Best CMA Exam Prep & Review Course Comparison [2026]

I have had the opportunity to personally test out the most common CMA review courses available: UWorld CMA, Gleim CMA, Surgent CMA, and Becker CMA.

Not only has this opportunity allowed me to analyze their strengths and weaknesses, but it made me realize that I wasn’t fully satisfied with any one course in particular. In fact, this is what led me to create my flagship review course, CMA Exam Academy.

While I stand behind my review course wholeheartedly, I believe in being fully transparent. This is why I’m going to break down the top six CMA review courses so you can make an educated decision.

Originally published in 2020, this article was updated and republished on December 23rd, 2025.

CMA Review Course Comparison

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the best CMA review courses available online.

• CMA Exam Academy
• Becker CMA
• Uworld CMA
• Surgent CMA
• Gleim CMA

As you can see, there are several different options and clearly not all CMA review courses are designed the same. If you have questions about CMA Exam Academy specifically, book a free 15-minute pre-enrollment call.

What Makes a CMA Review Course Good?

Choosing the right CMA review course can be a huge success factor in your CMA journey.

A comprehensive program can save you time, ensure you’re well-prepared, and significantly improve your odds of passing the CMA exam on your first try.

Here are some features to look out for when selecting a CMA prep course.

Comprehensive Content Coverage

Look for a course that thoroughly covers the entire CMA exam syllabus, including Part One and Part Two.

The best CMA review courses should include up-to-date study materials, such as video lessons, textbooks, and study plans, to help you learn efficiently and stay on track.

Strong Practice-Question Bank and Simulations

Practice is one of the most important components of passing the CMA exam. Your odds of passing increase as you become more familiar with how questions are structured and what types of responses earn full credit.

Thus, a good review course should provide a large bank of practice questions and realistic mock exams.

CMA Exam Academy offers just this, with practice MCQs and essay questions formatted just like the real test. With this amount of practice, you’ll definitely feel more confident on exam day.

Adaptive and Performance Analytics

Some CMA courses offer advanced learning tools, such as adaptive technology and performance analytics dashboards.

These features help you track your progress, measure mastery by topic, and pinpoint areas where you need additional practice. This allows you to study more efficiently, as you can delegate more time to where it matters most.

Reviewing your performance data and mock exam results can also provide a more accurate understanding of your readiness for exam day.

Flexibility and Access Period

Since many CMA candidates balance studying with full-time work or school, flexibility is a major advantage.

You’ll want to consider whether a course is scheduled or self-paced, how long you’ll have access to the materials, and whether future content updates are included.

Some CMA courses limit access to 12-24 months, while others offer access until you pass at no additional cost. If you prefer to study at your own pace without feeling pressured to rush through the material, unlimited access might be the better option but take into account that it may take you up to three years to complete the CMA exams without following a structured program.

For those who wish to pass their CMA exam as quickly as possible, a structured approach to studying is recommended for best results. For example, CMA Exam Academy students who follow our 16-Week Accelerator Program are typically prepared to take their exam within just eight months to a year.

Support and Accountability

Personal support can be a game-changer, especially when you tackle complex concepts or have trouble staying motivated.

Having an instructor or a CMA coach answer your questions and help navigate roadblocks can make your study sessions less frustrating and more effective.

Thus, you may want to look for a CMA course that offers personalized coaching, accountability check-ins, AI CMA coaching for immediate responses, and guided study plans to keep you moving forward.

Reputation, Reviews, and Pass-Rate Evidence

Before committing to a review course, take time to research real student experiences and outcomes.

Look for green flags, such as consistently positive feedback, transparent reporting of pass rates, and strong online ratings.

A solid reputation backed by proven results is one of the best indicators that a course can truly support your success.

Breaking Down the Best CMA Review Courses

Each breakdown will feature the strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling factors that brought each of these CMA exam prep options to my top list.

Before diving into the breakdown, I want to remind you that not every course is built the same. Furthermore, not all CMA courses are designed to accommodate your individual learning style.

Be sure to take into consideration your particular learning style — which will impact how to study for the CMA exam effectively — when making this incredibly important decision.

After all, which CMA review course you choose can make or break you on exam day. The global average CMA exam pass rate for both Part One and Part Two is only 50%. With such low statistics, you don’t want to risk choosing the wrong course.

So let’s get down to all the details and check out my comparison of the best CMA review courses now.

CMA Exam Review Courses Detailed Breakdown

CMA Exam Academy

CMA Exam Academy is my flagship Certified Management Accountant review course. Over the years, I have continued to improve it based on candidates’ feedback.

Best for:

Students who want a structured, guided study program with direct coaching support and accountability check-ins from active CMAs.

Key Features: 

• Guided coaching and accountability: This program includes weekly assignments, accountability check-ins, and live calls with experienced CMA coaches. During these sessions, you can ask questions, discuss study strategies, and even receive career guidance.
• Unlimited email coaching support: Students can ask questions anytime and receive detailed responses within 24 hours.
• CMA AI Coach 24/7 support: Get instant, personalized support whenever you’re studying with our advanced AI-driven tutor.
• 16-week study framework per exam part: You’ll have access to high-quality video lessons and tutorials that break down each topic into simple, digestible concepts. This structured study plan can help you pass the exam in as little as eight months.
• Extensive test bank and exam simulations: You can practice with thousands of MCQs as well as essay scenarios modeled after the real exam. You can also take timed mock exams with PassRate Technology to measure your exam readiness.
• Study tools and supplemental resources: These include formula guides, study hacks, audio lessons, and video lectures for flexible learning.
• Free Prometric test drive: All students can benefit from this simulation experience that mimics the real exam environment. This test drive can reduce exam-day stress.
• Exam pass guarantee or money back: If you’re looking for a safety net for your investment, this is exactly what CMA Exam Academy offers.

Potential Drawbacks: 

• Limited course access period: Access lasts up to two years (or one year per part), which may feel restrictive for those expecting lifetime access. That said, this structured format is intended to prevent procrastination and maximize results in a short timeframe. CMA Exam Academy students complete their exams within 8 months to 12 months compared to students who may take up to 3 years to complete their exams using other programs.

Complete CMA Review Course

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Becker CMA

Becker CMA is a course that utilizes modern technology to offer a streamlined digital experience. CMA prep should be seamless and easy. Becker takes that concept to a new level.

Best for: 

Candidates who value a modern, intuitive study platform with adaptive learning technology.

Key Features:

• Excellent user experience: You’ll have access to a streamlined interface with a customizable dashboard and content layout options.
• Unlimited custom practice tests: Becker’s platform can generate personalized practice exams using its full question database. This allows you to target your weak areas, repeat concepts as often as needed, and reinforce your knowledge through continuous practice.
• AI technology: The Newt™ tool provides instant answers to your questions using Becker’s content and curriculum, helping you get quick responses to any questions you may have.

Potential Drawbacks:

• No published pass-rate data: Becker does not currently provide performance statistics showing how students using the program score on the actual CMA exam.
• No money-back guarantee: Although Becker offers course access at no additional cost if you fail, it does not offer a refund.

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UWorld CMA

What’s unique about UWorld’s CMA review course is that there are two different versions. The Elite-Unlimited package is their comprehensive program that includes a live bootcamp and unlimited access. The Premier package is the other option with limited access and does not include the live bootcamp.

Best for: 

Independent learners who want flexible study tools, video instructions, and mobile access to learning materials.

Key Features: 

• Free 14-day trial: Test the course content, lectures, and practice questions before committing.
• Extensive video lectures: The course offers 150 hours of video instructions from leading instructors, presented in clear, digestible segments.
• Large practice-question bank: You can practice with over 6,000 questions for thorough exam preparation.
• Flexible study: With the companion mobile app, you can access flashcards, practice questions, and video content directly from your phone, even when you’re offline.
• Flashcard program: Create your own or study from UWorld’s Expert ReadyDecks with 1,200+ pre-loaded flashcards.

Potential Drawbacks: 

• No money-back or pass guarantee: The program does not offer a refund or guarantee if you don’t pass.

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Surgent CMA

Surgent CMA is known as a fast-paced course. The study material is structured to accelerate learning and reduce the hours needed to pass the CMA exam.

Best for: 

Candidates looking for a fast-paced, adaptive study experience and those who want to shorten their CMA prep time using personalized study plans.

Key Features:

• A.S.A.P. Technology™: The adaptive learning algorithm customizes your study plan based on quiz results to accelerate progress.
• ReadySCORE™: Real-time test readiness updates track your performance and ensure you’re exam-ready.
• Accelerated Track: Bite-sized lectures and a micro-learning format help candidates quickly cover material.
• Money-Back Guarantee: You’ll get your money back if you don’t pass (eligibility requirements apply).

Potential Drawbacks:

• New Product: Surgent CMA is relatively new, so there is limited long-term data on its overall success and effectiveness. Some users may encounter minor kinks or adjustments as the program evolves.

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Gleim CMA

Dr. Gleim is one of the first Certified Management Accountants in the USA and is highly respected in the world of finance and accounting. Along with a team of professionals with years of experience, he created the Gleim CMA review.

Best for: 

Candidates with a solid accounting background who want a comprehensive self-study program that allows them to review CMA material at their own pace

Key Features:

• Access to Counselor: You’ll get dedicated support for questions, study planning, and guidance throughout your prep.
• Exam Simulator: This closely mimics the CMA exam format, helping candidates build confidence in realistic test conditions.
• SmartAdapt™ Adaptive Learning Platform: This acts as a personalized exam tutor by analyzing your performance and adjusting your study path as you progress.

Potential Drawbacks:

• High Cost: This is one of the more expensive CMA review courses on the market, and it does not include a pass-or-money-back guarantee.

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Why You Should Use a CMA Review Course

The CMA exam is made up of two parts and you must pass both parts in order to earn your certification. Each part covers quite a lot of material, which is why using a CMA review course is incredibly important.

The ICMA breaks down the exam content into Content Specification Outlines (CSOs) and Learning Outcome Statements (LOSs). CSOs are essentially a high-level overview of the exam content, while the LOSs dive into more detail about the skills and abilities that candidates are expected to have.

Why am I telling you this? Because the best CMA review courses are designed to expertly tackle all of this material so your only focus is to learn and digest it.

Review courses can help measure your progress and level of understanding as well. The best CMA review courses offer progress reports that break down your content comprehension, material strengths and weaknesses, and more. These reports allow you to stay accountable to laser focus your CMA exam studying to weaker areas and give you an idea of how you are understanding core concepts.

By far, the biggest reason you should be using a CMA review course is for its built-in support system. Review courses offer encouragement, guidance, or accountability to help you on your CMA journey.

Determining Your Personal Studying Style

The truth is, everyone understands information differently. How you break down and digest information can greatly impact your ability to pass the CMA exam so understanding your personal learning style is key.

If you’ve never thought about what kind of learner you are, here’s a look at the most common types so you can self-identify your personal learning style:

• Auditory: Understand material when someone explains it to you orally.
• Kinesthetic : Learn by doing or moving because it helps you concentrate on the material more.
• Linguistic: Reading and taking notes helps ingrain the material into your brain.
• Logical: You must understand the reason behind something in order to fully get the concept.
• Social: Study groups or peer-to-peer settings help you learn.
• Solitary: Self-study or researching on your own is ideal.
• Visual: Watching videos or demonstrations helps you understand.

If you resonate with two or more of these learning methods that is totally normal. Most people are a combination of learning styles, but understanding which methods work best for you is what’s most important.

For example, if you are an auditory/visual, solitary learner then you will want a self-study CMA review course that offers video tutorials and other tools you’ll need to succeed on your own.

On the other hand, if you identify as a social, logical learner who needs a structured approach you may feel more comfortable in a traditional class setting whether it’s online or offline with access to an instructor.

Cost of CMA Review Courses

When it comes to the best CMA review courses, the cost for programs, study materials, and supplemental study resources varies greatly.

Textbooks and quickie online cram courses can be as cheap as $59 a pop, but they lack the depth and scope of a full-blown review course. I don’t recommend this option to anyone.

As outlined above, the most common CMA review courses are CMA Exam Academy, Becker CMA, UWorld, Surgent, and Gleim. The price for these courses ranges anywhere from $1,299 to $2,199 USD.

You may also want to take into consideration the full CMA exam cost which includes:

• IMA membership (from $49-295 annually)
• One-time entrance fee ($225 for students, $300 for professionals)
• CMA exam fee for Part One and Part Two ($407 per part for students, $545 per part for professionals)
• Undergraduate degree (varies depending on College, but anywhere between ~$40,000-$140,000+)

There are so many considerations to take into account when becoming a CMA, so I hope I’ve made choosing a CMA review course a bit easier for you.

People Also Ask:

How long does it take to study for the CMA Exam?

You will need to dedicate a minimum of 150 hours of studying for each of the two exam parts in order to pass. To improve your chances of passing considerably, we recommend studying for at least 200 hours, spread over two 16-week periods of dedicated study.

What does a CMA exam prep course cost?

Comprehensive CMA prep courses cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $2,000 and more. Our Complete CMA Review Course Combo costs $799 plus three monthly payments of $266, costing $1,597 in total. If you pay for the entire program upfront, it will cost $1,497.

What skills do you need to become a CMA?

The skills you need to become a CMA involve both accounting and finance. Successful candidates are skilled and knowledgeable in areas such as budgeting and forecasting, risk management, corporate investing, leadership, and even IT and data analytics.

How difficult is the CMA?

The CMA exam is quite difficult. Pass rates for the CMA are as low as 50% for Part One and 50% for Part Two. But with diligent study and the right prep course, you can easily pass both sections.

How do I prepare for the CMA?

There are a number of different approaches to studying for the CMA. Start by choosing a high-quality CMA review course. Next, develop a study plan that works for your schedule. Finally, choose a method of studying that works best for you, and helps you retain the most amount of information. If you’re looking for a done-for-you program, considering joining our program: Complete CMA Review Course Combo

Is it necessary to have an accounting background to succeed in these courses?

While an accounting background will benefit you in your studies, it is not necessarily a requirement to succeed in CMA exam prep. Many successful CMA candidates come from various educational and professional backgrounds. With that said, an understanding of accounting principles and concepts can make the learning and review process simpler.

Many of these CMA review courses, including CMA Exam Academy, offer comprehensive courses that cater to people with differing levels of accounting knowledge, providing the necessary foundation and advanced concepts so you can excel during the test.

At CMA we include a Fundamentals of Accounting textbook with our program to help candidates who may not have a background in accounting or finance, or may have been out of school for a long time.

Are there any additional resources that can aid in preparation?

There are several supplementary resources on the market to help you prepare to sit for your exam. Depending on your learning style, some may work better for you than others. CMA study tools such as textbooks, audio lectures, video courses, study groups, mock exams, and online forums are just a few ways you can immerse yourself in exam preparation.

Review materials from any of the reputable companies we’ve discussed today can offer additional practice questions and explanations, helping to reinforce the understanding and retention of key CMA concepts.

Staying updated on the latest exam content outlines and guidelines provided by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) ensures you’re always aligned with the latest expectations for test-takers.

Is it better to pursue CMA or CPA?

The decision to pursue either a CMA or a CPA is a personal one, and it depends on your career aspirations and professional goals. While each certification offers unique benefits, they cater to different career paths in accounting and finance.

The CMA is ideal for professionals aspiring to advance their careers in management accounting, financial planning, analysis, and strategic decision-making roles in an organization.

On the other hand, the CPA certification is geared toward public accounting, auditing, taxation, and compliance.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine your long-term career goals and choose the certification that most closely matches your aspirations and skill set.

Which Is the Best CMA Study Material For You?

In my experience, candidates thrive when they choose a review course that offers accountability, personal coaching, and a structured study program. As I mentioned above, most of your success depends on the type of review course you choose based on your personal learning style.

I highly recommend using the section above to identify your personal learning style.

Those with a more solitary, linguistic learning style and who are self-starters would likely benefit from a self study program.

On the other hand, those with social, visual, or auditory learning styles and who need structure and coaching support would do well with a program like CMA Exam Academy.

With one-on-one coaching, access to the most up-to-date information, and a high level of accountability, you are bound to crush your exam.

For even more information or to enroll now, check out my 16-week accelerator program.

Good luck on this new and exciting journey!

More from Nathan

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CPA vs CMA – Which One First?

Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 82,000 accounting and finance pros came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!