With CMA exam fees coming in at $370 per part and a pass rate of less than half, CMA candidates don’t have time to play around when it comes to exam prep.
You need the best CMA review course access that fits your needs. Period.
Two of the most common contenders you’ll hear are Becker and Gleim. But looking at Becker vs Gleim CMA review courses, which takes the crown?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Becker and Gleim CMA, including technologies, practice tests, and overall value. I’ll help you make an informed choice, so by the end, you’ll know exactly which is better for you.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Resources: Becker outshines Gleim with over 4,000 MCQs, detailed essays, 500+ flashcards, and 76 SkillBuilder videos, offering unmatched depth for thorough exam prep. While Gleim provides a rich test bank, Becker’s material breadth is superior.
- Adaptive Learning: Becker’s Adapt2U Technology personalizes your study plan by adapting to strengths and weaknesses, enhancing efficiency. Gleim’s structured platform lacks this level of adaptability, placing Becker ahead in personalized learning.
- Live Instruction: Becker offers live instruction, allowing real-time interaction with experts, a feature not available with Gleim. This direct access improves understanding and engagement, making complex topics accessible.
- Long-Term Value: Becker includes a one-year CPE subscription and a pass guarantee, emphasizing long-term professional growth beyond the CMA exam. Gleim does not fully match this comprehensive approach to value.
- Pricing and Investment: Although Becker’s packages come at a premium price, the investment guarantees a technologically advanced, interactive, and comprehensive study experience, justifying its cost over Gleim’s more budget-friendly but less feature-rich options.
Becker vs Gleim CMA Review: An Overview
Becker isn’t just playing in the big leagues; it’s leading them. Known for its dominance in the CPA review course realm, Becker transitions seamlessly into CMA prep, bringing its A-game with two main offerings:
- CMA Review Pro Package: This package is a powerhouse of unlimited access to Becker’s comprehensive suite of study tools. You’re looking at over 4,000 MCQs, essay questions, digital flashcards, and an arsenal of 76 SkillBuilder videos.
- CMA Review Advantage Package: Offering 24 months of access, it’s designed for those who want a structured yet comprehensive path to CMA exam readiness.
Extended Sale – $1,100 Off Becker CMA Pro
Becker CMA Advantage on Sale at $1,599
A Look at Gleim: Does It Measure Up?
Gleim has made a name for itself in the realm of accounting certification prep, but when stacked against Becker for CMA, it falls short. Gleim’s offerings include:
- Premium Review System: It promises a comprehensive package with an adaptive course, audio lectures, and access to personal counselors.
- Traditional Review System and Mega Test Bank: These are lower-priced options that focus on self-study and feature a vast question bank for practice.
While decent resources are brought to the table, including a significant number of practice questions and Gleim personal counselors for those who opt for the Premium Gleim course, it doesn’t quite offer the same level of tailored, technological sophistication or the breadth of resources found in Becker’s packages. However, it’s still my favorite Becker alternative, particularly for students on a tighter budget.
Why Becker Outshines Gleim for CMA Prep
Choosing between Gleim and Becker, I lean heavily towards Becker for a few compelling reasons:
- Technology and Tailored Learning: Becker’s Adapt2U Technology outpaces Gleim’s SmartAdapt™ courses, providing a more personalized and efficient study experience. Further, the new introduction of Newt™, Becker’s AI exam review assistant, gives students around-the-clock CMA support.
- Comprehensive Resources: With more practice questions, in-depth video content, and unlimited access, Becker ensures you’re more than simply knowledgeable; you’re confident. They help you not just learn the material but also the exam process.
- Expert Instruction and Support: Becker’s availability of live instruction is a game-changer, offering direct access to experts that Gleim can’t match.
Now that I’ve given you the short version, let’s get into course specifics. So, if you’re focused on a certain feature of the course materials like mock exams, video lessons, or digital textbooks or want to know what helps students pass the most, read on.
Lectures and Live Instruction: A Closer Look at Both Platforms
I find that Becker truly shines with its live instruction feature in the Pro package, providing an immersive learning experience with real-time interaction. The instructors, who are seasoned industry professionals, offer insights and explanations that textbooks alone cannot convey. This direct access to experts is invaluable for clarifying complex concepts and enhancing understanding.
Gleim, while lacking a live instruction component comparable to Becker’s, still offers wonderful on-demand video content through its Gleim Instruct Video Series. These videos are designed to provide comprehensive reviews of exam materials, and while they offer depth, the absence of real-time interaction might leave some students wishing for more personalized guidance.
Video and Audio Resources: Becker vs. Gleim
Becker excels with its targeted, short video lectures, which focus on single topics for maximum engagement and retention. The content, divided between Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam, ensures comprehensive coverage delivered by experts. This bite-sized approach is particularly effective for keeping students engaged without overwhelming them.
Gleim materials also offer an extensive collection of video lectures, which are especially noted for their depth within the Premium package. The Gleim Instruct Video Series aims to provide solid foundational knowledge. However, without the additional support of live instruction and the absence of an audio-only option, learners might find themselves seeking more diverse methods of engagement.
Textbooks and Course Content: Comparing Comprehensiveness
Becker’s digital textbooks stand out for their regular updates with the latest ICMA Learning Outcome Statements, ensuring students have access to the most current content. As a licensed partner of the IMA, Becker benefits from direct insights into exam material, offering learners an authoritative source of study content.
Gleim prides itself on the thoroughness of its materials, including its textbooks and practice questions. Gleim’s approach to course content is meticulous, with a strong emphasis on extensively covering a wide range of topics. While Gleim CMA offers detailed textbooks as they do with CPA prep, the partnership between Becker and the IMA gives Becker an edge in terms of content currency and relevancy.
Technology: A Comparative View
Becker’s Adapt2U Technology is a standout feature, offering a cutting-edge, adaptive learning experience that personalizes the study journey according to each candidate’s pace and performance. This smart technology identifies areas of strength and weakness, allowing learners to focus their efforts where they are most needed. The ability to undergo unlimited practice tests that mimic the actual CMA exam environment is a significant advantage, helping to build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
Further, Becker’s new AI assistant, Newt™, is a valuable tool for students who thrive when they can work through their questions in an interactive way. Newt™ is a lot like ChatGPT, but for CMA candidates (and higher accuracy ratios). Students can use this new tool to work through practice questions, practice tests, and then review the results. This leads to better comprehension of the topics and the rationale behind correct answers.
Gleim’s SmartAdapt™ course platform matches Adapt2U in many ways, and it’s extremely helpful for enjoying personalized content to strengthen your weaknesses. In both cases, you’re cutting down on study time by optimizing your sessions. However, Becker’s tends to be more holistic and all-encompassing. Nevertheless, though Becker is the winner here, Gleim doesn’t fall too far behind.
Test Bank and Practice Test: Breaking Down the Offerings
When it comes to preparing for the CMA exam, the quality and breadth of practice questions can make all the difference. Here’s how Becker and Gleim stack up in this crucial area:
Becker impresses with its extensive pool of over 4,000 MCQs and 76 essay questions, providing comprehensive coverage of the exam syllabus. The practice tests offered by Becker are designed to simulate the actual exam experience as closely as possible, enabling candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam format and timing. This thorough preparation ensures that Becker students can confidently approach their exam day.
Gleim is well-regarded for the quality of its Mega Test Bank, which includes a vast array of exam-quality MCQs and essays designed to prepare candidates thoroughly. The realism of Gleim’s practice exams is a strong point, aiming to accustom students to the pressure and format of the actual CMA exam. While Gleim offers a significant volume of practice questions, Becker’s comprehensive study materials make it one of the best CMA review courses.
Value: Comparing Costs and Guarantees of Becker vs Gleim CMA
When dissecting the value embedded in the CMA exam preparation courses offered by Becker and Gleim, it’s pivotal to understand that the initial cost is just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s take a closer look at how Becker’s premium pricing translates into unparalleled value, especially when juxtaposed with Gleim’s more affordably priced options.
The Value Behind Becker’s Pricing
Becker has positioned itself as a premium choice in the CMA exam prep market for several compelling reasons, underscoring the adage that you get what you pay for:
The Pro package isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in a comprehensive arsenal of study tools designed for success. Advantage comes in with 24 months of access; this plan offers a structured pathway to exam readiness without skimping on the quality or quantity of study materials.
Make sure you save with an exclusive discount using a Becker CMA promo code.
Extended Sale – $1,100 Off Becker CMA Pro
Becker CMA Advantage on Sale at $1,599
Gleim: Affordable, But at What Cost?
Gleim offers a seemingly more budget-friendly route to CMA exam prep, with more savings when using a Gleim CMA discount code. It includes a respectable array of features like an adaptive course platform, audio lectures, and access to personal counselors. However, when weighing the overall value, it’s essential to consider what might be compromised for the lower price point.
Becker vs Gleim CMA Student Access and Support
Becker excels in student support, offering success coaches, an extensive online FAQ database, and personalized tutoring in its Pro package. This comprehensive support network ensures that every learner has the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
Gleim’s standout feature is its Personal Counselor Support, which is available in both Premium and Traditional packages. This direct access to expert advisors ensures that students receive personalized assistance, keeping their study plans on track and addressing any challenges that arise.
In the contest of Gleim vs. Becker for CMA exam prep supremacy, both offer compelling reasons for their choice. Becker, with its rich array of resources, expert instruction, and adaptive technology, presents an all-encompassing path to success.
Gleim, with its rigorous exams and personalized support, offers a tailored approach that caters to individual learning needs. As we delve deeper into their offerings, it’s clear that the choice between Gleim and Becker depends on the candidate’s preferences, learning style, and goals.
The Intangible Benefits: Confidence and Career Progression
Becker: Building More Than Just Knowledge
Becker’s students often discuss the confidence the course instilled in them, not only to tackle the CMA exam but also to face complex challenges in the workplace. This confidence stems from:
- Interactive Learning: Engaging directly with instructors and peers helps to solidify understanding and encourages deeper exploration of the material.
- Comprehensive Preparation: Knowing you’ve covered every angle of the exam material with resources like SkillBuilder videos and Adapt2U Technology can boost confidence significantly.
- Career Readiness: Beyond the CMA exam, Becker’s materials are designed to be relevant and applicable to real-world scenarios, helping students feel prepared for the next steps in their careers.
Gleim: A Solid Start with Room to Grow
Gleim’s users often praise the course for providing a solid foundation of knowledge. However, some note the desire for more interactive elements to enhance their learning experience. Highlights include:
- Depth of Material: The detailed textbooks and extensive practice tests ensure a comprehensive understanding of CMA exam topics.
- Self-Paced Study: For those who excel at self-guided study, Gleim offers the freedom to learn at one’s own pace, which can be a significant advantage.
- Support When Needed: Access to personal counselors can make a big difference, offering tailored advice and support throughout the study process.
See Becker and Gleim compared to other top CMA courses in this comparison.
Summary: Becker vs. Gleim CMA
After thoroughly reviewing the offerings from Becker and Gleim for CMA exam prep, I concluded that Becker offers superior resources and technology. The investment in Becker’s CMA Review Pro Package provides an extensive collection of resources designed for comprehensive exam preparation and a deep understanding of the material. This includes over 4,000 MCQs, detailed essay questions, more than 500 digital flashcards, and 76 SkillBuilder videos, making it clear why Becker stands out.
Considering the long-term benefits, such as the one-year CPE subscription and the confidence that comes with Becker’s pass guarantee, Becker not only prepares you for the CMA exam but also sets a strong foundation for professional growth. Despite Gleim’s commendable package, Becker’s technological advantages and comprehensive learning experiences offer a clear path to success for serious CMA candidates.
FAQs
Part 1 covers financial planning, performance, and analytics, focusing on the fundamentals of financial accounting. Part 2 deals with strategic financial management, emphasizing decision-making and risk management. Tackle Part 1 by solidifying your accounting basics, and for Part 2, focus on enhancing your strategic and analytical skills.
The essay section is critical as it tests your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and apply concepts in practical scenarios. Practice structuring your responses clearly and concisely, and familiarize yourself with common essay topics in advance.
Yes, Becker CMA Review is comprehensive and designed to cover all necessary exam topics thoroughly with its array of practice questions, video lessons, and other resources.
While individual study needs vary, aiming for about 150-170 hours of preparation for each part is a good benchmark. Adjust this based on your own pace and familiarity with the material.
There’s no required sequence, but many candidates start with Part 1 to establish a strong accounting foundation. Ultimately, choose the order based on your comfort level and areas of expertise.
