When it comes to CPE, being up-to-date is crucial. Not earning or reporting your CPE credits can lead to fines or even loss of licensure. Gleim and Becker are two of the best CPE course providers. But in the match-up between Gleim vs Becker CPE courses, which one stands out for your professional development?
Spoiler Alert: Becker is always my best bet, but Gleim is also great.
This no-fluff comparison examines what matters: course features, pricing, and user experience. It will help you decide between the two. Let’s examine each.
Key Takeaways
- Extensive Course Offerings: Becker provides more than 700 on-demand CPE courses and over 1,000 live-streaming webinars, covering 19 fields of study, ensuring a fit for every learning style and schedule. Gleim offers a competitive array of 100 hours of flexible, on-demand CPE courses across various topics tailored to professional needs and compliance standards.
- Subscription Flexibility: Becker’s subscriptions range from the PRIME all-access pass, offering unlimited course access to SELECT and ESSENTIALS plans and providing tailored solutions for different budgets and learning needs. Gleim offers scalable options from a 100-hour package, more specific hourly packages, accommodating varying time commitments and financial capabilities.
- Specialized Learning Features: Both providers cater to diverse learning preferences with features like live webcasts, partial credit earning options, and downloadable materials, with Becker emphasizing daily and weekend webcast options and Gleim focusing on the flexibility to select courses over a year.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Gleim provides CPE courses starting as low as $6 per hour, presenting significant cost savings, especially for professionals looking to acquire extensive hours. Becker, while generally more expensive, justifies its pricing with comprehensive access and specialized content such as tax, A&A, and ethics updates.
- Professional Development: Both Gleim and Becker focus on meeting CPE requirements and advancing professional skills through additional features like current event updates, critical course updates, and specialized certificate programs in areas like data analytics and business ethics. They aim to enhance career advancement opportunities in today’s diverse business environment.
Becker Professional Education – Best for Flexible CPE Courses
Becker CPE offers an extensive range of educational resources tailored to meet the continuous learning needs of CPAs, CMAs, and other accounting professionals. With subscriptions that include more than 700 on-demand CPE courses and over 1,000 live-streaming webinars across 19 different fields of study, there is a suitable option for every learning style and schedule.
“If you didn’t already lock in a subscription somewhere, Becker has a 35% off code for their Prime CPE subscription, which brings the Prime price down to the level of their mid-tier Select plan…”
u/awkwardsimulation
Becker CPE Subscription Details
All-Access Pass
- PRIME: This premium one-year option provides unlimited CPE access to all content, downloadable course materials, and over 1,000 webcasts with live Q&A.
- SELECT: One-year plan that offers a balanced approach with 480+ webcasts that include live interaction and the ability to earn partial credits.
- ESSENTIALS: This introductory subscription, valid for 90 days, is $329 and perfect for those needing short-term access to a wide array of webcasts and on-demand courses.
Each subscription ensures learners can engage with content at their convenience, benefiting from flexible webcast schedules that include daily broadcasts and sessions during weeknights and weekends. Special features such as the personalized CPE compliance tracker, critical update courses (including tax, A&A, and ethics), and current event updates make Becker CPE a dynamic learning platform that adapts to the demands of modern professionals.
For those looking to expand their professional expertise, Becker also offers specialized certificate programs in areas such as data analytics, business ethics, and diversity and inclusion. These accounting CPE programs are designed to enhance skills in specific areas crucial for career advancement in today’s diverse business environment.
Learning Features
- Live webcasts allow for immersive experiences with instructor video and live chat for instant question resolution.
- The availability of downloadable materials and the option to earn partial credits cater to the needs of busy professionals who may not always attend full sessions.
Becker’s CPE is not only about fulfilling mandatory educational credits; it’s about enhancing professional capabilities in a world where accounting standards and practices continually evolve. Whether it’s staying updated on the latest industry changes or developing a niche expertise, Becker offers a path that fits every professional’s development journey and you can save with Becker CPE discounts.
Gleim CPE Courses: Solid Runner-Up to Becker
Gleim CPE offers a diverse array of online continuing professional education courses designed to meet the evolving needs of accounting professionals. With flexible, on-demand access to 100 hours of CPE courses, learners can choose from a wide-ranging catalog that supports their career development and compliance with professional standards.
Package Options
- Best Deal – 100-hour package: At a competitive price of $600, this comprehensive package offers the greatest value, providing access to any courses within the CPE catalog.
- Gleim CPE 40 Hours: Priced at $280, this package caters to professionals seeking substantial learning without committing to the largest bundle.
- Gleim CPE 20 Hours: For $160, users can access a moderate amount of learning content tailored to shorter-term needs.
- Smaller Hourly Packages: Ranging from 4 hours at $48 to 1 hour at $12, these packages offer ultimate flexibility, allowing learners to focus on specific learning objectives or urgent educational needs.
Each package allows a full year from the purchase date to select desired courses, and once a course is selected, learners have an additional year to complete it. This two-tiered time frame supports busy professionals who require scheduling flexibility.
Key Benefits
- Convenience: The multi-hour package system simplifies continuing education by allowing professionals to tailor their learning schedule over two years, choosing courses as their needs evolve.
- Cost Savings: With rates as low as $6 per hour, Gleim CPE provides affordable options for professionals looking to maximize their education investment. Additional discounts on extra hours are available upon inquiry.
- Flexibility: Gleim’s system does not lock learners into predetermined courses. Instead, it offers the freedom to select courses that align with current professional demands, such as updating specific skills for a field audit or expanding knowledge in new regulatory areas.
Gleim CPE not only facilitates compliance with CPE requirements but also empowers accounting professionals to enhance their expertise proactively. With packages designed for varying educational needs and schedules, Gleim CPE supports professionals in maintaining and advancing their accounting skills in a dynamic and demanding industry environment.
Getting CPE with CPA Exam or CMA Exam Prep
Both Becker and Gleim have carved out significant niches in the field of accounting certification preparation, offering extensive resources for CPA and CMA candidates. Becker’s CPA Review and Gleim’s CPA Review courses are renowned for their comprehensive coverage, integrating video lectures, extensive test banks, and mock exams that closely mimic the actual CPA exam. This rigorous exam prep ensures that candidates are well-prepared on exam day.
Additionally, Becker CMA Review and Gleim CMA Review provide targeted CMA exam prep, helping candidates master the exam content through adaptive learning technology and personalized support. Beyond their review courses, both providers offer added value through free CPE courses included with some of their CPA and CMA prep packages, making them an appealing choice for continuing professional education.
This inclusion enriches their offerings, allowing accounting professionals to meet their educational requirements while preparing for their certification exams.
How CPE Connects to CPA and CMA Prep
Both Becker and Gleim are renowned for their innovative approaches to supporting CPA and CMA candidates, employing advanced tools and resources that enhance learning outcomes. Here’s how each platform equips its users with the necessary tools to excel in their certification exams:
Becker’s Comprehensive Support: Becker collaborates closely with leading accounting firms to ensure that its course materials are not only comprehensive but also reflective of the latest industry standards. Their offerings include:
- Digital Flashcards: These help reinforce crucial concepts and terminologies, making revision more effective.
- Simulated Exams: Designed to mimic the actual CPA exam environment, these exams prepare candidates for the real test conditions.
- Task-Based Simulations: Provide practical experience in solving problems similar to those on the exam, fostering hands-on learning.
Gleim’s Adaptive Learning Technology: Gleim utilizes adaptive learning technology to create a personalized study experience that adjusts to the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. Their specialized resources include:
- Adaptive Technology: Adjusts the focus of study materials based on the learner’s performance to ensure a balanced understanding across all exam topics. This includes audio lectures and video lectures.
- Mega Test Bank: Contains a wide range of questions that closely mirror actual exams, providing thorough preparation.
- Gleim Personal Counselors: Each candidate is paired with a Gleim Personal Counselor who acts as a mentor throughout the preparation period.
These targeted tools and resources from Becker and Gleim ensure that CPA and CMA candidates are well-prepared, not just to pass their exams but to excel at them. By incorporating these resources into their study routines, candidates can significantly enhance their confidence and competence, leading to better overall performance on exam day.
Adapting to Current Trends in Professional Education
In response to the increasing demand for flexible and accessible learning options post-pandemic, both Gleim and Becker have significantly enhanced their online CPE platforms. These improvements cater to the growing preference among accounting professionals for online learning, which allows them to fit education into their busy schedules and stay updated with the latest financial regulations and standards.
Both providers incorporate advanced technologies like Becker’s Adapt2U and Gleim’s SmartAdapt, which personalize the learning experience based on individual performance data. Additionally, interactive features such as live webinars, video lectures, and real-time Q&A sessions simulate an engaging classroom environment. These tools not only make learning more interactive but also provide direct insights from experts, enhancing the overall educational experience.
By integrating modern educational technologies and offering flexible learning options, Gleim and Becker continue to lead in providing CPE that meets the needs of today’s professionals, ensuring their offerings remain relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Final Thoughts
As a CPE expert, I’ve extensively evaluated both Gleim and Becker, and while both offer substantial benefits, Becker consistently stands out as my top recommendation for comprehensive CPE solutions. Becker’s extensive catalog of over 700 on-demand courses and more than 1,000 live webinars across 19 different fields of study provides unparalleled breadth and depth, catering to every learning style and professional requirement. Their flexible subscription models, including the PRIME all-access pass, offer unlimited content access, making them a superior choice for professionals seeking thorough and diverse educational opportunities.
Moreover, Becker’s integration of cutting-edge learning technologies and specialized certificate programs in areas like data analytics, business ethics, and diversity ensures that professionals not only meet CPE requirements but also gain crucial skills needed for career advancement. While Gleim provides excellent value and flexibility, Becker’s comprehensive resources, consistent updates, and alignment with the latest industry standards place it ahead, particularly for those who are seeking the most robust educational experience in the accounting field.
FAQ
Gleim is renowned for its extensive test bank and adaptive learning technology that customizes the educational experience, making it ideal for learners needing flexibility. Becker, on the other hand, excels in offering a wide range of courses in various learning formats, supported by rich, interactive tools like video lectures and live webinars, suited for learners who benefit from a more engaged learning environment.
Gleim assists candidates with its SmartAdapt technology, offering a highly personalized study experience that adjusts to individual learning needs. Becker provides an immersive learning experience through its Adapt2U Technology, supplemented by extensive practice tests and full-length mock exams, which are crucial for effective exam preparation. Both platforms offer additional features, like practice questions and detailed explanations, to enhance understanding and retention.
Becker’s CMA courses stand out due to their comprehensive curriculum and integrated learning approach, which includes a variety of study materials designed to cater to different learning styles. Unlike many other CMA review courses, Becker provides extensive practice tests, simulated exams, and adaptive learning technology to ensure that candidates are not only prepared to pass the CMA exam but also to excel in their professional finance careers.
Becker CPA courses are renowned for their depth and breadth, offering a comprehensive suite of study exam prep materials, including video lectures, simulated exams, and a vast bank of practice questions. These courses are designed to thoroughly prepare candidates for the CPA exam, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
