40 CPE hours. Every. Single. Year.
For U.S. CPAs, this is the reality—a reality often filled with the dread of finding time and, worse, finding courses that aren’t mind-numbingly tedious. You deserve CPE that’s relevant, genuinely interesting, and a needle-mover in your career.
Becker and Gleim are two big names in the game, each claiming to be the best. But which one delivers on that promise?
I’ve been in your shoes, sifting through both platforms. This is my unfiltered, real-world comparison of Becker and Gleim to help you earn your credits efficiently. My goal is to help you find a fit so perfect that you may even find yourself looking forward to fulfilling those credit hours.
Gleim vs Becker CPE? Key Factors to Consider
Before we dive deep, let’s set the stage. Think about what matters most to you:
- If you crave variety and want access to the widest range of topics, then Becker CPE is designed precisely for your needs.
- If keeping track of CPE requirements feels like herding cats, Becker’s Compliance Tracker offers significant peace of mind.
- If you need state-specific ethics courses to meet your board’s requirements, then Becker is your go-to choice.
- If you want a small, specific number of CPE hours at a low cost, then Gleim’s might be the most economical option.
- If you strongly prefer a straightforward, self-directed learning style, Gleim’s traditional, on-demand course format provides a focused path to earning credits.
Overview: Becker CPE vs Gleim CPE
Becker and Gleim are both well-known in the accounting world, but their approach to CPE can be wildly different. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Becker CPE: The Gold Standard for Continuing Education
Becker carries a significant reputation, primarily built on its dominance as the provider of a leading CPA review course suite. Being the choice of the “Big 4” accounting firms and boasting that 90% of Elijah Watts Sells Award winners since 2007 have used their materials certainly creates a powerful “halo effect”.
When you trust a provider for something as high-stakes as the actual CPA Exam, it’s natural to extend that trust to their CPE offerings. CPAs often assume Becker CPE will deliver the same level of quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness, making them willing to invest in a subscription. Here are some key features for Becker CPE:
Course Catalog: Over 1,700 courses covering accounting, audit, tax, ethics, and more. The catalog includes on-demand video lessons, interactive modules, and live webinars.
Formats: Becker offers a bit of everything—live webcasts (almost every weekday), pre-recorded video courses, CPE podcasts, and text-based modules.
Access Options: Subscription plans for 1, 2, or 3 years of unlimited CPE access. For example, choose a 1-year plan if you just need this year’s hours, or a multi-year plan to cover several renewal cycles. You can even try free demos of most courses to see if you like them first.
User Experience: Many CPAs praise Becker’s CPE for its quality and professionalism. The videos and instructors are engaging, and the content is kept up-to-date. Becker’s platform also includes a compliance tracker to help you monitor your credits and compliance requirements.
Pros
- High Quality, Engaging Content: Becker features top-notch instructors and polished lessons with impressive production quality.
- Huge Variety of Courses and Formats: Becker offers 1,700+ courses across all topics, delivered via video, audio, live webcasts, and text.
- Free Course Demos: Becker offers a selection of CPE courses you can choose from to access for free, so you can “try before you buy.”
- Excellent Tracking Tools: The compliance tracker is an invaluable tool for staying organized in the continuing education trenches.
- CPE Podcasts: If you get a kick out of learning on the go, 20+ Becker podcasts for CPE credit are available through Apple, YouTube, and Spotify.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Becker is pricier than many competitors, which can be overkill if you only need a few credits.
Becker CPE
Gleim CPE: The Value-Focused Choice for CPE Credits
Gleim is another long-standing player in accounting education, celebrating 50 years since Dr. Gleim pioneered the self-study CPA prep book in 1974. Gleim is well-respected and known for providing solid, reliable content, often at a very competitive price point. Gleim built its exam prep reputation partly on its mega test bank, which offers a high volume of practice questions.
Let’s look at the key points about Gleim CPE:
Course Catalog: Gleim offers CPE courses covering all the key topics, such as accounting, tax, ethics, etc. They focus on solid, self-paced study course materials—think voiceover slides, text-based lessons, and PDFs to test your knowledge.
Formats: Gleim’s courses are purely for self-study. You get comprehensive written materials and some audio or visual elements. Basically: read the material, take a quiz, and earn your credit.
Gleim’s reputation for thorough preparation is often echoed by those who successfully used the Gleim CPA review materials, like this candidate:
“I’ve passed three out of four so far with Gleim, my lowest score so far being an 86. Granted, I’ve averaged study time of about 5 months between tests because I was so anxious about not passing that I probably over studied. Read the chapters and do the work from the learning modules and you will pass with Gleim. It does a great job of preparing you. I have always gotten at least a 10 to 15 point score bump from the mock exams to the actual test.”
Access & Flexibility: Gleim sells CPE in hour bundles rather than time-based subscriptions. For example, you can buy a 20-hour or 40-hour package, or even just 1 hour. Once you purchase a package, you have 12 months to pick your courses and another 12 months to complete them. In practice, that means you could spread those hours over two years if needed. This pay-as-you-go model is very flexible if you only need specific credits.
Accreditation: Gleim CPE is valid through both NASBA and the AICPA. All state boards accept Gleim CPE credits, so no worries there.
User Experience: Gleim is a reliable, no-frills solution. Users appreciate the affordable pricing and thorough materials, though the text-heavy format can feel “dry.” If you don’t mind a textbook-style approach with audiovisual components, it’s very effective. Gleim’s customer support is also invaluable and quick to respond.
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: Bulk packs can get down to <$10 per credit hour, ideal for students who want their courses done and dusted for cheap.
- Use Whenever: Buy credits now and choose courses later; great for last-minute needs or spreading learning over time.
- Free Sample Course: Gleim offers a free, 1-credit CPE course so you can try it out without the risk of a hefty investment.
- Flexible Packages: Pay for a pack of 1, 2, 3, 4, 20, 40, or 100 hours, so you’re not paying more for courses you won’t access.
Cons
- No Live Content: All courses are self-study, so you won’t get live Q&A or real-time instruction.
- Limited Mobile Experience: No dedicated mobile app, and the platform isn’t the most mobile-friendly for on-the-go learning.
Gleim CPE
Becker vs Gleim: Reasons to Choose
To see the differences at a glance, here’s a side-by-side comparison of Becker CPE and Gleim CPE on key features:
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Subscription Tiers (Essentials, Select, Prime) | Hourly Packages (1 – 100+ hrs) |
| Typical Price Range | $329 – $1,429 (Annual/Multi-Year) | $12 – $600+ (Based on hours purchased) |
| Discounts | Save $715 | No Discounts |
| Content Formats | Video lectures, live webcasts, on-demand modules, audio podcasts, and text. | Mostly self-study audiovisual presentations (slides and voiceover) with quizzes. |
| Number of Courses | 1,700+ courses (extensive library across all topics). | ~61 courses |
| Access Duration | 1, 2, or 3 Years Unlimited (Plan dependent) | 12 mo. to select + 12 mo. to complete |
| Live CPE Options |  |  |
| Mobile/App Access | Web-based platform (mobile-friendly). | Best used on a computer (mobile browser access is available). |
| Support & Tools | Support (Phone/Email), Compliance Tracker | Support (Phone/Email/Chat), Instant Certificates/ Transcripts |
| Overall Value | Premium content/features; best value for high usage | Cost-effective for specific hours; fewer features |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
(Both Becker and Gleim are NASBA-approved providers, so their courses count for CPA license renewal in all states.)
Why Choose Becker or Gleim?
Okay, the table gives you the quick specs. But features on paper don’t tell the whole story, do they? The ‘best’ choice really hinges on how you learn, which specific credits you need (especially ethics!), how many hours you typically take, and how much you value convenience features.
Why Choose Becker CPE?
Choose Becker if you want an all-inclusive, premium experience for your CPE:
- You have a lot of hours to earn or multiple years of CPE to plan. Becker’s unlimited subscriptions, effectively a vast Becker CPE course bundle, let you knock out tons of courses without worrying about running out of credits.
If you plan to take more than the bare minimum (maybe you love learning or hold multiple certifications), Becker gives you the freedom to explore a huge variety.
- You prefer video lectures or live classes over reading. If sitting through a dry PDF puts you to sleep, Becker’s video courses and live webinars will keep you engaged. It’s like watching a documentary versus reading a textbook. If you’re a visual or auditory learner, Becker is a great fit.
- You appreciate guided learning and modern tools. Becker’s platform feels like a modern online classroom, with features like the compliance tracker and suggested learning paths. If you like getting recommendations on what to take next and tracking all your CPE in one place, Becker offers that.
- You don’t mind paying a premium for convenience. If budget isn’t a big issue (maybe your firm reimburses your CPE) and you value extras like live webinars and fancy features, Becker delivers that first-class experience.
Why Choose Gleim CPE?
Choose Gleim if you’re looking for a straightforward and affordable way to get your CPE done:
- You only need a few credits, or you’re on a tight budget. Gleim lets you pay just for the hours you need, which is perfect if you’re only short a handful of credits or want to keep costs low. It’s an ideal last-minute solution to fill gaps without breaking the bank.
- You prefer self-study and don’t need live interaction. If you actually learn best by reading at your own pace (and won’t miss live Q&A or fancy dashboards), Gleim’s old-school, text-based approach will suit you fine. You can read, take the quiz, and you’re done—nice and simple.
- You want flexibility over time. Gleim gives you up to two years to use a large bundle of hours. So you could buy 40 hours now and spread the courses over this year and next as needed. No pressure to cram everything at once, which can reduce stress.
Becker vs Gleim CPE: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Now, let’s compare Becker and Gleim head-to-head on specific features that matter most, and declare a quick winner for each category.
Course Content & Formats
Becker: Becker doesn’t just offer courses; they offer a massive library. We’re talking over 700 on-demand courses and over 1,000 live webcasts annually. The focus in Becker CPE shifts from practicing with an extensive test bank to absorbing information through lectures and webcasts.
When I browsed through their catalog, I was honestly impressed by how current the topics were—everything from AI to cryptocurrency, plus updates on the latest tax law changes. It didn’t feel like I was just checking a box for CPE credit—it felt like I was actually learning things that mattered right now in the profession. Their curated learning paths were a nice bonus, too, especially if you’re looking to grow skills in a specific niche rather than just hunting for credits.
Gleim: Gleim’s content offering feels more traditional and focused. While they advertise an “extensive catalog,” it’s worth noting that the actual number of unique CPE courses is closer to 60 or so, far fewer than platforms like Becker.
Further, the primary delivery method is self-study: you read the provided outlines, watch the video lesson, and then take a qualifying quiz. No live classes here, but if you want to get through the material fast, this may be a more palatable option.
Still, when I worked through a few Gleim courses, I appreciated the clarity. You get some slides with a voiceover and a structured outline. Then, read through the material and take a quiz—no fluff. It’s ideal if you know exactly what topic or credit type you need, like 8 hours of A&A, and just want to knock it out with focused reading and self-paced testing. For that kind of learner, it does precisely what it promises.
Winner: Becker takes this category due to its vastly superior course volume, the relevance and timeliness of its topics, and the variety of learning formats (on-demand, live webcasts, podcasts). It offers a more comprehensive and adaptable solution for ongoing professional development beyond basic compliance.
Technology & User Experience
Becker: From a user experience perspective, Becker feels modern and polished. Navigating the platform is intuitive, and the on-demand video lectures are often highlighted as high-quality and engaging.
I watched several, including one on Navigating AI ethics led by Dr. Kelly Pope, and found the delivery genuinely interesting and conversational – more like an engaging expert sharing insights than a dry lecture.
One piece of tech really stands out: the Personalized CPE Compliance Tracker is a game-changer. It helps you manage certifications, track deadlines across different jurisdictions, see your progress, and even get personalized course suggestions based on your needs. You can also upload certificates from other providers to keep everything in one place. I really enjoyed the clean and clear interface and the ease of use, whether you’re seeing how many more ethics credits you need or integrating a certificate from a different provider.
“I noted that Becker CPE – Professional Education courses and webcasts have current topics, and the webcast presenters provide thoughtful real-world examples.”
Sanjeev Tak
Gleim: Gleim’s online platform is straightforward and built with a clear focus: giving you access to course outlines and final quizzes so you can move through your CPE efficiently. It’s a no-frills setup, but for many CPAs, that’s part of the appeal.
When I tested a few of their courses, I found the layout refreshingly simple—nothing flashy, just clean text and exactly what I needed to meet my CPE hours. It’s definitely geared toward self-starters who prefer reading over watching. If you’re expecting animated/talking-head videos or interactive modules, you might be underwhelmed. But if you’re someone who just wants to learn the material, knock out the quiz, and move on, Gleim makes that process painless and direct.
Winner: Becker takes the win here. Its platform is more polished and offers useful tech features. Gleim’s user experience might feel old-school by comparison.
Support & Accessibility
Becker: Becker’s subscription tiers come with defined access periods: 90 days for Essentials, 1 year for Select and the 1-Year Prime, and a full 2 years for the 2-Year Prime package. This provides clarity and a longer potential access window with the top tier.
While Becker is known for expert instructors and generally high levels of satisfaction, support experiences can vary. Standard customer service is available, but some users report issues. However, this seems like a pretty isolated opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.
One Reddit user warned that Becker’s CPE platform makes it easy to rack up credits quickly, even letting you “skip through” modules. But when a module glitched, their customer service response was labeled “TERRIBLE.”
Gleim: Gleim employs a two-tiered access system: you get 12 months from the date of purchase to select the courses you want from their catalog (up to the number of hours you bought). Once you select a specific course, you then have another 12 months from that selection date to complete it.
This offers flexibility but might be slightly more complex to track than a simple subscription end date. Gleim provides customer support via phone and email.
Winner: Gleim gets the win here with its highly responsive support.
Pricing & Value
Becker: Becker’s unlimited subscriptions cost more upfront (several hundred dollars), but if you use them fully, the cost per credit can be reasonable for the quality. You can also buy individual Becker courses, but the subscription gives the best value if you need many hours.
Gleim: Gleim is one of the cheapest CPE options out there. Depending on the package, costs range from about $12 per hour (for small packages) down to around $6 per hour in the largest. They rarely need big promo sales because the base prices are so low. If keeping costs down is your priority, Gleim is hard to beat on value.
The Winner: Becker (for overall value & high usage); Gleim (for minimal, specific needs). It’s simple math: estimate your annual CPE hours. If it’s high or unpredictable, Becker’s unlimited plans likely win on value. If it’s very low and fixed, Gleim’s hourly rate might save you money upfront.
Becker CPE Course Discount
Save $715 on Becker to get their comprehensive packages at a significantly low cost. Compare this with other CPE course discounts.
Final Verdict: Becker Takes the Crown, Gleim Offers Niche Value
After digging through every aspect, my recommendation is clear: Becker CPE stands out as the premier choice for the vast majority of CPAs looking for continuing education.
Becker delivers substantial value with their unlimited credit model, especially for CPAs who want to earn rollover credits for the next CPE period. It’s the most robust, modern, and reliable all-around CPE solution between the two.
Gleim earns its spot as a respectable #2. It’s a reliable, long-standing provider that offers a straightforward path to compliance. It’s a solid option if your needs are limited and predictable, particularly if you’re on a budget.
In the end, the best CPE course is the one that fits you. If you value a multimedia, guided experience, Becker will feel worth it. If you value low cost and simplicity, Gleim will be your best friend. Either way, you’ll earn valid CPE credits and stay compliant. Happy learning and good luck with your CPE!
FAQ
Yes. Both CPE courses are NASBA-approved CPE sponsors, which means their courses are accepted by all state boards of accountancy. You can confidently use either for your CPA license renewal requirements.
Gleim offers one free CPE course worth 3 credit hours on their website, “Choosing the Best Entity for a New Business (2024)”. Becker offers 6 options between 1-2 credits each, but you can only choose one.
Yes. Becker allows you to buy individual courses, so you don’t have to subscribe if you only need a couple of hours. Gleim is naturally pay-as-you-go, so you can purchase even a single CPE hour if that’s all you need.
Both Becker and Gleim offer the standard required courses (like ethics) that you’ll need. Becker sometimes lets you choose the format. For example, you could take an ethics course via a live webinar or a self-study. Gleim’s courses blend text and video formats.
Becker has a compliance tracker tool that lets you organize all your CPE credits in one place, even those from other providers. Gleim provides an online transcript of the courses you complete with them.
