The CPA exam is a rite of passage for everyone who wishes to become a Certified Public Accountant. As one of the most demanding professional tests of all, the CPA exam sees many intelligent, ambitious test-takers failing every year.
In many cases, candidates who put in many hours of test preparation still end up failing the exam on their first, second, or subsequent attempts. While it will always be necessary to devote plenty of time to studying, just how wisely you use that resource matters a great deal.
Fortunately, there are some well-established ways to improve your odds of passing the CPA exam and having a great time along the way. Keep the following seven tips in mind and you will become more likely to earn a passing score.
Have a Strategy
Some people who plan on taking the CPA exam simply look at the subject matter outline and then start cracking the books. That will always be a poor way to utilize the months of intensive study that most devote to the exam.
Far better in every case will be to follow a comprehensive strategy. This can be done independently, but an even simpler option is to sign up for classes to help pass the cpa exam. That will provide you with access to a carefully considered, field-proven study strategy as a matter of course.
Take Frequent Breaks
Some CPA exam candidates feel irresponsible if they do not study for hours at a stretch. The research says, however, that taking frequent breaks will allow you to absorb and retain a lot more information.
Just how often breaks should be taken will vary somewhat from one person to the next. Any overt sign of fatigue or lack of concentration should be seen as a sign that a break from studying is long overdue.
Keep Things Feeling Fresh
It can be helpful to establish a routine that keeps you focused when studying for the CPA exam. On the other hand, always studying at the same time or in the same location can start to feel overwhelmingly boring and stultifying. Mix things up a bit from time to time and that will become much less of an issue.
Keep Flashcards on Hand
Favorites of grade-school teachers for many years, flashcards have a lot to offer to CPA exam candidates, too. Keep some flashcards on your phone or your person and you will find it easy to fill spare minutes with especially productive preparation time.
Remember to Review Old Material
It normally takes months to prepare for the CPA exam, and that means subjects that were studied early on can become fuzzy by the time that test day arrives. Make sure to regularly go back and review information that you focused on weeks or months earlier.
Take Practice Tests
There is no substitute for the real thing, but freely available practice tests come close. In addition to highlighting gaps in your knowledge, taking practice tests helps you develop a positive, confident attitude about the exam that actually matters.
Relax and Have Fun
It will never be helpful to become overly anxious or stressed-out about the CPA exam, regardless of how important it is. Should you start feeling wound up, remember that you will have other chances to take the test if you fail.
It can be difficult to do, but finding ways to make study time more enjoyable can contribute to your odds of passing. Keep all of these tips in mind and you will become a CPA before you know it.
