How To Pass The CPA Exam

Here are 5 steps you need to follow to set yourself up to take the CPA exam:

1. Decide where you want to be licensed and apply to that jurisdiction.

Specific requirements to become a CPA are provided in the laws of 54 United States jurisdictions. For a summary of the laws and requirements of each jurisdiction, click here. Scroll down page to interactive state map.

If you have already taken the CPA exam, all you have to do is re-apply to the state board of accountancy in your jurisdiction.

2. Review the Uniform CPA Candidate Bulletin.

The bulletin is a resource for individuals who are planning to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. This document has all of the things you need to know about how to apply, register and take the test, and offers general information about examination content and preparation. The bulletin is only available online. To download a copy of the Uniform CPA Candidate Bulletin, click here.

3. Apply to take the Exam

Where to get an application or re-apply:

* The state boards of accountancy in the following states use CPAES as their agent. If you live in of these states and you need to apply, you should call CPAES at 1-800-CPA-EXAM or go to www.nasba.org:

Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin

* Washington state candidates should contact Castle Worldwide at 1-800-655-4845.

* Candidates from all other states should contact their boards of accountancy. Click here to find contact information for the board of accountancy in your jurisdiction.

4. Complete and Submit Forms, Pay Fees

First-time candidates must complete and submit the application forms, along with any required documentation, to the proper address. Every state has different rules and you have to follow the rules for your particular state. You should get all the info you need along with your application.

Your board of accountancy, should contact you once your application has been reviewed. It is estimated that this initial application process will take six to eight weeks; the goal is to continue to shorten this time as the new year-round application process is implemented.

Note: Make sure applications are complete and contain accurate information. Completeness and accuracy dramatically affects the amount of time needed to process the application.

Re-examination candidates: Follow the process set by your jurisdiction. The processing time for re-examination candidates is much shorter; many states are working toward a 24-hour turn-around.



5. Schedule a Test Appointment

This is where you bite the bullet and make a commitment. After your application has been approved, you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) for each exam section you are approved to take. Once you receive an NTS, schedule your test appointment as soon as possible. Since each NTS is only valid for a certain amount of time, we recommend you take your exams as soon as you are prepared - you don't want to lose a testing opportunity or run out of time.

Go to www.prometric.com/CPA to schedule your exam(s) and get instant email confirmation of your appointment. You can also schedule your test by calling the Candidate Services Call Center at 800-580-9648.

Tip: Examinations must be scheduled at least six days in advance. You select the test center location, time and date of your exam(s). You might not always get your first choice, because it depends on seat availability. So try to schedule your test date as early as possible to get your first choice! It is recommended you schedule 45 days in advance.

courtesy: cpa-exam.org

courtesy: cpa-exam.org

courtesy: cpa-exam.org

courtesy: cpa-exam.org

Some simulations will include an online search as a required task. You will receive access to the appropriate accounting literature database during the exam. Depending on the section, you will be directed to Accounting Standards, Auditing Standards or Tax Code.

The exam may not use the most current version of Literature. You are to use the version provided to answer the research question.

Here's a sample screenshot of a search performed for authoritative guidance.



courtesy: cpa-exam.org

Passing the CPA exam is not a simple task. Being a Certified Public Accountant is a very respectable title, so the certification process must match.

Given that, you need to do some heavy preparation for the CPA exam. I'm not going to lie, I studied at least 2-3 hours every day for the 6 months leading up to the exam. And I put in even more time on the weekend.

Here are the keys to success:

1. Have a study schedule and KEEP it

Make sure that you will have enough time to cover all of the material TWICE. Some people like to cram, but I like to "put a second coat of paint" on things. So leave enough time to do what you're comfortable with.

2. Go over practice questions...A LOT OF THEM!

It's all about repetition. Doing as many practice questions as you can will increase the chance that you will come across a question you have already mastered when you are taking the test. The test will be so much easier if you already know the answers!

3. Stay on schedule

I know I already stated this point, but it is very tough to make up lost time. And if you put off studying until the last minute, you are setting yourself up for failure. You have to stay true to your schedule, even if it means missing out on some social events or losing a few hours of sleep.

Follow these 3 strategies and you will increase your chance of passing the CPA exam. The best way to do all 3 of these steps is to take a CPA review course.

The prep course I took many years ago doesn't even compare to Yaeger's course. Technology has changed so much since I took the exam, and Yaeger's has taken full advantage of it.

The prep course I took was a live, classroom type of course. This had its pros and cons, but the biggest con was the time commitment. If I couldn't make a class, I lost out on the opportunity to learn.

But with Yaeger's, it is much different. Because you can watch all of the course material either on your computer or TV, you have access to the material ANYTIME! If you find yourself with some free time, you can just pop in the DVD or fire up your computer to study a few chapters.

I like Yaeger's because:

1. You get unlimited use of the course materials.

2. It is the most updated program available. All of the classes are re-filmed EVERY year.

3. The interactive sample tests are the KEY to mastering the test questions.

4. The course materials come in 3 options: DVD, USB, and online. This means that you can bring the courses with you anywhere you go without having to lug a bunch of books around!

5. It's the CHEAPEST!

And you get discounts if you are an employee of Ernst & Young, KPMG, Deloitte & Touche, PWC, or are a government employee. Visit the website by clicking here and then click on the "Discounts" tab on the left hand side.

You also get discounts if you are a member associations such as Beta Alpha Psi, National Association of Black Accountants, and National Association of Black Accountants. Visit the website by clicking here and then click on the "Discounts" tab on the left hand side.

Here is a chart comparing Yaeger CPA review to some other popular review courses.

Visit Yaeger's website by clicking here.

What is the Uniform CPA Examination?

The Uniform CPA Examination is the examination that individuals must pass in order to qualify for licensure as Certified Public Accountants in any of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands).

The Uniform CPA Examination is one of the "Three Es" - Education, Examination, and Experience - that are required for licensure as a CPA. Consequently, passing the Examination is not, in itself, sufficient to meet requirements for licensure.

Licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction, and are described on the websites of all Boards of Accountancy. Links to Board of Accountancy websites are available at http://www.nasba.org/nasbaweb.nsf/exam

What is the purpose of the Uniform CPA Examination?

According to the CPA Examination Mission Statement, the purpose of the Examination is "To admit individuals into the accounting profession only after they have demonstrated the entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to protect the public interest in a rapidly changing business and financial environment."

Must the Examination be taken in a computer-based format?

Yes. The Uniform CPA Examination is available only in a computer-based format.

When is the Uniform CPA Examination administered?

The Examination is offered 5 (and sometimes 6) days per week during two months of every quarter. (These periods are known as "testing windows.") Testing is available in January & February; April & May; July & August; and October & November. Testing is NOT available in: March, June, September, and December.When is the Uniform CPA Examination administered?

What Are The Parts Of the CPA Exam?

Auditing and Attestation (AUD). This section covers knowledge of auditing procedures, generally accepted auditing standards and other standards related to attest engagements, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.

Business Environment and Concepts (BEC). This section covers knowledge of general business environment and business concepts that candidates need to know in order to understand the underlying business reasons for and accounting implications of business transactions, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.

Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR). This section covers knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.

Regulation (REG). This section covers knowledge of federal taxation, ethics, professional and legal responsibilities, and business law, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.

Must all four Examination sections be taken at the same time?

No. As a rule, Boards of Accountancy permit eligible candidates to take any sections of the Examination in any testing window and in any order they wish. However, candidates may not take any single section twice in the same testing window. Candidates should check their board's requirements for the exact rules that will apply to them.

Is there a time limit for passing the four Examination sections?

These requirements are determined by Boards of Accountancy. Once candidates pass one Examination section, most boards allow 18 months for passing the remaining three sections. Candidates should refer to the requirements of their boards for the rules that will apply to them.

What types of questions are included on the Examination?

The Examination is composed of testlets (groups of 24 or 30 multiple-choice questions) and simulations (condensed case studies). Three testlets and two simulations are included in each of these sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) consists of three multiple-choice testlets only.

Courtesy: cpa-exam.org