Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a prestigious career milestone for accounting professionals. It opens the door to diverse career opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, and financial analysis. With the growing demand for qualified accountants, many professionals are opting for CPA certification to enhance their career prospects.
Fortunately, online CPA courses have made it easier than ever to prepare for the rigorous CPA exam from the comfort of your home. In this article, we will explore what online CPA courses are, how they work, their benefits, and the best programs available.
What is a CPA?
A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a licensed accounting professional who has passed the CPA exam and met additional state requirements for certification, such as work experience and ethics courses. The CPA credential is highly respected and is considered the gold standard in the accounting industry.
It signifies an accountant’s ability to handle complex financial matters, including tax preparation, auditing, financial reporting, and consulting.
Why Choose an Online CPA Course?
Studying for the CPA exam is a significant commitment, requiring hundreds of hours of preparation. For working professionals or students with busy schedules, traditional in-person classes may not be feasible. Online CPA courses provide a flexible alternative, allowing you to study at your own pace while balancing other responsibilities.
Some key reasons to opt for an online CPA course include:
Flexibility: You can access course materials anytime, anywhere, making it easier to fit studying into a busy schedule.
Comprehensive Preparation: Many online courses are designed to cover all four sections of the CPA exam—Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).
Self-Paced Learning: Online CPA courses allow you to progress at your own pace, giving you the flexibility to focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Cost-Effective: Online courses often offer payment plans and a range of pricing options, making them more affordable than traditional in-person classes.
Key Features of Online CPA Courses
Before choosing an online CPA course, it’s essential to understand what to look for. Here are the key features to consider:
Accreditation: The course should be accredited by a recognized body to ensure that it aligns with the content and requirements of the CPA exam.
Practice Exams: Look for courses that provide realistic CPA practice exams. These are crucial for helping you get a feel for the exam format, time management, and types of questions you will encounter.
Instructor Support: Some courses offer access to experienced instructors who can answer your questions and provide guidance.
Study Materials: The best courses offer a variety of study materials, including textbooks, video lectures, flashcards, quizzes, and mobile apps, to cater to different learning styles.
Progress Tracking: Many online CPA courses come with progress-tracking tools that help you monitor your performance and identify areas that need improvement.
Access Period: Check the course’s access period. Some courses provide lifetime access, while others limit access to a set number of months or years.
The Structure of the CPA Exam
The CPA exam is divided into four sections:
Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Covers topics such as auditing procedures, generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS), and ethical responsibilities of auditors.
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): Includes topics like corporate governance, economic concepts, financial management, and information technology.
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Tests knowledge of financial reporting frameworks such as GAAP, IFRS, and governmental accounting.
Regulation (REG): Focuses on business law, ethics, and federal taxation.
Each section is challenging, and passing all four parts is required to earn the CPA certification. The minimum passing score for each section is 75.
Benefits of Online CPA Courses
Online CPA courses offer a variety of benefits, making them an attractive option for candidates preparing for the exam:
Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of online CPA courses is the ability to study at your own pace. Whether you’re a full-time student, a working professional, or juggling family commitments, online courses allow you to fit study time into your schedule.
Tailored Learning: Online courses typically provide a range of resources, such as videos, quizzes, and downloadable study materials. This allows you to customize your learning experience based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Up-to-Date Content: The CPA exam is regularly updated to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and accounting practices. Many online courses are updated regularly to keep up with these changes, ensuring that you are studying the most relevant content.
Interactive Learning: Many online CPA courses offer interactive features such as quizzes, flashcards, and practice exams that help reinforce key concepts.
Cost-Effectiveness: Online courses can be more affordable than traditional classroom courses. Additionally, many online providers offer payment plans and discounts, making them accessible to a broader range of students.
Top Online CPA Courses
Now that you understand the structure of the CPA exam and the benefits of online courses, let’s explore some of the best online CPA courses available today:
1. Becker CPA Review
Becker is one of the most well-known and respected CPA exam prep providers.
- Comprehensive Materials: Becker offers textbooks, live or recorded lectures, flashcards, and practice questions.
- Practice Exams: Full-length practice exams closely simulate the actual CPA exam.
- Support: Access to expert instructors and support for answering questions.
- Duration: Includes 18 months of access, but you can extend it for an additional fee.
- Cost: Pricing starts at around $3,000, but Becker’s reputation and extensive resources justify the price.
- Pros: High pass rate among students, in-depth content, and robust support network.
- Cons: Expensive compared to other options.
2. Wiley CPAexcel
Wiley is another well-established provider that offers comprehensive CPA exam prep.
- Self-Paced Learning: Wiley offers a structured but flexible learning path.
- Test Bank: One of the largest test banks available, with over 12,000 practice questions.
- Access Period: Wiley offers unlimited access until you pass the exam.
- Cost: Prices start at $2,199, and payment plans are available.
- Pros: Lifetime access, a large question bank, and a variety of study materials.
- Cons: No live classes, and the content can sometimes be overwhelming.
3. Gleim CPA Review
Gleim is known for its detailed study materials and large test banks.
- Personalized Study Plans: Offers a personalized approach based on your performance in quizzes and tests.
- Study Materials: Includes video lectures, practice questions, and textbooks.
- Access Period: Access until you pass, with no extra fees.
- Cost: Starting at $1,999, Gleim offers good value for its extensive resources.
- Pros: Affordable, personalized study plans, and unlimited access.
- Cons: The video lectures can be less engaging compared to other courses.
4. Surgent CPA Review
Surgent is known for its adaptive learning technology, which helps students focus on areas where they need improvement.
- Adaptive Learning: Surgent’s software analyzes your strengths and weaknesses, creating a customized study plan.
- Pass Guarantee: Surgent offers a pass guarantee, meaning you can get your money back if you don’t pass the exam.
- Access Period: 18 months of access, with extensions available.
- Cost: Prices start at $1,899, making it one of the more affordable options.
- Pros: Adaptive learning, pass guarantee, and affordable pricing.
- Cons: Fewer study materials compared to competitors.
Conclusion
Online CPA courses have made it more convenient than ever to prepare for the CPA exam. With flexibility, affordability, and a range of study materials available, online courses are ideal for busy professionals or students. Whether you choose Becker for its comprehensive approach or Surgent for its adaptive learning, the right course will provide you with the tools needed to pass the CPA exam and advance your career.