Easy CPA prep strategies from a Boston-based accounting professor.
For many years as a professor, I have helped my students with their CPA exam prep. I gave them advice, scolded them to study more, and held their hands when things felt hopeless. Then when I started studying for the CPA exam myself, I realized even more how important it was to have a strategy going into what is arguably the most difficult (and important) part of any accountant’s career.
How to Pass the CPA Exam
Develop a Study Plan and Stick to It
Be realistic in your plan. If you truly have 15 hours a week to study, that’s great. But maybe you don’t and need to really carve out time whenever you can. Being honest with yourself is an essential step in creating that plan.
Ensure Your Family and Friends Understand the Commitment You’re Undertaking
Family and friends should understand how serious a commitment this is and not even tempt you with an invitation to go out. Instead, they could offer to make you dinner and drop it off so you can study uninterrupted.
Take Electives in Your Degree Program that Prepare You for the Exam
You’ll kill two (three?) birds with one stone: Earning three credits, studying for your class, and studying for the CPA exam.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Do as many practice questions as you can. Then redo the ones you got wrong. Then redo the ones you got wrong twice. Repeat.
Don’t Waste Time Studying what You Already Know
It can be a confidence boost to do practice questions on content you’re already familiar with, but, really, you’re wasting your time.
Carefully Choose the Order in Which You’ll Take the Exams
You have 18 months from when you pass the first one. Maybe the first one you take should be the one that’s hardest for you. Or maybe you just finished an auditing class and want to start with that exam while everything’s fresh. Make the exam order play to your strengths.
Find a Way to Get and Stay Motivated
Passing the CPA is a long process. Build in rewards for yourself, not just for passing a section (which of course you’ll celebrate), but for sticking to your study plan or for finally conquering a topic you’ve been struggling with.
Finally, Remember Why You’re Doing all this Hard Work in the First Place
Being an accountant is probably not just a professional goal, but a dream. How exciting is it to be working toward your dream? Remember that when it feels hard.
Find out how the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)at Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School can help you earn your CPA. Learn More.
FAQs
The FAR section of the CPA Exam is hard because it's the most comprehensive of the 4 exam sections, and it has a lot of math questions that are mentally taxing to get through. It has the lowest pass rate of all 4 exam sections and is considered the hardest CPA Exam section.
How can I study for CPA Exam efficiently? ›
Here are their tips:
- Team up. The first mistake students make, Waldrup noted, is to study alone. ...
- Don't just memorize and cram. Rote memorization is no longer enough. ...
- Be methodical. ...
- Don't underestimate study time. ...
- Allow for setbacks. ...
- Seek help. ...
- Use a CPA Exam review course. ...
- Don't get tripped up.
The FAR section of the CPA Exam is hard because it's the most comprehensive of the 4 exam sections, and it has a lot of math questions that are mentally taxing to get through. It has the lowest pass rate of all 4 exam sections and is considered the hardest CPA Exam section.
How many hours should I study for the CPA Exam? ›
Depending on the Discipline you choose, you can expect your CPA Exam study time to be between 320 and 420 hours, or between 80 and 120 hours per section. But with a smart study strategy and the right materials, you can keep from getting overwhelmed while making sure you're ready to walk into the exam with confidence.
What is the easiest CPA Exam to pass? ›
Either way, BEC is considered the easiest part of the CPA exam because it has the highest pass rate. The AICPA highlights one reason BEC is higher is because it is the section most commonly taken last, giving students more experience with test-taking after taking other sections.
Can I pass the CPA in 6 months? ›
Students, recent graduates, and people with plenty of time to study should aim to sit for and pass 4 sections of the CPA Exam in about 6 months. This would have you taking an exam every 6-7 weeks and studying about 22-26 hours each week.
How to self study for the CPA? ›
The Best Way to Study for the CPA Exam
- Take a CPA practice test to see where you stand. ...
- Make a CPA exam study plan and stick to it. ...
- Let your friends and family know you're taking the CPA exam. ...
- Take care of yourself. ...
- Find a CPA mentor. ...
- Begin studying for the CPA exam as soon as possible. ...
- Join a CPA study group.
Under the previous 18-month rule, candidates faced time constraints, especially those juggling work commitments. But now, the new rule extends this period to a more comfortable 30 months! This adjustment provides you with the flexibility to plan and execute your CPA strategy without feeling rushed.
How hard is the CPA Exam? ›
Very. The overall CPA Exam pass rates hover slightly below 50%. This makes passing the CPA Exam a difficult, but achievable, goal. You'll need to study wisely, set a strategy for managing your time, and call on your support network, but with the right plan and good study materials, you will conquer it.
How long does it take the average person to pass the CPA Exam? ›
You must complete all the CPA exam sections within 18 months for successful licensure. An average CPA candidate requires 9-14 months to pass all the sections of the CPA Examination. However, this period may vary as per your familiarity with the material, acquired skills, and study time devoted.
Colorado's (CO) CPA exam requirements are possibly the most advantageous of all the states. It does not require 150 hours to sit. With no requirement to be a US Citizen, a resident of CO, or a certain age, it makes Colorado one of the easiest states to sit for the CPA exam and become licensed.
How common is it to fail a CPA Exam? ›
About half of the individuals who take the CPA Exam don't pass on their first attempt. According to the AICPA, the national average pass rate is 45-55%. Cumulative pass rates reported by the AICPA for the calendar year 2021 show that FAR had the lowest pass rate at 44.54% and BEC had the highest pass rate at 61.94%.
Is the CPA the hardest exam in the world? ›
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The CPA Exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest professional exams, and it covers a wide range of topics, including auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment and concepts.
Is it possible to study for CPA while working full time? ›
As a full-time employee, you'll have to find a way to allocate time from your 24-hour day toward studying. Unless you're a genius, it'll take you a few weeks or longer to study for each section. Therefore, it's important that you find time to study before, during, after work and on the weekends.
How can I motivate myself to study for the CPA Exam? ›
How to Stay Motivated to Study for the CPA Exam During Summer
- Get Your Firm Bonus Faster. ...
- Increase Your Salary Quicker. ...
- The Longer You Wait, the More Difficult It Will Be. ...
- Know That You Have a CPA Exam Personal Trainer. ...
- Study Outside. ...
- Include Your Family and Friends in Your Reward System.
Very. The overall CPA Exam pass rates hover slightly below 50%. This makes passing the CPA Exam a difficult, but achievable, goal. You'll need to study wisely, set a strategy for managing your time, and call on your support network, but with the right plan and good study materials, you will conquer it.
Does the CPA Exam get harder if you are doing well? ›
The first testlet you receive will be of moderate difficulty. If you do well on it, the next testlet will be harder. Perform poorly, and the testlets get easier. Strategically dividing your time between easier and harder questions is therefore critical to achieving your best score.
