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!