Choosing the right CPA review course is no small decision — it can literally make or break your exam experience. The course you trust will shape how confident you feel walking into that testing center. Will you go with Gleim, the tried-and-true classic known for its insanely detailed materials and that reassuring “keep going until you pass” guarantee? Or maybe Surgent, the modern favorite that’s all about adaptive tech and shorter study times?
Here’s a reality check: in the first half of 2025, the lowest CPA exam section pass rate was just 37.64%. That’s tough — but with the right prep, you don’t have to be part of that statistic.
I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Let’s find the course that fits you.
Gleim or Surgent: Which CPA Course Should You Choose?
- Go with Gleim if you want depth over speed — their 10,000+ MCQs, 1,300+ sims, and detailed answer explanations make it the gold standard for mastering every topic.
- Pick Gleim if you like structure, accountability, and personal support — their counselors, SmartAdapt™ guidance, and PrepPal AI keep you focused and on track.
- Stick with Gleim if you want unlimited access until you pass and practice exams tougher than the real thing (better overprepared than surprised).
- Try Surgent if you’re short on time — it’s a fully adaptive platform that cuts study hours and focuses only on your weak areas.
- Choose Surgent if you want a budget-friendly option with bite-sized video lessons and ReadySCORE™ progress tracking.
Gleim vs Surgent CPA Review Course: A Head-to-Head
Choosing between Gleim and Surgent CPA is a bit like picking between classic rock and pop — both have loyal fans, but the right one hits differently depending on your style. Only this time, the choice isn’t about playlists — it’s about passing the CPA exam and building the career you’ve been working toward.
So which one will actually get you across the finish line?
Gleim CPA Review: The Benchmark for Serious Preppers
Gleim CPA Review has been around for over 50 years, and they’ve helped more than a million CPA candidates. Well-known for its detailed answer explanations, exhaustive test bank, and unlimited access until you pass, Gleim is the go-to for anyone who likes the no stone left unturned approach. Gleim’s practice exams are notoriously tough, to the point where some say they’re harder than the actual CPA exam. So you’ll be ready for anything on exam day with Gleim.
Packages
- Traditional: A straightforward, no-frills option with over 10,000 MCQs, 1,600+ task-based simulations, digital (and optional printed) textbooks, audio lectures, a personal counselor, and 18 months of access with SmartAdapt guidance.
- Premium: Includes everything in the Traditional tier plus 100+ hours of video lectures, digital flashcards, final review mode, eight full-length mock exams, unlimited access until you pass, and access to accounting experts.
- Premium Pro: Includes everything in Premium, plus exclusive access to PrepPal AI, their brand new adaptive study planner, plus live webinars, a simulation bank, and a ton of top-tier prep tools. This one is for you if you want the smartest and most supportive CPA review Gleim offers.
Pros
- Now features PrepPal AI, an adaptive study planner powered by AI
- A massive question bank with 10,000+ MCQs and 1,300+ task-based simulations
- Unlimited practice exams and full-length mock exams
- Detailed explanations for both right and wrong answers
- Access until you pass
Cons
- The whole thing can feel overwhelming because of the sheer volume of practice materials, but you’re in the “more is always better” crowd like me, so this probably isn’t a con
When reviewing Gleim’s CPA courses, I honestly felt like I was training for the CPA Olympics. But over-prepared is better than under-prepared, right?
“I’ve been using Gleim too, and it’s actually been working pretty well for me. I tried Ninja first, but it didn’t really prep me enough for Sims, and Becker helped with some tricky topics, but felt kinda rigid, and I couldn’t really focus on the stuff I was bad at. Gleim’s SmartAdapt plan is nice cause it gives a roadmap, but also lets me drill weak spots. The MCQs and sims really help me get the “why” behind everything. For the price, Gleim’s solid. As long as you actually study, it’ll get you there.”
Reddit —u/AuditAfterDark
Gleim CPA Review
Surgent CPA Review: The Affordable Contender for Busy Test-Takers
Surgent CPA Review is the new kid on the block, but don’t let that fool you. They’ve been making waves with a platform that’s built around adaptive learning technology that personalizes your CPA study plan and focuses on speed and efficiency. Their ReadySCORE system estimates your actual exam performance, which helps you focus on what you need and nothing else.
Surgent claims that some students prep in as little as 58 hours, which almost sounds too good to be true, but hey, if you’re short on time, I’d say it’s worth a shot!
Packages
- Essentials Pass: The most affordable option, this gives you the core CPA study tools: 7,700+ MCQs, 400+ simulations, 700+ bite-sized video lessons, digital textbooks, and unlimited access to Surgent’s full adaptive learning platform.
- Premier Pass: Their mid-tier package adds printed textbooks and flashcards to all Essentials features, along with unlimited access until you pass. Perfect if you want physical study materials, but you don’t need all the extras in the Ultimate package.
- Ultimate Pass: Includes everything in Essentials, plus printed textbooks, digital flashcards, audio lectures, integrated CPA Exam coaching, more practice exams, and bonus CPE courses, with unlimited access for a more well-rounded prep experience.
Pros
- Adaptive learning technology for personalized study process
- Quick study and fewer practice questions at only 6,000+ MCQs
- Affordable pricing and financing options
- Detailed answer explanations and interactive study planner
- Access until you pass
Cons
- Fewer practice questions and task-based simulations than Gleim
- Their materials are less in-depth, which might not be the best for anyone who needs to do a deep dive
If you’re the type who likes to Marie Kondo—you know if you know!–your study materials, and you only want to focus on what brings joy, where joy would be test points, then Surgent might be your better pick. Check out my review of Surgent CPA courses to learn more.
“I used Surgent for the 3rd round and passed 3 of 4 exams. Life happened, and I quit pursuing my CPA, but here I am 14 years later, looking to give it another go. Since I didn’t pass the exam, the “use till you pass” guarantee was honored, and I have access to the study platform again, without fee. So I’m definitely glad I went with Surgent.”
Reddit u/Relevant-Fun-1187
Surgent CPA Review
Feature Comparison: Gleim vs Surgent CPA
| Feature |  |  |
| Access Length | Until you pass | Until you pass |
| Price | $1,249 to $2,499 | $799 to $1699 |
| Multiple-Choice Questions | 10,000+ | 6,000+ |
| Money-Back Guarantee |  | |
| Live/On-Demand Instruction | On-demand only | On-demand, some live options |
| Study Notes & Digital Textbooks | | |
| Customer Support | Personal counselors, email/phone/chat | Personal academic support |
| Adaptive Learning Tech | SmartAdapt, PrepPal AI in Premium Pro | Fully adaptive learning platform |
| Mock Exams | Unlimited full-length mock exams | Unlimited practice exams |
| Audio Lectures | | |
| Mobile App | | |
| Flashcards | | |
| Supplemental Resources | Final review, audio lectures | ReadySCORE™, Crash Course |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
Gleim vs Surgent CPA: A Deep Dive into their Features
Let’s dig into the nuts and bolts and take a look at where the review courses really set themselves apart.
Course Content and Structure
Gleim
Gleim’s CPA review course is all about depth and flexibility. Everything is online and self-paced, and with access until you pass, you don’t have to worry about running out of time. Their test bank is legendary, with more than 10,000 multiple-choice questions and over 1,300 task-based simulations. You can track missed questions, create custom quizzes, and even simulate the actual test with unlimited full-length mock exams.
Gleim also provides tons of supplemental resources, including audio lectures, digital textbooks, and flashcards. If you’re a visual or auditory learner, this is where you want to be.
They recently launched PrepPal™, an AI-powered study assistant built right into the Gleim platform. Unlike SmartAdapt™, which guides your study path, PrepPal™ is there when you hit a wall. Stuck on a tricky concept or term? You can ask PrepPal™ to summarize, define, give examples, or highlight key points—instantly. It’s like having a personal tutor on call 24/7 to turn “wait, what?” moments into “got it!” ones, so you can keep your momentum without breaking your flow.
All Gleim CPA prep courses include SmartAdapt™ for personalized study planning, while the Premium Pro package adds PrepPal™, your AI study companion for on-demand clarity and confidence.
Surgent
Surgent’s review course is also fully online and self-paced, but it leans very heavily into its adaptive learning technology. The course includes over 6,000 multiple-choice questions and 400+ task-based simulations, which is fewer than Gleim, but they’re delivered in a way that will help you optimize your study time.
Surgent’s big draw is ReadySCORE™. It projects your potential CPA exam score so you know when you’re ready. You can track wrong answers, customize quizzes, and get feedback in real-time. They also offer video lectures, audio lectures, digital flashcards, and a crash course for any last-minute review.
When I tested Surgent, I kind of felt like the adaptive learning was a very efficient robot tutor. It was there, helping to remove anything unnecessary from my study plan. And that means users can focus on what really matters the most. Good robot!
How Their Tech and Videos Stack Up
Gleim
Gleim’s platform is easy to navigate, quick to load, and dependable. It’s like the sensible sedan of CPA prep course platforms! The mobile app works well, but I think it’s the desktop experience where Gleim really shines. The course includes over 100 hours of video lectures that are engaging and easy to follow. The video content is clear, with play speed options and solid note-taking features. So if you prefer a direct, no frills type of delivery, you’ll feel right at home here.
And a side note here. During my review, I found myself using the speed controls like I was fast-forwarding through commercials while watching cable. It’s a super handy feature when you’re doing a bit of a refresher and going through things a second—or third!—time. I also really like their YouTube channel and what they offer there.
Surgent
Surgent’s platform looks sharp and loads quickly, whether you’re studying on your laptop or phone. The mobile app is simple to use and lets you sneak in a few questions anywhere — between classes, during lunch, or while waiting for coffee.
Their videos are short and to the point — over 700 bite-sized lessons designed to fit a single concept into a few minutes. In theory, this setup makes it easy to study in small chunks instead of sitting through hour-long lectures. You can adjust playback speed, take notes right on-screen, and track your progress as you go.
That said, not everyone finds the videos engaging. One Surgent user summed it up perfectly:
“I tried some MCQs and scored around 40%. Then I switched to watching the lectures, but honestly, they feel like a waste of time since it’s mostly just reading slides without much explanation.”
Many Surgent users say they prefer to skip the built-in lectures altogether and use outside videos from other creators for deeper explanations. So while Surgent’s platform makes it easy to move fast, it may not be the best fit if you learn through in-depth teaching or need more verbal breakdowns.
But are They Worth it?
Gleim
Okay, let’s talk about value. Gleim’s value comes from their unlimited access until you pass and their solid money-back guarantee. There is no expiration date to this course, meaning you don’t need to stress yourself—on top of the already present stress of studying—and move at a pace you might not be comfortable with. If you need more time or a break, you can do so because you made a wise investment. Even better, you can make that investment after using their risk-free trial and maybe opting for one of their payment plans.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to marinate in content when you’re learning something, Gleim’s value is hard to beat. And I don’t know about you, but knowing there’s no pressure about a cutoff date means you don’t need to stress when life or procrastination steps in. You can save with a Gleim CPA discount code for even more value.
Surgent
Surgent also offers unlimited access until you pass, so you never have to worry about your course expiring. Their pass guarantee, flexible financing options, and free trial make it easy to try the platform risk-free. And with their adaptive study process, most candidates finish efficiently, but you’ll have as much time as you need.
If you like knowing you have full support for the entire CPA journey, Surgent’s value is excellent, especially if you’re a motivated, budget-conscious user who wants a tech-driven prep experience.
How Does Their Support Compare?
Gleim
If there’s one thing Gleim gets constant praise for, it’s their customer service. Their support team isn’t just fast — they’re genuinely invested in helping you pass. You can reach out by chat, phone, or email and actually talk to real people who know the CPA exam inside and out. Their personal counselors walk you through setup, help you build your study plan, and even check in when you’ve gone quiet (yes, that really happens).
When I tested the platform, I reached out with a few basic setup questions — and within minutes, a counselor responded with not only answers, but encouragement. That level of responsiveness stands out, especially in a world where most test prep companies route you through endless help tickets.
And because Gleim’s access never expires, their support doesn’t either. Whether you pass in six months or two years, your materials and your counselor are still there. It’s the kind of long-haul commitment that makes you feel like you’re not doing this alone.
Surgent
Surgent’s support team is also strong, especially for quick, practical help. You can connect via live chat or email, and their academic coaches do a good job keeping students on track with personalized study advice. Like Gleim, Surgent offers unlimited access until you pass, so you don’t have to worry about course expiration.
However, their support feels a bit more structured and less personal — efficient, but not as hand-holding. It’s great if you’re self-motivated and just need the occasional nudge, but if you like having someone who remembers your name and progress, Gleim still wins here.
Final Verdict
Both Gleim and Surgent are solid CPA prep options, but Gleim CPA Review comes out on top for most candidates. It’s the clear winner if you want depth, structure, and the kind of support that sticks with you until you pass. With over 10,000+ practice questions, detailed explanations, unlimited access, and truly responsive personal counselors, Gleim gives you everything you need to feel confident on exam day — not just prepared, but overprepared in the best way possible.
That said, Surgent CPA Review still deserves credit for its adaptive tech and efficiency. If you’re short on time or prefer a lighter, faster study experience, it’s a great fit.
But for anyone serious about mastering every topic and walking into the exam without second-guessing a thing, Gleim is the smarter, safer investment.
FAQ
Yes, Gleim CPA Review provides a comprehensive curriculum, massive question bank, unlimited practice exams, and personal support, making it more than enough for most candidates to pass the CPA exam.
It’s difficult to pinpoint which CPA exam review course has the highest pass rate, as most companies do not publicly release official statistics. What matters most is finding a course that fits your learning style and needs.
Both Gleim and Becker CPA are respected review providers, each with their own strengths. The best choice depends on your learning style, study needs, and budget.
Gleim usually takes around 300–400 study hours since it’s more detailed. Surgent’s adaptive tech can cut that time down by focusing only on your weak spots.
Surgent. Its short video lessons and adaptive quizzes make it easier to digest concepts quickly. Gleim is more text-heavy and great for self-paced, detail-oriented learners.
No worries — both include “access until you pass” guarantees, so you can keep studying without paying extra until you earn that CPA title.
Yes. Both courses base their content on the AICPA Blueprint, so every topic and skill you study matches what’s tested on the CPA exam.
Yes. Gleim includes over 1,600 simulations — more than twice Surgent’s 400–500. It’s the better choice if you want lots of hands-on practice.
