Though the IRS does not publish pass rates for the EA exam, estimates range between 60% and 80%.
The secret to boosting your chances to pass? Don’t just buy a review course; buy the right EA review course for you.
I’ll help you compare two top prep providers, Gleim vs. Fast Forward Academy, in a face-off of epic proportions to help you determine which better suits your study style. I’ll cover pricing, practice materials, video and audio lessons, guarantees, value, and so much more.
Let’s get started!
Gleim vs. Fast Forward Academy: Which One Is Right for You?
- If you want the largest test bank, Gleim’s 3,500+ multiple-choice questions give you more practice than Fast Forward Academy’s 3,000.
- If you need full-length mock exams, then Gleim is the better choice, offering up to six simulated exams, while Fast Forward Academy doesn’t include any.
- If you want personal coaching and expert support, Gleim provides one-on-one guidance with accounting professionals, unlike Fast Forward Academy’s student-only forums.
- If you value a money-back guarantee, Gleim’s Premium EA Review System refunds 100% of your purchase if you don’t pass, while Fast Forward Academy does not offer a pass guarantee.
- If you prefer a streamlined, distraction-free study plan, Fast Forward Academy’s minimalist approach helps you stay focused without unnecessary extras.
- If you like an active student community, Fast Forward Academy’s online forums provide a space to ask questions, connect with peers, and stay motivated.
Gleim Overview
Gleim is known for their EA review course, but they’re also known in the CPA, CMA, and CIA spaces. Across every exam they cover, students know them for their vast, exam-quality question banks and detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers.
If you want the most bang for your buck, Gleim is the place to look. Whereas Fast Forward Academy focuses on reducing overwhelm by giving students only the bare necessities, Gleim goes above and beyond to give students everything they need to pass the EA exam—and then some.
“I used Gleim, and it was great. I passed all my exams the first time with max scores.”
u/CPUWiz
Gleim EA
Fast Forward Academy Overview
Fast Forward Academy is a much smaller company, but they are frequently recommended, and their students see great success. Though there are only 184 reviews, FFA boasts a 4.9-star average rating on Google Reviews.
They take a wildly different approach compared to Gleim. Rather than giving you “all the things,” Fast Forward Academy prefers a more minimalistic approach to help students stay focused and not get sidetracked by distracting bonuses.
“I used FFA and passed all three exams in 6 weeks. I had a little under 2 years experience at the time.”
u/Jackweez
So, which course reigns supreme? Let’s take a closer look.
Gleim vs Fast Forward Academy EA Course Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 to $799 | $549 to $699 |
| Financing | Starts at $46 to $73/mo | Starts at $45 to $57/mo |
| Discounts | Save $349 | No Discounts |
| Access | 12 Months ORAccess Until You Pass® Guarantee | Access Until You Pass |
| Practice Questions | 3,500+ MCQs | 3,000+ MCQs |
| Mock Exams | Up to 6 Full-Length Simulated Exams | N/A |
| Video Lectures | 30+ Hours | 15+ Hours(Across 100+ Videos) |
| Support | Email, Phone, Chat, Personal Counselors, Accounting Experts | Email, Phone, Chat, Online Community |
| Learn More | Start Now | Start Now |
Gleim vs Fast Forward Academy
Of the two courses, Gleim tested out better than Fast Forward Academy. Here are a few reasons why:
- Double the Video Lecture Hours
- Superior Support with Personal Coaching and Study Assistance
- 500+ Additional Practice Questions
- Up to Six Full-Length Simulated Mock Exams (Compared to None)
- Bonuses Like Audio Lectures, Up to 72 Hours of CPE, Final Review Mode, and a Study Planner
That’s a more birds-eye view of my rationale, but there’s so much more to discuss. And, of course, my opinion is just that: an opinion. Chances are, we’ll uncover information in the following sections that could sway your view of the courses. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Course Content and Structure
Both courses operate on a similar premise: study guides, practice materials, and video lectures. However, there are some key differences between them.
Generally speaking, what Fast Forward Academy has, Gleim also has—and has more of. Though both have unlimited practice exams, Gleim has 3,500 practice questions to FFA’s 3,000 multiple-choice questions, 30 hours of video lectures compared to FFA’s 15, and the inclusion of both ebooks and printed textbooks rather than FFA having students choose one or the other.
You’re also looking at a similar structure: learn, practice, monitor your progress, and improve. Both EA review courses offer adaptive learning technology and detailed performance reports so students can bolster their weaknesses, monitor their progress, and recognize when they’re truly exam-ready.
🏆 Winner: The courses have a similar structure and central content, but Gleim offers more materials overall, appealing to a wider variety of learning styles and ensuring students have what they need to pass.
Video Lectures
Visual and auditory learners are estimated to comprise 80 to 95% of students, driving home the importance of video content.
We know that Gleim offers 30 video hours compared to Fast Forward Academy’s 15 video hours, but what is the quality of those video hours? Are the videos fun and engaging or as dry as the desert? Do the videos help students learn, or are they a series of teachers reading directly from the textbooks and off of the slides?
For Gleim, you can look forward to instruction from CPA, attorney, and lecturer Nate Wadlinger, who has a 4.8-star average rating on Rate My Professors. He’s known for his great sense of humor and engaging presentations that keep students interested in material that isn’t always exciting.
An anonymous review of Wadlinger’s class from a Florida State University student reads:
“LOVE his enthusiasm and ability to stimulate interest in the material. Actually, it gets class hype about tax. Encouraged volunteer work that was relevant to coursework and gave a deeper understanding of the material; it was also rewarding. BEST instructor ever.”
However, students also enjoy FFA’s video lessons, particularly the boot camp sessions.
🏆 Winner: Though both courses have outstanding video lectures, Gleim features double the video hours and instruction from beloved lecturer Nate Wadlinger, giving it the win.
Access, Guarantees, and Value
Comparing the value between Fast Forward Academy and Gleim is interesting because Gleim represents both the high and low price points available. So technically, while Gleim is cheaper, it’s also more expensive.
As for access, both companies feature access until you pass policies, but Fast Forward Academy features this policy for every single package. Meanwhile, Gleim’s Access Until You Pass® Guarantee only applies to the Premium EA Review System.
I know it’s hard to even consider, but it’s important to address: What happens if you fail your exam? FFA supports a 30-day refund policy, but they don’t have a pass guarantee. However, Gleim’s Premium course is eligible for a 100% money-back refund if you fail the EA exam.
🏆 Winner: Gleim’s packages and pricing offer more variety so students can pick the perfect prep course, and their Access Until You Pass® and money-back pass guarantees add tons of value.
Student Support
Student support can be the most or least important aspect of EA prep courses, depending on whether you’re interested in self-study or guided learning. So, let’s talk about it.
Both courses have traditional customer service channels like email, phone, and chat. However, this is where the two diverge: Gleim EA Review features personal coaching via personal counselors and a direct hotline to get your enrolled agent questions answered by accounting experts.
On the other hand, Fast Forward Academy has an online community where students can interact with their peers and instructors. Many reviewers mention the benefit of this community, more so for motivation and feeling less alone in the energy-depleting experience of hardcore study than to boost their score or learn additional study tricks.
“What could be better than a personalized experience? Well, a community of folks experiencing the same apprehensions, headaches, and joys when we have that aha moment!”
Debbie F.
🏆 Winner: Gleim’s personalized study support and 1-on-1 support with industry professionals are great value-adds, but Fast Forward Academy’s online community has been a game-changer for many students. This one is too close to call!
Gleim EA Discount
Want to get the best price on Gleim EA Review? Save $349 on your course and access premium exam prep for less with these EA course discounts.
Take advantage of this offer today and start studying with Gleim’s massive test bank, adaptive learning tools, and expert-led support.
Fast Forward Academy Discount
Looking for the best deal on Fast Forward Academy EA Review? No Discounts with our exclusive coupon code, and get high-quality EA exam prep at a lower price.
Don’t miss this chance to boost your exam readiness while keeping more money in your pocket—claim your discount now!
Final Verdict
Both courses offer solid study materials, but Gleim goes above and beyond with 500+ additional exam-quality practice questions, six full-length mock exams, personal coaching, a Q&A hotline to accounting experts, 30+ hours of expert-led video lectures, and a 100% money-back pass guarantee included in the Premium EA Review System.
Whichever package you choose, I sincerely believe you’re in good hands, so I won’t hold it against you if you prefer Fast Forward Academy’s focus on efficiency and sleek, minimalistic feel. I know you have what it takes to pass, and I wish you the best of luck in your EA journey!
FAQs
Yes! Gleim EA offers 3,500+ practice questions, unlimited exams, video lectures, and a money-back guarantee, making it one of the most comprehensive prep courses.
Fast Forward Academy is a decent option with a user-friendly platform, but it has fewer practice questions and less detailed content than top EA course providers like Gleim and Becker.
Becker EA Review is great for structured learning, Gleim EA Review offers the largest test bank and in-depth coverage, the Surgent EA Review provides adaptive learning for efficient study, and Lambers EA review offers a great way to study one part at a time.
The best way to prepare is to buy a high-quality enrolled agent exam prep course, follow a structured study plan, take full-length practice exams, and focus on weaker topics.
The EA exam is challenging but manageable. Most candidates take 2–3 months per part, and with proper prep, the pass rates for each section range from 60-80%.
