Skip to main content
Affiliate Link
Buyer ProfileLast updated: July 27, 2026

Best CPA Courses for CPA Exam Retakers

Didn't pass on the first try? You're not alone. You need targeted practice, efficient review of weak areas, and perhaps a fresh approach to the material.

Quick Answer

Surgent is the best CPA review course for retakers because its adaptive algorithm identifies and targets your specific weak areas. [Kesler CPA Review](/reviews/kesler)'s mentorship program includes a dedicated "Post Exam Recovery" module built specifically for candidates coming back after a failed attempt, and its Cross-Platform Mapping tool lets you pair its MCQs and whiteboard videos with Becker, UWorld, Gleim, or Surgent if you already own one of those courses. UWorld provides detailed explanations for every question, helping retakers understand the reasoning behind correct answers.

What You Need

Adaptive learning to focus on weak areas
Large question banks for varied practice
Performance analytics to track improvement
Fresh perspective on challenging topics

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Top Recommendations

Based on your profile as a cpa exam retakers

Affiliate Disclosure: Links to providers are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

#1

Surgent

Adaptive learning identifies and targets weak areas

4.1
$799–$1,699Until pass access
#2

Kesler CPA Review

A whiteboard explainer video paired with every MCQ, plus built-in mentorship

4.2
$77–$1,197Monthly or Unlimited (until you pass) access
#3

UWorld

Detailed explanations help understand mistakes

4.3
$1,999–$2,89918 months–unlimited access

Your LIFTS Profile

Understanding your needs across the five key dimensions

L

Learning Style

Your preferred way of absorbing information

Video/Visual
Audio/Lecture
Reading/Text
Practice/Hands-on
I

Investment

Your budget and value expectations

Budget (<$500)
Value ($500-1K)
Mid-range ($1-2K)
Premium ($2K+)
F

Flexibility

How structured vs. self-paced you need

Rigid schedule
Some structure
Mostly flexible
Fully self-paced
T

Time

Your study timeline and availability

Intensive (3-4mo)
Standard (6-9mo)
Extended (12mo)
Unlimited
S

Support

Level of guidance and help you need

Self-sufficient
Community help
Email/Chat
1-on-1 coaching

This is a general profile. For personalized recommendations based on your specific situation:

Find My Best Match

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. If your course was adequate, the issue might be study habits or approach. However, Surgent's adaptive technology is specifically designed to identify and target weak areas, making it popular with retakers.
Gleim has the largest question bank (12,000+ MCQs), providing maximum variety. Surgent's adaptive algorithm ensures you spend more time on questions you struggle with.
Focus on understanding why you got questions wrong, not just reviewing correct answers. Use adaptive technology to identify weak areas. Consider adding NINJA's $67/month Supplement for extra practice — 7,000+ MCQs plus NINJA Notes and Audio, built to run alongside the course you already own ($87/month gets the full standalone course).

Other Buyer Profiles

Not Sure Which Profile Fits You?

Take our personalized LIFTS assessment to get course recommendations tailored to your unique situation, learning style, and goals.

Find My Best Match

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.