3 answers
Alieah
Student
Windham, Connecticut
1
Question
Updated
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What are the best study methods for the CPA exam?
I am looking for different study methods that have helped people pass their CPA exams
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3 answers
Bruce Lane
I am a CPA and now work in Software Sales with Microsoft.
8
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Bruce’s Answer
Remember, it's been nearly 40 years since I passed the exam in 1986. Back then, there were many options for learning, like classroom lessons and self-study. Self-study meant using books or cassette tapes. I struggled with classroom instruction and didn't do well on the exam at first. But when I switched to studying by book, it made all the difference, and I passed! I recommend figuring out which study method works best for you and sticking with it. You can do it!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Alieah
Shirley L
Accountant
78
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Alieah,
Everyone learns differently, so it depends on exploring what works most effectively for you. I usually watch the lectures and skim through the reading material. Then, work on the multiple choice questions.
For each MCQ, this really helped me:
1) Did I get the question correct through guessing or did I fully understand the question?
2) If I guessed, why is each answer choice right or wrong? If I can't explain it, I would reread the section that explains this concept further.
3) I would make a note of the question and re-test myself later in the week
Once I gone through all the questions in a module, I like to put together a quick guide for myself that summarizes any rules or exceptions. After going through several modules, I hopefully won't have to reread everything again, just focus on my guides and do a quick practice test with questions from different modules. The simulation questions can be tricky, but hopefully with a solid foundational understanding of the material through MCQs, you have idea on how to tackle the question. The AICPA provides practice tests for each section of the exam and they are relatively similar to the real exam. Definitely take a look at these questions before you sit for the exam.
I highly recommend building study time into your schedule, so it becomes a routine or a habit. A consistent schedule will build momentum. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Good luck!
Everyone learns differently, so it depends on exploring what works most effectively for you. I usually watch the lectures and skim through the reading material. Then, work on the multiple choice questions.
For each MCQ, this really helped me:
1) Did I get the question correct through guessing or did I fully understand the question?
2) If I guessed, why is each answer choice right or wrong? If I can't explain it, I would reread the section that explains this concept further.
3) I would make a note of the question and re-test myself later in the week
Once I gone through all the questions in a module, I like to put together a quick guide for myself that summarizes any rules or exceptions. After going through several modules, I hopefully won't have to reread everything again, just focus on my guides and do a quick practice test with questions from different modules. The simulation questions can be tricky, but hopefully with a solid foundational understanding of the material through MCQs, you have idea on how to tackle the question. The AICPA provides practice tests for each section of the exam and they are relatively similar to the real exam. Definitely take a look at these questions before you sit for the exam.
I highly recommend building study time into your schedule, so it becomes a routine or a habit. A consistent schedule will build momentum. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Good luck!
Gana Kwon
Sr. Accounting Manager (CPA)
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Gana’s Answer
From my experience, the most important part is building your foundation by studying from a textbook and looking things up whenever you get confused — that’s what really helps everything stick. Once you start preparing seriously for the exam, I recommend using an online course like Becker. Since the CPA exam isn’t on paper, you need to get used to the system itself, including the clunky built-in calculator and the limited Excel. Practicing in the actual online environment makes a huge difference.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Alieah