Posts Tagged ‘Wiley CPA Review’
Wiley CPA Review
Reviewed and Updated April 10, 2012
Wiley CPA review produces the most widely-used study materials in the world. The textbooks, multiple choice question (MCQ) and simulation software provide a proven way for students to study for and practice the exam.
Textbooks – The textbooks are organized by topic – AUD, BEC, FAR, REG – and have sections you can read about preparing for the exam, a summary explaining each topic, dozens of MCQs for each topic and several simulations.
Price = $35 – $39 per part /$148 for all 4 parts
You can buy the Wiley books at Amazon.
Wiley Online Test Bank - The test bank is software that allows you to practice MCQs and simulations, track your results, and focus on the areas you need the most help in. In prior years, you used to be able to get the test bank on CD. In 2012, you can only get the test bank online. Later in 2012, Wiley is planning to update the software to allow you to download question packs to practice offline and then sync your answers when you are back online. The date of this update has not yet been announced.
Price = $79 – $88 per part /$191 for all 4 parts
Here are the Amazon links for the test bank software:
Business Environment and Concepts
Financial Accounting and Reporting
The Good
1. Over 4,000 MCQs – Wiley has a huge number of MCQs both in the textbooks and in the test bank software. They increased the number of MCQs by 10% for 2012.
2. Proven Method – Wiley textbooks and software have been used by thousands of students and are chosen by several review courses as the primary study materials (notably Yaeger and Roger).
3. Annual Updates – Wiley updates their material annually, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information when you are studying for the exam.
4. Over 200 Simulations – Wiley does a nice job of providing a wide variety of simulations for you to practice. Some will argue that you should not practice simulations at all, but I think this is a mistake. It is good to familiarize yourself with the types of questions they will ask you in the simulation section.
5. Good Predictor – The scores you get on the MCQ software are generally considered to be a fairly accurate predictor of your score you will actually get on the exam. I recommend consistently getting 80% on the MCQs before you feel comfortable that you know the material well. This will allow you a little latitude on the exam if you get surprised by one or two of the topics that get tested heavily.
6. Low Price – Compared with other review materials, the Wiley CPA review materials are inexpensive, especially considering the quality and quantity of material you get.
The Bad
1. Not All-Inclusive – The Wiley study materials are typically not used as a stand-alone review. They are usually supplemented by video courses that help explain the material and MCQs in a more interactive fashion than just reading a book or computer screen.
2. Updates Cost Extra – If you buy 2012 materials, but do not take the exam until 2013, you will need to buy the updated books in order to ensure you are studying all of the materials that are likely to be covered on the exam, including new pronouncements and regulations.
The Bottom Line
It is hard to go wrong with Wiley CPA review, especially considering their proven track record and low price. The Wiley books and software can serve as primary study materials if you feel confident in your knowledge of the topics or as a significant supplement to a video study course as with Yaeger or Roger.
There are many places you can purchase the Wiley materials from, but the best price is found on Amazon. If they are not included in the price of your review course, Amazon will get you the best deal.
If you order from Wiley directly or from other CPA web sites, you will end up paying $65 per part for each book or $260 for all 4 parts and $97 – $105 per part for the testbank or $277 – $299 for all 4 parts. At Amazon, you get the books for $35 – $39 per part or $148 for all 4 parts and the testbank for $79 – $88 per part or $191 for all 4 parts. That is huge savings compared to any other site.
