Before graduating, all accounting majors take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. It’s the final hurdle to becoming a fully-fledged accountant, and it can be pretty daunting. If you feel unprepared for this big test, here are some helpful tips for preparing for your CPA exam!
What Is the CPA Exam?
The CPA exam is a four-part, computerized test covering auditing, financial accounting, taxation, and business law. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) administers the exam, which every state requires for accounting majors before they can receive their CPA certification.
How To Prepare for Your Exam
There are two main ways to prepare for the CPA exam: self-study and classroom study. If you have little experience in accounting, it may prove more beneficial to choose a community college or university that offers an online course on CPA examination prep. This course gives you hands-on access to various tools, such as online simulations that help prepare you for the computerized portion of your exam.
If you have more experience, self-study is a great option to consider. That said, you still want to find an effective study method! Many tools are available on the market that help you prepare for your CPA exam. Learn about them ahead.
Practice Tests
Practice tests are an essential part of preparing for your CPA examination, as they help you figure out which areas require more study time or review. You can find these practice tests on many sites online, along with useful study tools. Make sure to take full advantage of several different online practice tests, as they can be some of the most valuable tools in your arsenal.
Study Guides
Study guides are essential in helping you prepare for your CPA exam, but you should only use them as a resource to help guide you through the materials. These guides shouldn’t replace actual studying and review of materials! Some excellent study guides are available through online marketplaces and bookstores.
Audio Lectures and Webinars
Listening to audio lectures or attending live webinars is a great way to stay up to date with the latest information regarding CPA exam preparation. Many vendors offer webinars that require you to pay for access, but these are often well worth the cost.
Tips on Passing the Exam
There are many career paths for accounting professionals, and knowing how to study for the CPA exam is the first step in opening those doors. Once you understand the best ways to study, you can stay on track with your education and ensure that you don’t misuse any studying days! You can also set up reminders to stay on target as test day approaches. Finally, review all your notes daily to make sure you’re ready for the exam.
The CPA exam is a challenging test, but following these helpful tips on preparing for your CPA exam and working hard can help you succeed!Good luck!