Everybody learns differently—luckily, every CMA review course is a little different, too. But how do you know if a course will match your study style before you buy?
Both Gleim and Becker are respected leaders in the test prep industry, and I’ve spent dozens of hours combing through their practice questions, textbooks, video and audio lessons, and bonus tools. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what each course does best, and which of the top CMA review courses better fits your learning style, budget, and study needs. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- ✅ If you enjoy a classroom setting, Becker’s instructor-led tutoring sessions will keep you engaged and on track.
- ✅ If you’re a visual learner, Becker’s high-quality video lectures will provide more in-depth instruction.
- ✅ If you like the feeling of a book in your hands, Becker offers free printed textbooks at your request.
- ✅ If you are self-driven and like to learn on your own, Gleim’s on-demand course structure would work for you.
- ✅ If you want extra support from a counselor, Gleim’s support system can connect you with their team of experts.
Overview: Gleim vs Becker CMA
Gleim and Becker partner with the IMA to ensure you get the most up-to-date content available. That means you’ll never have to waste time studying material that isn’t relevant to the actual exam. Both will serve you well, but a few key differences could make or break your experience.
Gleim CMA Review: Depth and Detail
Gleim is famous for its comprehensive approach. If you want a deep dive into every topic, this course delivers. The textbooks thoroughly cover the CMA exam syllabus, and the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) come with detailed explanations, enabling you to understand why you may have gotten them incorrect.
I particularly love Gleim’s adaptive learning technology, SmartAdapt. It pushes me to focus on my weaknesses, while giving me little refreshers on topics I’ve mastered along the way. This is, in my opinion, the most efficient way to study for anything.
Also, their practice quizzes have a good user experience with tools like time value tables and a calculator widget that you can move around the questions.
From r/CMA on Reddit: “I’ve used Gleim for both the parts. I went with a peer’s recommendation and haven’t tried anything else – so I don’t have anything to compare it with – but I’m very satisfied with Gleim. I prefer reading/learning on my own vs tutorial videos (context: I already have a heavy finance and accounting background). The books are crisp/concise and question bank very thorough. There are customisation options (in create a practice test) that I appreciate a lot. I echo with what someone else also mentioned in the comments. The difficulty of the exam seemed lower than Gleim’s question bank. That’s a good thing in my opinion…”
Gleim CMA Review
Becker CMA Review: Engaging and Structured
With 60 years of experience providing exam prep to students, Becker’s method is truly tried and tested. Becker places a big focus on efficiency. The video lectures break down complex topics into easier-to-digest lessons, making it a great choice for visual learners. The textbooks are clear and concise, covering the essentials without overloading you with too much information.
While Becker’s practice questions are high quality, the explanations are sometimes brief. I found it helpful to cross-reference some MCQ topics with the textbook to ensure I fully understood the question.
“Becker was incredible. From start to finish they were with me every step of the way and I truly couldn’t have passed the exams without their help and insight. They not only give you the information you need to study but also help frame your mind on how to properly read and think about the questions. They are incredible and forever grateful for everyone at Becker that helped me along the way!”
Cole, via TrustPilot
Becker CMA Review
Feature Comparison
Here’s what you need to know about the two companies.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Cheapest Course Option) | $1,599-$2,199 | $999-$1,799 |
| Discounts | Save $990 | Save $499 |
| Access Length | 24 Months to Unlimited | 18 Months to Unlimited |
| Question Bank | 4,000+ | 4,500+ |
| Pass Guarantee | Yes (Review Pro) | Yes (Premium Only) |
| Live or On-Demand? | Both | On-Demand Only |
| Mobile Friendly? |  | |
| Mock Exams | | |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
The Key Differences
Course Content and Structure
One of the most significant differences between Gleim and Becker is how they deliver their course materials. While Becker has options to attend live class sessions and one-on-one tutoring, Gleim is entirely self-driven, with no live instruction. For students who benefit from real-time feedback and external accountability, Becker’s live classes could be a major advantage.
While reviewing the course, I found these sessions to be well-structured and especially helpful during more complex topics like cost management—having that live interaction added clarity and kept the learning on track.
On the other hand, Gleim’s fully on-demand format offers total flexibility, which is a huge plus for independent learners. While testing their course, I liked being able to move through the material on my own schedule. The platform is thoughtfully organized, and I could revisit tougher sections like variance analysis without the pressure of a class timeline.
🏆 Winner: Becker
Gleim is great for self-paced learners, but Becker’s live class structure offers a level of interaction and guidance that stood out during testing—especially for students who thrive with real-time support.
Tech and Videos
Both platforms offer personalized progress tracking and adaptive learning, which makes it easy to stay on top of weak areas. If you want a seamless study experience across your devices, Becker’s mobile app is a standout. During testing, I found it incredibly convenient to watch video lessons directly from my phone—whether I had 10 minutes on a break or was commuting. The quality and consistency of the app made it easy to jump back in without losing my place.
Gleim also offers a solid mobile experience, especially for audio learners. While testing the platform, I appreciated being able to listen to lectures on the go, almost like a podcast. It was a helpful way to reinforce concepts passively—particularly with topics I already had some familiarity with. That said, the lack of video content meant it wasn’t quite as engaging when tackling new or more complex material.
🏆 Winner: Becker
While Gleim’s audio flexibility is great for multitasking, Becker’s mobile app delivers a smoother, more immersive experience—especially if you rely on video instruction to fully grasp the material.
Support and Access
Becker has a lot of support resources under their belt. While reviewing the course, I found their academic support team responsive and helpful, especially when I had detailed questions about certain CMA concepts. The availability of tutoring sessions was also a major plus—having the option to schedule one-on-one time adds a level of confidence for students who may need extra clarification or just a motivational check-in.
Gleim also offers a dependable support system. Their weekday access to counselors was consistent during my testing, and they were quick to assist with questions around scheduling and study pacing. What stood out to me in Gleim’s Premium tier was the access to accounting experts. It’s a useful feature if you need clarity on more technical or nuanced topics, although the support structure feels a bit more segmented compared to Becker’s all-in-one model.
🏆 Winner: Becker
Both providers offer solid support, but Becker’s combination of academic assistance and tutoring makes it feel more accessible and unified. That integration stood out during testing and would be especially reassuring for students who want dependable help throughout their prep.
Value
Gleim’s cheaper full-course offering starts at $1,000 less than Becker’s lowest-priced package, which makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious students. When comparing the two side by side, I found Gleim’s lower price didn’t mean cutting corners—the platform still felt robust, especially in terms of its question bank and detailed study materials.
That said, Becker includes more built-in features like live instruction and tutoring, which helps justify the higher cost if you’re someone who benefits from structured support. While reviewing both, I could see how the added services in Becker’s course might offer better value for students who want a more guided experience.
If the upfront cost feels steep, Becker’s zero-interest financing (with no credit check) is a definite plus. Gleim offers financing through Affirm, which works well too, but it requires a short approval process. Another highlight: both courses offer free demos. I was able to explore the platforms before committing, which gave me a clearer sense of what each provider prioritizes.
🏆 Winner: Gleim
While Becker offers more instructional support, Gleim’s lower starting price and strong self-study tools make it the better value for independent learners. During testing, I was impressed by how much it delivers without the higher price tag.
Course Discounts
Becker CMA Discount Codes
Becker includes live instruction, high-quality video lectures, and personalized tutoring—making it a premium option for guided learning. Save $990 on its full-featured CMA courses and explore a more structured study experience.
Gleim CMA Discount Codes
Gleim’s in-depth textbooks, SmartAdapt™ tech, and large question bank make it a solid option for independent learners. Save $499 on its comprehensive CMA prep courses and study at your own pace with full support.
Final Verdict
Overall, I found Becker to be the most comprehensive, user-friendly CMA course out there. The UI looks smooth and is easy to follow, and the engaging video content helped me to stay focused.
Of course, Gleim’s large question bank and slightly cheaper cost make it a strong contender in their own right. Ultimately, both courses will adequately prepare you for the CMA exam, but if you want the highest level of prep available, go with Becker.
FAQ
If you’re new to the CMA exam and prefer structured guidance, Becker is a great choice. If you’re confident in your ability to self-study, Gleim offers excellent materials at a lower price.
Yes, both courses offer pass guarantees and unlimited access until you pass the exam for their highest-tier courses.
Both courses have mobile-friendly options, but Becker’s app is more interactive and user-friendly for studying on the go.
Live classes can be very helpful if you struggle with self-discipline or complex topics. Becker’s live classes are a great option for students who prefer real-time instruction.
It depends on the provider’s refund and exchange policies. Becker has a limited refund window, while Gleim offers a more flexible “access until you pass” policy, which can provide more peace of mind.
