Can anyone recommend a good CPA review programme?

I'm looking for a good CPA review programme. I'm self-studying for my Accounting degree but I would really like to polish up for the CPA exam as well.
Would I be at a disadvantage if I'm self-studying for both my degree and for the CPA via Wiley self-study books? I've posted a similar question at CPAnet but would like some suggestions from distance learning alumni as well...





...I'm leaning toward Becker live classes.

 

It has been more than 25 years since this was of concern to me, but I feel there are 2 basic approaches to studying for the exam.

Some of my peers took Becker - it was expensive beck then and probably still is. My impression of Becker is that it is the classroom approach. Read material, work some problems.

The approach I took was to get the manuals that Irv Gleim published. He had 2 volumes - one with outlines of all the topics and the other was nothing but problems and answers. I used the second volume and just worked problem after problem. When I got one wrong, then I would pull out the accounting books and look at volume 1 to fill in the knowledge gaps.

For the most part, the CPA exam is an academic exam. The only part where experience might help is for auditing.

The approach you take should depend on your study habits and your knowledge level. Because I was sittiing for the exam right out of school, things were pretty fresh and I was comfortable with the problem approach.

If I were to take the exam now, I would probably take intermediate and advance accounting again, as well as auditing. Since I work in the tax area, I would have to brush up on corporate tax and a little bit of management science. I would also need to spend time with variance analysis from cost accounting. I would also take the problem oriented study approach again, as well.

Gleim may still be publishing his books. There is MicroMash, which some folks seem to like. Unfortunately, I am not current on what all is available.

 

Although Becker is probably the most well-known of the CPA reviews, I do not think that it is the best. If you enjoy watching videos of Powerpoint slides while the professor drones on, then Becker is okay.

I'm using Yaeger CPA review right now. It's pretty good. The teachers are all experts in their fields. They discuss the material for a bit, then work a few of the multiple choice questions in the book. They do this for every subject that could be tested on the exam.

http://www.yaegercpareview.com/

Another option that you might want to consider is the Roger Phillip CPA review. He has a lot of energy in his presentations and is sure to hold your attention. You can watch sample videos on his web site or youtube.

http://www.rogercpareview.com/

 

I've had experience with the following review programs:

Becker (books and video)
Roger Phillip (books and video)
Gleim (books)
Bisk (books and video)
Wiley (books)

In my opinion, you can pay for Becker, or you can pay with your time. Yes you can pass with any of them, and yes Becker prices are outrageous, but the others are not as efficient and will take more effort on your part.

 

What Vincy37 said.

I highly recommend you DO NOT do the live course. The video lectures will be more than sufficient - you'll understand after the first lecture.

IMHO, they are the best and helped me pass without too much trouble (or re-takes).

 

Gleim's online courses worked fine for me. If you do everything they outline and you have the right background, I'd be shocked if you did not do well.