In a nutshell, it’s not hard to pass your CPA exam. The hardest part is choosing the right test. Now, this is very subjective. Some people will choose the easiest test to take simply because they’re scared. Other times, they’ll choose a harder, longer test because they have prior preparation to help them succeed. There are no set rules when choosing the right CPA exam to take, so it’s up to you.
The next step is to make sure that you have enough study time before taking the exam. There are many ways to study effectively. You can use textbooks, tutorials, eBooks and online resources. If you’re serious about studying, you should be able to fit at least two hours each day into your schedule. You also need to be sure that you’re getting enough rest between study sessions.
Once you’ve decided on a study plan, it’s time to start planning out a study schedule. You need to know exactly what materials you’re going to need. There are lots of websites that offer free information on taking the CPA exam. Spend some time reviewing these resources. You may also want to visit forums where CPA exam takers share tips and tricks for success.
When you’re ready to start studying, you should start by creating a detailed list of all the course material that you’ll need to get through your exam. Write down questions that you need to be able to answer and study hard to answer them. Be realistic about how much time you have to devote to studying. Don’t try to get through every question in one sitting. Try to get through the entire test in two or three days, as long as you’ve prepared adequately.
It’s best not to get nervous or anxious before you take the test. Keep your demeanor calm and confident. Most people who have tried and failed at taking the CPA exam to feel the more nervous they become, the less likely they are to pass. Instead, focus your energy and thoughts on answering the questions with care. Use your best memory and try to relax. If the time comes up, recheck the material that you were just reading or listening to and go back to it.
When you finally get to take the examination, be sure to follow the directions exactly. Review the information given to you several times over. Take notes, but don’t attempt to re-write what was read. Don’t get so caught up in reading it that you forget to breathe or you’ll blow out your nose.
When you’re preparing for and taking the exam, remember that you have an important test to pass and that you’re going to put in the necessary work. Don’t make the exam harder than it has to be. Even if you think that you’re doing it well, you might still be surprised by how much better you’re doing than you thought. Stay focused on your goal and prepare well. The results will eventually come.
When you finally get to take the examination, it’s easy to become overly excited and jump right into it. Take your time. Think about the question and answer explanation, as well as the portion of the test you’re going to have to answer. If you start to become nervous, reread the section a few times. You should have no problem answering the questions, but it does help to keep you from getting too excited.
Finally, be as prepared as possible. Pack your test case with multiple copies of the sheets and other materials. Bring extra pens, paper, and other items just in case you get stuck on any questions. Keep in mind that most people have a long attention span when they’re taking exams.
Take your time, relax, and enjoy yourself. Try not to let other people get ahead of you. Remember, this is your life and your future at stake. Don’t burn yourself out by worrying about everything.
