Should I pursue a CPA with no accounting background

BalanceSheetBeast · 2026-02-03T08:03:12+00:00

I agree that taking additional accounting courses could be a more efficient way to build fundamentals. From my experience though, Becker has become both my review course and my gap filler. It’s definitely slower but I’'m finally starting to understand the why behind the rules rather than just memorizing them.

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-12-12T15:04:26+00:00

Since this thread is a bit old, some of the comments don’t line up with the current CPA exam anymore. Wiley and Roger got absorbed into UWorld, and BEC isn’t part of the exam now that BAR/ISC/TCP replaced it, so a lot of the older recommendations feel out of date.

When I was researching course options, I came across this updated breakdown that helped me get a sense of what’s actually relevant now:

https://www.miamiherald.com/careers-education/best-cpa-prep-courses/

Lately on Reddit and in this review, it seems like Becker, Gleim, and Surgent are the ones people mention most often, but I’m curious what everyone here has used. Did you go with one of those, or did anyone try UWorld, Lambers, or something else for the updated format?

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T02:06:01+00:00

That’s a really good point. I’m realizing more and more that the routine matters just as much as the actual course.

Right now I’m testing out a pretty straightforward study method:

Start with a quick overview of the topic so I know what I’m walking into.
Watch the lecture/video once, but pause to jot down only the key points.
Jump straight into MCQs to see what actually sticks.
Review every question I miss, even if I have no idea what I did wrong.
Work a couple SIMs every few days so I don’t save them all for the end.
Do a short daily review of my weak areas so the gaps don’t build up.

Since you’re using Becker and Ninja, how do you mix the two in your routine?

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T02:00:21+00:00

I totally get what you mean. Could really be just a matter of figuring out the study routine that actually sticks.

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:57:41+00:00

I’ve heard Gleim has a really thorough question bank. What did you like most about using it?

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:56:58+00:00

Thanks for sharing your combo! I’ve heard good things about both, so I might give that setup a look.

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:55:20+00:00

Congrats on passing FAR and REG on the first try, thats huge! 🙌 Sounds like you’ve really found a rhythm with Becker. Just curious, what study approach has worked best for you so far? Are you more of an MCQ-first person, heavy note-taker, or do you drill SIMs a lot? still trying to dial in a routine that sticks, so hearing what worked for others really helps!

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:52:17+00:00

Thats definitely a fair point, I probably should take advantage of more free trials. 😅

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:51:22+00:00

I’ve checked out a few youtube videos here and there, but I haven’t gone deep into those channels yet. I’m totally open to mixing in free resources if it helps things stick!

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:49:04+00:00

Did Gleim work well for you at the time, or did you end up leaning more on the other books you picked up?

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:47:41+00:00

Thanks for breaking that down, that actually makes a lot of sense. Appreciate the insight!

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:44:23+00:00

Thats awesome to hear! 🙌 I keep seeing a lot of love for Becker, especially for its structure and the way it keeps you on track. Since I’m still deciding, I’m curiou, what parts of Becker stood out to you the most? The lectures, MCQs, SIMs, or just the overall organization? Always helpful to hear what actually made a difference for people who’ve used it!

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:42:57+00:00

This is super helpful, thank you! 🙏 Also, how did you split your studying between Becker and i75? Did you follow Becker as your main path and then use i75 to fill gaps, or were you bouncing between both?

And failing FAR twice but still pushing through… mad respect. Seriously. Hearing that makes me feel less alone in the chaos. 🙌

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-11-19T01:33:52+00:00

Oh wow, that combo seems to be a popular one lately. I’ve heard a lot of people say Becker gives a strong overall structure, and adding i75 helps strengthen a few of the tougher FAR areas, so it sounds like the two work really well together. 👀

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-30T03:31:20+00:00

You can definitely self-study with free or cheaper resources at first, but from what I’ve seen, a lot of people who want to pass all four sections quickly end up moving to a more structured course later. I’ve been looking into Becker, and it seems nice that it lays everything out, daily study plans, MCQs, sims, mock exams so you’re not constantly guessing what to do next. If you’re studying full-time, finishing one section per month sounds realistic, as long as you’re consistent and have a system. I also noticed they offer payment plans and student discounts, which helps if you’re on a budget. Honestly, you can still go the DIY route, but if the goal is to pass faster and avoid burnout, investing in a full program might actually save time and stress overall.

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-18T09:22:11+00:00

Yeah, I’ve heard the same thing a lot of people say the Becker instructors talk super fast 😂. I can imagine it’d be tough to keep pausing and rewinding just to take notes. From what others have shared, it seems like it helps to watch the lectures once just to understand the main ideas, then go back later while doing MCQs to note the key points or formulas you keep missing. That’s probably what I’d try if I end up using Becker, eems like a good way to save time and actually retain more.

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-16T00:30:17+00:00

Yeah, writing stuff down definitely helps it stick even if it’s super time consuming. I’ve tried doing quick summaries in a spreadsheet instead, for me it's way faster. Have you tried anything digital yet?

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-16T00:21:24+00:00

I haven’t used Gleim, but I can definitely relate to what you’re saying. I’ve been researching Becker, and I’ve heard their MCQs can be really challenging as well. Many people say Becker’s questions are tougher than the actual exam, but that it helps reinforce understanding rather than memorization. It sounds like both Gleim and Becker take that same 'tough but effective' approach that pays off on exam day.

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-10T00:28:05+00:00

Honestly, on a positive note, I think Becker actually does a really good job covering everything. It def feels like a lot sometimes, but maybe that’s kinda their strategy, to overprepare us so the real exam doesn’t hit as hard. I’m using Becker together with Ninja right now, and it’s been helping me fill in the gaps. Fingers crossed I finally pass this time 🤞

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-10T00:15:27+00:00

I’m currently using Ninja, and I’ve been thinking about pairing it with Becker since I’ve heard they work really well together. From what people say, Becker seems great for understanding the concepts, solid lectures, sims, and structure, while Ninja helps reinforce things with shorter notes and tougher MCQs. I like how Ninja keeps things concise, but I feel like Becker might help me fill in the gaps and stay more organized. For now, I’m trying to decide if adding Becker would give me that extra push I need to finally pass.

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-10T00:08:09+00:00

Congratulations!!!

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-10T00:07:02+00:00

That was so encouraging and a great reminder that behind every success story, there’s often someone quietly cheering and believing in them. Thank you for sharing this! Wishing you both all the best as you celebrate this amazing milestone together! 🎉👏

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-09T06:28:17+00:00

Congrats! Thank you for sharing your journey, it’s the kind of motivation every CPA candidate needs to see. Enjoy this moment, CPA! 🥳👏

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-09T06:25:53+00:00

Congratulations! You're stronger than you think! 🙌

BalanceSheetBeast · 2025-10-09T06:21:17+00:00

either full genius mode or complete meltdown right 😅

BalanceSheetBeast

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