The days of paper flashcards and thick textbooks may not be totally gone—but today’s CPA candidates are leaning into something new: tech-driven exam prep tools that work smarter, not harder.
From AI assistants to VR simulations, the study experience is more personalized, more portable, and surprisingly interactive. Here are tech innovations changing how aspiring CPAs prepare—and pass.
Key Takeaways
- AI tools like Becker’s Newt™ and Gleim’s PrepPal personalize your study plan in real time.
- Voice-activated tools let you review flashcards hands-free through smart speakers.
- Microlearning apps break study into 5-minute sessions for on-the-go review.
- Gamified platforms boost motivation with rewards, streaks, and progress tracking.
- Predictive analytics estimate your CPA exam readiness so you can test with confidence.
1. AI-Powered Study Assistants
The standout innovation this year? Artificial intelligence that adapts to your study needs in real time.
Platforms like Becker’s Newt™ and Gleim’s PrepPal are setting the standard. These AI-powered assistants evaluate your strengths and weaknesses as you study, then automatically adjust your prep plan to keep you on track.
Features of AI-powered study tools:
- Personalized study schedules
- Real-time performance tracking
- Smart content recommendations
- Built-in reminders to stay consistent
✨ Pro Tip: Let AI do the heavy lifting. Gleim’s PrepPal and Becker’s Newt™ both track your progress and automatically adjust your study plan, so you spend less time guessing and more time mastering exactly what you need. Use these tools to stay focused, efficient, and exam-ready.
2. Voice-Activated Review Tools
Need to study hands-free? Voice tech is making its way into test prep.
Tools like Brainscape offer smart speaker integration, meaning you can run flashcards out loud using Alexa or Google Assistant—great for multitaskers.
What you can do with voice tools:
- Review flashcards while cooking or commuting
- Set daily reminders through your voice assistant
- Quiz yourself without lifting a finger
✨ Pro Tip: Pair voice flashcards with your morning routine to sneak in 10–15 extra study minutes.
3. AR/VR Simulation-Based Learning
Augmented and virtual reality aren’t widespread in CPA prep yet, but the possibilities are exciting.
While full CPA simulations in VR are still in development, tools like Labster and PwC’s Virtual Reality Academy offer a glimpse at what’s ahead, using immersive technology to help users practice complex skills in a “real-world” digital space.
Potential benefits of immersive study:
- Practice simulations under realistic pressure
- Explore task-based scenarios in 3D
- Improve memory through sensory engagement
✨ Pro Tip: Watch for VR in CPA content over the next year—it may soon offer a new way to practice TBS questions with less stress.
4. Microlearning for On-the-Go Review
Apps like Pocket Prep and Gleim CPA Review both break complex topics into bite-sized study sessions you can do in five minutes or less. These platforms are designed for flexibility, letting you review a single concept without committing to a full lecture or long study block.
Becker also offers a CPE podcast, perfect for learning on the go—whether you’re driving, exercising, or squeezing in study time between tasks.
Why microlearning works:
- Reinforces knowledge through repetition
- Fits into everyday gaps (think: lunch, lines, or laundry)
- Keeps your brain engaged without burnout
✨ Pro Tip: Try using microlearning for your weakest topic, consistency is key with short sessions!
5. Gamified Practice Exams and Learning
Why shouldn’t studying feel a little more fun?
CPA programs like Becker and Gleim have added gamified elements to help you stay motivated. Think mini goals, point systems, and visual progress tracking.
What gamified learning looks like:
- Interactive quizzes with rewards
- Level-up systems to mark milestones
- Leaderboards or weekly streaks for consistency
✨ Pro Tip: Gamification isn’t just fun—it taps into your brain’s reward center, which can help you retain info better.
6. Predictive Test-Taking Analytics
Ever wish you could really know if you’re ready? New analytics tools come close.
Platforms like Surgent’s ReadySCORE™, Becker, and Gleim are using machine learning to project how you might score on test day based on your study behavior.
How predictive analytics helps:
- Estimates your exam-day performance
- Breaks down readiness by topic
- Offers targeted recommendations before test day
✨ Pro Tip: Use your projected scores to build confidence—or course-correct—before it’s too late to reschedule.
Studying Smarter, Not Harder
Today’s tech-savvy CPA candidates aren’t just grinding through review questions—they’re optimizing every step of the process. Whether it’s an AI tool keeping you focused or a five-minute quiz on your phone, studying with one of the top CPA prep courses is all about strategy.
Ready to embrace the new wave of exam prep? These tools are built to help you pass, and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.
FAQ
Newt™ is Becker’s AI study assistant that adapts your plan, recommends content, and tracks progress to keep you focused and on pace.
PrepPal is Gleim’s AI-powered study assistant. It creates a personalized study plan and updates it in real time based on your performance.
Yes. Some tools, like Brainscape, integrate with smart speakers or mobile assistants so you can review flashcards hands-free.
Not yet in mainstream exam prep, but companies like PwC and Labster are exploring immersive simulations that could shape future tools.
Platforms like Surgent and Gleim analyze your study history to estimate your score and readiness—so you know when to test with confidence.
