How to Pass the CPA Exam More Easily

Every new accounting graduate worries about the same thing: passing the CPA exam. Not only is it expensive and time consuming, it's vital to your future success. Once you have passed the CPA exam, you're qualified for a ton of jobs regardless of your experience. Yes that sounds ridiculous but that's the unfortunate reality - many employers are more concerned about those 3 little letters than actual qualifications. So, read on to learn how to pass the CPA exam.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CPA study materials
• Serious discipline

1. Decide which section of the CPA exam you want to take first. Think about what your strengths were in school and take those sections first. Gain some confidence and get some of those sections out of the way by focusing on them immediately.

2. 
   Think about how you learn best.

   Purchase your study materials. Think about what style of learning works best for you. Do you do best with classroom type instruction, reading materials, or a self-paced exam type software program?

3. 
   Commit to studying or you'll never pass!

   Set aside time each day to study for the CPA exam. Register for the CPA exam section you decided to take first. It doesn't save you money to schedule more than one part at a time so take it slow. Study, study, study. Use those review materials.

4. Work hard and keep practicing until you can answer the questions in your review material with confidence. Unless you're hardcore, it's best to give yourself at least a month to study for each part.

5. 

   Once you have taken one part, go ahead and schedule the next part. Don't wait for the results, that's just wasting time that you could spend devoting to passing the next part. Keep going until you're a CPA!

Tips & Warnings

• If you do well with the self-paced exam type software, I highly recommend the Examsaver software. It is pretty expensive (well worth it), but less expensive than having to take CPA review classes over and over again. You receive automatic updates for the lifetime of the product. It has questions from old tests and it is not uncommon to see those questions on your exams! I don't think I would have passed without it.
• Try to get your employer to help cover the costs of review materials and taking the CPA exam. Many places will contribute at least something to your cause.
• Don't be discouraged if you fail a section. Just register for the section and start studying again. Realize that it will be a little easier to study the second time around because you've already seen the material.
• Take appropriate clothing with you to the testing center - layers are best. It could be hot in the room or rather chilly. If you're uncomfortable, it will be harder for you to concentrate.
• Read the directions provided by the testing center. Make sure you take the appropriate identification, don't wear watches, etc.
• You can take breaks during your test but only between sections and it DOES count towards your time - so be quick!

Resources

• CPA Examsaver
• CPA Study Materials (books and CDs)

[kims3003]

on 10/15/2009 very useful info

[karileighk]

on 6/26/2009 Thanks. Very helpful info! *5

[sonni57]

on 6/23/2009 Good tips on how to pass the CPA exam easier for those who want to pursue it.

[kristara]

on 6/20/2009 Great info for future accountants 5*

[ladym33]

on 6/18/2009 Good advice for other exams too.