Is Becker CPA Review Course worth it?

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    Topic
  • #201130
    Abcd6789
    Participant

    I’m sure this has been asked many times. I know you will pay a premium for purchasing Becker CPA Review. However, if Becker really has better books, lectures, MCQ, TBS, and material I will pay the purchase price no questions asked. I start taking the exams in July (FAR first) and want to get this crap done with in the best manner, even though it will be very challenging.
    So, was it worth the cost for Becker? Thanks!
     
    “becker-cpa-review”/
     

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 21 total)
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  • #770972
    se98
    Participant

    I'm working with Becker for the second time around (with years in between) as it was company paid for this time. Unfortunately I don't have anything else to directly compare it to but I am considering adding some Ninja items to my review plan as I feel like no matter how much time I spend with the Becker material there are some things I.am.just.not.getting. I'm kind of wishing I had asked my company to pay for the ninja 10 point combo instead, which is far cheaper and seems to have a better mix of learning materials. Do a lot of research, watch demos, look at old forum posts as to what other people have done and used, watch Jeff's videos, and know your own learning style before you make a decision.

    AUD - 80
    BEC - 77
    FAR - 84
    REG - 80
     

     

    FAR 84
    REG 7/2016
    BEC 8/2016
    AUD 10/2016

    #770973
    mitchmatch
    Participant

    So YES!!! but as a disclaimer let me say that my school paid for almost all of it. I was out off school for almost a year, didnt remember much, and they catch you up to speed pretty quickly. Along the way i complained alot that they dont prepare you enough, but at the end of the day i passed all first parts on the first try. Its insanely expensive but i just dont think i could have done it without Beckers. If you are 100% dedicated to passing this, you have the spare money, and you want to do this then yes. If you cant really afford it, and you think you might slack, then maybe go with a cheaper option. Also ask your school if they have any beckers discount of some sort. I had no idea that my school offered, i randomly came across this program a year after i graduated and they still offer it to alumins.

    FAR-76 First attempt.
    AUD-79 First attempt.
    REG-79 First attempt.
    BEC-79 First attempt.

    Done!

    BECKERS

    #770974
    AccountantPinkHair
    Participant

    I'm totally a no vote on Becker. I didn't start to pass tests until I got away from Becker. I started passing with Ninja MCQ and pen to paper note taking. Someone else posted awhile ago that you're probably going to get 50/50 pro and con on Becker. Just do the free trial and see if it's really for you.

    BEC 60, 71, 71, 73, 81
    AUD 72, 81
    REG 60, 78
    FAR 71, 78

    Licensed CPA in Texas

    AUD - 72, 81
    FAR - 71, 78
    REG - 60, 78
    BEC - 60, 71, 71

    IF I FALL, I WILL GET BACK UP. IF I AM BEATEN, I WILL RETURN.

    #770975
    Titleistg0lfer
    Participant

    I was in the same shoes as you when thinking about review materials. I put in a lot of research and also asked all my CPA friends which material they used. 75% of the people I talked with told me they used Becker and wouldn't have passed without it. So far Becker has been a HUGE blessing even with the hefty price tag. I've passed the first 3 sections I've taken on the first try, and am a little above average test taker. I would say if your worried about that price tag, just think about the money you're going to be making after you pass (That's what I did). Good luck studying either way!

    REG: 84 (10/5/15)
    AUD: 83 (11/23/15)
    BEC: 77 (2/27/16) - The bubble sucks
    FAR: 90 (7/20/16) - AND DONE FOREVER!!!!!

    #770977
    jm962011
    Participant

    I'd also say no, its not worth it. It took me 3 tries to pass AUD with only Becker. Then it took me two fails for FAR with Becker to change my game plan and purchase Roger.

    No matter what anyone else on this thread says about Becker, you have to do a few things on your own first and it'll help YOU make the decision that YOU need.

    1. Figure out your learning style. Becker vs. Roger vs Wiley vs Yaeger vs Ninja… they all have different teaching methods because we all learn differently. This will save you money, time, and FRUSTRATION in the long run.
    2. Watch samples of each study material on Youtube to see if you can deal with listening to that person for HOURS on end. I think they give a sample of the materials on screen in the video as well. Some people can't stand Roger and his “unprofessionalism”… meaning the way he slurps his soda can, or his messy writing on the board. But I honestly can't stand Tim Gearty's “underline this, write that” because I don't learn that way.

    #770978
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Save your money and buy the Roger review program, supplementing with Ninja notes to help tie everything together. From what I understand about Becker is that is is very comprehensive, but it may give you too much information rather than focusing on what's really necessary to pass the exams. Either way though you should be in good shape!

    #770979
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I got a Becker 50% off scholarship that needs to be redeemed by the end of June. Still debating whether or not I should go for it. Even with the discount, it's like a full price for other review courses. I am hesitant to buy it because of the mixed reviews. I totally feel ya.

    #770980
    Andyred04
    Participant

    My honest opinion is any and all of the CPA review courses out there are satisfactory to pass the CPA exams. Some review courses meet different candidates' learning styles. The only reason I would ever recommend someone to Becker is if you need a physical classroom setting. Otherwise, you're going to overpay.

    FAR 80
    REG 87
    BEC 87
    AUD 96

    Primarily Gleim, supplemented with Ninja Notes & Ninja MCQs

    Missouri CPA as of January, 2017

    FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
    REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
    BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
    AUD: 8/27/16

    PA Candidate

    #770981
    Son
    Participant

    As a person without any accounting background whatsoever (I only qualified for the exam because of the tax classes I took in school) I can tell you Becker can prepare you to pass the exams from level 0, on the first try. I hear a lot of people complain about Becker but it's mostly because of the price tag.

    Regarding people who studied with Becker and failed a couple times, then switched to Ninja, Roger or something else and finally passed – I do agree different people have different learning styles. But people forger that they've learned all the fundamentals from Becker, and just ended up polishing a few areas with another review course.

    Bottom line – I'd obviously look around. But if you're still lost at the end, I'd say Becker is your best bet as it works for most.

    AUD - passed
    REG - passed
    BEC - passed
    FAR - passed

    #770982
    Abcd6789
    Participant

    Thanks for all of your feedback friends. It sounds like Becker will give me the best chance to pass the CPA Exam, even though it is overpriced. I'm wiling to pay an extra $1000 just to get this crap finished with the best material etc. it sounds like Becker gives candidates more structure and material than other Review Courses. But, you a pay a premium for this content.

    About me: I will be graduating in May with a 3.6 GPA (study my butt off) and learn best by reading from the book. Lecture reinforces the material, but hitting the books is an absolute must for me.

    Thanks again!

    #770983
    Nessie
    Participant

    I have used the regular Becker Review Course and the Final Review courses. I assume you are asking about the regular Review course?

    I am not a fan of Becker because I think they expect you to know too much material that will never show up on the exam. However, I have passed two exams on the first try and did not find the actual exam overly difficult *because* of Becker. If you are willing to commit about (at least) 15 hours per chapter and another 20-30 hours to review, you probably will pass on your first try. But that’s the thing…You practically have to be unemployed or doing very little else but studying to take in all of the material.

    Most people get sucked in to buying the 4 units up front (for a 25% savings), so they have to stick with it through all 4 parts of the exam.

    So you have to decide if you want to be a work horse and go with Becker- knowing you probably will pass if you do all of the questions, or maybe one of the other companies. I think people who slam Becker do so because they didn’t do all of the questions, and therefore had more difficulty passing. But again, doing all of the questions takes a ridiculous amount of time.

    AUD - 80
    BEC - 84
    FAR - 80
    REG - 88
    Using Becker Self-Study, Final Review and NINJA MCQs
    Sat for BEC Dec 6th, 2016 !!!! 84!!!!!

    REG Aug 20/15: 88
    AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
    FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
    BEC?

    Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

    #770984
    cpa007
    Participant

    Becker or roger MC which one prepare you well for BEC and AUD.

    Hope and determination will lead to success.
    #770985
    EuroAddict
    Participant

    I used Becker and Ninja MCQ.

    -----------------------------
    BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
    FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
    REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
    AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

    I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

    #770986
    Abcd6789
    Participant

    Thanks for all of the feedback. I am currently unemployed, learn best by reading from the book, and want to knock this exam out asap before hitting the job market.

    I think I will go with Becker and Ninja to achieve my goals because they seem to be the best and most comprehensive. However, Roger does have some funny lectures I have viewed! “TT-BPO-75-90” (Leases).

    Like others have said, I believe all the Review Courses are legit and can adequately prepare a candidate for the Exam. Becker is way overpriced, but I'll pay the premium if it helps me get through the exam quicker and gives me less problems -Period. Thanks again!

    #770987
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I only used Becker and was able to pass each test on the first try. But of course everyone's experience may vary. I opted for self study and did not attend any live courses. My company also paid for the program, so if cost is an issue I'm sure Ninja would fill that gap just as well.

    Also, if at any point I were to fail a section, I would've immediately purchased Ninja for the extra questions and material.Thankfully, I didn't have to.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 21 total)
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