Yaeger CPA Course: Read This Before Buying

Disclaimer: Yaeger has stopped operations and no longer offers their courses or support.

If you’re thinking about investing in the Yaeger CPA review, you’ve clicked on the right link. Rooted in the educational philosophy of its lead instructor, Phil Yaeger, this review course is all about helping CPA candidates feel confident on exam day.

But is Yaeger’s CPA review good enough to help you pass every part of the exam?

Initially, I was on the fence about this one. But below, I’ll explain the pros and cons of using this CPA review course, give you details on the study materials, and explain why it can be one of the most affordable CPA review courses but doesn’t top my best CPA review course list like Becker, Surgent, and Gleim.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Course Offerings: Yaeger provides single-part review courses for core CPA exam sections (AUD, FAR, and REG) priced at $337 each, including a range of study materials like streaming video lectures, downloadable textbooks, and audio lectures.
• Subscription Flexibility: Yaeger offers three subscription tiers—Bronze ($95), Silver ($125), and Gold ($155)—each providing different levels of access to their digital resources, with the Gold tier including cram courses for intensive pre-exam reviews.
• Additional Costs for Extended Support: If you need more than the included support, be prepared to pay $100 per hour for additional instructor hotline access, which might not be feasible for all students.
• Efficiency of CRAM Courses: The CRAM courses included in the Gold tier offer a focused review but may not suffice on their own to ensure passing scores without supplemental study from other resources or courses.
• Access Limitations: All subscriptions and course access are limited to 24 months, which might not suit everyone’s study timeline, especially if extended preparation is needed.

Yaeger CPA Review Course Options

Yaeger offers several different resources for CPA hopefuls, the main one being a single-part CPA review course for the Core sections of the CPA exam (AUD, FAR, and Reg).

For $337 per section, you get access to the following:

• Streaming video lectures
• Downloadable PDF Textbooks and Audio Listen ‘n’ Learn lectures.
• Yaeger CPA review cram
• Multiple-choice practice questions
• Test Bank Quiz Generator + Exam Simulations
• A 15 minute call with Phil Yaeger to set up a study plan
• A follow-up 15-minute phone call with Phil Yaeger to review

Unlike other review courses, there is no bundle that allows you to buy exam prep for all three. Each section you take comes with an additional cost. You only have access for 24 months.

Yaeger CPA review offers these options as well:

• Access to their exam simulator and test bank generator only ($119 per part)
• Textbook only ($99 per part)
• Cram courses only ($250 per part)
• Audio lectures only ($140 per part)
• Instructor hotline ($100 per hour)

Yaeger Subscription

Yaeger CPA Review offers three subscription tiers—Bronze ($95), Silver ($125), and Gold ($155)—each designed to cater to different study needs while providing flexible learning options. All tiers provide online access to the Yaeger video course (one part at a time), synchronized online textbooks, digital books in PDF format, and full access to Yaeger’s comprehensive software, including the test bank, quizzes, and exams.

Subscribers also benefit from two 15-minute phone calls with Phil Yaeger: one to set up a personal study plan and another to review progress. The instructor hotline is available for additional support, allowing direct communication with Phil or email assistance from Chris.

Subscription Breakdown

The Silver tier adds downloadable MP3 audio lecture files for on-the-go learning, enhancing the flexibility and accessibility of the study materials.

The Gold tier builds further on the Silver offering by including everything from the previous tiers plus the CRAM courses, providing an intensive review to consolidate knowledge just before the exam. This tier is particularly valuable for those seeking comprehensive preparation.

All subscriptions are cancellable at any time, providing flexibility and ease for CPA candidates at various stages of their preparation journey.

Pros

Exclusive Access to Phil Yaeger: Yaeger CPA Review offers a unique feature—personal consultations with Phil Yaeger. These brief, 15-minute sessions provide tailored advice directly from an expert, enhancing your strategic exam preparation. However, these sessions may be too short for in-depth guidance, especially compared to other programs with extensive support. Additional in-depth support from Yaeger instructors costs $100 per hour, which isn’t affordable pricing for most.
Thorough and Blueprint-Focused: Yaeger’s methodology closely adheres to the AICPA blueprints, guaranteeing that each study period is not only relevant but also impactful. This focus on blueprints, along with a suite of educational tools ranging from video lectures to practice tests, ensures that students are well-prepared and adept with the material.
Efficient Review with the Yaeger CRAM Course: The Yaeger CRAM course is designed to bolster a candidate’s readiness right before the CPA exam. This targeted final review is ideal for students looking to cram at the last minute, but it’s definitely not enough to help you pass without the help of other courses.

Cons

Discontinued Full Course Option: Yaeger seems to have removed its comprehensive full-course offering, as I couldn’t find it on its website at the time of writing this article. This change means that students looking for an all-inclusive package will need to look elsewhere or piece together different elements of Yaeger’s offerings.
Lack of Coverage for Disciplinary Sections: Yaeger does not include preparation for the Disciplinary sections (such as BAR, etc.), which may be a critical gap for students requiring comprehensive coverage across all potential areas of the CPA Exam.
Restricted Access Duration: While other providers may offer unlimited access, Yaeger CPA review only gives a 24-month access window. Though extendable, this policy underscores Yaeger’s confidence in the effectiveness of their program but might not align with every learner’s preference for more open-ended study timelines.
Absence of a Mobile Application: At a time when mobile learning is becoming more common, Yaeger’s lack of a dedicated mobile application may restrict study flexibility. Despite some mobile-friendly features like audio lectures and digital flashcards, the absence of a fully integrated app could impede learning on the move.

Videos and Other Resources

Yaeger CPA review provides a well-rounded selection of video lectures that simplify intricate CPA exam subjects into manageable 15-minute chunks. This approach is ideal for students who want to progress through the material steadily without getting overwhelmed. The videos are perfectly aligned with online textbooks, which enhances the learning experience by allowing you to easily track and understand the content.

Additionally, Yaeger offers supplementary resources like Yaeger flashcards that help reinforce key concepts and ensure retention. While the format of the videos is straightforward and systematically organized, it might be a bit too structured for students who favor a more dynamic or interactive learning environment.

Practice Questions and Exams

Yaeger CPA review provides a solid set of practice tools, including a diverse mix of multiple-choice questions and simulations that mirror the CPA exam’s format. These tools help students get used to the exam’s timing and feel. Yaeger also offers analytics to help pinpoint your strengths and areas that need more work. However, if you’re the type of student who likes to drill with a vast number of questions, you might find Yaeger’s offerings a bit limited compared to some other review courses that boast larger question banks.

Value

Yaeger CPA Review is known for its budget-friendly pricing, offering various subscription levels from the basic Bronze to the all-encompassing Gold tier. These options are designed to meet diverse financial and study needs. While you do receive considerable value for the initial payment, including access to all their digital resources and support, it’s important to note that the base price might not cover everything.

Additional costs for extending access or obtaining more personalized instruction can accumulate, potentially deterring students who are sensitive to price increases or who need extended time and support to prepare for their exams.

Support and Access

One of Yaeger’s big pluses is its level of support. You can reach out directly to instructors via phone or email, which is fantastic if you run into tricky topics or need some advice on your study plan. Scheduled calls with Phil Yaeger himself are a real bonus, though they are brief. If you need more than the allotted 15 minutes, be prepared to pay a significant fee for additional time.

While some might find these sessions and the extra cost a bit limiting, direct access to such personalized help is a feature not commonly found in many other CPA review offerings.

What CPA Candidates Have to Say About Yaegar CPA

CPA candidates’ opinions on Yaeger CPA Review reveal a range of experiences and sentiments that provide insight into its effectiveness and teaching style.

One recurring theme is the critique of Phil Yaeger, the face of the company. Some candidates express dissatisfaction, suggesting that Phil’s teaching style might not be for everyone. For example, one reviewer noted, “Phil Yaeger is the all-time worst, and it’s his own company. Notice nobody even mentions Yaeger as a study course anymore.” This same reviewer went on to say: “He has good intentions and a good heart; he just can’t get the job done for students when he repeats himself and stops/starts a million times in the middle of his explanations.“

On the other hand, some students have had positive experiences with the course materials and support. A candidate highlighted the utility of the resources provided despite their simplicity: “I didn’t have any issue with it. Yeah, they didn’t have any fancy green screens or holograms teaching you the four criteria for a capital lease… I did take advantage of the ‘instructor hotline’ a couple of times and got the answers I needed.” This user’s success speaks volumes, as they passed all four exam sections with an average score of 89, attributing their achievement partly to their background and the solid foundation Yaeger provided: “I went 4-4 on the exams with an average score of 89, so it did fine by me. I also had about five years of experience under my belt, so I was already somewhat familiar with the material. Overall, I would definitely use it again.”

These mixed reviews suggest that while Yaeger CPA Review may be effective for those with some prior knowledge or who need straightforward guidance, it might not suit every candidate, especially those who prefer a more dynamic or engaging teaching style.

CPA Course Comparisons

Yaeger CPA Review vs. Becker

Yaeger offers affordability and personalized instructor access, making it ideal for those on a budget or who need targeted help. Becker CPA, on the other hand, is more expensive but provides a comprehensive array of study materials and structured learning that many CPA candidates prefer for thorough exam preparation.

Yaeger CPA Review vs. Surgent

Surgent CPA distinguishes itself with adaptive learning technology that customizes study plans based on individual performance, potentially reducing overall study time. Yaeger provides solid, straightforward content at a lower cost but lacks the personalized learning adjustments that make Surgent effective for time-pressed learners.

Yaeger CPA Review vs. Gleim

Gleim CPA is renowned for its extensive practice questions and realistic exam simulations, catering to those who prioritize depth and rigor in their study approach. Yaeger competes with a more modest question bank and focuses more on direct instructional support, which might not suffice for those who heavily depend on drilling with a large volume of practice questions.

Yaeger CPA Review vs. Lambers

Lambers CPA excels in offering detailed video lectures and personal tutoring, which is ideal for students who benefit from visual learning and one-on-one instruction. Yaeger, while more affordable, lacks the comprehensive personal teaching approach of Lambers, making it less suitable for students who require intensive guidance or struggle with self-study.

Final Verdict

As an expert reviewer, I think the Yaeger CPA Review offers a solid foundation for those preparing for the CPA exam, especially with its personalized touch through direct access to Phil Yaeger. The course is affordably priced, and the subscription options provide flexibility for students with different budgets and study needs.

However, the lack of a comprehensive bundle, the additional costs for extended access and personalized support, and the 24-month limitation on course access present challenges. The CRAM courses add value but may not be enough for thorough preparation on their own.

Overall, while Yaeger has its strengths, particularly in affordability and personalized guidance, it might not fully meet the needs of all CPA candidates looking for a more comprehensive and flexible learning tool.

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