Gleim vs Surgent:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Gleim had more branded searches than Surgent among CPA review courses in the United States. Gleim had about 1,600 branded searches, while Surgent had 1,000. Gleim made up 4.8% of all CPA review course searches we track, and Surgent accounted for 3%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about CPA review courses, Gleim appeared in all five answers and Surgent in two. Gleim was mentioned before Surgent in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Gleim, about 60% more searches than Surgent
Who does AI mention more?
Gleim, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Gleim, named ahead of Surgent in every answer
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Top CPA review courses in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Gleim appeared in all five answers. Surgent was mentioned in two out of five: not in any of the three ChatGPT answers, but in both Google AI Overviews. Gleim was listed before Surgent in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
Becker5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
NINJA CPA Review5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers- Gleim5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
UWorld4 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Surgent2 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Universal CPA Review2 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Wiley CPAexcel0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Maxwell CPA Review0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about CPA review courses
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best CPA review course?”
Asked ChatGPT
“Which CPA review course is best for working full time?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the cheapest way to study for the CPA exam?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“cpa review course”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“cpa exam prep”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in United States on October 28, 2026.
Share of searches by month for Gleim, Surgent. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Becker | NINJA CPA Review | UWorld | Gleim | Surgent | Universal CPA Review | Wiley CPAexcel | Maxwell CPA Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 60% | 17.9% | 6.6% | 5.3% | 4.3% | 2.9% | 2.4% | 0.56% |
| Nov 2025 | 59.1% | 17.6% | 7.5% | 5.2% | 5.2% | 2.9% | 1.9% | 0.46% |
| Dec 2025 | 61.3% | 14.9% | 7.4% | 5.4% | 5.4% | 3% | 2% | 0.58% |
| Jan 2026 | 64.1% | 15.6% | 6.6% | 4.6% | 3.8% | 2.5% | 2.1% | 0.75% |
| Feb 2026 | 61.5% | 15% | 7.8% | 5.4% | 3.7% | 3.7% | 2.5% | 0.58% |
| Mar 2026 | 64.5% | 15.7% | 6.7% | 4.6% | 3.1% | 2.6% | 2.1% | 0.75% |
| Apr 2026 | 60.6% | 18.1% | 7.3% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 2.9% | 1.6% | 0.7% |
| May 2026 | 64.8% | 15.8% | 6.4% | 4.7% | 3.8% | 2.6% | 1.4% | 0.61% |
| Jun 2026 | 65.6% | 15.9% | 6.4% | 3.8% | 3.8% | 2.6% | 1.2% | 0.62% |
| Jul 2026 | 66.6% | 16.2% | 6.5% | 3% | 3% | 2.6% | 1.2% | 0.78% |
| Aug 2026 | 65.3% | 15.9% | 7.3% | 3.8% | 3.8% | 2.1% | 1.1% | 0.62% |
| Sep 2026 | 66% | 16.1% | 6.5% | 4.8% | 3% | 2.1% | 0.95% | 0.62% |
How has the Gleim and Surgent comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Gleim was ahead of Surgent in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Gleim’s share of searches among CPA review courses in the United States moved from 5.3% to 4.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 1.6K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Surgent’s share of searches among CPA review courses in the United States moved from 4.3% to 3%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 1.3K to 1K.
How did search popularity change for United States CPA review courses in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Gleim gained share of searches among CPA review courses in the United States, from 3.8% to 4.8%.
In September 2026, Surgent lost share of searches among CPA review courses in the United States, from 3.8% to 3%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Gleim’s and Surgent’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
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