CPA Study Materials & Supplements | 10 Things To Know
How to Find the Right CPA Study Materials to Supplement Any Course & Boost CPA Exam Scores.
(Scroll down for your Free CPA Notes)
Table of Contents
Introduction: CPA Study Materials & Supplements
If you already have a CPA Review Course and want an extra edge on Exam Day, you're in the right place.
Sure, you've already invested big money into a course, but let's face the facts:
CPA Pass Rates are terrible.
This is primarily due to two reasons:
- CPA Candidates don't know how to study.
- CPA Candidates don't have the right CPA Study Materials for their learning style.
Problem #1 has been fixed using the NINJA Study Framework (which is free and every CPA candidate should use, even if they never plan to spend a dime on supplements).
Problem #2 is fixed with CPA study supplements, which we'll discuss here.
One final note before we get started:
As the owner of NINJA CPA Review, I'm inherently biased (but hopefully objective).
Try my materials.
Try other materials.
Go with what works best for you.
1. Everyone Supplements Their Course
Before we get started, we need to acknowledge a universal CPA study truth:
Everyone supplements their CPA Review Course.
Everyone.
Using Free CPA Notes? Supplement.
Asking a question on CPA Reddit? Supplement.
Online Study Group? Supplement.
Reading CPA Study Tips online? Supplement.
The degree of supplementation ranges from posting questions on a study group or message board to using free CPA study guides to investing in supplemental materials like NINJA CPA Review.
Studying with only one course is so … 1990s. (The best music [and movies] decade ever btw.)
The fact that everyone supplements makes it pretty much impossible to know a CPA Review Course's actual pass rate.
The most popular types of supplemental CPA Study Materials are:
- CPA Notes
- CPA Audio
- CPA Test Bank
- CPA Cram
- CPA Book
- CPA Tutoring
Let's look at how these types of CPA study materials can make your life easier while balancing work, family & friends, and the CPA Exam.
2. CPA Notes Will Save You
A good set of CPA Notes will save you on Exam Day.
Sure, you can write your own CPA Exam Notes, and it's part of the NINJA Study Framework, so we are big believers in the power of taking your notes.
That said…
We are also strong advocates for passing, so pairing your course with a quality set of notes is a smart move.
Download. Study. Rewrite. Pass.
Some people claim to have passed using only the NINJA Notes (although I do not recommend this approach).
Free CPA Notes
Download Free CPA Notes for all six CPA Exam sections (PDF)
Topics: Fundamentals of Accounting & Conceptual Framework (FAR), Ethics & Professional Responsibilities (AUD), Individual Taxation (REG), Individual Taxation & Planning (TCP), Strategic Planning & Budgeting (BAR), and IT Infrastructure & Cloud Computing (ISC).
3. You Need Two CPA Test Banks
You know the phrase “Two is One, and One is None?”
Well, I have it on good authority that they were actually referring to CPA Test Banks.
While all AICPA-Licensed CPA study materials get their questions from the AICPA, the differences among Test Banks are notable.
Adding a second CPA Test Bank is a must. Here are three (quick) reasons why:
- False Security.
- You will start memorizing your course questions, creating a false sense of accomplishment that could lead to disaster on Exam Day.
- Bad!
- A second Test Bank helps fix this. When people start memorizing NINJA MCQ answers, I tell them to get another test bank for this very reason.
- Trending Score.
- Many Test Banks don't include a “Trending Score” (or similar feature) that shows you what score you're heading towards (give or take).
- Bad!
- A second Test Bank (with a Trending Score feature) gives extra protection against walking into an ambush. If you're headed for a 67 … don't you want to know before you walk into your exam?
- Hedge.
- Your Test Bank might lightly cover an important area.
- Bad!
- A second Test Bank mitigates this risk.
A CPA Test Bank like NINJA MCQ checks all these boxes (and costs only $67 a month).
Free CPA Test Bank
FAR, AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, or TCP
Get NINJA MCQ Trial Access for the 2026 CPA Exam
Be like thousands before you who passed the CPA Exam with NINJA MCQ:
- Know your “Trending Score” before Exam Day
- Work Questions by AICPA Blueprint or by Topic
- Use Adaptive Learning to Strengthen Weak Areas
4. CPA Audios Are The Ultimate Study Hack
A good CPA Audio Course allows you to study when you otherwise couldn't.
Want to study on the go and turn downtime into Study Time? Smart Move.
It's the Ultimate Study Weapon in your CPA Study Materials arsenal.
At the Gym? Study.
Driving? Study.
Doing Laundry? Study.
Watching your Kid's Game? Study.
(Be sure to still yell “good job! great hustle! way to be there!!”)
Staring at a Spreadsheet and pretending to work? Study.
A good CPA study audio course isn't like a standard audiobook.
Instead, you want it to be more like a conversation with a study buddy that repeats key concepts.
In the NINJA Audio, you may get annoyed when I repeat key concepts when you're just trying to get through the material.
You may also silently thank me (and possibly later via email, as has happened) as you sit there in Prometric on Exam Day, drawing a blank until my voice pops into your head and you remember the answer because of something stupid I said in the audio.
I often get “I'm DONE!” emails from people thanking me for the NINJA Audio and rejoicing that they never have to listen to it again. 😀
The NINJA Audio turns drive time/ gym time / (“fill in the blank” time) into study time.
Free CPA Audio
Download Free CPA Audios for all six CPA Exam sections (mp3)
Topics: Fundamentals of Accounting & Conceptual Framework (FAR), Ethics & Professional Responsibilities (AUD), Individual Taxation (REG), Property Taxation (TCP), Strategic Planning & Budgeting (BAR), and IT Infrastructure & Cloud Computing (ISC).
5. Most CPA Review Books Are Bloated With Filler
A CPA Book is the perfect self-study option for the CPA Exam.
Some CPA candidates prefer to ditch videos in the CPA study materials and go the self-study route with a good old-fashioned CPA Exam book.
The problem?
CPA Review Courses aren't in the “sell you a self-study book” business.
They're in the “sell you a $2,000 video course” business.
Consequently, most CPA Review Courses offer books that are either anemic and unusable as a standalone study option, or bloated with IRS & FASB regs (and also unusable as a standalone study option), requiring you to use a video course to tell you what parts of the book to skip or teach it in a way that makes sense to an actual human.
When we designed the NINJA Book, the world did not need another bloated CPA Book that required a $2,000 video course. Anyone wanting one of those has plenty of options.
Our goal with the NINJA Book was simple: Make it complete, yet concise.
Oh, also … not as boring. 😀
Unfortunately, it is accounting, so there are only so many ways to spice it up.
If you want to go the self-study route, we paired NINJA MCQ with the NINJA Book, so you can read up on topics that are giving you trouble as you hammer MCQ.
NINJA Book is All Killer, No Filler.
Free CPA Books
Download Free CPA Books for all six CPA Exam sections (PDF)
Topics: Fundamentals of Accounting & Conceptual Framework (FAR), Ethics & Professional Responsibilities (AUD), Individual Taxation (REG), Individual Taxation & Planning (TCP), Strategic Planning & Budgeting (BAR), and IT Infrastructure & Cloud Computing (ISC).
6. CPA Cram Courses Slay The Procrastination Monster
A CPA Cram Course is the perfect final review before your upcoming high-stakes battle with FAR, AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, or TCP.
Complete your CPA Review course and need a good last-minute review?
Still confused about something your review course covered lightly?
Up against losing an exam credit and/or an expiring NTS?
Did you procrastinate entirely and are now looking for a silver bullet to rescue you from inevitable failure?
The NINJA CRAM can save the day – and possibly, your CPA Exam life.
7. CPA Exam Tutoring Adds A Friendly Face
A CPA Exam Tutor adds a friendly face to a very unfriendly Uniform CPA Examination.
You have a CPA Review book. You have lecture videos.
The problem: You can certainly talk to them, but it's a one-way conversation.
What if you actually want to speak to a live human and get a CPA Exam question answered?
The problem: CPA tutoring services charge hourly rates that would make a big-city attorney blush.
Our solution: NINJA Sparring.
NINJA Mike is one of the best instructors in CPA Review also scored in the top 10 in the world on the CMA Exam.
We've included NINJA Sparring with the NINJA Course subscription, so you don't have to worry about hiring a CPA tutor.
8. Zero In On Weak Topics With CPA Flashcards
CPA Flashcards enable you to study concepts while being tested simultaneously.
(so they don't zero in on you on exam day).
Flashcards are a hybrid of Notes and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) – studying and testing simultaneously.
Online Flashcards, such as the NINJA Flashcards, that feature spaced repetition and adaptive learning, help you zero in on your weak spots.
9. CPA Study Planners Save You Weeks
A good CPA Study Planner is a MUST because it can save you weeks of wasted time.
You have better things to do than endlessly study for the CPA Exam – like spending quality time with family (or binge-watching “The Office” straight through for the 19th time) 😀.
Study when it fits your lifestyle.
In fact, you can take Friday through Sunday off if you want.
(Granted, Monday-Thursday are going to be horrible intense.)
It's all up to you.
The NINJA Study Planner comes in two flavors: 7 weeks or, for the insane go-getters, 4 weeks.
Free CPA Study Planners
Download Free CPA Study Planners for all six CPA Exam sections (PDF)
10. Mock CPA Exams Are A Bad Investment
Confession Time: I Hate Mock Exams.
It felt good to get that off my chest.
I hate mock exams for a few reasons.
- Four hours spent hitting three weak areas is a better investment of time.
- A 75% on a Mock Exam is not a 75 on the CPA Exam (not even close).
- Instead of instant feedback with each question, you have to go through the questions one by one.
Instead of a Mock Exam, I recommend the NINJA Quiz.
After taking a Mock Exam, you really won't know much.
After taking the NINJA Quiz, you will know one of two things:
- You're ready for Exam Day or
- You're headed for trouble and need a study supplement (starting with the free downloads on this page).
Final Analysis: CPA Study Materials & Supplements
When choosing CPA study materials, consider factors such as cost, accessibility, and the teaching style that resonates with you.
Different materials cater to various learning preferences; some may prefer visual aids, while others might benefit from auditory learning. It's essential to find a balance that suits your unique study habits.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to explore CPA Forums and communities where fellow CPA candidates share their experiences. Such platforms can provide invaluable insights and recommendations for effective CPA study materials that align with your goals.
It's also worth noting that regularly revisiting the CPA study materials can reinforce your understanding. As you progress, certain concepts may become clearer, prompting you to revisit previous notes or resources for a deeper understanding.
Remember that consistency is key. Setting aside dedicated time each day to review your CPA study materials can help solidify your knowledge and keep you on track for your exam date.
Getting overwhelmed with too many study options regarding CPA Review materials can be easy.
In this post alone, I threw nine different types at you:
Notes, Audios, Test Banks, Crams, Tutoring, Books, Flashcards …. AHHHHH!!!!
Too many CPA study materials can cause a CPA Candidate to fall into a pit of analysis paralysis.
This is why NINJA CPA Review offers two subscription options: Course or Supplement.
Only need supplements? You'll get the three most popular types: CPA Notes, Audio, and a Test Bank.
Need the whole enchilada? Go with the NINJA Course and choose the study weapons that work best for you.
Not sure which way to go?
Check the NINJA CPA Free Trial and try them all.
To Your Success,
Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
Founder, NINJA CPA Review
