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:

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).

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.