How to Study to Be a CPA
Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) is a difficult task that requires years of education. Not only are the original requirements to become a CPA challenging, but studying to become a CPA is also challenging. The tests are known to be very difficult, and they have a low passing rate. Due to the low passing rate of the CPA exam, thoroughly studying for it is vital. Without studying, even those with a master's degree in accounting will find it impossible to pass.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain a degree in accounting. The exam requires a very specific number of accounting credits, though the exact amount varies by state, and a specific amount of overall school credits. The degree in accounting will make studying for the exam easier by having a base knowledge to start with.
-
2
Find out the requirements of the state. Each state has different eligibility requirements. Taking care of the eligibility requirements should be done before working on the CPA studies.
-
-
3
Get a review system. There are many systems available, such as the Becker CPA review, which makes studying for the CPA exam easier. These come with review questions and review materials like video lectures and study guides that are helpful.
-
4
Plan ahead. Studying for the CPA exam requires taking time. Planning ahead allows for plenty of time to prepare for the exams and work through the material.
-
5
Take practice tests. Many of the review systems come with practice test questions that are useful during study sessions. Taking the practice tests shows where more studying is needed. It also gives a feel for the format of the questions, which is useful during the exam.
-
6
Practice the CPA sample tests on the CPA website. This is to learn the format of the test and should be included during study to avoid mistakes on the exams due to format misunderstandings.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The CPA practice tests on the CPA website are different than the practice tests in the reviews. These come with a tutorial and are meant to teach the format and testing style. The practice tests with the reviews are meant to test knowledge of the subject.
Study one section at a time. For example, studying the tax sections alone can make it easier to avoid mixing up information from another section.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Study image by FattaT from Fotolia.com
