The Certified Public Accountant exam, or the CPA exam, has been called one of the hardest exams out there. In fact, many people claim that it is actually harder to pass the CPA exam than it is to pass the bar exam. According to stats, there are more people that fail on their first attempt than pass the exam.
The sheer amount of information and data that a person needs to not just memorize but fully understand in order to pass the CPA is overwhelming at best. Passing the exam is essential however, if you hope to start a career as a CPA.This is exactly why it’s important to take it seriously and do all you can to best prepare yourself going into the exam. In order to help make the exam a painless as possible, here are some tips you can use that will help you to prepare:
Ensure You Put the School Work In
It’s pretty hard to pass the CPA without doing all the necessary school work, studying, and assignments along the way. This is necessary so that you will learn the foundations and groundwork and become a confident accountant in the future.
These days you can enrol in classes online, such as the New England College online Master of Science in Accounting, which will give you everything you need to prepare for your CPA exam and pass. The program through New England College also prepares you for the Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification, Management Accountant (CMA) certification, and the Internal Auditor (CIA) certification if you choose.
Create a Review and Study Schedule
For anyone that has told you that they passed the CPA exam with only a few hours of studying as preparation, it’s best to take this with a grain of salt. In reality it’s a very tough exam and it’s not one you want to risk going into unprepared. Instead,create a review and study schedule that you stick to. If you do a little bit each day it won’t seem so overwhelming and it allows the information to sink in much better since you aren’t rushed or cramming at the last minute.
If you find it helpful, you may want to create a study group with other students in the program. This can be a group where you meet in person, or a virtual study group.
Look After Your Health
It’s hard to be at your best if you’re not getting proper nutrition and enough sleep, so while you prepare for the exam be sure to look after your own health at the same time. Being well-rested will help to keep your mind clear and focused, and a healthy diet ensures you’ve got the energy and nutrients needed.
Go in With a Positive Attitude
This final tip can often be the hardest one to follow. It’s very normal to feel anxiety, stress, and doubt before writing the exam. The problem with these negative thoughts is that they can take over and cloud your mind. Instead do your best to keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself. Remaining calm and focused will help you to succeed.
