CPAexcel 3 Pros And Cons
August 26th, 2010 Filed under: Accounting Tips — Accounting Author
CPAexcel is one of the unique offerings among the many choices of CPA exam review courses. What’s special about them, and more importantly, are they good enough to help you pass the CPA exam? Let’s find out.
CPAexcel: Pros
1. Bite-Sized Courses With Videos, Slides, Notes In One Convenient Location
The first thing I really appreciate CPAexcel is the bite-sized courses. Not sure if you will share my experience, but to ensure a 2 to 3-hour lecture on a topic on accounting is really a torture. Not only it’s boring, there is no way I can absorb everything after the first hour or so.
CPAexcel is well aware of this and so they introduce a rather unique, bite-sized courses for their students. In each of these mini courses, there are a video lecture that lasts from a few minutes to half an hour. After watching the video, you can view the lecture slides, study text and then dig into the questions and see how well you understand the topic.
If you choose to buy the extra services such as flashcards and mentored discussions, you can also get access in here.
2. A Personalized Exam Plan
Another aspect that I like about CPAexcel is the personalized exam plan functionality that builds in with the candidate’s accounts. Before you begin the study, you are asked to enter the exam date, or the number of hours you plan to devote to studying each week.
Once you enter the information, the system spits out a detailed schedule of a list of assignments (the actual course work) and “exam planner events” (reminders e.g. submission of application) with specific date and number of hours required.There are also check boxes that you can mark upon completion.
For those of you who need somebody to help keep track of the study progress, no one will ever do a better than this computerized exam planner!
3. Unlimited Upgrade
No more pressure of not finishing within 12 months and have to pay an extra $1,000 for a retake!
CPAexcel Cons
1. You’ve Got To Be A PC-Based Learner
Since everything is delivered online, if you are a type of learner who needs “live support” (a real person to explain something to you, either in person or by phone); or if you are accustomed to highlighting, circling and dropping notes on the side of the textbooks, then CPAexcel may not fit your learning style.
2. Would Expect More Positive Feedback
Given how unique and efficient the program seems to be, I am surprised that not many people talk about CPAexcel. There are good reviews, just not much. This may not necessarily be a “weakness” per se but it impacts the level of confidence I have on their products.
3. Possibly Underprepares Candidates
Based on the limited number of comments I gather, it seems like many candidates decided to get Wiley (and to a lesser extent, Gleim) as a supplementary study material, and even a full set of Yaeger to complement CPAexcel. It seems to me that for some candidates at least, CPAexcel alone may not be sufficient for the CPA exam preparation.
Your Next Step
I have documented my experience on CPAexcel (as a trial user) together with additional thoughts on the pros and cons of this CPA review program.
If you can’t make up your mind yet, I highly recommend that you check out this CPA exam review courses comparison page where I list out the strengths and weaknesses of each major program. Best of luck to your exam!
Stephanie shares her experience in planning, studying and passing her CPA exam on her first attempt at IPassTheCPAExam.com.
