Candidate Community

I would love to see folks share their tips for successfully studying for and passing the CPA exam.

While I passed over 10 years ago, I do have a few tips I always share with candidates: You 100% need a strong support system. Friends, family, co-workers, people you see at church, ect. You will have good days and you will have bad days as you progress through the exam. The more people in your corner to support you on the bad days and celebrate you on the good days, the better. 

BECKER IS NOT A "MAGIC BULLET". You NEED to be WILLING and ABLE to put in the time and dedication needed to study to the level where you will pass, regardless of what review course(s) you plan to use.

You will need to make short term sacrifices to ensure success. This doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in a room for a year but you need to learn to be extra selective about how you spend your "free" time when you are in "study mode".

EXPECT TO FAIL. If you are a perfectionist like me, failing a section is the worst thing in the world. But I am telling you today that it will probably happen. The average number of attempts in Texas needed to pass all 4 sections is 7. So realistically, you will fail at least 2 sections and still be above average among your peers (This may have changed with the new disciplines but not enough info yet).Happy to share more in the future! 

I would love to see folks share their tips for successfully studying for and passing the CPA exam.

While I passed over 10 years ago, I do have a few tips I always share with candidates: You 100% need a strong support system. Friends, family, co-workers, people you see at church, ect. You will have good days and you will have bad days as you progress through the exam. The more people in your corner to support you on the bad days and celebrate you on the good days, the better. 

BECKER IS NOT A "MAGIC BULLET". You NEED to be WILLING and ABLE to put in the time and dedication needed to study to the level where you will pass, regardless of what review course(s) you plan to use.

You will need to make short term sacrifices to ensure success. This doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in a room for a year but you need to learn to be extra selective about how you spend your "free" time when you are in "study mode".

EXPECT TO FAIL. If you are a perfectionist like me, failing a section is the worst thing in the world. But I am telling you today that it will probably happen. The average number of attempts in Texas needed to pass all 4 sections is 7. So realistically, you will fail at least 2 sections and still be above average among your peers (This may have changed with the new disciplines but not enough info yet).Happy to share more in the future! 

Here are some tips that I always share with my students:

• Create a realistic study schedule. Set specific study times each day, even if it's just an hour in the morning or evening. Consistency is more important than long sessions.

• Use a planner or digital app to stay organized. Break down topics by week and track your progress. Rely on the planner tools that are built into CPA review courses.

• Leverage "micro-study" sessions. Use short breaks, commutes (if you're not driving), or lunch hours to review flashcards, listen to audio summaries, or quiz yourself.

• Maximize weekend productivity. Block out longer study periods on weekends for deeper review, simulations, and practice exams.

• Communicate with your support system. Let your employer, family, or roommates know your goals and schedule-this helps manage expectations and gain their support.

• Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of cramming, aim for focused study blocks using active recall, practice questions, and spaced repetition.

• Don't skip self-care. Make time for sleep, healthy meals, and short breaks to avoid burnout-your brain performs best when rested.

• Be flexible and forgiving. Life happens. If you miss a session, adjust your plan instead of getting discouraged. Progress is the goal-not perfection.

And maybe the most important tip ---> Just START STUDYING! One step at a time.

I would love to see folks share their tips for successfully studying for and passing the CPA exam.

While I passed over 10 years ago, I do have a few tips I always share with candidates: You 100% need a strong support system. Friends, family, co-workers, people you see at church, ect. You will have good days and you will have bad days as you progress through the exam. The more people in your corner to support you on the bad days and celebrate you on the good days, the better. 

BECKER IS NOT A "MAGIC BULLET". You NEED to be WILLING and ABLE to put in the time and dedication needed to study to the level where you will pass, regardless of what review course(s) you plan to use.

You will need to make short term sacrifices to ensure success. This doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in a room for a year but you need to learn to be extra selective about how you spend your "free" time when you are in "study mode".

EXPECT TO FAIL. If you are a perfectionist like me, failing a section is the worst thing in the world. But I am telling you today that it will probably happen. The average number of attempts in Texas needed to pass all 4 sections is 7. So realistically, you will fail at least 2 sections and still be above average among your peers (This may have changed with the new disciplines but not enough info yet).Happy to share more in the future! 

These are great tips! Does anyone have any other helpful tips to share? Please feel encouraged to ask any questions as well! We are here to support you.

Here are some tips that I always share with my students:

• Create a realistic study schedule. Set specific study times each day, even if it's just an hour in the morning or evening. Consistency is more important than long sessions.

• Use a planner or digital app to stay organized. Break down topics by week and track your progress. Rely on the planner tools that are built into CPA review courses.

• Leverage "micro-study" sessions. Use short breaks, commutes (if you're not driving), or lunch hours to review flashcards, listen to audio summaries, or quiz yourself.

• Maximize weekend productivity. Block out longer study periods on weekends for deeper review, simulations, and practice exams.

• Communicate with your support system. Let your employer, family, or roommates know your goals and schedule-this helps manage expectations and gain their support.

• Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of cramming, aim for focused study blocks using active recall, practice questions, and spaced repetition.

• Don't skip self-care. Make time for sleep, healthy meals, and short breaks to avoid burnout-your brain performs best when rested.

• Be flexible and forgiving. Life happens. If you miss a session, adjust your plan instead of getting discouraged. Progress is the goal-not perfection.

And maybe the most important tip ---> Just START STUDYING! One step at a time.

I would love to see folks share their tips for successfully studying for and passing the CPA exam.

While I passed over 10 years ago, I do have a few tips I always share with candidates: You 100% need a strong support system. Friends, family, co-workers, people you see at church, ect. You will have good days and you will have bad days as you progress through the exam. The more people in your corner to support you on the bad days and celebrate you on the good days, the better. 

BECKER IS NOT A "MAGIC BULLET". You NEED to be WILLING and ABLE to put in the time and dedication needed to study to the level where you will pass, regardless of what review course(s) you plan to use.

You will need to make short term sacrifices to ensure success. This doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in a room for a year but you need to learn to be extra selective about how you spend your "free" time when you are in "study mode".

EXPECT TO FAIL. If you are a perfectionist like me, failing a section is the worst thing in the world. But I am telling you today that it will probably happen. The average number of attempts in Texas needed to pass all 4 sections is 7. So realistically, you will fail at least 2 sections and still be above average among your peers (This may have changed with the new disciplines but not enough info yet).Happy to share more in the future! 

My advice is if you are just finishing school and wondering if you should take the test now or do it later, is do it NOW.  Why? Because I'm finding the test prep is easier than my classes were. It doesn't go as deep. I don't have to memorize as many rule exceptions. Everything is still fresh, and the prep courses are just refreshers. If I had to come back after a few years and study for the exams, it would be a different world. Don't delay new graduates, do it NOW.

These are great tips! Does anyone have any other helpful tips to share? Please feel encouraged to ask any questions as well! We are here to support you.

Here are some tips that I always share with my students:

• Create a realistic study schedule. Set specific study times each day, even if it's just an hour in the morning or evening. Consistency is more important than long sessions.

• Use a planner or digital app to stay organized. Break down topics by week and track your progress. Rely on the planner tools that are built into CPA review courses.

• Leverage "micro-study" sessions. Use short breaks, commutes (if you're not driving), or lunch hours to review flashcards, listen to audio summaries, or quiz yourself.

• Maximize weekend productivity. Block out longer study periods on weekends for deeper review, simulations, and practice exams.

• Communicate with your support system. Let your employer, family, or roommates know your goals and schedule-this helps manage expectations and gain their support.

• Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of cramming, aim for focused study blocks using active recall, practice questions, and spaced repetition.

• Don't skip self-care. Make time for sleep, healthy meals, and short breaks to avoid burnout-your brain performs best when rested.

• Be flexible and forgiving. Life happens. If you miss a session, adjust your plan instead of getting discouraged. Progress is the goal-not perfection.

And maybe the most important tip ---> Just START STUDYING! One step at a time.

I would love to see folks share their tips for successfully studying for and passing the CPA exam.

While I passed over 10 years ago, I do have a few tips I always share with candidates: You 100% need a strong support system. Friends, family, co-workers, people you see at church, ect. You will have good days and you will have bad days as you progress through the exam. The more people in your corner to support you on the bad days and celebrate you on the good days, the better. 

BECKER IS NOT A "MAGIC BULLET". You NEED to be WILLING and ABLE to put in the time and dedication needed to study to the level where you will pass, regardless of what review course(s) you plan to use.

You will need to make short term sacrifices to ensure success. This doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in a room for a year but you need to learn to be extra selective about how you spend your "free" time when you are in "study mode".

EXPECT TO FAIL. If you are a perfectionist like me, failing a section is the worst thing in the world. But I am telling you today that it will probably happen. The average number of attempts in Texas needed to pass all 4 sections is 7. So realistically, you will fail at least 2 sections and still be above average among your peers (This may have changed with the new disciplines but not enough info yet).Happy to share more in the future! 

I appreciate this affirmation of my thoughts. I don't really want to go right into test mode. However, even if I don't complete everything to get licensed right away, I believe that once I pass the tests, I won't have to retake them. 

My advice is if you are just finishing school and wondering if you should take the test now or do it later, is do it NOW.  Why? Because I'm finding the test prep is easier than my classes were. It doesn't go as deep. I don't have to memorize as many rule exceptions. Everything is still fresh, and the prep courses are just refreshers. If I had to come back after a few years and study for the exams, it would be a different world. Don't delay new graduates, do it NOW.

These are great tips! Does anyone have any other helpful tips to share? Please feel encouraged to ask any questions as well! We are here to support you.

Here are some tips that I always share with my students:

• Create a realistic study schedule. Set specific study times each day, even if it's just an hour in the morning or evening. Consistency is more important than long sessions.

• Use a planner or digital app to stay organized. Break down topics by week and track your progress. Rely on the planner tools that are built into CPA review courses.

• Leverage "micro-study" sessions. Use short breaks, commutes (if you're not driving), or lunch hours to review flashcards, listen to audio summaries, or quiz yourself.

• Maximize weekend productivity. Block out longer study periods on weekends for deeper review, simulations, and practice exams.

• Communicate with your support system. Let your employer, family, or roommates know your goals and schedule-this helps manage expectations and gain their support.

• Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of cramming, aim for focused study blocks using active recall, practice questions, and spaced repetition.

• Don't skip self-care. Make time for sleep, healthy meals, and short breaks to avoid burnout-your brain performs best when rested.

• Be flexible and forgiving. Life happens. If you miss a session, adjust your plan instead of getting discouraged. Progress is the goal-not perfection.

And maybe the most important tip ---> Just START STUDYING! One step at a time.

I would love to see folks share their tips for successfully studying for and passing the CPA exam.

While I passed over 10 years ago, I do have a few tips I always share with candidates: You 100% need a strong support system. Friends, family, co-workers, people you see at church, ect. You will have good days and you will have bad days as you progress through the exam. The more people in your corner to support you on the bad days and celebrate you on the good days, the better. 

BECKER IS NOT A "MAGIC BULLET". You NEED to be WILLING and ABLE to put in the time and dedication needed to study to the level where you will pass, regardless of what review course(s) you plan to use.

You will need to make short term sacrifices to ensure success. This doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in a room for a year but you need to learn to be extra selective about how you spend your "free" time when you are in "study mode".

EXPECT TO FAIL. If you are a perfectionist like me, failing a section is the worst thing in the world. But I am telling you today that it will probably happen. The average number of attempts in Texas needed to pass all 4 sections is 7. So realistically, you will fail at least 2 sections and still be above average among your peers (This may have changed with the new disciplines but not enough info yet).Happy to share more in the future!