re: Do I have to go with Becker for CPA studies?

I took and passed with Becker 4/4 over about 6 months before I started my job (paid out of pocket). Here are my thoughts on CPA reviews:

Becker is the most well-known, it is also the most expensive, which is largely due to agreements with large CPA firms which buy high-volume. I believe that the success of the Becker Program has a lot to do with the candidates themselves;that is, the best candidates who are most serious about passing the exam the first time go with Becker, because of its reputation and it being so high-cost. I would argue that these candidates would do well with any review program, as they are willing to put the time in to pass the exam. The less expensive and less time consuming options are better options for those that are less serious, such as industry accountants that would like to be CPA's to build their resumes, but not a requirement to do their jobs.

In short, if you are serious about passing and willing to put in the time, go with whatever you feel can help you pass (like Yaeger or Rogers). But Becker is certainly as good as any for preparing you, although I don't believe the quality quite represents the cost.

Good luck