Gleim CPA Review is one of the most popular CPA exam review courses and is often recommended by college professors. However, competition is getting intense… is Gleim still good for the new CPA exam format?
Is Gleim Still Good?
Gleim has generously offered to give me a complimentary access of their Gleim Online and Gleim Test Prep Software so I can run a thorough evaluation.
CPA Gleim Online
Here is a walk-through of what’s offered in Gleim Online. I personally think there are lots of misunderstanding related to Gleim’s product on various CPA exam forums. I would highly encourage you take a look and see for yourself what’s been offered here:
Test Prep Software
Here is an inside look of how the software works together with its many features:
So What’s The Pros And Cons Of Gleim CPA Review?
Pros
1. Gleim Has A Strong Team
Did you know that the famed Wiley CPA Exam Review book was originally written by Gleim? Dr. Irvin Gleim and his wife wrote the first Gleim CPA books in 1974 but Wiley took over the publishing in 1980 with Dr. Gleim stayed as a co-author (with Delaney) for 10 years, until 1990.
(Try google “wiley cpa examination review 1989″ and look for the author)
2. Highly Recommended Test Prep Software
Gleim CPA review has very good questions and simulations with a lot of helpful features. Many people find that Gleim has a very organized way to complete all the tests.
As a CPA, CMA/CFM, CIA and CFII with a PhD (and Professor Emeritus at University of Florida), Dr. Gleim has vast knowledge in every aspect of accounting. Gleim CPA Review is the one with quite a few “tricky” and “out-of-the-blue” questions to make sure you are well covered.
3. A Learning Tool That Teaches You How To Self-Study
I can see that Gleim has put in a lot of thoughts when they designed the Gleim Online. I appreciate the detailed instruction as well as the very specific guideline including the study tactics and recommended number of hours of study, down to the each section of the sub-units.
Not only that this will help you achieve the goal of passing the CPA exam, it’s also an invaluable skill that will be useful throughout your career.
4. Very Affordable Price
Gleim’s CPA Review System is retailed at less than US$1,000. It is the most affordable integrated review material among the major CPA review providers.
Cons
1. The Book Could Be Overwhelming
I have access to the book via Gleim Online. While I appreciate the very detail discussion on every topic I could see that some candidates will find it hard to read, or too much to read. I personally prefer a more bullet-point format with more white space on each page.
Having said that, if you follow the study guide in Gleim Online, you will see that students are not required to read the whole thing but just focus on the parts they are not familiar with. If you do that the book will be much less overwhelming.
In fact, one of my readers did speak highly of the Gleim AUD book + test prep software being very comprehensive and covering all the important points.
2. The Video Is Too Brief?
The video is an audiovisual presentation that highlights the main points in each unit. It doesn’t go into the details, but I believe this is purposely designed so. The presentation is only part (and not the main part) of what is offered and if you follow the suggested study steps I personally don’t think it is an issue.
3. Gleim Online Not Really Interactive?
It’s fair to say that for the video part of Gleim Online, there isn’t a lecturer who walks you through the notes or the multiple choice question. Gleim is designed for candidates who are strong/willing to self-study and if you are looking for a lot of lively and interactive elements it may not be the best choice for you.
4. Not For The Un-Disciplined
Gleim tries the very best to show you how to self-study. But then, no one is going to push you to do that. Whether you can stay disciplined throughout the few months of studying will make or break your success with Gleim.
My Conclusion: Great Choice For Self-Study With Good Discipline
In my opinion, the Gleim CPA Review System is a unique and effective learning tool. I highly recommend it if:
- You prefer to study on your own without the need to watch a lecturer teaching in the videos and ask questions via chat rooms and online portal
- You are well trained to read condensed text if there is a need to dig deeper into a topic
- (Applicable to the test prep software) You need a good resource as a supplementary practice test material, especially for those who understand the concepts but need more practice to get that extra 5-10 points to pass the exam.
Not sure yet? go back up to watch my two video clips again. If it sounds intriguing… check out Gleim’s official site right away!
How About A Copy For FREE?
You are in luck! I am currently running a Gleim CPA Review Giveaway. Simply tell me in the comment section below why you think Gleim can help you pass the CPA exam, and you will have a chance to win 1 part of a full Gleim CPA Review of your choice!
Here are the details on the rules and tips. Good luck!
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Stephanie,
I am intrigued by the fact that Gleim CPA review is actually a “system” that help us learn how to self-study. I am also impressed that Dr Gleim is “everywhere” in the accounting field with knowledge in not only financial accounting but also in management accounting, internal audit and taxation. I look forward to get drilled by all the tricky questions and get fully prepared for the CPA exam. Alex
I am a non-traditional student who has recently went back to school to study accounting. I am looking for a thorough study review course that can help me pass the CPA exam and Gleim is one of my top choices!
Hi Stephanie,
That’s a really informative feedback/walkthrough on Gleim CPA review, I have gone through both the videos and I am more confident of it now than before. I had actually been thinking of going on with it for the reason that it was affordable for me. Now apart from that, I think this is really what I need. I am a full time employee and hence I find it very difficult to attend any live classes. Further most of the online trainings (IAS/IFRS’s related) that I have taken, are of a similar format with introductory questions before the lesson’s, to test our current knowledge and then a test at the end of each section, to test what we actually learned.
It fits in perfectly with my ‘self-study’ style of learning. Plus as I was going through other courses, I found the speeches pretty fast (sometimes you have to actually rewind-rehear phrases) but this is at a normal speed and ‘clarity and understandability’ is better than any other. The entire software looks easy to understand and user-friendly. The greatest strength of this software is its flexibility, as I can pause-start my learning as per the time that best suites me.
The performance reviews are really helpful; the actual exam formatted test should be exactly what we require before the exam.
Overall, I am really impressed with this software. I really want to clear all my papers in the first attempt and what better way to do it than by learning through Gleim CPA review
I have not used Gleim before. From reading the information on their web page, I believe Gleim would be useful to myself and many others with similiar situations in that it is a program that would work with hectic lives.
There is a solution for all types of learning experiences.
This is a course that offers a learning solution to all of life’s experiences.
I have never used it, but I considering it. I believe that I could pass the exam with this course.
Stephanie,
The reason I think I would benefit from the Gleim CPA review is that there are detailed instruction as well as a very specific guideline to study. I tend to get over whelmed reading other CPA books so it would be nice to be able to follow the study guide online. I actually graduated 2 years ago with my degree. I have sat for one section and did not pass. I currently have Wiley’s books. They are very detailed and I get lost on what to study. I also work full time at a CPA firm and I have a 2 year old. So I do not want to waste time studying a topic that is not relevant.
Thanks,
Jacque
Hi,
I have enjoyed and learned alot about what I need to do to pass the CPA exam as well as becoming a CPA, using “I passed the CPA Exam!” site and newsletters. Gleim was recommended to me by a co-work of my husband who just past 1 part of the exam using the Gleim on-line program. I went to the webite and found the program to be financially reasonable, the sales rep was very friendly and assisted me with the breakdown comparison of the product programs they offer. She was not pushy and followed up with me via email, which is more convient for me. Due to life, at this time I have not been able to purchase the program but would love the opportunity to win it and use it to make me goal/dream of becoming a CPA come true.
I started in a Becker CPA review course, but found it moved much too quickly through what I didn’t know well, and much too slowly through what I did know well. I think this is called “wasted time”.
I think switched to Gleim, and pretty much did exactly as I was instructed to do in the manuals, and I passed all exam parts except one on the first sitting. I was shocked and amazed (and very happy too, naturally). Gleim is excellent if you have the self-discipline to do as instructed, I think. Cheers, John
I think that Gleim would be able to help me pass the CPA exam because it is explains and show details of how to answer your questions. It summarizes rather than elaborates. The Gleim program can help candidates to understand the material clearly.
The materials they give candidates prepare them for questions that may be presented on exams.
easy to understand than others
Hello!
I used Gleim, for CMA. Yes! It is a great material with superb test preparation software that initially teaches you through study mode and then finally prepare you for exam and time management through its Exam mode, Essay wizard is outclass, online excess (class room) feature is fantastic. Audio lectures proves helpfull during travel, No doubt Gleim team is very very helpfull, they respond me immediatly when ever i had problem during my CMA, In short each content of their material is nice.
But one thing that always surprise me is the way they have written the book and manage the MCQs at the end of each chapter, I used to think before purchasing the material that how can I manage to learn without any teacher or vedio lectures, but i found the book written in a superb way, at the end of each topic (Not chapter) it guides you to go to MCQS, and MCQs are managed in a ways that they start from the easiest (to develop understanding) to hardest (exam focused)
i think this is the most important factor, I’m looking for to pass my CPA.
Regards.
I think that the Gleim CPA Review is right for me because going through your evaluation of this product I realized this format is very close to the schooling I did to get my BA in Accounting. I went to an online school that required the students to be very disciplined and able to do a lot of self-study. I graduated with a 3.89.
I have found I do best by self-study, and having the actual screen simulation of the actual testing is a big plus. I do much better on tests I am fully prepared for, including knowing how the software works. With having 4 children and running my own business, I have small pockets of time to study, so knowing where my strengths and weaknesses are really helpful so I don’t waste my time.
After going through this review, I think that even if you don’t pick me for the free copy, I will still be a customer of Gleim CPA Review.
Christina
Hard work and Discipline are always needed for success in CPA exams and when the same is channelized through a well designed course material it ensures success.After going through your review I feel Gleim online and the Gleim software test prep together make a great tool for self study and it seems easy to understand and I think the test prep format seems so much like the real test which is really helpful.Gleim CPA is surely for me.
One of Gleim’s major strengths is in its attention to unknown/less well-known comlex subjects, subject matter and testing question over them. When one hits the examination room, the testlets constantly confound folks with questions from topics/themes/areas no one had heard of or have not seen in reviewing up to this point. Gleim addresses this very well and covers it in multiple choice, topics deconstruction in the books and (partly) in simulations.
When I took the CIA exam, I used the Lambers CIA review along with the Gleim CIA books. They were absolutely instrumental in covering all those little areas of less importance, more unknown and uncommon themes and what examiners really want you to know about items most of us don’t see all that often.
I think Gleim can help me pass the cpa exam because I have tried the demo and the questions are very understandable and it explains why the other answers are not correct. I also like the format of the multiple choice questions because they are similar to the actual cpa exam. I have taken auditing twice and have not passed using Becker books and Exam Matrix software. I have been studying off and on for the last 3 years. I am ready to pass this exam. Money is my issue with purchasing the software so this would really help. I have Multiple sclerosis so the cost of my meds takes precedence over purchasing expensive CPA exam materials! Hope I win!!!!
Stephanie,
I would be able to pass cpa exam with Gleim CPA review because:
1) I have a management background, so I am more able to appreciate Gleim CPA review because of its comprehensive depth and thorough instructions on each session units.
2) Gleim cpa review tend to suit for those who are self-disciplined. I am better at self-studying my way through the course. I really like the performance summary. The tool is also good in narrowing down on my weak spots quicker which makes it easier to focus my studies on those areas more.
3) Gleim cpa review system is user-friendly and straightforward. this means, i do not have to waste my time figuring out the tabs. I am better able to focus on the content rather than the form.
4) it is well-organised. the contents are well-covered and relevant from my opinion. they have updates online which is pretty useful feature
Regards,
Sandhya
I think Gleim would work for me as I can focus on the areas that I need to work on. It can almost be customized to each individual, which gives me the freedom to go at my own pace, which is what I am looking for.
I think Gleim will be helpful in passing the CPA exam because of the audio lessons included on mp3. I can be doing dishes, or driving home from work while listening to different sections of the Gleim CPA Review.
Guys – Glad to get many great responses! We’ve got more comments on the giveaway page too. I will move them here for everyone’s reference after the contest.
Thank you Stephanie for sharing the Gleim CPA Review Test Prep overview!
What I like most about Gleim Software is the ease of use. Knowing that time is of the essence, the reviewee will be able to access it in his own pace. I agree with you that True/False section is good way of testing the reviewee’s knowledge. Also, the bookmark and sticky notes/notepad features are interesting – things that I cannot find from CPAExcel. Last but not the least, its affordability is the top priority.
I used Gleim for the two CPA exams that I took – FAR and AUD. I passed them the first time. I especially like the way the lectures are written, easy to read, with a good flow. It’s a lot of read but I like reading so I did not have a problem. On my third exam, BEC, I used Wiley and became attracted to the thinness of the book with only 300+ pages. Seemed like I underestimated the exam, I missed by a point. So I went back to Gleim and retook the exam, still waiting for the result.
Overall, I would highly recommend Gleim. They have a great test prep software – really great.
I strongly feel that Gleim would be able to help me pass the CPA exam because it guides us how to answer your questions. I was bit concern before purchasing the material that how can I manage to learn without any teacher or vedio lectures, but i found the book written in a superb way, at the end of each topic (Not chapter) it guides you to go to MCQS, and MCQs are managed in a ways that they start from the easiest (to develop understanding) to hardest (exam focused)
i think this is the most important factor, I’m looking for to pass my CPA.
Thanks & Best Regards
Hi Stephanie! Based on your review I think Gleim can help me pass the CPA exam because it will help me in “training” during self-study. I particularly like the video module you posted that emphasized the importance of the simulation and its comparison to what to expect on the exam. This is a plus in passing the CPA exam. Lastly, I think Gleim self-study will better prepare me for the exam with “tricky ” and “out-of-box” questions. To know someone passed the exam using this software exclusively gives me hope that this review system actually covers material on the exam.
Stephanie,
This is the first time I am seeing a demo of a CPA Review Prep Course. I am really excited of the various user friendly features you have taken us through. This seems to be a promising bet;
The review course provides extensive material for the exam prep candidates who are disciplined and oriented can benefit highly from this review.
Has features to book mark topics and make online notes at the respective page which can be reviewed later; this feature is very handy a lot of times.
Class sessions are very useful, they grade the answers and summarize score for each topic, hence analyzing which are strong and weak areas of the candidates.
As you are aware that I have accountancy background a first timer for an international CPA course, I would grateful if I am lucky enough to win this contest.
Thank you
My cousin brother who is working in Dubai passed the CPA exam by studying Gleim’s course. I think it is comprehensive and economical
Hi,
I believe that Gleim review will help me in achieving my goals. After reviewing all the other CPA courses out there, I find Gleim to be the winner for self study. I am an international student and would prefer a detailed study guide for CPA. I haven’t used any of their products yet but I do trust Dr. Gleim’s knowledge and expertise and believe that breaking the CPA exam is possible with Gleim!
I have used Gleim CIA (certified internal auditor) review to successfully obtain my CIA certification. I found the program to be very detailed with many questions to practice with. My learning style is to do problems until I receive a high score in that area. Gleim was a great tool for CIA study!
Hi Stephanie. I do so appreciate your valuable tips for the CPA candidate. It was through your website that I was able to select the review materials to purchase. I chose Lambers and did take the FAR section, however, I did not pass and was very disgusted to the point where I considered not trying again. After a short break, I am willing to try the Gleim review materials in the hopes that I will gain the necessary tips I need to score the additional 5-10 points to pass. Although Lambers covered the material with good explanations, not a lot of tips were given on strategies of answering those edgy questions on topics that I may not be as familiar with. I spent a lot of time with the DVD’s and if Gleim can get right to the point, that would help me out tremendously. Also, allowing me to practice the actual test format will be beneficial. Now that I have taken the test, I can see where I may have lost time, thus points. Thanks for your offer and I will await the results.
I am a mature CPA Student taking the CPA Excel self study Course. I wish I knew about your review before, however I may still go in for test prep software to supplement my studies.
Thanks,
Sunil
I got a good experience with Gleim for CIA, I have used only Gleim to pass all the 4 parts from the first sitting. This is due to the quality of the material:
1- The books look like a resume that concentrate on the important concepts and for each paragraph there’s a summary for the core concepts.
2- The questions in the test preparation software are very hard even harder than the exam and covers all the possible areas, this is at my point of view the most important tool for success in the exams.
3- The online contain 40 questions for each chapter and 30 True false questions that help to memorize the core concepts.
I used the lectures to be familiarized with the material before reading from the books.
4- I went to the last 3 exams confident that I will succeed because after passing the first part and get familiarized with the exam tricks, I have realized that Gleim materials are really the right choice for the CIA exam.
I’m sure that for the C.P.A. gleam materials will be similar to the C.I.A. materials if not better.
Finally, I hope to be lucky enough to get this gift to continue my experience with Gleim.
It’s a lot cheaper than the rest. User-friendly and comprehensive material.
I like the practice or test prep for it gives me a real feeling of the actual exams.