The aim of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the homogenization process using the layered composites made of carbon-epoxy prepregs subjected to compression. A rectangular cross-section cantilever beam loaded with a compressive force at its free end was subjected to detailed analysis. Based on the Digimat software, the material constants of the prepreg and the substitute engineering constants for the entire composite structure consisting of various numbers of layers (8-16 layers) were determined. The obtained material constants were used in analytical (Euler) and numerical (finite element method) studies. Three models were developed in the Abaqus software: a shell and solid model for the layered composite and a homogeneous shell model with orthotropic properties. The critical force at which the structure buckles was determined. A high degree of agreement (above 95%) was obtained between the substitute material model and the theoretical results and the solid model.