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.

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.

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.