Hi, I read your story. So, it is possible to schedule and sit for 2 exam sections in one testing window? What if I am not ready, can I re-schedule?

Thanks for reading my story! :) Yes!  It is possible to sit for two (even four) sections of the exam during one testing window. If you schedule your exams and you find yourself unprepared as test day approaches, you can change your appointment using the Prometric website. You'll incur a change fee, which varies depending upon how many days before your scheduled appointment you make your change. Best of luck on your CPA exams!

~Donna

Hi Donna, I looked at the Lakeland College program. Can the online CPA prep courses also be applied to the 36 Accounting credits requirement?

Professor Rick Gaumer at Lakeland College is the best person to answer your question. I recommend you email him directly at cpaprep@lakeland.edu for the most accurate information. Best of luck to you!

~Donna

Hi Donna, is the Wiley review course sufficent for passing the CPA?

I used Becker CPA Exam Review to pass all four sections of the CPA exam. I'd like to refer you to Andrew Lee at CPAReviewMaterials.com - he offers Wiley, Lambers, Kaplan, Gleim & Bisk CPA exam review products and can help you find the product best suited to your needs. Best of luck on your CPA exams!

~Donna

Interview: CPA Review Materials

Recently, Andrew Lee of CPA Review Materials interviewed me about my CPA exam experience.  Read the article to find out how I overcame obstacles to success, the methods I used for retaining & recalling material, and where I found the determination to succeed.  This article was first published on October 10, 2010 at http://www.cpareviewmaterials.com/news/26/Interview-with-CPA-Exam-Success-Donna-Harding.html

Interview With CPA Exam Success Donna Harding

 

What made you want to become a CPA?

My accounting courses in college were taught by CPAs who highly recommended pursuing licensure. They often spoke of the difference it makes in accounting careers – I wanted the path that leads to a better earning potential and standard of living.


You passed the CPA exam on your first attempt, which is a rare feat. To what do you attribute your success?
Dedication and support. I set my goal to pass the first time, no matter what. I was going to finish the CPA exams ASAP because I’d seen the low pass rates and heard the stories about how the process could become drawn-out. Fear of spending months in “CPA study hell” boosted my resolve. I made all necessary sacrifices to study, prepare, and pass the exams on my first try. My family was a great source of support; my husband not only put up with my excessive grouchiness, but he pitched in at home and gave me the space and time I needed to focus on studying. He also has the best shoulder for leaning on.


What was the most difficult part of preparing for the CPA exam and what did you do to overcome it?
Making myself study was the most difficult part. There are so many distractions in life, all of which are more fun than studying. I found that tasks I previously avoided became more enjoyable than studying (who wouldn’t rather clean up after the dog?)! It takes a discipline to study rather than give in to distraction. I had a schedule to meet in order to be ready on exam day. My study calendar had very specific goals for each day and each week, with one “catch up & review” day per week, in case something came up. I stuck to that schedule as if it were life and death.


Many CPA candidates struggle with retaining the vast amount of information tested on the exam. They may learn a concept and understand it, but after continuing on to other sections and returning, they find some of the information is forgotten. Was this an issue for you, and if so, what did you do to combat it?
Yes, it was! Most of us never learned how to “study.” We might know how to get good grades, or how to pass a class, but these short-term abilities don’t often require long-term retention. The trick to retaining information long-term is cyclical review. I relied on and often recommend the Strategic Learning information provided by Dartmouth online at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/videos/index.html.


What was the most effective form of studying for you (e.g. lectures, textbooks, flashcards, practice multiple choice questions, etc.)?
Honestly, I used all of it! Repetition, repetition, repetition. I viewed lectures with my textbooks and pre-printed flashcards open and ready; I made lecture notes and highlighted both textbooks and flashcards. This active form of learning required me to be alert and process information. I followed each lecture topic with multiple choice questions, repeating the series until I had 100% correct. I carried flashcards with me at all times and reviewed them at every opportunity. I also completed practice simulations and at least two complete practice exams for each exam section. Did I mention that repetition is key?


Any regrets about the long hours you put into it, now that you have passed?
That’s a tough one. If I eliminated one part of my study routine, I might not have passed on my first try, so I have no regrets in that respect. On the other hand, I missed several important things during my study sequestering and it took a toll on my personal life. After I passed my last exam, I focused on putting my life back into balance and I think everything worked out just fine.

Check out Andrew's blog & resources: http://www.cpareviewmaterials.com/.

Follow him at @CPAStudy.

Slaying Your CPA Study Dragon

The calendar is filled with chapters, topics and tasks to complete before sitting for the next CPA exam. Realistic daily study goals are set. Now it's time to slay the dragon. It will take dedication, focus and a bit of selfishness to absorb the reading and lectures, practice MCQ and simulations, and achieve success on your next exam. Preparing for the CPA exams is a temporary situation. You can do anything for a few months. You can achieve your study goals, especially if you're prepared!

1. Develop the proper mindset. Set daily study goals and prioritize daily tasks, making study a top priority. Distractions will attempt to undermine you; conquer them with willpower and dedication to goals. CPA prep months are not the time to buy or sell a home, start a family, coach a little league team or take on any extra-curricular projects – these things will wait until after you pass the exams. Become comfortable with saying "No."
2. Take care of yourself during prep months. Exercise to reduce effects of stress and anxiety. Eat a well-balanced diet, keeping snacks handy for study. Get adequate sleep nightly. Brains do amazing things during sleep; during my CPA prep, I often dreamt of the day's problems and worked them out by morning! Meditation, positive affirmations, and visualization techniques help with confidence, stress management, and focus; use every tool at your disposal.
3. Block distractions. CPA exam prep programs make excellent use of computer and online capabilities. Yet, this is a doorway for distractions. Close email, instant messaging, and social media to avoid distractions during study time; these things can wait until break time.
4. Track daily progress. Evaluate yourself weekly to see if goals for time spent and volume of material covered are achieved. If goals are not met, adjust behavior accordingly. Be sure to reward yourself for meeting goals!
5. Use checklists. At the beginning of each chapter, list everything required and check off tasks as completed. I use spreadsheets for setting goals and tracking progress, but a handwritten list works, too. For me, each checkmark at completion represented another step toward passing my exams and was often my favorite reward! I've included my FAR final review goal sheet as an example.
6. Make study and review convenient. Carry flashcards, textbook, handwritten notes, or a laptop (to access lectures and MCQ) at all times. Use every unoccupied moment to review flashcards, practice MCQ, view or review lectures and study. Have a good supply of blank 3 x 5 cards, highlighters, pens, note paper and other supplies ready to make the most of study time.
7. Focus on the positive. CPA preparation has a learning curve. Lectures, MCQ and simulations require more time in the beginning; over time, candidates gain familiarity with format and routine, study progresses and endurance improves. Try not to become discouraged in the early weeks of prep; it will become easier.
8. Focus on small pieces. The CPA exam is often referred to as "a mile wide, but an inch deep" and the volume of material to study can be overwhelming. Remember how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time! Set a timer for 20 minutes and study until it goes off, take a 5 minute break. Repeat until goals for the day are met.
9. Ask family and friends for support and space. Family and friends can be a source of inspiration and support; they might help with children and necessities, or provide reassurance; accept their offers to help. Politely decline requests and invitations, knowing life returns to normal after passing exams.
10. Use your CPA exam support network. As supportive as family can be, unless they've taken the CPA, they don't grasp what you are going through. Social media and CPA exam review websites are offer support from other candidates and those who have passed. My "Tweeps" were of great help to me during study breaks!
11. Use long-term goals to stay focused and committed. Tape a photo of your dream car, a travel brochure, etc. on your fridge as a reminder of long-term goals. I found that seeing my name, followed by "CPA" was very motivating. Picture your future the way you want it to be, taking steps to create that reality.

My friend, Julie, recently said, "Challenge is a dragon with a gift in its mouth. Befriend, tame, or slay the dragon and the gift is yours." At times, my CPA preparation felt like dragon-slaying. However, dragons are what you imagine them to be. Are you fighting a giant, scary beast or taking a ride on a friendly winged creature? Everyone's CPA exam journey is different. Try suggestions that make sense in your life and implement the approach that works best for you. If you have specific questions for me, feel free to ask them here, my question & answer page, or follow me on Twitter.

Best wishes for success on your next CPA exam!

-Donna

This article first appeared at CPA Review Materials on June 7, 2010.

Donna, on one of your previous discussions, you have indicated that you took three sections all in November. I am curious to know how you allocated your time to study. Could you please elaborate on this a little more? Thank you.

I was 9 credits short of the 150-hour requirement when I began preparing for the CPA exams, which is the reason for my scheduling pile-up. In mid-July, I enrolled in a for-credit CPA prep course through Lakeland College http://lakeland.edu/cpa.asp, which included Becker’s full courses and final review product. I completed the full courses for REG, FAR and BEC prior to November (when I became eligible to sit). I began my final review for REG in mid-October and sat for it Tuesday, November 3rd. I took one day off to “decompress” then began final review for BEC, which I took on Tuesday, November 17th. One more sanity day off, then completed the AUD course and final review and sat for AUD on Saturday, November 28th.
If this sounds like a crazy schedule, it was. Other facets of my life were put on hold while I buried myself in studying throughout November. (Thank heaven for the wonderful mother & mother-in-law who sent home-cooked turkey & all the sides to me on Thanksgiving Day!) I also took a long and well-earned break during December to recuperate and catch up with my life. This is not a schedule for everyone; however, if you are highly motivated and want to pass your CPA exams under strict time constraints, it can be done!
-Donna

Hey Donna...Can you please let me tell me how much time should i dedicate for Final Review and i am doing final review do i need to revise the entire textbook again??

Schedule about 14 days for each final review. This is not the time to learn new material, but to review the topics you have already learned. Browse through the entire textbook, making notes of key areas, mnemonics, formulas, charts, etc. (I used note cards and mind mapping for this). If you are using a final review product, such as Becker's, begin there and refer back to full textbook for more in-depth topic information & details.
While increased exposure promotes familiarity with material, memorization is required to be successful on the exams. During your final review, use your note cards every day, as often as possible. Each time you flip through a pack, remove the cards you have memorized and spend more time with those you don’t. Schedule and simulate at least 2 complete practice exams before your test date to build up stamina and endurance. Last 48 hours before your exam, MEMORIZE anything you don’t already know, manage stress and anxiety and see yourself being successful on that exam! Best of luck to you!
- Donna

Guest Blog: Passing the CPA exam is not about intelligence...

I'm happy to introduce my guest blogger today, Aparna Sathi. She recently passed all CPA exam sections on the first try. She shares her approach and tips to help you pass the CPA exam.

It was a sweet coincidence when on the very day I was reading my journal from last year; Donna asked me if I could write something about my experience with studying and passing CPA.

My journey started last summer after I quit my job as an audit associate to move to a different state so I could stay with my husband. Considering the tanking economy and the fact that I absolutely loved my job, it was one of the hardest decisions for me. But on the plus side, I knew that this would give me a chance to pay full and undivided attention to passing the exam.

Simulations… without Anxiety

Lately, I've received several questions about simulations and understand the anxiety they can create. Here is my method for simulation prep and my exam day strategy. I hope you find it helpful as you prepare for your next CPA exam.

SIMULATION INFO AND PREP

Under the current format, three sections of the CPA exam contain simulations (condensed case studies) and constructed response (writing sample), presented together in testlets, but graded independently.

The simulation portions are worth 20% of your exam score, while the constructed responses are worth 10%.

A maximum of 70 points are possible from the MCQs and candidates must earn points on the simulations and written responses in order to pass. Many students become anxious about these testlets, but this can be overcome with adequate preparation and strategy.

The specific topic on your exam will be anyone's guess, so be sure to follow the content guidelines for the exam you're taking. Anything you study for the multiple choice portions is fair game for a simulation or written response. The instructor for your prep course may indicate specific topics where a simulation is more or less likely, but candidates should be prepared for anything.

Simulations come in many formats: matching, fill-in-the-blank, categorizing, research - you name it!

Work as many practice simulations as possible, using your CPA Review prep software to become familiar with different format possibilities. If you know how to search with Google, you can handle the research tab. Focus your efforts on finding the magic keywords.

Do the simulation testlets included in your practice exams during your final review. It is important to know how much time YOU need to be successful in these sections before sitting for your next Exam section.

The constructed response requires specific preparation. Practice creating written responses within a 10-15 minute time limit, using proper business writing techniques and formats.

Practice in the same way you will be required to perform in the exam (don't look up answers or submit an outline).

Read the information provided by the AICPA for requirements and scoring specifics here.

DONNA'S EXAM DAY STRATEGY:

1. Begin by reading the written communications tab. Start thinking about your response and jotting down notes and details on the scratch paper provided.

2. Read the situation and directions for the remaining tabs. Check the resource tab for additional information. There may be facts in these tabs that you need to know or will be helpful for your constructed response.

3. Carefully read the constructed response instructions; do what is asked; STAY ON TOPIC!

4. According to cpa-exam.org: "Written communication responses are scored on the basis of three criteria: (1) organization (structure, ordering of ideas, linking of ideas one to another); (2) development (presentation of supporting evidence); and (3) expression (use of standard business English). Responses that do not address the assigned topic are not scored." Note that responses are not scored for accuracy of information. Simply put: if you do not know the answer, use information you do know about the topic to intelligently respond, focus on your writing skills to meet the 3 criteria and move on.

5. Some candidates use the research tab to find information for use in the written portion. This could be a huge waste of valuable exam minutes and should only be attempted if your memory hasn't been triggered in the other tabs and you draw a complete blank on the topic.

6. Exam functionality allows candidates to split the simulation screen between 2 tabs, not the same tab; this limitation may require scrolling up and down to refer to directions and respond - use your scratch paper for notes to simplify the process.

7. Watch your timer! Target 10-15 minutes to write and proofread your written response. Finish the written portion first to secure 10 solid points before working the remaining tabs.

8. Work the remaining tabs, beginning with those you are most confident with; read the instructions carefully and enter your answers carefully.

9. Use the functional tools (calculator, spreadsheet) if you need them.

10. During the CPA exam, you do not lose points for incorrect responses, but you don't receive points for items left unanswered. Fill in an answer for every blank!

11. If you find yourself running out of time, use your last minute or two to make sure you have filled in as many answers as possible (even if this means guessing).

Practice this approach during your final review and make adjustments to your personal strategy as you see fit.

Consider the fact that an outstanding performance on MCQ will relieve some pressure from performance on simulations.

If you have specific questions for me, feel free to ask them here, visit my personal blog, my formspring.me page, or follow me on Twitter.

Best wishes for success on your next CPA exam!

This article was also published on Another 71 - The CPA Exam Community May, 2010.

Mind Maps by Ernest Tucker

With deepest appreciation, I'm happy to introduce Ernest Tucker as my guest writer today. Ernie's article introduces and explains the learning and memory technique of Mind Maps and how it benefits candidates preparing for CPA exams.

Mind Map example for CPA exam from CPAtwits.com

Mind maps are excellent at summarizing a lot of information into one place. By using connecting branches, colors, graphics and key words it can increase your memory. A single picture or word can increase your memory and increase your score on your exam. By just having a picture or word in your memory it can help you remember 5 or 6 important points.

Researchers Mastroieri and Scruggs have eight guidelines for improving memorization:

Donna, Please tell us which material you used & how to prepare for regulation -Jen

I used Becker materials (Online & CD-ROM course, Pass Master, flashcards, and Final Review product) to prepare for each section of the exam. This sounds like a lot, but they all work together. Becker’s online course is a duplication of their CD-ROM course (without simulations and practice exams) but allows access to materials anywhere you can access the internet.

How to use the materials for success:

Your Study Zone

Each CPA candidate has different circumstances, living arrangements, and requirements for focus. I found the workstation I used at home during undergrad study to be inadequate for graduate classes and CPA exam prep, perhaps due the volume of material to memorize, time constraints, or because it was in the middle of many distractions. I set out to study at the library, but found it too distracting (not everyone obeys the "quiet" signs). Coffee shops are also too busy for me to get much studying done.

I have no office space at home, so I had to be creative. After a few failed locations, I settled into a corner of the basement (see photo). The table faces the wall, with a window to the right for sunlight. With my back to the room, I was not distracted by others when wearing earplugs or listening to lectures.

When preparing your study zone, aim to:

How much time does it really take to pass all 4 parts of the CPA exams?

Be honest with yourself when planning study time. Can you dedicate 25 focused hours a week or 12? If you spend 4 hours every weekday with an additional 5-10 hours on weekends, you’ll have 150 hours of study completed in 6 weeks. Use that guideline for each exam and you’ll need about 6 months, barring major interruption or life event.

Personally, I spent 6 intense months preparing and passing pass all 4 exams, 5 of those as a full-time MBA student. I began the CPA exam process in mid-July. I became exam-eligible and took 3 exams in November, followed by a study break during most of December and January. I re-dedicated my efforts in late January and took my last exam at the end of February. This is the plan that worked for me. The plan that works for you will reflect the time YOU are able and willing to dedicate.

Scheduling CPA exam prep time

Learn, practice and review... all with a busy schedule? Yes, you can do this. I applied many of the Strategic Learning methods with great success during my preparation for the CPA exams. I prepared using the Becker CPA materials, including the instructor-moderated online course, CD-ROM course with PassMaster, full flashcard set and Final Review product for all four exam sections. Regardless of your choice in preparation materials, success comes from learning, practicing, and reviewing every day.

One of the most important aspects of preparing for the exams is cyclical review, but few students plan for this. I've included my FAR learn, study and review calendar for your reference below; I followed this to the letter to prepare and pass FAR. In my schedule, two new chapters are covered each week, with weekly reviews of earlier topics conducted on Sundays. This schedule assumes roughly 4 hours of prep time daily. I’m happy to answer questions about scheduling your prep time (post in comments).

Which order should I take the #CPA exams in?

Option 1: Consider your strengths. Customize your exam order to begin with areas of greatest knowledge. The goal with this approach is to build up confidence while progressing through each exam section. For example, if IT and business concepts are your strong point, start with BEC. If taxes are a breeze, begin with REG. If you are the guru of GAAP & GL entries, take FAR first. If you know GAAS inside and out, begin with AUD. When you prepare for your most worrisome exam, you will have taken three exams and be most comfortable with exam format, timing, and the Prometric process; your prep time can focus fully on material.

Option 2: Focus on your weakest areas to overcome fears. This approach times the candidate’s 18-month window to begin once the most challenging exam is passed, minimizing the chance for expiration of passed exams. Many suggest taking FAR first, because it has the greatest volume of topics and certain topics apply to other areas.

Personally, I prefer and applied option 1. This approach worked well for me and I believe people enjoy greatest success when focusing on strengths.

I graduated with honors. Why can't I pass the CPA exam?

Clearly, academic ability is generally a benefit in life. A student who understands the expectations, has aptitude, and strives to meet those expectations can generally be successful in school, enjoying additional success in life. However, academic courses are short-term in nature and long-term retention is not every student's focus.

Many students know how to complete assignments and study for upcoming exams, meeting the immediate requirement for the desired grade. However, students often fail at long-term retention of details because focus shifts to the newest assignments after a chapter, topic, or term is over. Tutors refer to this as the "glib student." If this sounds familiar, there is hope. Long-term retention can be achieved with proper learning, study and review techniques.

Perhaps you were never taught how to learn, study and review to achieve long-term retention. The Academic Skills Center at Dartmouth College offers excellent resources for Strategic Learning, time management, notetaking, reading improvement, and stress management. Time is well-spent viewing this short video and using the proven techniques. If you have an excellent academic record yet struggle with the CPA exams,  improving your learning, study and review techniques may be just what you need to pass the CPA exams.

When is the best time to study for the CPA exam?

This depends on your schedule and preference. Your goal is to study frequently, EVERY day. Use a single block of hours, many 15 minute power bursts, a marathon-study weekend, or any combination of these approaches. Start the day studying to take advantage of a brain that is fresh, alert and ready to learn or study in the evening to promote subconscious review during sleep. Study during your public commute might make it go by more quickly.

My favorite time to study was during and following a brisk walk, to take advantage of the increased blood flow to the brain. I set aside blocks of time each day to watch lectures, work MCQ and practice simulations at my computer. However, I was often seen flipping through my flashcards while in line at the grocery, in a doctor’s waiting room, and while a passenger in a car – each minute counts!

After intense study periods, take short “mindless” breaks, doing yard work, housecleaning, playing with your dog, resting, etc. These breaks allow your brain to absorb & solidify the most recent material and “make it stick” before adding new material. It is very helpful to set a schedule with goals for daily study time and record progress at day’s end. Be honest with yourself – does that hour of “study” during Survivor count? Each new day brings new opportunities and choices to help you pass the CPA exam.

What will your next CPA exam be like?

You decide! First think about it. Think about the specifics, the details. Now close your eyes and picture what it looks like. See it as if a photo on your desktop (see my example). Your brain is sharp, clear and efficient. You feel assured as you read and answer each MCQ. You are right on schedule. You remember details and click radio buttons with confidence. You respond to written portions with professionalism, clarity and proper grammar. You rock each exam and know it. This is not only how your CPA exams end, this is how they begin.

Welcome

…to my first blog. I never planned on blogging, but had several requests for a blog, so here it is.
If you're looking for commiseration, complaining, or excuses you won't find any here. I don't believe that's what any CPA exam candidate really needs.

What you will find here are the proven practices, study tips and encouragement I used to pass all four sections of the CPA exams on my first attempt. I'm sharing to help CPA candidates reach the goal of passing the CPA exams. I will endeavor to keep my posts concise - if you're preparing for an exam, you don't need to waste time reading a long blog post!