How to Prepare for your CPA Exam

So, you’ve decided to take the leap and pursue your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. First off, congratulations! It’s a serious commitment, and you’re clearly ready to take your career in accounting to the next level. But as exciting as it is, we know it can also feel overwhelming—between study schedules, review courses, and choosing what section to take first, where do you even begin?

Whether you’re a full-time student, working professional, or someone returning to the world of exams after years in the workforce, this guide is built to give you realistic, actionable, and encouraging advice on preparing for and passing the CPA exam.

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Understanding the CPA Exam Structure

Before diving into study plans and strategies, let’s break down what you're up against. The CPA Exam is made up of four sections:

1. AUD – Auditing and Attestation

2. FAR – Financial Accounting and Reporting

3. REG – Regulation

4. BEC – Business Environment and Concepts (Note: BEC has been replaced in 2024 with three new disciplines under CPA Evolution: BAR, ISC, TCP)

Each section is four hours long, consisting of multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and sometimes written responses (depending on the section). You must pass all four sections within an 18-month window once you pass your first one.

New CPA Evolution Update (2024 and Beyond)

The AICPA and NASBA have updated the CPA licensure model to better reflect the skills needed by today’s accounting professionals. After the Core exams (AUD, FAR, REG), candidates choose one of three discipline exams:

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)

• Information Systems and Controls (ISC)

• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

These updates mean it’s more important than ever to create a personalized strategy.

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Step 1: Know Your Timeline and Plan Backwards

One of the biggest mistakes CPA candidates make is underestimating how much time they actually have—or don’t have. Between work, school, family, and personal obligations, time slips away fast.

How Much Time Should You Plan?

Most candidates require 300–400 hours of study to pass all four exams. That’s roughly:

• 100–120 hours per section

• Spread over 6–8 weeks (minimum) per exam

• 15–20 hours/week of focused studying

But everyone’s pace is different. Be honest with yourself: Do you have 2 hours a day or 2 hours a week? Plan backward from your chosen exam date, and build a study calendar you can stick to.

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Step 2: Choose the Right CPA Review Course

This is not the kind of exam you pass with flashcards and wishful thinking. You need a full review course that matches your learning style. Here are the top CPA prep courses most candidates trust:

• Becker CPA Review – The gold standard, especially if your firm is paying.

• Surgent CPA Review – Adaptive learning tech is great for time-strapped students.

• Roger CPA Review (UWorld) – Known for energetic teaching and engaging lectures.

• Gleim CPA Review – Budget-friendly with extensive multiple-choice databases.

• Wiley CPAexcel – Modular format is perfect for bite-sized learning.

Tip: Use free trials to get a feel for each platform. Your study partner should work with you, not against you.

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Step 3: Know Your Learning Style and Study Smart

Everyone learns differently. Some people retain information better by reading, while others need to hear or see it. Here’s how to lean into your learning style:

• Visual learners: Focus on charts, diagrams, and video lectures.

• Auditory learners: Listen to audio lessons and re-explain concepts out loud.

• Kinesthetic learners: Practice with simulations and hands-on quizzes.

• Readers/writers: Write your own summaries and flashcards.

Whatever your style, active learning always beats passive review. Don’t just watch lectures—test yourself. Review your wrong answers. Reteach concepts to a study partner or even your dog. The more you engage with the content, the better.

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Step 4: Take Practice Tests—A Lot of Them

Your actual CPA exam will feel like a marathon. If you’re not used to sitting through multiple simulations and time-pressured questions, you’ll burn out halfway through. That’s where mock exams come in.

Benefits of Practice Exams:

• Helps with time management

• Builds mental stamina

• Familiarizes you with the exam format

• Identifies your weak spots early

Start with topic-specific quizzes, then graduate to full-length timed exams. Score under 75%? Review your weakest areas before moving on. Many candidates don't pass because they avoid practice tests out of fear of failure. Flip that script.

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Step 5: Balance Your Life and Avoid Burnout

Studying for the CPA exam can feel like a second full-time job. The trick is to pace yourself, create boundaries, and protect your energy.

Tips for Avoiding Burnout:

• Set dedicated study blocks and treat them like non-negotiable appointments.

• Avoid multitasking—it ruins focus and retention.

• Take breaks using the Pomodoro method (25 mins study, 5 mins rest).

• Exercise regularly, even if it’s just walking while listening to audio notes.

• Celebrate milestones like finishing a chapter or hitting your weekly goals.

And here’s a big one: Don’t compare your journey to others. Your pace is your own.

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Step 6: Schedule Your Exams Strategically

Once you feel confident in one section, schedule it—and don’t wait too long. Some sections are harder for certain candidates, so consider your strengths.

Strategic Order:

• Start with your strongest subject to build confidence.

• Or begin with FAR—many say it's the hardest, so if you pass it first, you’re motivated to keep going.

• Leave your weakest section for the end only if you’re disciplined about your schedule.

Also, don’t forget to take the ethics exam (required in many states) and meet your 150-credit requirement for licensure.

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Step 7: Stay in the Game Mentally

There will be tough days. You’ll feel like quitting. You might even fail a section. That doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this.

Stay Mentally Strong:

• Remind yourself why you started—a promotion, a career change, self-respect.

• Lean on your support system—study groups, forums, mentors.

• Don’t panic if you fail—many CPAs didn’t pass every exam on the first try.

• Visualize the finish line—adding “CPA” after your name is worth it.

Remember, this exam is a test of endurance just as much as knowledge. If you keep showing up and improving, success is inevitable.

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Bonus: Tools and Resources That Actually Help

Here are a few underrated tools that can enhance your study game:

• CPA Reddit forums – Real stories, advice, and solidarity.

• Ninja Notes – Supplementary material for tighter budgets.

• Exam Sage – High-quality, affordable practice exams tailored for CPA candidates (Visit Exam Sage)

• Quizlet flashcards – Great for memorizing rules and tax codes.

• Notion or Trello – Organize your schedule and track progress visually.

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Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: Passing the CPA exam isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being consistent, focused, and persistent. Thousands before you have done it, and you can too.

So plan wisely. Study smart. Rest when you need to. And when that “You passed!” screen pops up, you’ll realize every late night, early morning, and missed hangout was worth it.

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