Universal CPA Course: Is It Worth It?

In recent years, the CPA exam prep landscape has seen a real shift away from one-size-fits-all learning. The Journal of Accountancy says that we must “…proactively engage students at a very early stage of career selection.” I’ve also found that this is true in the CPA prep portion.

One thing I’ve noticed as a reviewer is new providers that claim to help students pass the CPA exam based on their own learning style. Universal CPA Review is a good example of this approach, as it utilizes visual learning over all others to help CPA candidates.

But is it good enough to help you pass?

When writing this review, I was on the fence.

Although not ranked as one of my top CPA review courses, enrolling in a Universal CPA course has some pros if it’s all you can afford. Keep reading to learn more about this provider, what they offer, and how their materials match up with the CPA exams.

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility in Pricing: Universal offers plans ranging from a monthly subscription at $119 to 24-month comprehensive access for $999, providing various entry points for CPA candidates with different budgetary constraints.
• Visual Learning Emphasis: The platform excels in converting complex data into visually appealing content, which is great for those who find visual cues helpful in their learning process.
• Supplementary Learning: While its visual aids make it a useful supplemental tool, it may not suffice as a standalone resource for in-depth CPA preparation.
• Cost Effectiveness Over Time: The initial affordability of Universal can be misleading. For candidates needing long-term access across all four sections of the CPA exam, the costs can accumulate and surpass those of more inclusive programs.
• Support and Interaction: Universal’s support system, while available round-the-clock, lacks the personalized interaction provided by competitors like Becker, UWorld, and Gleim. These platforms offer direct tutoring and more robust support networks that can be critical during challenging study periods on your CPA journey.

Universal CPA Overview

Founded in 2018 by Joey Reeve, Universal CPA Review has carved a niche in the CPA review market with its visually rich instructional methods. The platform aims to simplify complex accounting topics through animated videos and colorful study guides, potentially changing how candidates engage with the content.

Universal CPA Review Courses and Features

Universal CPA offers three main packages:

1. Monthly Subscription – $119/month for access to all core and discipline sections, video explanations, and over 5,000 multiple-choice questions.
2. Premiere Package – A 24-month comprehensive access for $999, including extensive task-based simulations and a final review boot camp.
3. Universal Package -This 12-month access, priced at $699, provides features similar to those of the Premiere Package but for a shorter duration.

As you can see, the Universal CPA review offers a unique twist in the CPA prep world. It gives you the flexibility to pay monthly or all at once, whatever best fits your budget.

So with the Universal CPA review platform, you get the same CPA review course, the only true difference is how long you get access and how much you pay.

Pros

Visual Learning Tools: Universal CPA Review excels with its animated videos and visual study guides, making it an ideal choice for visual learners. The platform uses colorful, engaging animations and detailed graphics to help students visualize and better understand complex accounting concepts. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who retain information better through visual representation, making it easier to grasp the intricacies of CPA content.
Comprehensive Content: Universal CPA Review provides an impressive array of study materials, including over 100+ hours of video lectures, more than 200 task-based simulations, and over 5,000 multiple-choice questions. Each piece of content is carefully designed to align with the AICPA blueprints, ensuring that all aspects of the CPA exam are thoroughly covered. This comprehensive coverage helps ensure that students are well-prepared not just to pass the exam but to excel at it.
Flexible Learning Plans: Understanding that every CPA candidate has unique needs and schedules, Universal CPA Review offers versatile learning plans with monthly, annual, and two-year access options. This flexibility allows candidates to choose a plan that best suits their study pace and financial situation, making CPA exam preparation more accessible and less stressful. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional balancing work and study, there’s a plan tailored to your lifestyle.

Cons

Limited Instructor Interaction: While Universal CPA Review shines with its video-based explanations, it lacks the direct, personalized tutoring options that some of its competitors provide. This limitation could be a drawback for students who thrive under more traditional, interactive learning environments or who require one-on-one guidance to tackle difficult concepts. For candidates who benefit from asking questions and receiving immediate feedback, the primarily self-guided format of Universal might not meet all their educational needs.
Visual Overload: Although Universal CPA Review’s visually rich content is a boon for many, it can be a double-edged sword. For individuals who prefer more traditional learning methods, the platform’s emphasis on animations and graphics might lead to sensory overload. This intense focus on visual aids could potentially detract from the deep textual analysis and critical thinking skills that are vital for mastering the complexities of the CPA exam. Candidates who are not visual learners may find the abundance of visual information distracting rather than helpful.
Newer on the Market: Universal CPA Review is a relative newcomer in the crowded field of CPA exam preparation, which might raise concerns about its effectiveness and depth compared to more established competitors like Becker. While innovative, Universal’s shorter history may not yet inspire the same level of trust and proven success that older, more traditional courses boast. Prospective students might hesitate to choose Universal over other providers with decades of documented success and extensive alumni networks.

These factors are important to consider for any CPA candidate evaluating their prep course options, especially those who value personal interaction, prefer less visually intensive materials or prioritize the proven reliability of long-established programs.

How Does the Universal CPA Review Course Stand Out?

Structure, Content, and Technology

Universal CPA Review positions itself distinctively in the CPA exam preparation industry by focusing primarily on visual learning. Unlike competitors that offer a mix of live and self-paced courses, Universal CPA is dedicated entirely to an online, video-based format.

The platform boasts over 100 hours of video lectures, supplemented by 200+ task-based simulations and 5,000+ multiple-choice questions. The absence of live interactive options may not cater to all styles of learning, particularly those who benefit from real-time interactions during their study sessions.

The technological foundation of Universal CPA is built around enhancing the visual learning experience. Each MCQ comes with a video explanation—a feature that was recently adopted by others in the industry, such as Becker. However, the platform lacks adaptive learning features, which could limit its effectiveness for students needing a more tailored approach to address their specific weaknesses.

Videos

Universal CPA Review is well-liked for its helpful video content, which is a big plus for those who prefer learning visually.

Universal CPA Review’s videos use clear, concise visuals and animations to illustrate complex accounting principles, making them easier to understand and remember. The content is broken down into manageable, bite-sized pieces, ensuring that even the most challenging topics are presented in an accessible and learner-friendly way.

One student shared their experience, explaining how Universal made a difference: “I was struggling with some topics using Becker and just couldn’t get the material to stick. Switching to Universal CPA really boosted my confidence because it breaks down tough topics in a way that I can quickly grasp. The mental maps are incredibly useful for visual learners like me. I remember the explanations much better because they’re visual, and that’s how I learn best.”

Practice Questions and Exams

While Universal CPA Review provides a selection of practice questions and simulations, it falls short in quantity compared to some other providers. This could be a significant drawback for students who thrive on extensive practice and full-length mock exams to build familiarity with the CPA exam format. Moreover, there’s limited information on how the difficulty of Universal’s practice materials stacks up against the actual CPA exam.

This lack of clarity might leave students feeling underprepared or unsure of what to expect on exam day. Although Universal offers the benefit of video explanations for all MCQs, which can help with understanding complex topics, those who prefer a more traditional, rigorous test prep approach may find the offerings insufficient for thorough exam preparation.

Value

Universal CPA Review’s pricing might seem attractive at first, particularly for those looking to minimize upfront expenses:

• Monthly Payment Option: At $119 per month, this option initially appears cost-effective, allowing students to spread out payments.
• Cumulative Costs: However, over time, especially as you prepare for the Core and Discipline sections of the CPA exam, the total price can quickly escalate. If you take, for example, two years to complete your studies, this would amount to approximately $2,856, surpassing the cost of more comprehensive, one-time payment courses.
• Supplementary Use: Since Universal is often used as a supplement rather than a standalone course, students might end up purchasing additional resources for comprehensive exam preparation. This leads to further expenses beyond the monthly subscription or even the full course fee of $999 for 24-month access.

While the low initial cost of Universal CPA review is appealing for students not ready to commit a large sum upfront, the long-term financial commitment can make it less cost-effective compared to other top-tier programs that offer extensive resources in a single, comprehensive package.

Support

While Universal CPA promotes round-the-clock support through its “Ask Joey” feature, the overall quality and responsiveness of this service have not been thoroughly evaluated or documented. This lack of detailed reviews could raise concerns among potential users about the reliability and effectiveness of the support provided. In addition, the platform does not offer the level of personalized instructor interaction that is available with some of its competitors:

• Personalized Support: Competitors like Becker, Surgent, and Gleim provide more robust support systems, including access to dedicated instructors who offer direct and personalized guidance. This type of support is especially valuable for students who encounter complex topics and require more tailored assistance to overcome learning hurdles.
• Community and Peer Interaction: Additionally, these established programs often feature active forums and discussion boards where students can engage with peers and instructors, further enriching the learning experience. This community aspect of learning is missing from Universal CPA, which might leave students feeling isolated in their study efforts.
• Consistency in Help Quality: Becker, Surgent, and Gleim tend to offer more consistent and reliable support. Students can expect timely and clear responses, which can be crucial during intensive study periods or close to exam dates.

So, while Universal CPA offers a basic support system that could suffice for some learners, those requiring more in-depth, responsive, and interactive support might find better options with Becker, Surgent, or Gleim. These programs not only offer higher levels of personal interaction but also provide a community environment that can significantly enhance the CPA content learning process and improve problem-solving capabilities.

User Feedback on Universal CPA Review

Mixed Reviews on Practice Questions: Users have reported mixed experiences regarding the difficulty of Universal CPA Review’s practice questions. One user noted that the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) provided by Universal are significantly easier than those found in the actual CPA exam and other review courses like Ninja. They experienced high scores with Universal but much lower scores when practicing with Ninja, suggesting a need to supplement Universal with another CPA review course for adequate exam preparation.

Usefulness of Supplemental Videos: While some users find the videos helpful, especially for reinforcing weak areas, concerns about the presence of typos and the overall user interface have been raised. Despite these issues, the videos are praised for their ability to hold attention and aid in retention, which is particularly beneficial for users who struggle with maintaining focus over long periods.

Comparison with Other Courses: Users often compare Universal CPA Review with more comprehensive courses like Becker. While Universal is appreciated for its visual aids and simplified explanations of complex concepts, it is frequently mentioned as a supplementary tool rather than a standalone solution. The lack of an app and a less intuitive user interface compared to competitors like Becker and UWorld are seen as drawbacks. Additionally, the more thorough and in-depth coverage provided by Becker leads some users to combine both resources for optimal preparation.

Overall Impression: Users generally recommend trying Universal CPA Review’s free trial to gauge its effectiveness personally. While the visual and video components are highlighted as strong points, the consensus suggests that a Universal CPA might not be sufficient on its own for passing the CPA exam. The need for additional, more detailed study materials and better navigation within the platform is commonly noted as an area for improvement.

CPA Course Comparisons

Universal CPA Review vs. Becker CPA

Universal CPA Review excels with its visual learning tools and flexible payment plans, making it a favorable option for visual learners on a budget. However, Becker CPA review stands out for its comprehensive and robust course offerings, including live instruction options and an adaptive learning platform, Adapt2U, that tailors the educational experience to individual needs. For students seeking a thorough, all-encompassing prep course with a proven track record, Becker generally comes out on top due to its extensive resources and support.

Universal CPA Review vs. Surgent CPA

Surgent CPA differentiates itself with advanced adaptive technology that efficiently targets students’ weak points, potentially reducing study time significantly. Universal CPA’s strength lies in its visual content and the ease of understanding complex topics through visual aids. While Universal can be beneficial as a supplementary tool for visual learners, Surgent’s personalized study approach and efficiency in preparing students for exams often make it the preferred choice for those prioritizing a tailored and fast-paced study experience.

Universal CPA Review vs. Gleim CPA

Gleim CPA is renowned for its detailed study materials, including an extensive database of practice questions and robust support through personal counselors. Universal CPA Review, with its emphasis on animated content and simpler explanations, appeals to those who benefit from a highly visual learning style. However, Gleim offers a more traditional, comprehensive approach with extensive practice and support, making it more suitable for students who seek a thorough understanding through detailed texts and a wealth of practice questions, often leading to higher overall satisfaction among students requiring depth and comprehensive coverage.

Final Thoughts

Universal CPA Review leverages visual learning tools effectively, making it a potentially valuable supplement for visual learners preparing for the CPA exam. It offers flexible payment options, from a monthly subscription to extended access plans, catering to various budgets. However, the platform may accumulate higher costs over time compared to comprehensive, all-in-one courses offered by competitors like Becker, Surgent, and Gleim, which provide more support and interactive features.

While Universal can simplify complex topics through engaging animations and concise videos, its lack of depth in practice questions and personalized support may necessitate additional resources for thorough exam preparation. Therefore, while Universal CPA Review is beneficial for reinforcing concepts visually, it might not suffice as a standalone solution for most CPA candidates seeking a comprehensive prep course.

FAQ