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What Are the Best CMA Review Courses?

Updated June 16, 2026

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Have you ever spent an anxiety-inducing amount of money on a test prep course, only to realize it was not what you needed?

The CMA exam is no joke. With case-based questions becoming the new standard, starting your prep with an updated course matters even more. You want solid practice, clear explanations, and a platform you will actually keep opening after a long day.

Whether you are starting from scratch, trying to stay within a budget, or looking for more practice, this guide breaks down the best CMA review courses for different study styles. Let’s dig in

Best CMA Prep Courses at a Glance

Best CMA Review Courses

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1. Becker CMA Review: Best CMA Exam Prep Course Overall

Becker CMA was the course that felt most complete. The dashboard was clean, and I could move between lessons, practice tests, and my study plan without clicking through a million tabs. I also tried Newt™ while working through the material. Being able to ask a question whenever I missed an answer on my practice test, without leaving the platform, saved me from opening another tab every few minutes.

The LiveOnline classes were another win. I could still study on my own time, but the option to follow an actual class schedule adds accountability when motivation starts slipping. Becker also includes more real support than most CMA review courses. It has a lot going on and took me a second to figure my way around. Becker is not shy on features, but the tools work together without making the platform feel cluttered.

Becker CMA Course Packages

PackageWhat’s IncludedBest For
CMA Review Advantage24-month access, Newt™, Adapt2U, digital textbooks, simulated examsIndependent learners
CMA Review ProUnlimited access, LiveOnline classes, printed textbooks, tutoring, coachingStudents who want extra support
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Becker Perks

  • 4,000+ multiple-choice questions
  • 26 case-based questions
  • 76 essay questions
  • 76 SkillBuilder videos
  • 500+ digital flashcards
  • Unlimited Adapt2U practice tests
  • Newt AI study assistant
  • Simulated exams
  • Digital textbooks
  • LiveOnline classes with Pro
  • 5 tutoring sessions with Pro
  • 5 success-coaching sessions with Pro

Pros

✅ Adapt2U builds practice tests around weaker areas.
✅ Newt™ lets me ask questions without leaving my practice test.
✅ LiveOnline classes add accountability to a self-paced course.
✅ Tutoring and success coaching offer more direct support.

Cons

❌ The dashboard takes a second to learn because Becker packs in a lot of tools.
❌ The higher-tier packages can be on the premium side.
❌ It may be more course than you need for a light review.

Is Becker CMA Review Worth It?

Becker gave me a little bit of everything. Practice questions, instant support through Newt™, live class options, and a study plan. It felt complete. It has more tools and support than most people probably need for a quick review, but that is also why it worked so well for me.

Becker CMA Review

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2. Gleim CMA Review: Best Practice Questions

Gleim

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.

Gleim CMA Course Packages

PackageWhat’s IncludedBest For
Premium CMA Review SystemAccess until you pass, SmartAdapt™, video lectures, expert supportFull prep
Traditional CMA Review System18-month access, SmartAdapt™, question bank, study plannerSelf-paced study
CMA Mega Test Bank18-month access, practice questions, textbooks, exam simulationExtra practice

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What You Get With Gleim

  • 4,250+ multiple-choice questions
  • 250+ essay questions
  • 120+ case-based questions
  • Up to 4 mock exams
  • Unlimited practice exams
  • SmartAdapt™ technology
  • Final Review Mode
  • 700+ digital flashcards
  • Audio lectures

Pros

✅ The questions showed me weak spots I would have missed on my own.
✅ SmartAdapt™ kept bringing me back to topics that still needed work.
✅ The walkthrough videos made harder questions easier to unpack.
✅ The course already includes a strong set of case-based questions.

Cons

❌ The question bank can get overwhelming if you lose motivation easily.
❌ Some questions go deeper than you may see on exam day.
❌ The dashboard is not as clean or simple as some other platforms.

Is the Gleim CMA Review Worth It?

Gleim gave me the toughest practice of any course I tested. I would use it if I wanted to feel overprepared going into exam day, but it is probably not the best fit for a low-pressure review.

Check out my reviews comparing Becker and Gleim CMA

Gleim CMA Review

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3. UWorld CMA Review: Best for Active Learners

UWorld Accounting Logo

UWorld was the course I enjoyed light drilling in the most. I opened the QBank and immediately noticed how much detail went into the answer explanations. When I got something wrong, it showed me why my answer did not work and broke down the logic behind the right one. The diagrams and charts also made some of the harder topics way less painful to work through.

I used SmartPath Predictive Technology™ to check my progress and see where I was still falling behind. It gave me actual targets instead of leaving me to guess whether I was doing enough. The platform has a lot of tools, but the visuals and explanations are what made it stand out to me.

UWorld CMA Course Packages

PackageWhat’s IncludedBest For
Elite-UnlimitedUnlimited access, printed study guides, Live Boot Camps, 11th Hour Final ReviewExtra support
PremierOne year per part, eBooks, QBank, SmartPath Predictive Technology™Self-paced study
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Inside the UWorld CMA Course

  • 6,200+ multiple-choice questions
  • 75+ essay questions
  • 28 case-based questions
  • 150 video lectures
  • 1,200+ preloaded flashcards
  • SmartPath Predictive Technology™
  • Unlimited practice exams
  • 2 full-length mock exams
  • Mobile app

Pros

✅ The answer explanations show why each option is right or wrong.
✅ Charts and diagrams make dense topics easier to follow.
✅ SmartPath Predictive Technology™ shows exactly where you are falling behind.
✅ The mobile app gives you access to the full course.

Cons

❌ The explanations can be a little long when you only need a quick answer.
❌ The amount of detail may be too much for a light review.
❌ The dashboard takes a second to explore because there are a lot of tools.

Who Will Like UWorld Most?

UWorld helped me understand the reason behind each answer instead of just moving on to the next question. It is a good pick if you need concepts to actually click before you can remember them.

UWorld CMA Review

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4. Surgent CMA Review: Great Value

Surgent

Surgent was probably the most straightforward course I tested. It is not packed with a million extras, but it does a good job of showing you what actually needs your attention. ReadySCORE™ gave me one number to watch as I worked through questions, so I could see my progress without trying to guess whether I was ready.

I also liked that the study plan adjusted based on my answers. If I already understood a topic, I did not have to spend forever reviewing it just because it was next on the list. It kept pulling me back to the areas where I still needed more work. Surgent is not the course I would choose for live classes or a huge list of bonus tools, but it makes sense if you are busy and want to use your study time wisely.

Surgent CMA Course Packages

PackageWhat’s IncludedBest For
Essentials18-month access, ReadySCORE™, Predictive AI Technology, eBooksBasic prep
Premier24-month access, video lectures, study notes, ReadySCORE™Self-paced study
UltimateUnlimited access, printed materials, coaching sessions, priority supportMore support
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Surgent CMA Review Features

  • 4,000+ multiple-choice questions
  • 65+ essay questions
  • 60+ video lectures
  • Unlimited practice exams
  • ReadySCORE™ exam-readiness indicator
  • Predictive AI Technology
  • Study Companion app
  • Money-back pass guarantee
  • 2 private coaching sessions with Ultimate

Pros

✅ ReadySCORE™ gave me a simple way to track my progress.
✅ The study plan helped me spend less time on topics I already knew.
✅ Every package includes unlimited practice exams.
✅ The app syncs with the course so I could study from my phone.

Cons

❌ There are fewer video lessons than some other courses.
❌ Surgent does not offer live class options.
❌ The public course page does not currently list a case-based question bank.

Who Surgent Makes Sense For

Surgent kept things simple. ReadySCORE™ showed me how close I was getting, and the study plan made it clear where I still needed to spend time. I would go with it if I wanted a more focused study routine without sorting through a ton of extra features.

Surgent CMA Review

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5. CMA Exam Academy: Best for Beginners

CMA Exam Academy

Undoubtedly, among all of the course features, CMA Exam Academy stands out for their commitment to support through a more traditional approach to education. The lessons follow a 16-week plan for each part, so I always knew what I should be working on that week. There are assignments, check-ins, and weekly coaching calls built in, which adds some pressure in a good way.

I also liked that the support felt personal. If I got stuck, I could email a coach and get a response within 24 hours instead of sending a question into a random support inbox. The downside is that you have to keep up with it. I would not choose this one if I wanted to disappear for two weeks and come back whenever I felt like it. But for a first-time test taker who needs a clear plan, it makes a lot of sense.

CMA Exam Academy Course Packages

PackageWhat’s IncludedBest For
16-Week Accelerator Program ComboPrep for both parts, weekly coaching calls, assignments, textbooks, video and audio lecturesFull exam prep
Complete 2026 CMA Review Course – Part One16-week Part One plan, coaching, assignments, textbooks, lecturesPart One only
Complete 2026 CMA Review Course – Part Two16-week Part Two plan, coaching, assignments, textbooks, lecturesPart Two only
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What CMA Exam Academy Includes

  • 16-week plan for each part
  • Weekly coaching calls
  • Weekly assignments
  • Accountability check-ins
  • Unlimited email coaching
  • 24-hour coach response time
  • Video and audio lectures
  • Printed and online textbooks
  • Pass-or-refund guarantee

Pros

✅ I always knew what I was supposed to study next.
✅ Weekly calls and check-ins added accountability.
✅ Coaches respond to questions within 24 hours.
✅ The course gives beginners a clear place to start.

Cons

❌ The weekly schedule may be hard to keep up with during a busy month.
❌ It is not the best fit if you want to move through everything at your own pace.
❌ The public course page does not clearly list how many CBQs are included yet.

Is CMA Exam Academy a Good Fit?

CMA Exam Academy gave me more direction than any other course I tested. I would go with it if I wanted someone to lay out the plan, check in on me, and answer questions along the way. It is probably more hands-on than you need if you already know how to keep yourself on track.

CMA Exam Academy

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6. Hock International: Best Monthly Membership

Hock

Hock was pretty easy to get into. I could move between the videos, textbooks, and practice questions without needing much time to figure out the platform. The question bank was also solid. I compared a few questions to past CMA exam questions, and the difficulty seemed pretty similar overall.

The videos were one of my favorite parts. Brian Hock explains why each section matters before getting too deep into the details, which made some of the longer topics easier to follow. PassMap™ also gives the course a little more direction if you do not want to plan everything yourself.

The monthly membership is what makes HOCK different. You can get full access without committing to a larger upfront payment. Just keep in mind that the cost can start adding up if you need the course for a while.

HOCK CMA Membership

PackageWhat’s IncludedBest For
HOCK CMA MembershipFull course access, PassMap™, video lessons, textbooks, practice questions, mock exams, expert supportSupplemental prep with monthly access

HOCK CMA Review Highlights

  • 4,000+ multiple-choice questions
  • 87 essay questions
  • 12 case-based questions
  • 60+ hours of video lessons
  • 6 full mock exams
  • PassMap™ personalized study plan
  • Digital textbooks
  • Expert support
  • HOCK Circle community access

Pros

✅ The platform was easy for me to figure out.
✅ The question bank felt close to the difficulty of past exam questions.
✅ Brian Hock explains why each section matters before diving in.
✅ The monthly membership gives you more control over how long you pay.

Cons

❌ Monthly payments can add up if you take longer than planned.
❌ The platform is not as polished as some of the bigger providers.
❌ There are fewer case-based questions than some other courses.

Is HOCK CMA Review Worth It?

HOCK worked well as a straightforward option. The videos were easy to follow, the question bank was solid, and the monthly setup gives you more flexibility with how long you keep acc,ess bit ut can get expensiquicklyick. I would look at it if I wanted the basics covered without committing to a larger package upfront.


Other CMA Prep Options to Browse Through

These weren’t among my top 6 picks for cma prep, but are worth a look for extra study help:

CourseWebsite
BCertified ProVisit Website
Farhat LecturesVisit Website
LambersVisit Website
My-CPEVisit Website
Miles EducationVisit Website
PRCVisit Website
Study.comVisit Website
Walsh CollegeVisit Website
Zain AcademyVisit Website

How to Choose the Right CMA Review Course

The best CMA review course is the one you will actually keep using once the initial motivation wears off. Before choosing one, think about what usually helps you stay consistent.

  • Need a clear routine? Look for a study plan, live classes, or check-ins.
  • Learn by doing? Prioritize a large question bank and detailed explanations.
  • Short on time? Adaptive tools can help narrow down what to study next.
  • Not ready to commit? A monthly option may make more sense.

You do not need every feature. Start with the parts you know you will realistically use.

My Final Thoughts

After testing all of them, Becker CMA landed at the top for me because it covered the most bases. It had practice questions, a study plan, live class options, Newt™ support, and extra help if I needed it.

The other courses still make sense for different reasons. Gleim is great for heavy practice. UWorld explains answers really well. Surgent helps you focus your time. CMA Exam Academy adds more accountability, and HOCK gives you a month-to-month option.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best CMA review course is the one that matches how you actually study and what kind of support you know you will use.

FAQs

How Long Should I Study for the CMA Exam?

IMA recommends about 170 study hours for Part 1 and 130 hours for Part 2. That usually works out to around 10 to 13 weeks for Part 1 and 8 to 11 weeks for Part 2 if you study at least 12 hours each week. Your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on your accounting background and weekly schedule.

Are CMA Review Courses Updated for the New Case-Based Questions?

Some CMA review courses already include case-based question prep, but the amount varies. This matters more in 2026 because the CMA exam is moving away from essays. Most English-language test takers can choose essays or CBQs during the May/June window. Starting in September/October 2026, CBQs will become the standard format.

What Is the Best CMA Review Course in 2026?

The best CMA review course depends on how you study. Becker is a strong all-around option, Gleim stands out for heavy practice, UWorld is good for detailed explanations, Surgent helps narrow down what to study, CMA Exam Academy adds more accountability, and HOCK offers monthly access.

Do I Need a Prep Course to Pass the CMA Exam?

A CMA review course is not required, but I would not want to prepare without one. Each exam part has 100 multiple-choice questions, and the full process takes months of studying. A good course gives you a plan, practice questions, and a way to see which topics still need work instead of trying to organize everything yourself.

Bryce Welker is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, YEC and Business Insider. After graduating from San Diego State University he went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license and created CrushTheCPAexam.com to share his knowledge and experience to help other accountants become CPAs too. Bryce was named one of Accounting Today’s “Accountants To Watch” among other accolades.