Have you ever spent an anxiety-inducing amount of money on a test prep course, only to realize it wasn’t what you needed? As a CPA and CMA prep course industry expert, I’ve tested dozens of CMA review courses and seen firsthand how the wrong choice can cost students valuable time and money.
That’s why I personally analyzed practice questions, textbooks, video lessons, and study tools from the top CMA exam prep courses to find the best options. Whether you’re a beginner, on a tight budget, or just need extra practice questions, this guide will help you find the best CMA review course for your study style. Let’s dig in!
Best CMA Review Courses
| Course Name |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599-$2,199 | $699-$1,299 | $999-$1,799 | $1,999 | $99/mo-$1,669 |
| Discounts | Save $990 | Save $600 | Save $499 | Save 20% | No Discounts |
| Format | Live or Self-Paced | Self-Paced | Self-Paced | Live | Self-Paced |
| Access | 24 Months or Until You Pass | 18 Months, 24 Months, or Until You Pass | 18 Months or Access Until You Pass® | 2 Years | 1 Month, 6 Months, or 2 Years |
| MCQ Practice Questions | 4,000+ | 4,000+ | 4,000+ | 4,000+ | 4,000+ |
| Essay Practice Questions | 76 | 65+ | 170 | 35+ | 83 |
| Guarantees |  $250 Toward Retake Fees/3-Month Extension | Money Back | Money Back | Money Back | Reimbursed Retake Fees, 2 Year Only |
| Refund Policy | 10 Days | 10 Days | 30 Days | N/A | 3 Days |
| Support | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Phone, Email, Chat | Email, Phone, Chat | |
| Best For | Structured Learning With Live Classes & Expert Support | Fast-Tracked Study Plans & Students on a Budget | Extensive Practice Questions & In-Depth Explanations | Beginners Who Need Structured Guidance & Coaching | Supplemental Practice & Affordable Subscription Access |
| Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Best CMA Prep Courses at a Glance
Best Overall: Becker
Best Value: Surgent
Best for Practice: Gleim
Best for Beginners: CMA Exam Academy
1. Becker CMA Review: Best CMA Exam Prep Course Overall
Becker’s Adapt2U technology, 76 SkillBuilder videos, and extensive personal support options make it a solid choice for students who want an efficient study plan and an expert team to walk them through it.
My favorite part of reviewing Becker CMA and its experience was the LiveOnline Virtual Classroom. I love that students can watch classes “in order” live, which builds accountability through a structure where you need to show up to learn.
Becker features a pass guarantee, but unlike Gleim, Surgent, and CMA Exam Academy, you’re not getting a 100% refund. You are eligible for a one-time 3-month course access extension and $250 for retake fees (just for one part and a single failed attempt), but it isn’t nearly as robust as their competitors’ guarantees. However, those features I covered earlier help Becker rise to the top: the live classes, human-to-human support options, and walkthrough videos for every practice question that the other courses lack.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: Live, self-paced, and hybrid format options
- 🤖 Adapt2U Adaptive Learning Technology for personalized study plans
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 4,000+ MCQs, 76 essay questions
- 🎥 Video Lectures: Main lecture videos and 76 SkillBuilder videos
- 📖 Digital and Printed Textbooks and constant updates
- ✍️ Unlimited Practice Exams and simulated mock exams
- 📅 Pass Guarantee refunds one section’s exam fees and extends access for one failure
- 🤝 Personalized Support through 5 tutoring sessions and 5 success coaching sessions
- ⛏️ Bonus Tools: 500+ digital flashcards and 1 year CPE subscription
Pros
- Lots of personalized support via tutoring and success coaching sessions
- Pass guarantee provides 3-month access extension and $250 toward exam fees
- 1 year CPE subscription ($799 value)✅ 76 videos walk you through answers for every practice essay question
- 76 videos walk you through answers for every practice essay question
- Live online classes with instructor interaction
Cons
- A bit more expensive than Gleim and Surgent
- Pass guarantee doesn’t offer a full refund (unlike Gleim, Surgent, and CMA Exam Academy)
Becker CMA Review
Becker CMA Student Feedback: Hits & Misses
✅ “Perfect” Plus a Payment Plan: “For me, Becker was perfect. Tons of Multiple Choice questions, practice exams, lecture videos, and you get a textbook too. I did the 6 months interest free payment plan.”
Reddit Reviewer
❌ Tricky Questions for Some: “I have found (the practice questions) manageable, however there are MANY questions that use wording to trick you rather than testing you on actual knowledge, so you really learn to place close attention on the wording.”
Reddit User u/AnotherShrubbery94
Bottom Line: Why Choose Becker?
Becker is the best choice for students who want structure, expert guidance, and interactive learning. The LiveOnline Virtual Classroom keeps you accountable with real-time classes, while the Adapt2U technology personalizes your study plan to focus on weak areas. The walkthrough videos for every essay question are a standout feature, making complex topics easier to grasp.
However, the pass guarantee isn’t as generous as competitors like Gleim or Surgent, offering only extended access and exam fee reimbursement for one failed attempt. If you value live instruction, hands-on support, and in-depth explanations, I think Becker is the strongest CMA prep course available.
2. Surgent CMA Review: Best Value
My favorite features when reviewing Surgent CMA were their packages, which included the ReadySCORE™ exam readiness indicator (their description, not mine) and mobile app. ReadySCORE™ is a number out of 100 that determines the score you’re likely to get on the actual CMA exams. The minimum passing score is 360/500, or roughly 72% (the scoring system isn’t that cut and dry, but it’s a close enough estimate). So, you’d try to get at least 72 on the practice exams, ideally 75.
Once you consistently get those scores or higher, you know you’re ready for exam day. It was motivating to watch my number climb higher and know I was making progress, and motivation is such a huge component of studying for a massive, life-changing exam.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: Self-paced
- 🤖 Predictive AI Technology and ReadySCORE™ improve study efficiency
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 4,000+ MCQs and 65+ essay questions
- 🎥 Video Lectures: 60+ quick video lessons
- 📖 Digital and Printed Textbooks and printed flashcards
- ✍️ Unlimited Practice Exams
- 📅 Pass Guarantee offers a complete refund for every offer available
- 🤝 Personalized Support through two private coaching sessions with a CMA expert
- 📱 Study Companion App features digital flashcards, definitions, and video lessons for mobile
Take $600 Off Surgent CMA Ultimate Pass
Pros
- The most affordable course packages on the list, by far
- Pass guarantee covers every available package for a full refund if you fail the exam
- Mobile app is a valuable tool for quick “study bites” during your busy day
- Two private coaching sessions are a significant value-add for the comparatively low price
Cons
- Mobile app has negative reviews as you can’t access your textbook and lectures are random
- Mixed reviews on how well ReadySCORE™ predicts exam performance
Surgent CMA Review
Surgent CMA Student Feedback: Hits & Misses
✅ ReadySCORE™ is Motivating: “The “Readyscore” is by far the winner for me. Seeing Green or Orange for all the areas and a high enough Readyscore motivates me. If i see Red for an area I can target that material until it clicks.”
Reddit User u/No_Abbreviations868
❌ Awkward Topic Rotation: “For me personally, the way Surgent just bounces you from topic to topic and doesn’t teach any in order I enjoy so that I can have a broader feel of how I’m doing and be assured I’m not forgetting the first lesson.”
Reddit User u/IlliniAccountaholic
Bottom Line
Surgent is the best choice for budget-conscious students who want adaptive technology and a flexible study plan. The ReadySCORE™ tool helps track progress and predict exam readiness, while the mobile app makes it easy to fit in quick study sessions.
With unlimited practice exams, a complete pass guarantee, and private coaching sessions, it offers incredible value for the price. However, the mobile app has mixed reviews, and some students question how accurately ReadySCORE™ reflects actual exam performance. If you want an affordable, tech-driven course with strong refund protection, Surgent is a great option.
3. Gleim CMA Review: Best for Practice
Gleim is best known for their question banks and practice materials; the same positivity is true of its CMA review course. However, they also have a ton of video content, some excellent bonus features, and helpful support options to make their offers even stronger. Unsurprisingly, Gleim’s practice questions were outstanding.
However, when I reviewed Gleim CMA and compared them to actual questions used on past CMA exams, Gleim’s were noticeably harder, often being longer, asking for hyper-specific responses, and testing you on barely discussed topics. This is deliberate, though. Gleim is known for having an “overpreparation effect” on students: using tough practice questions and in-depth materials so exam day isn’t just passable, it’s downright easy.
Again, there’s a ton of video content, and the practice materials could be the golden ticket if you don’t get frustrated or unmotivated easily. They also offer the longest return policy window (3 times longer than the closest at 30 days versus just 10) and more comprehensive support than Surgent or Hock, thanks to personal counseling and a CMA expert hotline to get your questions answered.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: Self-paced
- 🤖 SmartAdapt™ Technology personalized guidance and review
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: (fill in ASAP)
- 🎥 Video Lectures: 70+ hours of bite-sized videos led by professors
- 📖 Digital and Printed Textbooks and constant updates
- ✍️ Unlimited Practice Exams and up to 4 full-length mock exams
- 📅 Pass Guarantee offers a complete refund for the Premium System
- 🤝 Personalized Support from personal counselors and accounting experts
- ⛏️ Bonus Tools: Digital flashcards, final review mode, study planner, and audio lectures
Pros
- Audio lectures are invaluable for learning with a busy schedule
- Pass guarantee offers a total refund if you fail the exam (Premium System only)
- Tons of “mainline” video hours, as well as MCQ and essay walkthrough videos
- One of the rare providers to offer final review materials
- Personal counseling for study help and a “Q&A hotline” with accounting experts
Cons
- The Traditional System, which costs $1,499, doesn’t include any video content
- 18-month access period for two lower-tier packages is short compared to the 2-year benchmark
Check out my reviews comparing Becker and Gleim CMA.
Gleim CMA Review
Gleim CMA Student Feedback: Hits & Misses
✅ Praise for Video Lectures and Tough Prep: “I really enjoyed using Gleim for the CMA. Amy does a great job teaching and there’s lot of extra materials to help with some of the more difficult topics. There are some questions that are over kill and way more difficult than the actual exam […]. They challenge you but they also prepare you by challenging you as much as they can.”
Reddit User u/Big_Adhesiveness_668
❌ Easy Questions, Hard Questions: “I notice that some questions are almost too easy and some are incredibly hard.”
Reddit User u/Mediocre-Monitor-799
Bottom Line: Why Choose Gleim?
Gleim is the best choice for students who learn by doing and want rigorous practice to feel overprepared on exam day. The SmartAdapt™ technology personalizes your study plan, and the 4,500+ practice questions are among the toughest in the industry, making the real exam feel easier.
The video content and personal counseling add extra support, but some students may find the difficulty level overwhelming or the 18-month access period too short compared to competitors like Becker. If you’re a kinesthetic learner who thrives on practice and detailed explanations, Gleim is a top-tier option.
4. CMA Exam Academy: Best for Beginners
Undoubtedly, among all of the course features, CMA Exam Academy stands out for their commitment to support through a more traditional approach to education. Students will feel the most like students in this course, complete with a structured 32-week (16 weeks per part) guided curriculum, weekly module releases, and homework assignments to reinforce your knowledge and cement your understanding.
Every student is assigned a CMA coach who has a CMA themselves. You’ll receive weekly Q&A-style support calls with your coach and weekly check-ins to keep you accountable. Further, you have a 24/7 email hotline to ask your coach questions before your next call if you get stuck and need urgent help. As a result, this course is best for students who thrive in a structured, support-rich learning environment and students who may need a rigorous schedule and check-ins to keep them accountable for their studies.
Despite its strengths, the Academy isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. Though the course has adaptive learning technology, you’re not getting the proprietary, cutting-edge tools like Becker’s Adapt2U, Gleim’s SmartAdapt™, or Surgent’s ReadySCORE™. As a result, in my review of CMA Exam Academy, the course didn’t feel as new and exciting in comparison.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: Live classes with structured lesson plans and weekly module releases
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 4,000+ MCQs and 35+ essay questions with sample answers
- 🎥 Video Lectures: Weekly HD video lectures for 32 weeks and downloadable MP3 audio lectures
- 📖 Digital and Printed Textbooks and printed flashcards
- ✍️ Unlimited Practice Exams
- 📅 Pass Guarantee offers a complete refund if you fail the exam
- 🤝 Unlimited Support: weekly support calls, assignments, and check-ins, 24/7 coach hotline
- ⛏️ Bonus Tools: Digital flashcard app, private community, formula guides, exam rehearsal
Save 20% on CMA Exam Academy Review Course
Pros
- The most personalized support of any provider on the list
- Structured “drip style” lesson plan with weekly module releases and assignments
- Community and accountability through the private group and CMA coach check-ins and calls
- Pass guarantee offers a 100% refund if you don’t pass the CMA exam
Cons
- The structure and assignments can be overwhelming and time-consuming
- Half or fewer the number of practice essay questions compared to competitors
- The videos feel a little dry and can be on the long side (40+ minutes)
CMA Exam Academy
CMA Exam Academy Student Feedback: Hits & Misses
✅ Success With a Full-Time Job: “I passed both tests on my first attempt while working full time. It was a lot of studying over a year or so but worth it. It has gotten me in the door for interviews.”
Reddit Reviewer
❌ Passed but Perturbed: “Even though it worked for me, I don’t recommend them over other programs. The program isn’t paced well if you follow it verbatim, the author / lecturer is overly technical when he doesn’t need to be, and it is just as expensive if not more expensive than other programs.”
Reddit User u/ArgentUnicorn
Bottom Line: Why Choose CMA Exam Academy?
CMA Exam Academy is the best choice for students who need structure, accountability, and hands-on support. The guided 32-week schedule, weekly coaching calls, and 24/7 email support create an authentic classroom experience, making it perfect for beginners or those who struggle with self-paced learning. However, the rigid schedule and assignments can feel overwhelming, and the course lacks advanced adaptive learning tools found in Becker, Gleim, or Surgent. If you thrive in a structured, mentor-driven environment, CMA Exam Academy is a great fit—but if you prefer self-paced flexibility, a course from Becker, Gleim, or Surgent may suit you better.
5. Hock International: Best Supplemental Course
Though Hock can be purchased as a standalone course, its most popular format is the subscription model. This way, quick learners can save money on four-figure prep courses, and students looking for a supplemental resource can access the tool only when they’re grinding through practice questions before the big day.
I compared practice questions to those from past CMA exams and found them highly similar. Some students reported the questions being more difficult than those on the exam, but I thought they were of similar difficulty. Further, the videos are effective in breaking down complex topics. I also appreciate how Brian Hock (the founder and lecturer) would explain the importance of each section.
I wouldn’t recommend Hock as a standalone option, as you’re given the bare minimum to pass: practice questions, a handful of mock exams, video lectures, digital textbooks, and some simple adaptive learning tools. Even further, you’re getting very little structured support, so I wouldn’t recommend Hock for beginners. However, I was surprised at the quality of their question banks and video lectures, especially for the price.
Key Features
- 📚 Course Format: Self-paced (single purchase or monthly subscription options)
- 🤖 Adaptive Study Plan and Progress Bar show your exam readiness as you move forward
- 🔍 Number of Practice Questions: 4,000+ MCQs and 83 essay questions
- 🎥 Video Lectures: 60+ hours of video lessons
- 📖 Digital Textbooks with printed textbooks available for an extra fee
- ✍️ Unlimited Practice Exams and up to 4 mock exams
- 📅 Pass Guarantee offers exam fee reimbursement if you fail (2-year package only)
Pros
- Affordable subscription option for fast learners
- More practice essay questions than any other provider
- Has the basics, but comparable materials to some big-name providers
Cons
- Subscription fees can add up fast and may be deceptively affordable
- Textbooks are LONG (756 and 580 pages) and can be a dense read
Hock CMA Student Feedback: Hits & Misses
✅ Passed Both on Try #1: “Passed both on first shot.. did 6 months each of study. Probably overdid it there but I used Hock as material prep and was satisfied with the price and study platform.”
Reddit User u/509_HT
❌ Uneven Question Difficulty: “I used Hock International, great for thorough explanations…but also had access to Gleim which had a test bank more in line with the difficulty of exam questions.”
Reddit User u/silentweaponsfqw
Bottom Line: Why Choose Hock International?
Hock International is a great supplemental resource for students who want affordable access to quality practice questions and video lectures without committing to an entire course. The subscription model makes it a cost-effective option for quick learners, and the exam-quality question bank is a strong asset for final review. However, it lacks structured support and advanced adaptive learning tools, making it a poor fit for beginners. If you already have a primary CMA prep course and just need extra practice and explanations, Hock is a solid add-on.
CMA Review Course Honorable Mentions
| Course | Website |
|---|---|
| BCertified Pro | Visit Website |
| Farhat Lectures | Visit Website |
| Lambers | Visit Website |
| My-CPE | Visit Website |
| Miles Education | Visit Website |
| PRC | Visit Website |
| Study.com | Visit Website |
| UWorld CMA Review | Visit Website |
| Walsh College | Visit Website |
| Zain Academy | Visit Website |
Final Thoughts
I’ve seen too many students fail because they picked courses that didn’t cater to their needs: too little support, no video lessons, or even too many materials!
That’s why I do what I do: I believe that if you put in the work, you deserve to succeed.
I feel Becker is great thanks to their live online classes, personalized support, and essay question walkthrough videos. However, if practice is more your thing, Gleim’s tough questions are perfect for overpreparing yourself for success. Finally, if you’re on a budget, Surgent offers many valuable resources comparable to their competitors for a significantly lower price.
Next step? Choose your perfect-fit prep course from the list and get studying!
FAQs
Yes, but it requires 20–30 hours of study per week with a structured course like Becker or Surgent.
Use a CMA review course, follow a study plan, and take mock exams to reinforce key concepts.
Yes, it’s challenging, but a strong course like Becker or Gleim makes it manageable.
Plan for 3–6 months per part, studying 10–15 hours per week with adaptive learning tools.
Top CMA prep courses like Becker and Gleim offer free CMA demos and trials to test out the course.
