How to Pass the CPA Exam!

Hey earth muffins! If you have been following this blog for awhile (or are subscribed to my newsletter), you will know that I am currently trying to pass the CPA exams. I am proud to say that I have passed 3 sections and took the last section yesterday; please pray that I passed that one as well! 😊 I started studying for these exams back in DECEMBER… My test schedule was shifted around due to Mister Corona, but it feels amazing to finally have taken all 4. Because these tests are extremely daunting and difficult to pass, I thought I would share my test prep tips on how to pass the CPA exam; let’s jump right into it!

Prepping to Study

First off, it is important to sit down and lay out your study schedule/test dates. I started studying halfway through my graduate program, so I gave myself more time for the first two tests because I knew I would have other school committments.

Next, it is time to gather your study supplies! As I will be working for one of the Big Four accounting firms, I was given a free Becker subscription to help with my studying. I suggest looking into some sort of study guide as well! While the test is “accounting”, it is pretty challenging to pass without utilizing a filtered study guide. The rest of my study materials included: my laptop, ear buds, the Becker textbooks, blank paper for notes, a binder to store the notes, highlighters, and nice pens.

How to Study for the CPA Exam – Chapters

After studying for four sections of this test, I can definitely say I have my study routine down. For context, the Becker study material is divided up into 6-10 modules that are further broken down into chapters. When I started a module, here is what I did for each chapter:

1. Go through the Becker lectures on my laptop and highlight/take notes in the physical textbook with the instructor. (Note: I never want to hear Peter Olinto’s voice again!!)
2. Go back through the chapter and take detailed notes on blank paper. These are what I used to study after I finished the textbook, so I made them really detailed and organized… Plus, you can draw diagrams and charts when there are no lines, so I would definitely suggest using (recycled) blank paper!
3. Go through the Skills Check and practice multiple choice questions. If there is a question you had trouble with, write it down for reference in your chapter notes.
4. Continue on to the next chapter! 🎉

How to Study – Modules & More!

While this might sound like a simple routine, there are some extra things I did after each module:

1. Go back through my notes and create a Quizlet for any formulas/terms I need to memorize. While you do get flashcards with a Becker subscription, Quizlets are basically how I passed undergrad. I can memorize anything with that platform – even the 280+ card decks I created for the CPA exam!

And then there were more steps after I completed all the modules:

1. Practice your mastery by going back through every chapter and completing the practice simulations. While the multiple choice is difficult during the actual test, the simulations are a million times worse. So, practice is good! While the Becker program separates simulations into chapters, I found it difficult to complete them as I was studying because a lot of the information crosses over. This can be frustrating and make you feel like you haven’t learned what you are supposed to, so I suggest waiting to the end to do the simulations. 👌
2. Take the practice tests!! These are a great way to help pass the CPA exam. They are set up exactly like the real deal, so it is an excellent tool for time management/prepping your brain for test day.

My Overall Tips to Pass the CPA Exam!

For starters, it should be noted that there is SO much information to study for these exams – you will be EXTREMELY overwhelmed at first. It is important to not give up! This study routine worked for me, but adjust it to fit your personal strengths. Every person studies in a different way, so utilize the best practices you found in school. 😊

If you are comfortable, take the exams “hardest” to “easiest”. While some people find different tests more challenging than others, many will agree that this order is: FAR, REG, BEC, and AUD. Taking them in this order will help get the tests with the most material done first.

After you take the test, try not to worry about it too much. They are hard – you will feel really bad after coming out of the test center. But, that doesn’t mean you didn’t pass! The test I felt the worst about I did the best in, and the one I felt the best about I did the worst in… This goes to show that you really don’t know what your score will be until it comes out. While you need a 75 to pass, this is NOT a 75%… Don’t beat yourself up on test day – treat yourself (and your brain) for surviving a difficult exam!

DON’T WORRY IF YOU DON’T PASS THE FIRST TIME. There is a 50% pass rate, so don’t feel bad!! I’ve always been a great student and test taker, but these exams are difficult. They challenge you for a reason, so go out there and do your best! I believe in you. What are you tips for taking standardized tests?

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