Earning the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is a significant milestone for accounting professionals, opening doors to higher salaries, job stability, and career advancement. However, before sitting for the CPA Exam, candidates must meet specific education requirements, which often include completing 150 credit hours of coursework.
While a traditional bachelor’s degree in accounting typically provides 120 credit hours, many candidates find themselves needing an additional 30 credit hours to meet their state’s CPA licensure requirements.
One way to fulfill this credit requirement while simultaneously preparing for the CPA Exam is by enrolling in an online CPA review course that offers college credit. These courses allow candidates to efficiently earn academic credits while receiving structured CPA exam preparation, making them an attractive option for students and professionals looking to fast-track their CPA journey.
This guide explores the benefits of online CPA review courses for college credit, the best programs available, and how to determine if this option is right for you.
Can You Get College Credit for Taking a CPA Review Course?
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Yes, you can earn college credit for taking a CPA review course, but not all CPA review courses qualify for academic credit. Some CPA review providers partner with accredited universities to offer courses that count toward undergraduate or graduate-level credit hours, which can help candidates meet the 150-hour CPA licensure requirement.
How to Earn College Credit for a CPA Review Course
Certain CPA review courses are structured to provide both exam preparation and college credit, typically through university partnerships. Programs like Becker CPA Review, Wiley CPAexcel, Surgent CPA Review, and Roger CPA Review offer online CPA review courses that grant academic credits in collaboration with institutions such as DePaul University, Franklin University, Thomas Edison State University, and California Baptist University.
Who Should Consider This Option?
- CPA candidates who need additional credits to meet the 150-hour licensure requirement.
- Students working toward a master’s degree who want to integrate CPA preparation into their coursework.
- Working professionals looking for a flexible way to earn credit while preparing for the CPA Exam.
Important Considerations
- Ensure the course is accredited and recognized by your state board of accountancy for credit eligibility.
- Verify whether the credits can be applied toward a degree program (such as an MAcc or MBA).
- Compare the cost of CPA review courses for college credit with other options, such as standalone graduate courses.
If you’re looking to efficiently fulfill credit requirements while preparing for the CPA Exam, enrolling in an online CPA review course that offers college credit could be a time-saving and cost-effective solution.
Why Take an Online CPA Review Course for College Credit?
1. Fulfilling the 150-Hour Requirement
Most state boards of accountancy require candidates to complete 150 semester hours of education before they can obtain CPA licensure. Since a standard undergraduate degree only accounts for 120 hours, many candidates need an additional 30 credit hours.
An online CPA review course that offers college credit allows candidates to bridge this gap without taking unrelated coursework. Instead of enrolling in a traditional graduate program or extra electives, candidates can gain relevant knowledge while earning necessary credits toward licensure.
2. CPA Exam Preparation and College Credit in One Course
Many CPA candidates invest in CPA review courses to help them prepare for the exam. However, traditional CPA review courses do not count toward college credit. Online CPA review courses that offer credit combine exam preparation with accredited coursework, enabling candidates to study for the CPA Exam while earning credits that count toward the 150-hour requirement.
This dual benefit makes these courses highly efficient, saving candidates both time and money. Instead of enrolling in separate exam prep courses and additional college classes, candidates can complete both in a single program.
3. Flexibility and Convenience
Online CPA review courses designed for college credit provide flexible study schedules, making them ideal for:
- Recent graduates who need additional credit hours.
- Working professionals balancing full-time jobs and CPA preparation.
- Candidates who prefer self-paced learning over in-person lectures.
Since these courses are fully online, students can complete them at their own pace, reducing scheduling conflicts with work or personal commitments.
4. Cost-Effective Alternative to a Master’s Degree
Many CPA candidates consider pursuing a Master’s in Accounting (MAcc) or MBA to meet the 150-hour requirement. While these graduate programs provide additional career benefits, they can be expensive and time-consuming.
In contrast, an online CPA review course for college credit is often a more affordable and time-efficient option, allowing candidates to:
- Earn accredited college credit at a lower cost than a full graduate program.
- Skip additional coursework that may not be relevant to the CPA Exam.
- Focus on CPA-specific study material that directly contributes to exam readiness.
Best Online CPA Review Courses for College Credit
Several CPA review providers offer online courses that count toward college credit. These programs are often partnered with accredited universities, ensuring that the credits are recognized by state boards of accountancy. Below are some of the most reputable options:
1. Becker CPA Review with College Credit
Overview: Becker is one of the most well-known CPA review providers and offers an online CPA review course for college credit in partnership with accredited universities.
- Credits Available: Up to 9 graduate-level credit hours
- Accredited By: University partnerships, including DePaul University and Franklin University
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive CPA Exam preparation included.
- Credits can be applied toward a Master’s in Accounting or MBA.
- Flexible online format designed for working professionals.
Best For: Candidates who want top-tier CPA Exam preparation while earning graduate-level credits.
2. Wiley CPAexcel with College Credit
Overview: Wiley CPAexcel partners with Thomas Edison State University (TESU) to offer CPA review courses that count toward college credit.
- Credits Available: Up to 6 graduate credits
- Accredited By: Thomas Edison State University
- Key Features:
- Self-paced online CPA review course.
- Credits can be used toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Offers lifetime access to course materials.
Best For: Candidates looking for self-paced learning with university-recognized credits.
3. Surgent CPA Review for College Credit
Overview: Surgent CPA Review has partnered with Maryville University to provide an accredited CPA review course for graduate credit.
- Credits Available: Up to 6 credit hours
- Accredited By: Maryville University
- Key Features:
- AI-driven adaptive learning technology.
- Includes a full CPA Exam review course.
- Customizable learning paths based on performance.
Best For: Candidates who want personalized CPA exam prep while earning graduate credits.
4. UWorld Roger CPA Review with College Credit
Overview: Roger CPA Review partners with California Baptist University (CBU) to provide credit-earning CPA review courses.
- Credits Available: Up to 6 graduate-level credits
- Accredited By: California Baptist University
- Key Features:
- Engaging, high-energy lectures designed for CPA candidates.
- College credit can be applied toward a master’s program.
- Fully online format with flexible study schedules.
Best For: Candidates who prefer dynamic, engaging video lectures while earning graduate credits.
How to Choose the Right Online CPA Review Course for College Credit
When selecting an online CPA review course that offers college credit, candidates should consider:
Accreditation: Ensure the course is offered through a recognized university that meets state board requirements.
Credit Transferability: Check if the earned credits can be applied toward a degree program or CPA licensure in your state.
Exam Preparation Quality: Choose a course that includes comprehensive CPA Exam review materials.
Cost and Payment Options: Compare pricing with other education options, and check if financial aid or payment plans are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn college credit by taking a CPA review course?
Yes, some CPA review courses offer college credit through partnerships with accredited universities, allowing candidates to fulfill part of the 150-hour CPA licensure requirement. Programs like Becker, Wiley, and Surgent CPA Review provide options to earn undergraduate or graduate-level credits.
Do all CPA review courses count toward college credit?
No, most standard CPA review courses do not offer college credit unless they are affiliated with a recognized university. To receive credit, candidates must enroll in CPA review programs that explicitly provide accredited coursework.
How many college credits can I earn from a CPA review course?
The number of credits varies by program, but most CPA review courses offering college credit provide between 3 to 9 graduate-level credit hours. Some programs allow these credits to be applied toward a master’s degree in accounting or business.
Will CPA review course credits count toward my state’s CPA requirements?
It depends on your state board of accountancy’s rules, so it’s essential to verify whether the credits are accepted before enrolling. Most programs partner with regionally accredited universities, making them eligible for the 150-hour requirement in many states.
Bottom Line
An online CPA review course for college credit is an excellent option for candidates who need additional credit hours to meet the 150-hour CPA licensure requirement while also preparing for the CPA Exam. These programs offer the dual benefit of earning college credits and receiving structured CPA Exam preparation, making them a time-efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional graduate programs.
By choosing the right accredited course, candidates can move closer to CPA licensure while gaining valuable accounting knowledge and exam readiness. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, an online CPA review course with college credit could be the ideal solution for achieving your CPA goals.