pace.
- If You Want Long-Term Access: Becker’s Pro package gives you unlimited access, while Gleim’s Premium option lets you study until you pass the EA exam.
Becker EA Review: Guided Learning, Smarter Tech
When I tested Beckers’ EA exam review, it gave me the kind of structure I wish every course had. The setup felt clean and fast, no digging through tabs or clicking around to find things. Adapt2U kicked in right away, showing me what to focus on instead of wasting time on stuff I already knew.
I tested the Newt™ AI that Becker offers, and it actually surprised me. It answered questions instantly and explained why I missed something in plain English, not in that confusing textbook tone. The video lectures were quick, clear, and easy to follow, even after work when my brain was fried.
The ability to run unlimited practice tests was a huge plus. I used them to check if what I learned actually stuck, and it did. Becker EA doesn’t feel like just another prep course; it feels like one that respects your time.
Which Becker Package Is Right for You?
- EA Review Pro: Full Becker experience with unlimited course access, pass guarantee, printed books, and every study tool included.
➡️ Best for candidates who want complete prep and unlimited time to study. - EA Review Essentials: Core Becker course with adaptive tech, AI support, and digital materials for one year of access.
➡️ Best for independent learners who prefer a shorter, self-paced study plan.
Course Highlights
- Adapt2U Technology with unlimited practice exams
- Newt™ AI Exam Review Assistant
- 3 Simulated Exams (1 per part)
- 3,000+ multiple-choice questions
- 700+ digital flashcards and 300+ SkillBuilder videos
- Printed and digital textbooks
- Private Becker EA Facebook community
Pros
- Newt™ AI Support: Super handy. I used it a bunch for quick, clear explanations when I got stuck.
- Sleek Design: Clean, fast, and easy to use. Didn’t waste time hunting for stuff.
- No Expiration (Pro): I like unlimited access and less pressure if life gets busy.
- Solid Video Lectures: Short, clear, and well-organized. Got to the point fast.
- Smart Progress Tracking: The adaptive dashboard highlights weak areas automatically, helping you focus study time where it matters most.
Cons
- No Live Classes: 100% self-paced, which might not fit every learner.
What Students Are Saying About Becker
“I’m using Becker for EA and I really love it. You get all the same features of the CPA review platform, like the study planner, flash cards, simulated exams, really good user interface that mirrors the Prometric exam exactly. I would definitely recommend it based on my experience so far! Also, the academic support is UNMATCHED.”
Reddit –u/Bananas_8852
Becker EA
Gleim EA Review: Practice Packed and Practical
Gleim has been a trusted name in accounting exam prep for over 45 years, and it shows in the detail of its course. When I tested the Gleim EA Review, the first thing that stood out was the sheer amount of content. There’s no shortage of material here, honestly. It has one of the biggest question banks I’ve seen in any EA exam prep course. You can drill for hours, and every answer includes a full explanation that actually helps you understand the reasoning behind it.
The SmartAdapt™ platform did a solid job identifying my weak areas, but it didn’t feel as intuitive or smooth as Becker’s Adapt2U system. The layout works fine, just a bit dated, and the video lectures feel more like old-school classroom lessons, clear but not exactly exciting.
Still, Gleim’s depth and value make it perfect for self-motivated learners who’d rather overprepare than take chances. Without a doubt, Gliem is a reliable and thorough prep option.
Which Gleim EA Package Is Right for You?
- EA Test Bank: Self-guided access to Gleim’s full question bank, digital books, and mock exams. ➡️ Best for confident self-studiers who just want endless practice questions and a supplement.
- Traditional EA Review: Adds SmartAdapt™ guidance, the interactive study planner, and personal counselor support. ➡️ Best for learners who want structure and some support but still prefer studying solo.
- EA Premium Review: Includes everything: expert-led videos, Access Until You Pass®, double mock exams, CE hours, and digital flashcards.➡️ Best for serious candidates who want full coverage and unlimited study time.
Course Highlights
- SmartAdapt™ Technology for guided, personalized study
- Largest EA test bank with past IRS-released questions
- Realistic exam simulator that mirrors the Prometric testing format
- Up-to-date digital books authored by accounting experts
- Gleim Study Planner to keep your prep on track
- Audio lectures for studying on the go
- Full-length mock exam to test readiness
Pros
- Massive Question Bank: The largest collection of EA exam questions I’ve seen, with detailed explanations for every answer.
- SmartAdapt™ Technology: Helps guide your study plan and keeps you focused on weak areas.
- Access Until You Pass® Guarantee (Premium): Let me study at my own pace with no pressure to rush.
- Realistic Exam Practice: Full-length mock exams mirror the actual Prometric testing experience.
Cons
- Outdated Interface: Functional but looks and feels a bit old-school compared to Becker’s modern layout.
- Less Engaging Video Lectures: Straightforward delivery and very clear, but not interactive or dynamic like Becker.
What Are Students Saying About Gleim?
“I used Gleim. I completed the EA in December. I pretty much followed their suggested format of doing the assessment, then reading each section, then doing the questions online after each reading, then doing the questions in the book for each section. I would suggest following the online road map, and you should be good.”
bbecker203
Gleim EA
Becker vs Gleim EA Feature Comparison
| Feature |  |  |
| Access Length | Unlimited access (Pro package) | 12 months or Access Until You Pass® |
| Price | $499-$799 | $499-$799 |
| MCQs | 3,000+ adaptive practice questions | Largest EA question bank available |
| Video Lessons | 135+ high-quality, on-demand videos | 30+ hours of expert-led videos |
| Guarantees | Pass Guarantee (Pro package) | Access Until You Pass® (Premium) |
| Live vs. On-Demand | Fully on-demand | Fully on-demand |
| Study Notes | Digital and printed textbooks | Digital and physical textbooks |
| Support | Newt™ AI + instructor support | Unlimited academic support + personal counselor |
| Key Technology | Adapt2U™ adaptive learning technology | SmartAdapt™ adaptive learning system |
| Mock Exams | Unlimited simulated exams | Two full-length mock exams per section |
| Additional Features | Digital flashcards, SkillBuilder videos, Pass Guarantee | Audio lectures, final review, CE hours included |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
Becker and Gleim both prepare students for the EA exam, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. Becker focuses on structure, technology, and a guided experience, while Gleim takes a classic, practice-heavy route built on repetition and depth. Here’s how they compare across key areas that matter most to future EAs.
Tech and Learning Experience
- Becker: Clean, modern, and easy to use. The dashboard runs smoothly, and the Adapt2U Technology adjusts your study plan as you go. The real standout is Newt™ AI, which gives instant help right when you need it. The video lectures are short, clear, and easy to follow, perfect for busy study sessions.
- Gleim: Reliable and well-organized. The SmartAdapt™ platform gives clear guidance and helps you see exactly where to focus next. The video lectures are detailed and straightforward, perfect for learners who like to go step by step through every concept.
The Winner: Becker – Slightly ahead for its polished tech and seamless study flow, but Gleim still delivers a strong, steady experience for thorough learners.
Practice Exams, Tools, and Study Materials
- Becker: Streamlined and realistic. The unlimited practice exams mirror the actual EA exam, and the SkillBuilder videos simplify tough topics fast. Everything connects smoothly between quizzes, reviews, and mock exams, making study sessions feel organized and efficient.
- Gleim: Deep and thorough. The question bank is huge, and the mock exams closely match real testing conditions. It’s perfect for drilling and mastering details, though the volume can feel heavy during long study stretches.
The Winner: It’s a tie – Becker wins on smooth integration and tech-driven tools, while Gleim shines with its depth and question volume, two different paths that both get results.
Instructor Support and Guidance
- Becker: Between Newt™ AI and academic support, help is always available. Responses are quick, accurate, and practical, ideal when you’re studying on your own schedule.
- Gleim: Includes personal counselors and expert instructors who offer detailed guidance, though responses can take a bit longer. The feedback is thorough, just more textbook-style.
The Winner: Gleim – better human touch and personalized academic feedback.
Value and Course Access
- Becker: The Pro package includes unlimited course access, a Pass Guarantee, and adaptive features that save time and reduce stress. It’s a higher price upfront, but a long-term investment if you want structured support.
- Gleim: The Premium course offers Access Until You Pass®, CE hours, and two full mock exams per section. It’s a strong deal for the price, though the interface and layout aren’t as advanced.
The Winner: Becker – tech-driven value and unlimited access make it the best long-term choice.
My Final Verdict
After testing both Becker and Gleim, they each bring something solid to the table. Becker is sleek and fast, with smart tech that adapts to you and unlimited practice exams that make studying feel efficient. Great for busy people who want a smoother, guided experience.
Gleim is more traditional, but in a good way. You get a massive question bank, super detailed explanations, and a structure that really drills in the material. It’s thorough, reliable, and built for those who like to dive deep.
If you want a guided, tech-powered study experience with smart tools that keep you on track, choose Becker.
If you’re a self-starter who loves digging into practice questions and mastering every detail at your own pace, go with Gleim.
FAQs
Both are strong EA courses, but Becker EA Review stands out for its adaptive learning technology, smart study tools, and unlimited course access.
Becker’s EA Review Course includes unlimited practice exams that mirror the actual exam format and adapt to your study progress.
Yes, Gleim EA Review uses SmartAdapt™, but it’s less advanced than Becker’s adaptive tech and customized study plan.
Becker’s Pro package provides unlimited course access, while the Essentials plan includes 12 months of EA prep materials.
Becker combines adaptive learning, engaging video lectures, and a built-in Pass Guarantee, making it the most efficient path to EA certification.
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