Becker vs. Gleim CPA Review: Which is Better in 2025?
When it comes to CPA exam preparation, Becker and Gleim are the two oldest and most respected names in the industry. Both have helped millions of candidates pass, but they take very different approaches.
Becker is the premium, “white glove” experience used by the Big 4 firms. Gleim is the “blue collar” workhorse, famous for its massive question bank and budget-friendly pricing.
Which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
At a Glance
| Provider | Best For | Rating | Price | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | 4.9 | $2,499 - $3,799 |
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| Best Value | 4.7 | $2,499 - $3,499 |
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The Core Differences
1. Curriculum & Teaching Style
Becker focuses on a highly polished, multimedia experience. Their video lectures feature instructors who annotate digital textbooks on screen, making it easy to follow along. They also offer LiveOnline classes, which are fantastic for students who need accountability and structure.
Gleim, on the other hand, is more traditional. Their “bite-sized” video lectures are functional but dry. The core of the Gleim method is their outline-style textbooks and their philosophy of “learning by doing.” You will spend less time watching videos and more time drilling questions.
2. Question Bank & Simulations
This is where Gleim shines. They offer the largest test bank in the industry:
- Gleim: 10,000+ MCQs, 1,300+ Task-Based Simulations (TBS)
- Becker: 7,000+ MCQs, 400+ TBS
However, Becker has a unique advantage: Simulated Exams. Becker provides 8 full-length simulated exams that mimic the real CPA exam interface and difficulty almost perfectly. Gleim has practice exams, but Becker’s are widely considered the gold standard for predicting your actual score.
3. Technology & Support
Becker recently introduced Newt, an AI-powered academic assistant that can answer technical accounting questions instantly. This is a game-changer for late-night studiers.
Gleim counters this with Personal Counselors. These are real humans who help you plan your study schedule and keep you on track. While they aren’t tutors (they won’t explain tax law to you), they are invaluable for motivation and logistics.
Pricing & Tiers
Gleim is generally the more affordable option.
- Premium Pro ($3,499): Includes everything + “Access Until You Pass”.
- Traditional ($2,499): A stripped-down version.
- Note: Gleim runs frequent sales that can bring the Premium Pro package down to ~$2,000.
Becker is the premium choice.
- Concierge ($5,999+): Includes unlimited 1-on-1 tutoring and a dedicated success coach.
- Pro+ ($3,499): The standard “unlimited” package with Newt AI.
- Advantage ($2,499): Limited access (24 months).
The Bottom Line: If you need a tutor, Becker’s Concierge package is expensive but cheaper than hiring a private tutor separately. If you just need materials, Gleim offers better value per dollar.
Verdict
Choose Becker if:
- You want the most comprehensive, polished course available.
- You learn best through video lectures and live instruction.
- Budget is not a primary concern (or your firm is paying).
- You want the peace of mind of using the industry leader.
Choose Gleim if:
- You are a self-starter who learns by doing practice problems.
- You want the largest possible bank of questions to drill.
- You are paying out of pocket and want the best value.
- You prefer concise outlines over lengthy video lectures.