CPAexcel was developed by a team of professors back in 1998. In a way, CPAexcel is quite different from other CPA exam review courses is that it fully utilizes the benefit of delivering the course online.
For example, their system is able to capture your viewing time so you know exactly how much time you have spent on the studying; not only that, they utilize the data to present diagnostic charts to help prioritize your studying. There is also a personalized exam planner and unlimited update… read more to find out the details.
CPAexcel: An Overview
I didn’t study for the exam using CPAexcel, but I signed up for a 14-day free trial of their program and here is a review based on my experience.
After the trial I am pleasantly surprised at the capability, and after gathering readers’ feedback for 9 months I feel confident enough to officially recommend CPAexcel to you.
Why CPAexcel Gets Into My Recommended List
1. 87% Pass Rate And Big 4 Recommendation
Not only that the 87% is impressive, I appreciate the way they explain how they come up with the statistics so I feel that this is a number I can trust instead of another gimmicky claim with no proof.
CPAexcel has recently got the endorsement from one of the Big 4. While I personally don’t think a Big 4 endorsement is the deciding factor in picking CPA review courses, it does give comforts to candidates not familiar with this brand name.
2. No-Gimmick Unlimited Access Until You Pass
The first thing I really like about CPAexcel is their no-nonsense approach to protect CPA exam candidates.
Most of the major CPA exam providers offer a variety of “promises” to those who may not be able to pass the CPA exam on their first attempt. Some offer a discount if you reach a certain attendance rate; others may offer you continued access with limited time frame.
In other words, all other CPA review course providers charge extra for updates after a specified date. When you realize that more than 50% fail to pass the CPA exam each year, this is a very important point to consider.
Also, if you are busy and have lots of commitments at work and family, but still want to give CPA exam a try, CPAexcel is great because it allows you to take time off (if needed) and get back whenever you are ready, without the extra cost.
3. More Digestible, Thus More Effective Bite-Sized Lessons
Instead of a half-day, or even full-day course once a week, CPAexcel’s online capability allows candidates to study at their own schedule and own pace with “bite-sized” lessons. Judging from my complaint on Becker live class in this aspect, I would think this is a definitely plus.
These CPAexcel lessons typically take 30 minutes to complete, which many of us can do during lunch time — and assuming you have an one-hour break, you’ll still have another half-an-hour to digest the materials and work on a few MC questions. You can also use the remaining lunch hour in student discussion and professor mentoring.
And frankly, even if you have the time, accounting isn’t too much fun and I myself would much rather learn from a series of short online videos instead of a 3-4 hour long lecture. Accomplishing a little at a time is certainly more motivating than drowning yourselves in one of those courses in traditional setting.
4. Impressive Analytical Tools To Keep You On Track
One of the reason why candidates fail is time management — they don’t set aside enough time for final review, or they don’t even manage to finish studying all the materials. CPAexcel can provide a great solution to these candidates.
I am very impressed with the personalized exam plan functionality that builds in with the candidate’s accounts, and let me tell you exactly what it is.
Before you begin the study, you are asked to enter the exam date, or the number of hours you plan to devote to studying each week.
Once you enter the information, the system spits out a detailed schedule of a list of assignments (the actual course work) and “exam planner events” (reminders e.g. submission of application) with specific date and number of hours required.There are also check boxes that you can check upon completion.
For those of you who need somebody to help keep track of the study progress, no one will ever do a better than this computerized exam planner!
In general, the CPAexcel platform is very “high tech” that allows to track your progress to the second and generate lots of cool charts and graphs for you. If you are analytical, you’d love it.
Let’s Take A Look At One Of Their Lecturers
This is not part of a demo, but a video clip on the changes in the CPA FAR exam in 2011. I am showing you this because Professor Pamela Smith is one of the authors of CPAexcel and you can decide whether you like her presentation style and how she explains things.
A Testimonial From My Reader
“I think CPAexcel is a stellar review course– the bite-sized lessons are perfect for those studying while working full-time. The system support staff is extremely responsive and quick. I also liked the student discussions and best of all, exam tutor. The course was well worth the price ($1500 for all 4 parts), and the unlimited updates is a definite distinction.”
— Renata
Every Course Has Its Limitation. And This Is What I Feel About CPAexcel
1. A Bit Intimidated By The Many Choices
Possibly because of its numerous capability and choices for candidates, you may at first find the CPAexcel platform a bit intimidating. Take for example the pricing page where we can select your choices a-la-carte. While I appreciate the flexibility I am overwhelmed and a bit hesitant to study further.
Having said that, once you get into the course itself (at least for the demo) it feels better. So I don’t think this is such a big deal once you take the time to sort out everything.
2. Great For PC-Based Learner, But…
As you can see, the CPAexcel is showing everything on the computer. I understand that students learn best in different mediums, so if you are NOT one of those who can live in front of a monitor and stare at the screen for a long time, this may not be something suitable for you.
I also understand that many students are accustomed to underline, highlight and take notes on actual books to facilitate their learning. You won’t be able to do this in CPAexcel.
Note: I used to think that CPAexcel won’t work well in countries where there are constant electric black-outs or with poor internet connection. But I realize that they are now offering both online and DVD access. I don’t know how they do that, but the amazing thing is that the access modes can be synchronized.
3. Some Find The Lectures Too Summarized
I’ve got a few similar comments from readers. Here is an example:
“Their lectures although short and sweet are very general and usually do not touch upon the specifics of the topics at hand. For example, I had to get my old intermediate accounting book and do research on how the Accruals and Deferrals work, now I am having to go back to that same intermediate book in order to refresh my memory on the Single and Multiple step Statement of Cash Flows because the lecture just touched upon their purpose but no exercises were shown.
Anyway, I am committed but it seems to me I will have to put in a lot more time more than the ½ hour they advertise.” ~ Maria
In short, if you are a fresh grad, then no problem at all; but if you need more guidance because you are a non-accounting major or have been out of school for years, then please take note of this point.
4. Fewer Recommendations From Past Students?
I would think that such a stellar platform would garner lots of great recommendations from past students. But when I search through the CPA exam forums, it isn’t the case. Don’t get me wrong — they do get good reviews but the number of reviews is much less than the big guys as well as small ones such as Yaeger and Roger.
But then, after running this site for more than 1 year now, I realize — to my surprise — that forums are not as objective as we may think because the moderators can delete or block posts as they wish. Since then, I have been relying a lot more on the feedback from my own readers, who have kindly taken the time to drop a note in the comment section as well as via email.
I am happy to report that an overwhelming majority of my readers who commented on CPAexcel give positive review, and they do have quite a few “fans” (Renata, Amor, Margaret…) as you can see from the comment section below.
To add to the list, here is the latest comment (Feb 2012) from a reader submitted via the contact form:
“I am pretty impressed with CPAExcel so far. They have 98 Task Based Simulations for FAR alone, and include aggressive accounting updates (for example the Conceptual Framework, which as of 2011 Becker is still teaching as the old framework).
Plus, their bit-sized study sessions are written a bit clearer and cleaner than Becker, and closely follow self-study CPE courses as well. I like that. I am using their auto-study plan for FAR on May 30th, so we will see what happens!” ~ Dennis
(Thanks Dennis for the sharing)
What Do You Think?
If you are intrigued by CPAexcel’s offering and would like to take a look and sign up for a 14-day free trial, I would encourage you to do it today – now!
{ 22 comments }
I passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam on the first try using only CPAexcel. I found the bite-sized lessons to be the best feature since I’m a working mother who doesn’t get long periods of time for studying.
Hi Sarah,
Excellent! Thanks for letting me and all the aspiring CPA know. I am hearing more and more great testimonials from students on CPAexcel. The people at CPAexcel are really nice too.
I will recommend CPAexcel to others who will appreciate the bite-sized lessons.
Cheers,
Stephanie
Hi Sarah
Congrats! Wow superb achievement, can u share ur methods of practice, study etc. over mail if so pl provide the same.
Regards
Rajesh
I used CPAexcel exclusively and passed all four parts the first time around. I almost went with Becker since one of my co-workers said “you can’t go wrong with Becker,” but I was really turned off by the price. When I read that I could get free, unlimited updates with CPAexcel until I passed, that sold me.
I guess my reasoning was that passing the exams really is up to each individual who is willing to put in the time and effort, and so a review course will be personal preference. I liked the PC-based platform of CPAexcel, although I do like the paper-and-pencil type of studying.
I sat for BEC first because I thought it would be the easiest, since it was the shortest and had no simulations. I felt extremely prepared going into the exam, but I was super nervous during the exam and it took about 20 minutes to get my hands to stop shaking! I left the test center thinking that I failed and that CPAexcel did not prepare me very well. I thought I wasted my time and money! But wouldn’t ya know — I was very surprised to see that I passed!
I then took REG, but took a 5 month break (Nov-Apr . . . holiday break then busy season) before picking up the studying for FAR. AUD was my last exam, which I took August 30th.
I think CPAexcel is a stellar review course– the bite-sized lessons are perfect for those studying while working full-time. The system support staff is extremely responsive and quick. I also liked the student discussions and best of all, exam tutor. The course was well worth the price ($1500 for all 4 parts), and the unlimited updates is a definite distinction.
For those who think the course content is too “lite” — I don’t know about that. I did not supplement with anything else, and I had been out of school for 10 years, and I passed.
Thanks for your website, I think you are doing a lot of good for CPA candidates!!
Hi Renata,
Thanks a lot for your comments. I am sure my friend Phil over at CPAexcel will be happy to hear that!
Stephanie
i think cpaexcell may help us to pass the exam but NOT to get a good understanding for the concepts and Tec.
I’m using CPAExcel now, I have no proof of passing yet, but I believe that the material provided is thoroughly enough for one to learn new concepts or need more explanation. You cannot find it on the video but on the Text Materials and the link they have on the specific pronouncement that apply.
Can you guys tell me what “level” you purchased on CPA Excel? There are so many choices that I’m not sure if I need the textbooks, or if the vidoe lessons or mentoring program are worth the extra cash. Advice?
@Travis I signed up for the Core+Video+Textbook. But the textbook is not needed if you have access to print it. I tore all the pages of my book so I can bring it where ever I go.
@amor, thanks for the info. So you bought the books but you say you could just print them from the Core info? I’d like to be able to take “physical” materials with me as I’ll be traveling a lot and would like to be able to take a tangible product with me but if you can print them that’d be great. So the video lessons were worth it?
@Travis Yes, it’s worth it for my personal opinion. At first I only purchased the Core+Textbook.. but when I start studying it online I find it different. I like the one with video because it gives me the introduction of the material I will read (textbook). I called and good thing they haven’t send the package. Also, the video includes a sideshow that you can print.. and it’s very helpful too. I’m studying AUD and so far I like the instructors (they have 2, one will be towards the end). I hope that helps. The cost of the book is not that much. I think $45 each subject not that bad to include if you know you will use it heavily. That will avoid hassle printing. Did you sign up for the trial?
I was going to do the trial starting this week. Just signed up for the exam and am researching study material. BEC will be my first.
check out the trial, so you’ll know the features that you like.
Just a note, the trial version that this review is based on doesn’t come with books although it is an option if you like having hard copies and highlighting. Also, I don’t know if you can really judge if a program is sufficient or not based on a trial version. It’s not really fair to the program.
I agree with Renata that it’s all about your style of studying and how much effort you’re willing to put into it. Clearly it works with that 87% pass rate. Trial versions’ purposes are really only for you to see if you like the style.
Just wanted to make that note because I didn’t really feel like any of the cons were really cons based on the amount of use of the program.
So I have CPAexcel and avoided buying the textbooks as ppl said you could just print them from the software but I don’t see how to print it without copying it all over to word and reformatting. Can anyone help?
@Travis when you are on the specific subject and under a course study, click the PUBLISH (upper right) button and you will be able to customize what you want to print – text book, proficiency.. no flash card.
Travis / Stephanie / Amor,
Finally built the momentum to take on the CPA exam (after 10 years in finance and more than a decade out of actual accounting courses). Given my need to control cost on exam prep, I have been considering 2 options: (1) CPAExcel and (2) Wiley books and prep.
I have been getting emails from CPAExcel for more than 5 years so I am leaning towards them. However, I read that the test bank and text book for Wiley are more effective. SO, I was thinking about getting the core + video from CPAExcel and supplementing them with the textbooks and/or test bank from Wiley. I am CONCERNED that not only will I have too many redundancies but that I may have 2 sets of materials that become difficult to cross-reference. Thoughts?
- Any insight on the relativity between Wiley Materials and CPAExcel?
- Is the CPAExcel test simulations in the core materials effective and do you feel the text books CPAExcel provides enough content to give direction to someone out of accounting for a few years?
* Any insight helps
Anthony
@Anthony
I will still say to get CPAExcel. Wiley materials are good to supplement more MC to practice but I don’t think you will need it since you have enough materials for CPAExcel to work on. Also the Wiley materials is not organized in small pieces so studying could be a hassle if your not type of person who can sit down and tackle voluminous material at once. Also, there are some topics that Wiley doesn’t explain or compare thoroughly. Good example are SOX pronouncements and multiple types of audit report.
I finally passed AUD from the last window after taking it multiple (5) times with grade of 60′s..and now I can prove that their course works!!! I was using Wiley books and software in the past. And this last exam window I only use CPAExcel and use the Exam Simulator over and over again until I see the passing score of 75. And enough said.. i got 75 too. It’s not impressive score.. but my battle to get that passing score with AUD was tough!
The core materials are effective and enough content to make you pass.
I hope that helps.
I agree with Amor. My friend had the Wiley book, which I borrowed, but I ended up not using it because there were a lot of the same questions in the CPAExcel test bank. I had been out of school for 9 years when I started studying and only used CPAExcel (video, textbook, core materials). I am living proof that it is more than sufficient and it works because I passed all four parts the first time.
I too, used CPAexcel and passed all four sections using only the core materials.
You have the option of purchasing the textbooks if you wish to underline or highlight sections.
I would be extremely surprised if an individual studied for the exam thoroughly using only CPAexcel and did not pass.
I used CPAexcel to study for REG in August 2010. I used the program esclusively and did every problem in the program over and over until I got at least 90% correct. It tracks your study time and I studied for 200+ hours in 6 weeks but when I sat for the exam 2 of the simulations were not coverered at all by CPAexcel. I probably got zero credit for both sims. I scored a 68 on the exam. I will be retaking the exams again this year but I will also buy the Wiley books in addition because I don’t think CPAexcel has enough simulation problems. I do think CPAexcel prepared me very well for the multiple choice problems.
Hello and thanks so much for the many feedback. It is interesting that for some candidate e.g. Matthew who didn’t pass the exam (yet), they are still saying good things about this review course.
So I have decided to give CPAexcel a new and thorough review and get back to you with a more comprehensive analysis.
In the meantime, if you have questions or thoughts to share, please scroll back up to the end of the article and drop your comment in the Facebook-powered commenting box. Thank you!
Cheers,
Stephanie