Disclaimer: As of 2025, Yaeger has stopped operations and no longer offers courses or support. Check out my reviews and comparisons of the top CPA courses.
If you’ve spent any time looking at other review courses, you know that you’re looking at footing a bill that amounts to several thousands of dollars.
Though Yaeger CPA Review isn’t one of the most well-known CPA prep companies, as a more budget-friendly company, I thought they were worth a look.
After all, when Becker’s biggest package runs up to $6,000, budget options are necessary!
Today, we’re going to figure out whether Yaeger CPA is a hidden gem among CPA exam review courses or if they’re just another worthless bargain bin course.
Let’s go!
Yaeger CPA Review Overview
Yaeger CPA Review began when the company’s namesake, Phil Yaeger (PhD, MBA, CPA, CGMA), took a review course to pass the CPA exam. And, while the course did its job, he was unimpressed. As a result, he created his own courses to fix the problems he saw in his experience.
His first class of 13 students grew into a successful company, where Phil and his team now serve tens of thousands of students online, offering review courses that have high quality and affordable pricing.
Yaeger sells their methodology as a “teaching course” in the sense that it isn’t about memorization for them. Yaeger wants candidates to study and understand the actual concepts so that they can answer questions without just hammering MCQs and guessing.
After all, the first purpose of having CPA candidates pass the CPA exam is to make sure they’ll find success as accountants, not test takers.
Here’s what one successful candidate had to say,
“I have been struggling over the past several years to climb the mountain that is the CPA exam. I have tried a few different CPA exam prep courses and I am so glad that I finally found Yaeger CPA Review! Their courses are affordable, the videos and textbooks are engaging and understandable, and the support staff is extraordinary! I completed my first session with Yaeger studying for FAR and just found out that I finally passed! Now I am moving on to AUD with Yaeger. I can’t say enough great things about Sonny and Phil, they are both very helpful and Phil will literally give you his phone number to call with CPA questions you are struggling with. If you are a first time exam candidate or if you have been spinning you wheels for a while I would highly recommend you give Yaeger CPA Review a try.”
Yaeger CPA Review Courses and Features
Yaeger offers two kinds of review course formats: you can purchase each course individually, with four months of access per part, or you can purchase monthly subscriptions for access to the single part of your choice.
Yaeger CPA Course Features
| Features | Course |
|---|---|
| Price | $337 |
| Access Duration | 4 Months |
| Online Textbooks and PDFs | ✅ |
| Hard Copy Textbooks | ✅ |
| Test Bank, Quizzes, and Exams | ✅ |
| 4,000+ MCQs | ✅ |
| 150+ Task-Based Simulations | ✅ |
| Digital Flashcards | ✅ |
| Two 15-Minute Phone Calls (Personal Study Plan and Progress Review) | ✅ |
| Instructor Hotline | ✅ |
| Downloadable MP3 Video Lectures | ✅ |
| Final Review Cram Courses | ✅ |
The main course sells at $337 per part, and again, each part features a 4-month access period. You can extend any part’s duration an additional year for just $99.
Currently, it seems like you can only access the three Core sections: FAR, AUD, and REG. As a result, you should think about where you’ll access the other review course for your Discipline section if you choose to go with Yaeger before they release their Discipline courses.
If your budget is the main concern, I’d recommend supplementing with Ninja CPA, which is just $67 per month for Discipline coverage and more practice questions.
Yaeger CPA Course Subscriptions
| Features | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $155 | $125 | $95 |
| Course Access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Online Textbooks and PDFs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Test Bank, Quizzes, and Exams | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 4,000+ MCQs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 150+ Task-Based Simulations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Digital Flashcards | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Two 15-Minute Phone Calls (Personal Study Plan and Progress Review) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Instructor Hotline | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cancel Anytime | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Downloadable MP3 Video Lectures | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Final Review Cram Courses | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
If you have a lot of time to study, or if you’re just a super-quick learner, you’ll want to consider Yaeger’s monthly subscription options. They have three different options, ranging between $95 and $155 per month.
This can even further reduce your bill, as you can cram quickly and cancel at any time. And, while I don’t recommend this method for everyone, I know some of you studying savants out there will appreciate (and make great use of) this opportunity.
How Does the Yaeger CPA Review Course Stand Out?
There are a few main reasons why Yaeger CPA is unique compared to competitors:
- Affordable Pricing
- Subscription Model
- Excellent Support
- On-the-Go Learning
- Final Review Cram Course
Affordable Pricing
Yaeger CPA Review is one of the most affordable CPA review courses on the market, at just over $1,000 for the three core sections. However, you can save even more money by opting for the subscription model. If you’re a gifted test-taker, you could probably study one month of each section and pay around $300 to $450 for the whole thing.
Subscription Model
Though one of the benefits of Yaeger’s subscription model is the low price, it’s also great because if you find that the content isn’t clicking with you, you can cut your losses and switch. Plus, there’s nothing worse than paying for more than you need. The subscription model is affordable, but it’s also efficient.
Excellent Support
Phil Yaeger and the team truly want to see you succeed. That’s why you get personalized support in the form of two 15-minute phone calls, one to build your study plan and another to review your progress. However, the support goes far beyond that, with forums for Yaeger students and a 24/7 instructor hotline to reach your teachers whenever you need them. This includes Phil Yaeger himself, who truly always seems eager to help. One student, John Conlon, had this to say about their support experience:
“The CPA Exam has been a years long process for me with multiple tests expiring and it is truly unbelievable the service that Phil & the rest of the Staff provide; they have been with me basically on demand every step of the way. Can’t recommend enough.”
On-the-Go Learning
Yaeger makes learning on the go more accessible, thanks to features like their Yaeger flashcards, PDF textbooks, the ability to call the instructor hotline, and downloadable MP3 video lectures. For busy CPA candidates, all of these features are such a huge asset that make fitting study time into your hectic schedule a breeze.
Final Review Cram Course
Yaeger CPA Review also has final review course materials in the form of their cram courses. These courses help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, reinforce key concepts, and help you feel confident and prepared on test day.
Pros
- Affordability: Yaeger stands out as being one of the rare affordable CPA review courses on the market that still offers a quality experience.
- Subscription Option: If you think you’d end up paying for additional access length that you won’t use, you can cut down your cost even further with one of Yaeger’s monthly subscriptions.
- Amazing Reviews: Just spend a few minutes checking out their Google reviews, which have a whopping 4.8-star average rating, if you’re not sure whether they’re the real deal or not.
- Excellent Video Instruction: Phil Yaeger and his team are great at turning “difficult and complex” to “easy and simple.” If video content helps you learn, you’ll benefit from Yaeger instructors’ lectures.
Cons
- No Discipline Section: As of November 2024, Yaeger CPA review offers all three Core sections, but Discipline sections aren’t currently available.
- Infrequent Updates: While yearly updates to content are nice, big changes obviously take a longer time for Yaeger than a large competitor with a giant budget like Becker.
- Grammar and Punctuation Errors: There are several grammatical and punctuation errors throughout Yaeger’s written content, which can make it more difficult to read.
The biggest advantage Yaeger has is its value. This review from a happy student agrees:
“I have passed three of the four sections thus far with Yaeger and have had an easy time navigating through the review. I love that for each course, there has been a mobile friendly audio version and the manner that the lectures are organized to follow the AICPA blueprints, direct and short for time efficiency, and detailed for thorough understanding and practice of the subject matter.
Yaeger has had fantastic communication throughout the process and offers many support groups, special online webisodes, and finds a way to keep you motivated. Personally, I say they’re a better value than you’ll find with the most popular choice. Go with Yaeger.”
Comparing CPA Exam Review Courses
However, there are obviously some downfalls where their competitors have the upper hand. Let’s see where Yaeger CPA stands when compared to their competition.
Yaeger vs UWorld
UWorld took three solid choices (after buying Roger and Wiley), shoved them all together, and somehow made them all worse. Like if you made a cake with great, fresh, high-quality ingredients and left it in the oven too long.
It’s honestly difficult for me to trust them, as the merge has been so messy, and updates have felt few and far between. And don’t get me wrong—it’s not bad, it’s just messy. Merging massive companies takes time.
I far prefer the simplicity and reliability of Yaeger’s singular entity, which ensures consistency and correctness across the board, even if UWorld is more well-known.
Summary: Since UWorld acquired Roger and Wiley, quality, consistency, and correctness have all surprisingly decreased. Meanwhile, Yaeger CPA Review is as reliable as ever.
Yaeger vs Becker
Becker is widely considered to be the “crown jewel” of CPA prep, and for good reason. Since 2007, over 90% of Elijah Watt Sells Award winners have been CPA candidates who studied with Becker. I’ve said it before, but that means one of two things. Either:
- Becker creates outstanding candidates
- Outstanding candidates choose Becker
And both spell good things for them. Though Becker is much more expensive (often by several thousands of dollars, depending on the package), they’re probably a safer bet if you want to pass the first time and outperform your peers. They also have longer access duration, so you don’t have to worry as much about speeding through the content in an effort to save money. This may lead to a clearer brain on exam day.
Summary: Becker is the best, in my opinion. I recommend them more than anything else, in part because they have an outstanding track record of performers. However, the Yaeger CPA review course options are excellent budget alternatives.
Score $1,000 Off Becker CPA Concierge
Yaeger vs Surgent
Of the “Big 3” CPA review course options, Surgent is known for being the most affordable. However, even their smallest package still costs more on sale than the three Core section courses Yaeger CPA Review offers.
Naturally, like Becker, Surgent offers more. 4,000+ more practice questions, 450+ simulations, a companion app, and their adaptive learning technology that predicts and guides exam readiness. As a result, Surgent reports that their students spend a whopping 50% less time studying. On average, that’s around 150 hours or so. And personally, I believe that time is way more valuable than money, so I’d prefer to spend more to save time.
However, that’s an option that a lot of folks just don’t have. So, it really depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to spend upfront to ensure success and a speedier study timeline.
Summary: Again, Surgent is generally a better choice due to their much larger question bank, additional simulations, and their cutting-edge learning technology. However, Yaeger is an excellent choice if you’re not able to afford a pricier package like one from Surgent (or, if you’re just a great test-taker and know you don’t need any bells and whistles to succeed).
Save $629 Surgent CPA Ultimate Pass
Yaeger vs Gleim
Gleim is a titan in the CPA exam prep space, and for good reason. Gleim is known for their Mega Test Bank, which is included in review course packages and is a standalone offer.
This test bank has—wait for it—in excess of 13,500 practice questions. (And yes, their price reflects that.)
And just doing some good old arithmetic lets us know that Gleim has a 9,000+ question edge over Yaeger. However, Phil Yaeger himself also preaches the importance of an in-depth learning experience where you truly understand the concepts over grinding MCQs forever.
So, it really depends on you and which of the learning styles mesh best with your brain.
Summary: Gleim focuses on teaching, of course, but their primary selling point is their huge question bank. Yaeger is much less expensive and focuses on true understanding over memorization. Both companies think teaching and memorization are important, but they seem to view them a little differently.
Save $1,249 On Gleim CPA Traditional
Enjoy $1,050 Off Gleim CPA Premium Pro Course
If-Then Cheat Sheet for Yaeger CPA Review
If you need or value…
Personalized support and guidance
✔️ Then Yaeger CPA is for you: Direct access to Phil Yaeger and an instructor hotline gives you real-time support.
❌ Then Yaeger CPA may not be for you: If you’re comfortable with self-paced learning and don’t need extra guidance, this support may be unnecessary.
Affordable, budget-friendly prep options
✔️ Then Yaeger CPA is for you: Yaeger offers one of the most affordable CPA review courses, with monthly subscriptions and individual section pricing.
❌ Then Yaeger CPA may not be for you: If you have a larger budget, courses like Becker or Surgent offer more comprehensive features.
Access to Discipline section study materials
✔️ Then Yaeger CPA may not be for you: Yaeger currently covers only the three Core sections—FAR, AUD, and REG.
❌ Then Yaeger CPA may not be for you: If you need materials for a Discipline section, look for a course offering that includes these.
Content-focused learning (not just memorization)
✔️ Then Yaeger CPA is for you: Yaeger emphasizes true understanding of concepts rather than rote memorization.
❌ Then Yaeger CPA may not be for you: If you prefer intensive drill-based learning, a course with a larger question bank, like Gleim, may suit you better.
Short-term study options with flexibility
✔️ Then Yaeger CPA is for you: Monthly subscriptions allow you to study intensively for short periods and cancel anytime.
❌ Then Yaeger CPA may not be for you: If you prefer a longer-term, all-in-one course without monthly payments, a package like Becker’s might work better.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, though Yaeger isn’t my #1 choice for all CPA candidates, I think they’re an okay option for students looking to save money—particularly with Yaeger’s monthly subscription options.
They offer decent video lessons, support, and a team that truly cares about your success. Folks who tried with other review courses finally passed with Yaeger. Folks who hadn’t been to school in decades found their confidence in learning with the team. So consistently, Yaeger students report that they feel supported, well-prepared, and grateful that they chose Yaeger over their competitors.
Yaeger isn’t perfect, but their CPA study materials might be perfect for you if you truly can’t afford anything else. Have a decent budget? Invest in Becker, Surgent, or Gleim instead.
FAQs
Currently, Yaeger CPA Review covers the three Core sections: FAR, AUD, and REG. The discipline sections are not yet available, so candidates will need a separate resource for those areas.
Each course section comes with a four-month access period, with an option to extend for an additional year for $99. Monthly subscriptions are also available for ongoing access.
Yaeger’s subscription model offers three options, ranging from $95 to $155 per month. You can cancel anytime, making it a flexible choice if you want to manage study time and costs more closely.
Yaeger offers excellent support, including two personalized 15-minute calls and an instructor hotline. Phil Yaeger himself is accessible for student questions, offering a unique level of guidance.
Yaeger CPA Review is ideal for budget-conscious students looking for high-quality instruction with direct support. If you need a comprehensive, affordable option and prefer concept-based learning, it could be a great fit. Sometimes, they even offer a Yaeger CPA discount or sale, so don’t be shy about asking.
