Best CMA Review Courses – Top 4 Comparison
It can be daunting to make an educated comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of the best CMA review courses. The chart below aims to help you figure out which one is the best for you. Remember that no CMA study materials are the best. They are only the best if it fits your learning style.
If you cannot decide which CMA course to take, feel free to send me an email at nathan[at]cmacoach[dot]com. I’ll personally help you find the best prep course for your needs to help you pass the CMA exam on your first try!
CMA Course Comparisons + Discounts
CMA Exam Academy Review (Rank: #1)
OVERALL RATING:
Video-Based CMA Coaching Program
The core of the CMA Exam Academy are the HD video lectures covering every single topic tested in the exam in detail. You’ll have access to high quality video lectures covering all the material of both Part One and Part Two of the CMA Exam.
Lifetime 1-on-1 Coaching Support
The one thing that truly sets CMA Exam Academy apart from all other methods to prepare for the exam is that you’re not doing it alone. Most accountants believe they have to study longer and harder on their own to pass the exam. Instead, I’ve learned that 1-on-1 coaching is a far more important factor if you want to pass the exam on your first attempt with less effort and in less time. You can get help or ask questions whenever you want via email and inside the course. Nathan will personally respond to your email in detail within 24 hours. Even include detailed Excel spreadsheets walking you through the toughest numerical problems.
Downloadable Material + Free Shipping Worldwide
In CMA Exam Academy, students can download audio review files to study on-the-go. If you want flexibility and convenience, this course is a must for you. You’ll also receive your textbooks within a week after enrolling to the academy. You’ll get it delivered to your doorstep for free – no matter where you are in the world.
2-Year Test Bank Access
Unlike other courses, CMA Exam Academy offers a 2-year access limit to their online test bank for both parts combined. This can be a downside to the program, but considering that the program is only 6 months long for both parts, a 2-year access is more than enough time for most candidates.
Gleim CMA Review (Rank: #2)
OVERALL RATING:
Number Of Practice Questions
Gleim released a new test bank with a little over 4,000 questions for both parts. This is the largest test bank in the market today.
Student Support
Students have the ability to contact Gleim's team for support with questions about the content in their course and about exam preparation.
Supplemental Videos
Gleim has about 40 hours of video lectures covering limited topics tested on the exam. For candidates looking only for supplemental videos instead of complete video lectures this is may be a good fit.
Accounting Experience Needed
If you have little to no accounting background, this course will not a be a good fit for you. On the flip side, if you have many years of accounting experience, a degree in accounting or related field and want to study on your own, this may be a good fit for you.
Hock International CMA Review (Rank: #3)
OVERALL RATING:
Assumed Knowledge Guide
Hock is the only provider today who offers an Assumed Knowledge Guide to help those who have very little understanding of accounting concepts.
Student Support
Students have the ability to contact Hock's team for support with questions about the content in their course and about exam preparation.
Video Lectures
Hock has about 60 hours of video lectures covering a limited number of topics tested on the exam. Their videos cover more topics than Gleim and Wiley's videos but less than CMA Exam Academy's 100+ hours of video. The videos provide a classroom feel for those who prefer this mode of learning.
Cannot Download Material
Unlike CMA Exam Academy, Hock's videos and lecture slides cannot be downloaded. If candidates prefer to study on-the-go without internet access, this may not be a good fit.
Wiley CMAexcel Review (Rank: #4)
OVERALL RATING:
In-Depth Textbooks
The content is presented in an organized manner and is detailed enough for all levels of competency. Wiley provides two textbooks to their customers one containing the core material and the other for note taking and problem solving.
Student Support
Students have the ability to contact Wiley's team for support with questions about the content in their course and about exam preparation.
Supplemental Videos
Wiley has about 23 hours of video lectures covering a limited number of topics tested on the exam. For candidates looking only for supplemental videos instead of complete video lectures this is may be a good fit.
No Free Shipping
Wiley does not offer free shipping worldwide. Depending on where you live, the cost can go as high as $70 so remember to factor that in when deciding on the best review course for you.
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CMA Review Course Rankings
| Rank | CMA Courses |
| #1 | CMA Exam Academy |
| #2 | Gleim CMA Review |
| #3 | Hock CMA Review |
| #4 | Wiley CMAexcel |
| #5 | ExamMatrix CMA Review |