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Gleim vs UWorld CPA
Detailed comparison of the CPA review courses from Gleim and UWorld (formerly Roger and Wiley)
When it comes to preparing for the CPA exam, choosing the right prep course can make all the difference. Gleim and UWorld are two of the biggest names on the market – but which one is the right fit for you? UWorld combines the legacy of Roger and Wiley CPA with modern technology and some of the most engaging video instruction in the industry, while Gleim’s affordable price tag and excellent prep books make it an attractive option. In this detailed comparison, we’ll compare both courses’ features, strengths, and weaknesses so you can make an informed decision on your path to CPA success.
To kick this comparison off, let’s discuss the major advantages of going with UWorld to help you prepare for the CPA exam. Drawing from Roger and Wiley CPA’s long history of success, UWorld has put together a comprehensive and engaging CPA course that lets you know exactly where you stand.
Engaging Video Lessons
If there’s one thing UWorld CPA Review is known for, it’s their dynamic video lectures. The lessons, led by enthusiastic founder Roger Philipp and well-known professor Peter Olinto, are highly engaging and educational.
Lecture from UWorld’s Peter Olinto, who joined after 25 years with Becker
The instructors’ high-energy teaching style, complete with frequent movement and the use of a whiteboard, keeps viewers captivated and helps simplify complex concepts through anecdotes, analogies, and mnemonics.
The layout of the video lessons is user-friendly, with corresponding eBook sections and segment lists, which can be adjusted for viewing preferences. This method effectively promotes comprehension and retention, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective.
To be clear, our team likes the video lessons from Gleim as well (they are very good in their own right); however, we found the UWorld instructors to be more enthusiastic and entertaining. It’s hard to match their level of passion, which really helps keep you motivated.
One way that UWorld sets themselves apart is with their SmartPath technology, which compares your current progress to that of previous successful candidates to estimate your likelihood of passing each section.
Gleim doesn’t offer a similar predictive tool. If you experience a lot of test anxiety, it might really help to get the extra encouragement and confidence that UWorld’s SmartPath tech provides.
This may not completely change your approach to studying, but to me, it’s nice just to get a little reassurance and know whether you’re on track to pass.
Helpful Cram Course
Another attractive aspect of the UWorld CPA courses is their last-minute cram course. These intensive review sessions zero in on the most frequently tested topics on the CPA exam, with concise lessons summing up the key points you need to know.
UWorld’s feature create a test
Designed to help you quickly capture the most accessible points, these sessions focus on areas that consistently appear on the exam. Our team found these courses incredibly beneficial, especially when time is short, as they provide a focused and effective way to maximize last-minute studying.
Mobile App
UWorld offers a highly functional mobile app for both iOS and Android, giving students full access to all their course materials. Unlike some test prep apps that only provide limited resources like flashcards or a few practice problems, this app includes the complete set of study materials available on the desktop version.
The app is well-designed and intuitive, with quick load times, making it perfect for studying on the go. It’s a valuable addition to the core course, offering flexibility and comprehensive content access. Gleim does not offer a comparable mobile app.
Now that you have a good sense of what UWorld has to offer, let’s discuss the major reasons you may want to consider using Gleim to help you study for the CPA exam.
More Affordable Than UWorld
Both Gleim and UWorld offer three different course options for students to choose from.
The MSRP of UWorld’s CPA courses range from $3,500 on the low end to $4,100 on the high end, whereas Gleim’s cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
Therefore, you’ll likely save around $600 to $1,000 by opting to go with Gleim for your CPA prep needs. If price is one of your top considerations, then Gleim is definitely worth checking out.
Incredible CPA Prep Books
When comparing the CPA prep books from Gleim and UWorld, it’s clear that Gleim’s books stand out for their excellence and longevity. Gleim has been refining their prep books for nearly 50 years, resulting in highly rated resources that are both comprehensive and succinct (just as good as Becker’s prep books).
A look inside the Gleim CPA course
Their books are structured like an outline, making them easy to read while covering essential details concisely, and they come in both digital and print formats with clear explanations and numerous examples.
UWorld’s books, while well-organized and generally well-written, lack the depth and insights found in Gleim’s. Don’t get me wrong; UWorld’s books are okay – I just consider them one of the weaker points of the UWorld CPA Review course.
Task Based Simulations
One of the standout features of the Gleim CPA Review course is its extensive collection of task-based simulations. Gleim offers over 1,600 practice opportunities, including around 350 with exhibits, closely mimicking the exam format. This is twice as many simulations as any other provider and three times more than UWorld.
Example simulation from Gleim
In addition to the quantity, the quality of Gleim’s simulations is excellent. They mirror the exam-day experience and come with detailed explanations to help you learn from mistakes and confirm correct answers.
Practice Problem Explanations
After completing the quizzes in each Gleim study unit, you can review the questions you missed (or all of them if you prefer).
Gleim provides helpful explanations
Gleim’s explanations, much like their questions, are top-notch. These well-written answers address each answer choice, explaining both correct and incorrect options.
If you need additional support understanding an area where you feel stuck, you can always ask the AI assistant, called Prep Pal. This tool is great for getting instant answers, more detailed explanations and examples, and even summaries and key points. Bottom line: Gleim makes sure you’re never confused for long, with multiple options for breaking down complex information until everything makes sense.
Realistic Testing Interface
Another strong feature of the Gleim course is the final review function available towards the end of your studies for each section. When you’re ready to practice under real test-like conditions, you can take a simulated exam. This mock exam replicates the actual test in both length and interface, helping you prepare mentally and physically for the real thing.
Example problem from Gleim
The questions in the simulated exam are entirely new and not just taken from Gleim’s question bank (unlike many of their competitors in the CPA review space), ensuring a high-quality, realistic practice experience. This resource is incredibly valuable and worth highlighting.
Additionally, after completing the mock exams, Gleim offers a “final review” that focuses on your weakest areas based on performance metrics, providing targeted last-minute study help.
While both companies offer many benefits, when it comes down to choosing just one CPA prep course, our team prefers UWorld CPA Review. The SmartPath technology provides peace of mind (especially important for anyone who struggles with test anxiety or needs a little reassurance), and their engaging video lectures are the kind of review material you’ll actually want to work through.
I’ll admit, Gleim’s lower price tag is definitely attractive, and their extensive collection of task-based simulations and realistic simulated exams make them a good fit for people who learn best through lots of practice.
Ultimately, however, UWorld’s CPA prep courses offer a more thorough and reliable path to success on the CPA exam. If you want to learn from some of the top experts in the industry, or you’re frequently on the go and need to study from anywhere, UWorld’s high-quality resources are absolutely worth the investment.
What is the difference between Gleim and UWorld For CPA Review?
Gleim offers extensive task-based simulations and detailed, outline-style study materials that are easy to understand. In contrast, UWorld is known for its engaging video lectures and its user-friendly mobile app.
Which CPA review course is better, Gleim or UWorld?
While Gleim excels with its extensive task-based simulations and detailed prep books, resulting in a thorough and well-rounded course, our team believes Uworld is the superior choice due to its engaging video lectures, last-minute review lessons, and convenient mobile app.
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