Universal CPA Review: A Comprehensive Course Guide
If you want to become a CPA, a good CPA review course can make the difference between passing the test next time you take it, versus having to pay to retake it yet again.
Universal CPA Review is a solid test prep course that can coach you on how to study for the CPA exam, and help you make sure you’re ready to pass.
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Designed and built by experienced CPAs, Universal CPA launched in 2017 with a unique spin on test prep: it is a visual learning platform. Its aim is to help students build a mental map as they study CPA exam concepts, which aids in retention and recall.
Their different bundle and package options give you three different ways to study for the CPA exam:
This modular approach makes Universal CPA an option worth considering for aspiring certified public accountants.
Universal CPA Course Pros and Cons
Like any test prep course, Universal CPA has its own distinct pros and cons, compared to its various competitors.
Here’s an overview of the upsides and downsides:
Universal CPA Pros
Universal CPA Cons
Pros for Universal CPA Course
Actual licensed AICPA questions
While the AICPA offers its own sample tests and sample questions, Universal CPA has done the legwork of assembling an enormous bank of questions that reflect previous questions from the real test. This gives you the advantage of becoming familiar with what you’ll encounter the day of the exam. the day of the exam.
Unique practice questions by CPAs
In addition to authentic AICPA questions, Universal CPA has additional practice questions created by licensed CPAs and accounting professors.
Task-based simulations
Task-based simulations (TSBs) are essential to practice before you take the CPA exam. Universal CPA course has hundreds of TSBs that will hone your critical thinking skills. You can practice the knowledge application you will need to pass the CPA exam.
Unlimited access until you pass
Unlike many CPA prep courses that you can buy online, the Universal CPA course gives you unlimited access until you pass the exam. This has obvious benefits if you fail, because you can revisit material that you need to learn better before your next attempt. It also ensures that if you have a schedule change or other life event that interferes with your plans, you can pick up your course of studies when you’re ready without paying anything more.
Cons for Universal CPA Course
No pass rate (yet)
Universal CPA is a relatively new resource. Because of that, they don’t have published pass rates for their students. Candidates who have done well using this study resource have provided testimonials, but there is no large-scale data to prove the program’s global effectiveness.
Universal CPA Review Course Subscription Comparison
Here’s a rundown of Universal CPA’s packages and pricing options:
Header | Monthly Subscription All 4 Sections | Annual Course Access |
|---|---|---|
Price | $119 per month | $699 |
Access to all Exams | ||
Video lectures with visual aids | ||
Visual study guide (ebook) | ||
3,100+ Multiple choice questions | ||
Step-by-step explanations for each MCQ | ||
115+ Simulations (with multiple exhibits) | ||
Step-by-step explanations for each Sim | ||
Email access to a virtual tutor | ||
Mapped to latest AICPA Blueprints | ||
Unlimited practice tests | ||
Lifetime access | ||
7 Day Money Back Guarantee | ||
Financing Options | ||
Ability to cancel on a monthly basis | ||
12-months access to live CPA Bootcamps | ||
Cell |
Affiliate Note: We have an affiliate relationship with all products reviewed on this page. If you make a purchase through one of our links we will be paid a commission. This is done at no additional cost to you – in fact, we work hard to get you the best discounts possible for each course. See our full affiliate disclosure here.
Universal CPA Course Discounts
Universal CPA does not offer course discounts for specific students or professionals. However, they do have some budget-friendly options available.
If you don’t want to buy all at once, you can purchase study materials for one individual test section at a time.
This way, you spread out your spend, and only buy what you need for the near term.
Who is This Course Best For?
Universal CPA can be a great fit for many different kinds of students.
Specifically, the Universal CPA review may be the right choice for you if you:
Check out these reviews from previous students.
Is Universal CPA Review Good?
The Universal CPA review is a good course if you want to hone in on individual sections and develop the test-taking skills you need to pass the CPA exam.
With questions that are either derived from or closely aligned with the actual test, you will be sure to practice the right concepts. You can also customize the experience and receive one-on-one guidance from a CPA tutor.
Overall, it’s a quality CPA review course, with advantages like its section-by-section package structure that can make it a good fit for many people.
Universal CPA Course Format
Universal CPA review uses visualization, animation and mapping. This unique approach may appeal to visual learners and can enhance your ability to recall important information, by simply picturing it when you need to.
This can provide a highly personalized experience and give you great tools to perform well on the test.
Universal CPA Review has several key features, including:
With options to buy specific materials and receive one-on-one guidance, the Universal CPA review can adjust to meet your needs.
A unique test bank structure
One of Universal CPA’s biggest distinguishing features is its unique modular test bank structure. You can buy into their 5,000+ question multiple-choice question bank in pieces, rather than all at once. This can be a useful way to help offset the overall cost of the course.
You can buy test banks that provide practice questions specifically for each of the four sections of the test:
You can also purchase the distinct accompanying materials for each of these sections, which includes an e-book and lectures.
This feature is great if you’re on a budget -- you can purchase only the materials you need for the test sections you struggle with the most.
Video and audio explanations for every answer
As you progress through a large number of multiple-choice questions, any test prep program will tell you whether you got a question right or wrong.
Universal CPA takes this a step further. For every question, you’ll get a video and audio explanation walking you through how to find the correct answer.
This can help you really get a handle on the underlying foundational concepts behind the CPA exam’s multiple-choice questions.
Real multiple choice questions
The Universal CPA review course offers over 1,000 practice questions for each of the four test sections, the vast majority of them taken from previous CPA exams.
There are also additional questions which have never been on the test, but that were designed by certified accountants and accounting professors.
Self-study materials
The Universal CPA review course provides you with ample self-study materials that you can use on your own. This includes a 1,500 page e-textbook that features side-by-side audio explanations to help you understand the concepts more accurately.
You will also receive the multiple-choice test bank and task-based simulations. You can use all of these together as you study for the CPA exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Universal CPA? You’ll find some answers in these FAQs:
How long does access to Universal CPA last?
You can access the Universal CPA review for as long as you need it. Your access to all course materials will not expire. You will automatically receive course updates as they are rolled out across the system.
How much is Universal CPA Review?
The Universal CPA review has numerous purchase options, which include accessing just the multiple-choice question banks for $150, or accessing the comprehensive study program for $1850.
While the cost varies because of this factor, it can be one of the more affordable CPA review course options for budget-conscious students.
What is the Universal CPA pass rate?
The Universal CPA review is a relatively new program, so it doesn’t have published pass rates yet for students who have used it and then taken the CPA exam.