UWorld CPA Review (Formerly Roger) – Is It Worth It?

Table of Contents

• Overview And History
• UWorld CPA Pricing
• What’s Inside UWorld CPA Review
• Digital Platform And User Experience
• Tutoring
• Content Access
• Money-Back Guarantee
• Who Should Use UWorld CPA Review?
• Verdict: Is UWorld CPA Review Worth It?

Given that this is a lengthy review, we’ve included helpful jump-to links above for easy and quick navigation.

Overview & History: From Roger and Wiley to UWorld

Let’s clear up any confusion first. If you’ve heard of Roger or Wiley CPA Review, you’re in the right place. Both brands have been consolidated under the UWorld banner.

Roger CPA built its reputation on founder Roger Philipp’s high-energy video lectures (the guy literally bounces around the screen explaining accounting concepts). Wiley CPA, meanwhile, brought a massive question bank and solid study materials to the table.

UWorld acquired both and has been steadily improving the combined offering. The biggest recent upgrade? Landing Peter “Sugar Bear” Olinto in July 2023. If you don’t know him, Olinto spent 25 years at Becker where he became one of the most beloved CPA instructors in the business. Having both Philipp and Olinto on the team gives UWorld legitimately strong video instruction.

For nearly two decades now, this course (in its various forms) has been helping candidates pass the CPA exam. And backed by UWorld’s broad resources and technology in test prep, the course continues to evolve and improve.

UWorld CPA Review Pricing

UWorld keeps things straightforward with three comprehensive prep packages ranging from about $3,500 to $4,100 (MSRP):

Premier Course ($3,500 MSRP)
This is the entry-level option that covers the essentials. You get 18 months of access to video lectures, eBooks, practice problems and simulations, performance trackers, SmartPath Predictive Technology (will explain more below), 1 final review cram course, and the mobile app.

While $3,500 isn’t cheap (especially compared to more affordable options like Surgent), it’s positioned above Becker’s pricing.

Elite Unlimited Course ($3,900 MSRP)
This is UWorld’s most popular package, and I can see why. Beyond everything in the Premier Course, you also get printed textbooks, full mock exams with unique questions, live online boot camp sessions, and unlimited access until you pass the exam.

That “unlimited until you pass” feature is huge if you’re worried about needing extra time. Some candidates knock out all four sections in a few months, while others take a year or more balancing studying with demanding work schedules. The Elite Unlimited removes that time pressure.

Elite Unlimited+ Course ($4,100 MSRP)
This top option includes everything in Elite Unlimited plus a $250-per-section pass guarantee. Essentially, if you meet certain study criteria and don’t pass a section, UWorld will reimburse you $250 for that section.

The extra $200 for this package might be worth it for peace of mind, though it’s worth noting that the guarantee comes with conditions (you need to complete a significant portion of the course materials to qualify).

Bottom line on pricing: Compared to Becker, Surgent, and Gleim, UWorld more or less sits in the middle of the pack. Note that UWorld frequently runs promotions to bring their prices down considerably. These frequent sales can make it much more affordable than list price.

➡ Read our review on how much the CPA Exam costs

What’s Inside UWorld CPA Review

Let’s dig into what you actually get with the course, the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Video Lectures: UWorld’s Biggest Strength

If there’s one area where UWorld separates itself from the pack, it’s the video instruction. This is genuinely their superpower.

Roger Philipp delivers lessons with infectious energy (he’s constantly in motion, bouncing between camera and whiteboard, using analogies and mnemonics that make concepts stick). The video format is clean and intuitive, with course material displayed alongside the instructor so you can follow along easily.

What makes these lectures effective is that Roger doesn’t just ask you to memorize. He teaches the “why” behind accounting principles through stories and memory aids, which makes recall easier on exam day.

Then there’s Peter Olinto, who joined UWorld in 2023 after years at Becker. His teaching style is more measured than Roger’s but equally effective at making complex topics accessible. Having both instructors gives you variety during long study sessions.

Bottom line: these video lessons are engaging enough to keep you awake and focused. For a CPA course, that’s a huge win.

Practice Questions & Answer Explanations

Beyond the video lectures, this is where UWorld differentiates itself. The quality of their practice question explanations is among the best I’ve encountered in CPA prep.

UWorld offers around 8,500 multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. Their multiple-choice questions closely resemble what you’ll see on the actual CPA exam, and the simulations are equally realistic.

But here’s what sets UWorld apart: every question comes with a thorough explanation that doesn’t just tell you why the correct answer is right, but walks through why each wrong answer is incorrect. These explanations include graphics, charts, and visual aids that break down complex concepts. It’s like having a mini-lesson attached to each question.

I’d recommend running practice tests in “tutor mode” initially so you can review explanations immediately after each question. This is where you’ll see real improvement in understanding.

You can also create custom practice tests filtered by question type, difficulty, and topic area. Want to hammer FAR consolidations? Build a custom quiz of just those questions.

Where the Question Bank Falls Short

Here’s an honest limitation: at 8,500 questions, UWorld’s question bank is solid but not the largest. Gleim offers over 10,000 questions, giving you more variety and practice opportunities.

For most candidates, 8,500 questions is plenty (you’re unlikely to exhaust the bank before your exam). But if you’re someone who likes to drill hundreds of practice problems or you’re retaking sections and want fresh material, the smaller size might feel limiting.

 

SmartPath Predictive Technology

UWorld’s SmartPath tool is one of their signature features. While it’s useful, I wouldn’t say it’s as revolutionary as their marketing suggests.

Here’s how it works: SmartPath compares your performance against other successful candidates at similar study points and estimates your likelihood of passing each section. The system identifies “target” scores for different topic areas, and if you reach those targets across at least 75% of topics, you should have about a 90% chance of passing according to UWorld’s data.

I found SmartPath helpful mainly for motivation and structure. There’s something satisfying about watching your score climb as you work through material. It gives you concrete milestones rather than studying blindly.

That said, take the predictions with a grain of salt. UWorld reports that candidates who meet specific criteria (like studying 60+ days) achieve a 90% pass rate. That’s impressive, though it’s self-reported company data with conditions attached. It’s not magic, but it does give you a framework for what “exam ready” looks like.

Additional Study Resources

UWorld packs in several supplementary resources that enhance the core course:

Cram Courses (my personal favorite)
These condensed review sessions are absolute gold in the final weeks before your exam. They focus on the most heavily tested topics and provide quick-hit lessons to grab low-hanging fruit. There are concepts that appear on virtually every exam, and the cram courses make sure you’ve got those locked down. I found them intense but immediately helpful when time was tight.

Mock Exams (Elite package only)
Full-length practice exams with unique questions that don’t appear in the regular question bank. These are crucial for building stamina and getting comfortable with the exam format. The simulations closely mirror the real thing.

Live Boot Camps (Elite package only)
Online sessions where you can interact with instructors and ask questions. These are very helpful, but they’re not the same as 1-on-1 tutoring. If you’re stuck on specific concepts and need personalized attention, the group format has limitations.

Audio Lectures
Download audio versions of the video lessons for studying on the go. Perfect for commutes or workouts.

Digital Flashcards
Customizable flashcards for quick review of key concepts. They’re fine, but nothing special compared to what other courses offer.

Mobile App
Unlike some competitors that offer watered-down mobile experiences, UWorld’s mobile app gives you full access to all course materials. You can watch lectures, do practice questions, review flashcards (everything you can do on desktop). For busy professionals, this flexibility is huge.

The Textbook Drawback

If there’s a clear weak spot in UWorld’s offering, it’s the prep books. Each course includes eBooks, and Elite packages include printed versions, but they lack the depth you’ll find in competitors’ materials.

The books are well-organized and clearly written, but they’re noticeably thinner than what Surgent or Becker provides. They’re designed to complement the video lectures rather than serve as standalone study guides. If you’re the type who learns best by sitting down with a comprehensive textbook and absorbing material through reading, this could be an issue.

For most students who primarily learn through video and practice questions, the books work fine for reference and review. But if you’re a heavy reader who wants exhaustive written content, you might want more in depth materials.

Digital Platform & User Experience

UWorld’s online platform is sharp and professional (a major upgrade from the clunkier Roger CPA interface before the UWorld acquisition).

The dashboard is clean and intuitive. When you log in, you land on a Study Planner where you enter your target exam date and available study time. Choose from preset study templates, and UWorld’s algorithm creates a personalized schedule.

Navigation is straightforward. All your major study tools (lectures, practice exams, performance trackers, flashcards) are accessible from a left-side menu bar. Everything is where you’d expect it to be. I’m confident even less tech-savvy users would have no trouble finding what they need.

The video player works smoothly with easy speed adjustments and progress tracking. The practice question interface is clean with no clutter. Overall, the platform doesn’t get in your way, which is exactly what you want.

UWorld CPA Review Tutoring

Here’s one limitation: UWorld doesn’t offer dedicated 1-on-1 private tutoring like some competitors (Becker, for example).

What they do provide are live online boot camp sessions where students can interact with instructors and ask questions. These group sessions can be helpful for clarification, but they’re not the same as personalized tutoring tailored to your specific struggles.

If individualized instruction is important to you, this might be a deal-breaker. For most candidates though, the video lectures, boot camps, and detailed answer explanations provide enough instructional support.

Content Access

Access periods vary by package:

• Premier Course: 18 months of access
• Elite Unlimited and Elite Unlimited Acess+: Access until you pass (no time limit)

The 18-month window for Premier should be plenty for most candidates. Some people knock out all four sections in three months between school and work, while others take a year or more juggling studying with demanding jobs.

The unlimited access with Elite packages removes that pressure entirely. If you’re worried about needing extra time or want to spread out your exam sections, the Elite tier makes sense. You can always extend your Premier access for an additional fee if needed.

Money-Back Guarantee

Only the Elite Unlimited+ course comes with UWorld’s pass guarantee ($250 reimbursement per section you don’t pass).

To qualify, you need to meet specific study requirements: complete a certain percentage of course materials, hit SmartPath targets, take practice exams, etc. These aren’t unreasonable conditions, but they do exist.

Who Should Use UWorld CPA Review?

UWorld is an excellent fit for:

Visual and auditory learners
If you learn best by watching and listening rather than reading, UWorld’s video-first approach is perfect. Roger Philipp and Peter Olinto make complex concepts accessible and memorable.

Students who struggled with competitor’s density
If you found other CPA prep course materials overwhelming or dry, UWorld offers a lighter, more engaging alternative that still covers everything you need.

Working professionals balancing full-time jobs
The mobile app, flexible pacing, and unlimited access options (in Elite tiers) make UWorld ideal for busy schedules. Study during your commute, lunch breaks, or whenever you can grab time.

Anyone who wants to actually stay awake during lectures
Let’s be real – most CPA review videos are sleep-inducing. UWorld’s are genuinely engaging, which matters when you’re logging 100+ study hours per section.

Candidates seeking competitive pricing without sacrificing quality
UWorld hits that sweet spot of high quality at a reasonable price.

Verdict: Is UWorld CPA Review Worth It?

Yes. UWorld CPA Review has evolved into a legitimate contender that deserves serious consideration. The course excels where it matters most: engaging video instruction that keeps you focused and detailed practice explanations that help you truly understand concepts. Having both Roger Philipp and Peter Olinto leading instruction gives you two of the best CPA teachers in the business.

UWorld’s practice question explanations are among the most thorough I’ve encountered in CPA prep. The visual aids, charts, and detailed breakdowns turn wrong answers into learning opportunities. Combined with SmartPath’s performance tracking, you get clear visibility into your readiness. However, the course isn’t perfect. The textbooks are thinner than competitors’, the question bank is smaller than others, and the money-back guarantee only comes with the most expensive package.

At the end of the day, UWorld CPA Review offers excellent instruction, solid practice materials, and helpful tracking tools at a decent price point. The real question isn’t whether UWorld is good enough to pass the CPA exam – it clearly is. The question is whether it’s the right fit for your learning style. If you value engaging instruction and learn well from video, I’d definitely recommend UWorld.

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