When it comes to preparing for the CPA exam, choosing the right review course can make all the difference. This article compares Surgent CPA Review and UWorld, which recently acquired the Roger and Wiley CPA programs, to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explore the strengths, features, and pricing of each program to determine which one best fits your study needs.
Given this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included helpful jump-to links above for easy navigation.
To open this comparison, let’s begin by taking a look at the strengths of the Surgent CPA review courses.
Surgent and UWorld both offer three different courses for aspiring CPAs to choose from.
The three courses from UWorld (Premier, Elite, and Unlimited) cost between $3,500 and $4,100 (MSRP). The three courses from Surgent, on the other hand, range in price from $2,500 to $3,800.
As such, you can expect to save anywhere from $300 to $1,000 by choosing to go with Surgent for your CPA exam study materials.
Plus, it’s worth mentioning that Surgent regularly offers deals and special promotions so you can likely save even more money.
Surgent’s CPA Review course begins with a thorough assessment, which is no small task. Upon logging in, you’ll face an initial quiz of about 350 questions per section, so it’s not something to tackle late at night with the expectation of a quick study session.
However, this assessment is key to Surgent’s adaptive approach, which is particularly beneficial for busy professionals. Powered by AI, the software prioritizes quick wins by focusing on areas where you can easily boost your score, ensuring your study time is used efficiently. Once you’ve mastered a topic, the system moves you forward, preventing unnecessary repetition and making the most of your preparation time.
The intelligent design of Surgent’s algorithms is what truly sets this course apart, delivering maximum productivity for your study sessions.
Surgent’s “MyMCQ” feature is a standout element in its study plan, offering a personalized approach to multiple-choice questions.
As you work through problems, MyMCQ dynamically adjusts the difficulty based on your performance—challenging you with tougher questions when you’re excelling, and simplifying them when you need to solidify your understanding.
This feature is crucial for CPA exam prep because it ensures you’re constantly progressing and building confidence without getting stuck on material that’s either too easy or too hard.
By maintaining an upward learning curve, MyMCQ helps make the actual CPA exam feel more manageable, making it an invaluable tool for students aiming to succeed.
Another key feature of the Surgent CPA Review course is the set of comprehensive books that complement the online materials.
These books are incredibly thorough, covering every possible topic on the CPA exam (similar to the books from Gleim and Becker), with each volume spanning hundreds of pages—essentially serving as your go-to reference for each section of the test.
Though reading through these detailed books may not be the most thrilling part of your study routine, Surgent’s adaptive study plan ensures you only focus on the areas where you need the most improvement.
This targeted approach means you won’t be overwhelmed with unnecessary content, making the books a valuable resource when you need in-depth review on specific topics. They are clearly written and highly useful for deepening your understanding where it matters most.
👉 Read our full review of the Surgent CPA course
Now that you have a clear picture of what Surgent has to offer, let’s turn the tables and discuss the strengths of the newly merged CPA courses from Roger and Wiley (now called UWorld Accounting).
For years, Roger CPA Review has set the standard for engaging video lectures, a tradition that continues under the UWorld brand. With dynamic instructors like Roger Philipp and Peter Olinto, these lessons are not only informative but also lively and entertaining (similar to the lessons from Becker).
Their high-energy approach, complete with animated explanations, whiteboard visuals, and clever mnemonics, makes even the most complex concepts easier to grasp and keeps viewers hooked throughout.
While Surgent’s video lessons are insightful, they don’t quite match the engagement level of Roger’s lectures. Surgent’s content is solid, but the delivery can feel a bit dry in comparison, lacking the same level of enthusiasm and interactive elements that make UWorld’s videos so compelling.
One of the standout features of UWorld CPA Review is its last-minute cram course, which is particularly valuable as exam day approaches. These focused sessions hone in on the most commonly tested topics, offering streamlined lessons that help you grasp the key points quickly.
Tailored for those who need to make the most of their final study hours, these cram courses are designed to boost your score by targeting areas that are almost guaranteed to appear on the exam.
This feature contrasts sharply with Surgent, which doesn’t offer any equivalent last-minute review. While Surgent excels in adaptive learning and efficiency, it lacks a dedicated cram session that can be a game-changer when time is tight. UWorld’s cram course fills this gap, providing a crucial tool for those looking to solidify their knowledge just before the exam.
UWorld’s mobile app for iOS and Android stands out for its full functionality, providing students with complete access to all course materials, not just a pared-down version. Unlike other test prep apps that might only offer flashcards or a few practice questions, UWorld’s app mirrors the desktop experience, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere.
The app’s sleek design, user-friendly interface, and quick load times make it an excellent tool for studying on the go. While Surgent also offers a mobile app, which is a solid addition to its course, UWorld’s app goes a step further by delivering the entire range of study resources, giving you flexibility without sacrificing content quality.
👉 Read our full review of the UWorld CPA course
In comparing the CPA prep courses from Surgent and UWorld, both have their strengths, but our team leans toward recommending Surgent.
While UWorld impresses with its engaging video lectures, comprehensive mobile app, and last-minute cram sessions, Surgent’s adaptive learning technology, personalized study plans, and efficient use of time make it the stronger choice overall. Surgent’s focus on helping you target weak areas and avoid unnecessary repetition is particularly valuable for busy professionals.
Additionally, the depth and detail of Surgent’s materials ensure thorough preparation. For those seeking a streamlined, effective approach to the CPA exam, Surgent stands out as the better option.
Lastly, let’s not forget that the Surgent CPA courses are more affordable than their UWorld counterparts as well.
👉 Read Next: Surgent vs Becker CPA
The main difference between Surgent and UWorld CPA prep courses lies in their approach to studying; Surgent focuses on adaptive learning with personalized study plans that target weak areas, while UWorld emphasizes engaging video lectures and offers a last-minute cram course. Additionally, Surgent’s course is designed for efficiency, making it ideal for busy professionals, whereas UWorld provides more interactive content and full access through its mobile app.
In our team’s opinion, Surgent is the better choice for those who need a highly efficient, adaptive learning experience that targets their specific weaknesses, making it ideal for busy professionals. However, if you prefer engaging video lectures and want the benefit of a last-minute cram session, UWorld might be more suited to your study style.