FAQs

How Much Does The Course Cost?

Each of our courses (Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting and Regulation) is $535 per course. There is a $150 one-time live class registration fee for students taking in-person courses. If you purchase all four courses, you can save big ($341!) and pay just $1,799 total (plus the $150 registration fee if you choose in-person courses). You can learn more about each course option here.

Why Do You Charge A Live Class Registration Fee?

The nominal $150 fee is to cover rental of classroom space.

How Do I Purchase The Course?

You have the option of either purchasing our online course or our in-person course.

Can I Make My Purchase Over The Phone?

Absolutely. Just call and we’ll be happy to help you with your purchase.

I Purchased Online Courses But Now I Want To Take The Live Classes. Can I Switch?

Sure! Please email hello@mdscpareview.com so we can get you set up with a spot in our in-person classroom.

I’m Not Sure I Want To Purchase The Course. Can I Try It First?

We’re confident that MDS is the best review course out there and we want you to be confident in that too. Try MDS for free and get access to all of our online materials here.

What Materials Come With The Course?

The amount of material covered by some CPA exam courses can be overwhelming, so our course is designed to give you everything you need to pass the exam—and nothing you don’t. Go here to see everything that’s included when you purchase our course.

How Do I Get My Course Materials?

For in-person classroom students, we will have your materials for you on the first day of class. For students taking the online course, we will mail your materials to you within one business day of your purchase.

Do You Have Financing Plans?

Yes! We understand that becoming a CPA isn’t cheap, so we offer a 12-month financing option. Learn more about it here.

I’m A Student/Recent College Graduate. Are There Any Special Discounts?

We recognize that becoming a CPA is a big investment for anyone, especially students and recent grads. Check out our discount options here.

What Makes MDS Different?

There are a few key things that we feel help us stand out from the pack, like our personalized course instruction, our collaborative learning style and our in-depth experience as practicing CPAs. To read more about why MDS is the best course available, check out our Methodology page.

Who Are The Course Instructors?

MDS CPA Review is proud to have Justin Linscott and Steven Martin as course instructors. You can learn more about them here.

How Long Do I Have Access To The Course Review Materials?

We offer all of our test-takers a guaranteed 2 years of access to course materials. However, if you are a current student, you may be eligible for early course access, plus an additional 2 years through our Extended Access Program.

Can I Take The Course Online?

Absolutely! All of our materials are available online. Learn more about our virtual classroom and the personalized instruction you’ll receive on our Online Courses page.

Are Your Classes Mobile Friendly?

They are! All online materials should be viewable on mobile devices. If you need help accessing your course materials, please email hello@mdscpareview.com

What Is Your Pass Rate?

Pass rates are challenging to determine since exam results are not published publicly; thus, pass rate data is collected by candidates self-reporting their scores. While many companies boast of high pass rates (“double other providers!,” “over 88%!”), we refuse to mislead our students and those we work alongside by publishing false statistics. You can learn more about our views on pass rates here.

How Can I Get More Information About The Course?

We cover our methodology, materials and more here. You can also read about our instructors, or see how our course is different from the others.

What Kinds Of Courses Do You Offer?

We offer four courses that correspond with each section of the CPA exam: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting and Regulation. Each of the courses can be taken either online or in-person. Read more about our course offerings here.

Is There Homework For The Course?

There is—and it’s not because we’re trying to make life harder for you. It’s because we genuinely want you to succeed, and the best way to do that is to ensure that you’re mastering each topic as the course progresses. Learn more about how MDS sets you up for success here.

What If I Have A Question For My Instructor?

Then you’ve chosen the right review course because we’re always available to help. Just email hello@mdscpareview.com and we will answer you ASAP—often times in as little as 1 hour!

What Are Free Repeat Privileges And How Do I Get Them?

If you are taking in-person courses: If you would like to take an in-person class again, you can earn a Free Repeat Privilege to take that same course a second time by completing all of the homework and emailing us a copy of your exam results. We’ll give you 6 months to schedule another in-person class from the date you received your exam results. We’ll also provide a PDF of updates to the book made since your original purchase so that you’re able to continue using your current books to repeat the course.

If you are taking online courses: If you need more time with access to the course materials, you can earn a Free Repeat Privilege by completing all of the homework and emailing us a copy of your exam results. We’ll give you 6 months of additional access from the date you received your exam results. We’ll provide a PDF of updates to the book made since your original purchase, so you’ll be able to continue using your current books to repeat the course.

My Course Expired Before I Passed. How Can I Get Additional Access?

For those students who need to take the course again and are not eligible for Free Repeat Privileges, we offer a discount on repeat purchases. Please email hello@mdscpareview.com for more information.

Can I Get A Refund If I Decide Not To Take The Online Course?

Provided that all of the materials are returned in new, un-opened condition within 2 weeks of your purchase date, we have a “no questions asked” return and refund policy for online course purchases. There are no refunds on any sales made using an affiliate discount code or purchased through an affiliated re-seller.

Can I Get My Money Back If I Don’t Pass The Exam?

If you take all four parts of the exam at least twice a year, and earn Free Repeat Privileges between each attempt, and do not pass all four parts within 36 months of the date of your initial course purchase, we will refund your original purchase price. There are no refunds on any sales made using an affiliate discount code or purchased through an affiliated re-seller.

What If The Exam Changes? Can I Get Updated Review Materials?

Typically, your course materials will be current for one year. However, if the exam content changes, updated pages for all the materials are always available online at no additional charge.

Can I Reschedule The Dates I Signed Up For In-person Classes?

Sure! If you email us 14 or more days before your classes are scheduled to begin, you can change your schedule at no charge. If you need to reschedule with less than 14 days notice, there will be an administrative fee of $150. If you wish to cancel your in-person classes within 14 days of your first scheduled class (or you simply do not show up to the first class), we will ship your materials to you for no additional charge; however, your $150 course registration fee is non-refundable.

Do You Ever Reschedule The Dates For In-person Classes?

We try to publish our classroom schedule over a year in advance so that you can make plans, but, occasionally, we may need to make a change. If we change a class you’ve already scheduled, we’ll email you to let you know and give you the option to reschedule or cancel your classes. If you’re planning to sign up for a class but haven’t yet, please confirm the current classroom schedule before you enroll.

Is Attendance Required For The In-person Classes?

It is not required, but if you do not show up on the first day of class and do not notify us of your absence, we will ship you your course materials at the billing address provided during purchase.

If I Don’t Live In Ohio Can I Still Take Live Classes? Are There Any Other Live Classes Offered Elsewhere?

Our live classes are currently only offered in Ohio, but we do offer live streaming options. For more information and online access, email hello@mdscpareview.com.

If I Have To Miss A Class, How Do I Make It Up?

We give all of our in-person review course students access to the online materials as well, so you’ll be able to view the session you missed online at your convenience.

Can I Share The Course Materials With My Friends Or Colleagues?

No. Please refer to our licensing agreement for more information about MDS CPA Review course policies.

I Already Have My CPA License. Can I Still Take Your Course?

We welcome CPA professionals interested in continuing education or those who are seeking to become licensed in a different jurisdiction. For more information, please email your questions to hello@mdscpareview.com

I Need To Get My License Fast. Can You Help?

Absolutely! Our Bootcamp intensive sessions can get you exam-ready in 15 weeks flat. Whether you’re a student who wants to take advantage of a summer break or a professional who needs to pass ASAP, MDS Bootcamp is the fastest and most effective way to prep for the CPA exam. Learn all about it and sign up here.

Who Writes The CPA Exam?

The exam is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), but is a collaboration between that organization and two others: the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and Prometric. NASBA controls the National Candidate Database and Prometric is the testing company responsible for delivering the exam at designated testing centers.

How do I Apply To Take The Exam?

First you want to decide in which jurisdiction you’re going to apply. Reviewing the rules and requirements of each Board of Accountancy (BOA) is a good first step. After selecting your BOA, you should gather everything you need, submit your application and follow directions as specified by your BOA.

Isn’t There One Central Organization That I Can Apply Through?

No. You can only take the exam after applying through one of the 55 US BOA jurisdictions.

Is The Exam Available In A Language Other Than English?

No. It is currently offered only in English.

When Can I Take The Exam?

NASBA replaced exam “testing windows” with continuous testing starting July 1, 2020. Candidates are now able to schedule exams throughout the year with no restrictions except that re-tests of the same section cannot be scheduled until after scores for the previous attempt have been received. In addition, any major change in the structure of the exam may cause a temporary limitation in scheduling.

Where Can I Take The Exam?

You can take the exam at any one of the authorized Prometric testing centers in the US and at designated international locations, whether or not the test center is located in the jurisdiction in which you’re seeking to become licensed. To see the most current list of testing centers, visit the Prometric website.

What Are The Different Sections Of The Exam?

The exam consists of four separately administered parts: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG). You can learn more about each section on our Exam page.

Do I Have To Take All Four Sections At The Same Time?

No. As a rule, you can take any of the sections of the exam in any testing window and in any order that you like, but you can’t take the same section twice in the same testing window. Check your BOA’s requirements for the exact rules in your jurisdiction.

How Long Do I Have To Pass All Four Sections?

Once you pass one section, most BOAs give you an 18-month window in which to pass the remaining sections. Again, check with your BOA for all applicable rules and regulations.

What Can You Tell Me About The New CPA Exam Changes?

The CPA exam has undergone big changes recently, and more are coming soon. Check out our comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about what’s in store for the new exam.

Is There Something Else I Can Read That Describes The Exam Application Process?

Yes. The AICPA puts out a Uniform CPA Examination Candidate Bulletin that provides detailed information about filing applications, scheduling test sessions, and taking the exam itself. Find it here.

I Purchased The Course Online And Didn’t Receive An Email With A Link To Activate My Purchase. What Should I Do?

Email us at hello@mdscpareview.com and we’ll get the link delivered to you as quickly as possible.

The Website Is Not Working Correctly. Who Can I Contact?

Email us at hello@mdscpareview.com and we’ll help you troubleshoot whatever is going wrong.

How Can I Contact Customer Support?

Email us at hello@mdscpareview.com with your question and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

What Do I Do After I Finish The Course?

Congrats, you’re ready to apply to take the CPA exam! The first step to take is deciding in which jurisdiction you’re going to apply. Start by reviewing the rules and requirements of each Board of Accountancy (BOA). After selecting your BOA, you should gather everything you need to submit your application and follow directions as specified by your BOA.

I Just Took The CPA Exam. What Now?

Give yourself a pat on the back—you’ve worked hard! Try not to be too nervous as you wait for your scores, which are released by NASBA on a specific timetable. To find out when your scores will be available, go here.

How Do I Get My CPA License?

Once you’ve passed the CPA exam (congrats!), you can begin the process of applying for licensure. Check out our step-by-step breakdown of the process of getting your license.

I Want To Be A CPA, But I Live Outside Of The US. How Do I Do That?

It’ll take a little bit of work, but you’ll be in good company—there are thousands of licensed CPAs practicing worldwide! Check out our guide for International Candidates.