Passing the CPA exam may be a discouraging project, particularly if you have heard of the vast number of people that have had to sit through multiple sections several times before finally passing the exam. What follows are a number of CPA prep tips that have helped me in the past, and I'm certain that they'll help you too. You will pass the CPA exam, ultimately ¨C it is inevitable unless you give up.

1)Adopt the Correct Mentality
Nobody said passing the CPA was easy. Some people fail many sections several times before ultimately passing all sections of the exam. Brace yourself for the likelihood that you may fail multiple sections before passing them, and accept that as a typical part of the journey of getting your CPA. Then again, remind yourself of past achievements that serve as real validation of your mental capabilities, such as getting your university degree. Innumerable other people have studied for and passed the CPA exam ultimately, and you will also.

2)Ask for Assistance From Family and Friends
If they approve of what you're trying to achieve, they may assist you with some of your current duties (e.g. household chores such as cooking), and will understand if you can't be present at every social gathering.


Also, don't forget to set aside time for regular rest breaks - they will help you to stay focused and refreshed, and will also help you to absorb knowledge better when you return after the break. If you want to successfully pass the exam, you need to keep both your mind and body in good shape.

4)Invest in a Solid CPA Exam Review Course
The most helpful CPA exam review courses on the market come with lectures on DVDs that clarify difficult concepts much better than textbooks can. The better CPA review courses even comes with lists of practice exam problems to focus on, that will be the most likely to be found on the actual exam. The most worthy CPA review courses come with live support where you can call in to ask for clarification on study materials, and get immediate feedback and detailed explanations from course instructors. All in all, investing in a good CPA review program can really shorten your exam prep time and inflate your odds of passing the CPA exam.

5)Find a Study Buddy - Or Two
Seek out people who are also preping for the exam where you live and invite them to study together. CPAnet.com has a forum where you can post or answer to a request for study partners. 6)Concentrate on One Section At a Time
There's just too much material to cover all at once. A more manageable way would be to focus only on studying for one section at a time, do the exam for that section, take a break, and then start studying for the next section etc. Another suggestion would be to try for the most difficult section first (the one that is hardest for you - this will vary from person to person), because once you pass the first section, you only have 18 months to pass your other 3 sections. To get the highest ROI for your time and effort, spend it on materials you have the most trouble with. Look through all of your learning materials, identify your problem areas, and focus on them
It is important to take lots of notes while you're studying, so that you'll have something to study from during the last several days before the actual exam. Since your short-term memory is, well, short-term, materials you review during those last several days will be remembered best on your exam day. 9)Use a Timer
This will condition your brain to perform under pressure and prepare you more effectively for the actual exam. Also, by preparing in this way, you'll be less likely to panic on exam day when you don't know the answer to a problem.

10)Practice Makes Perfect
Do as many practice questions as you can. By doing so, not only will you know the material better, but you'll also feel more positive about your odds of passing the exam - both of which will help increase your exam score!


Passing the CPA exam can be easy! Read about how Dave Bryant has ultimately managed to pass 3 previously-failed sections over the course of ten months, with impressive scores, in his CPA Exam Blog.

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