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.