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What can I do to prepare for the CPA exam?
I'm a junior in high school who wants to get into accounting, and I'd like more information on the CPA exam.
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6 answers
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Garrett’s Answer
If you're in high school yet, the CPA is several years away as you won't be able to sit for any of the four exams until you have completed all or enough credits in college. To build a successful career in accounting though, I would recommend starting now! I was a junior in high school when I started working at mid-sized CPA firm. This helped me build my network in the industry and gain exposure to the type of work I might be doing as a CPA. Seek out the firms near you and try to get hired as an office assistant, they likely need all the help they can get during the upcoming busy season. Just ensure that over the next couple of years you can see audit, tax, and consulting opportunities in the field so you know which area may interest you long term.
Research firms in your area
Get connected to the office managers of each one you want to apply for (linked in connections or emails from website)
Message the firms about your interest and include your resume
Start working and make a difference
Garrett recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Most of your CPA exam preparation will occur in college as most states require at least 120 college credits to take the exam. As a high school student it maybe helpful to take an introductory accounting course if it's offered at your school. Below is some general information about the CPA exam and you can visit the AICPA website for more information as well.
1) The CPA Exam is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs) in the United States.
2) The CPA Exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
3) The CPA Exam is a computer-based exam comprised of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).
4) The CPA Exam is offered year-round at testing centers in the United States, and candidates can take one or all of the four sections at a time.
5) To be eligible to sit for the CPA Exam, candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements set by their state board of accountancy.
6) The CPA Exam is considered one of the most challenging professional exams, and many candidates choose to prepare for it by enrolling in a review course or using self-study materials.
7) To become a licensed CPA, candidates must pass the CPA Exam and meet additional state-specific requirements, such as obtaining a certain amount of work experience in the field.
1) The CPA Exam is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs) in the United States.
2) The CPA Exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
3) The CPA Exam is a computer-based exam comprised of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).
4) The CPA Exam is offered year-round at testing centers in the United States, and candidates can take one or all of the four sections at a time.
5) To be eligible to sit for the CPA Exam, candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements set by their state board of accountancy.
6) The CPA Exam is considered one of the most challenging professional exams, and many candidates choose to prepare for it by enrolling in a review course or using self-study materials.
7) To become a licensed CPA, candidates must pass the CPA Exam and meet additional state-specific requirements, such as obtaining a certain amount of work experience in the field.
Updated
Jerel O.’s Answer
Hi Michelle and thank you for your questions. Based on some of the other responses, it seems like sitting for the CPA exam is still pretty early for you. Nevertheless, I wanted to share some helpful tips you can leverage for other exams as well.
1. Understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, including the length, structure, and types of questions that will be covered. This will help you understand what to expect on exam day.
2. Use study materials: Make use of study materials such as textbooks, practice exams, and review courses to help you prepare for the exam. There are many study materials available, and you should choose those that best fit your learning style and schedule.
3. Create a study schedule: Make a schedule for your studies, breaking down the material into manageable sections and setting aside dedicated time for studying each day or week.
4. Focus on your weak areas: Identify the areas in which you need the most improvement, and focus your studies on those topics. You may also want to consider getting additional help, such as a tutor or study group, to improve in these areas.
5. Practice: Take practice exams regularly to assess your progress and identify any areas that still need improvement. Try to simulate actual exam conditions as much as possible, including timing yourself and taking breaks.
6. Stay organized: Keep track of the topics you have covered, the questions you have answered correctly and incorrectly, and any areas in which you need further improvement.
7. Take care of yourself: Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise, and eat well. Taking care of yourself will help you perform at your best on exam day.
Remember, the key to success on the CPA exam, or any other exam, is consistent and dedicated effort. It is also important to stay motivated and focused, and to seek help when needed. I hope this helps. Good luck!
1. Understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, including the length, structure, and types of questions that will be covered. This will help you understand what to expect on exam day.
2. Use study materials: Make use of study materials such as textbooks, practice exams, and review courses to help you prepare for the exam. There are many study materials available, and you should choose those that best fit your learning style and schedule.
3. Create a study schedule: Make a schedule for your studies, breaking down the material into manageable sections and setting aside dedicated time for studying each day or week.
4. Focus on your weak areas: Identify the areas in which you need the most improvement, and focus your studies on those topics. You may also want to consider getting additional help, such as a tutor or study group, to improve in these areas.
5. Practice: Take practice exams regularly to assess your progress and identify any areas that still need improvement. Try to simulate actual exam conditions as much as possible, including timing yourself and taking breaks.
6. Stay organized: Keep track of the topics you have covered, the questions you have answered correctly and incorrectly, and any areas in which you need further improvement.
7. Take care of yourself: Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise, and eat well. Taking care of yourself will help you perform at your best on exam day.
Remember, the key to success on the CPA exam, or any other exam, is consistent and dedicated effort. It is also important to stay motivated and focused, and to seek help when needed. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Updated
Su’s Answer
Hi Michelle, it is great that you are considering obtaining a CPA license early in your career. I am currently a CPA licensed in Florida, and started researching about the certification in my junior year during college and it has opened many opportunities for me once I graduated.
The CPA license requirements differ by each state, so you should research the state requirements if you are planning to take the exams in California.
I would suggest looking at the following next steps:
Here is the California CPA webpage: https://www.calcpa.org/cpa-career-center/cpa-requirements
You may ask the California CPA any questions on the license: https://www.calcpa.org/cpa-licensure/licensing-questions
This is information on the California CPA on the Becker website (one of the major study programs available): https://www.becker.com/cpa-review/california-cpa-requirements
The CPA license requirements differ by each state, so you should research the state requirements if you are planning to take the exams in California.
I would suggest looking at the following next steps:
Su recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Tex’s Answer
You should check this website, it provides details.
https://www.aicpa.org/resources/toolkit/cpa-exam
https://candidateforum.cfp.net/home
Also, the CPA exam is very comprehensive so you would need to putting in time in understanding all the components of finances.
https://www.aicpa.org/resources/toolkit/cpa-exam
https://candidateforum.cfp.net/home
Also, the CPA exam is very comprehensive so you would need to putting in time in understanding all the components of finances.
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi! I'm a CPA in the states of Texas and Missouri. I found this website incredibly helpful when I started college: https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/ It is provided by the AICPA! For more state specific questions, refer to: https://nasba.org/licensure/gettingacpalicense/howtogetlicensed/ Best of luck!