You Need Only 5 Things to Pass the CPA Exam

October 26, 2009 | Posted by Steve (cpastories)

Five things are needed to pass the CPA exam, and it is amazing how simple the things are. The good news is, almost everyone has the things, or one can develop them:

1. Intellectual and academic readiness. If you have been approved to take the exam, then the AICPA, NASBA, and/or your State Board of Accountancy think you are (intellectually and academically) ready to take the exam.

2. Good Study Material. I have addressed this topic before. As you may have seen, you are more important or critical to passing the CPA exam than the study material. The material has to meet both the exam requirements and your needs.

3. Commitment to study the material and prepare adequately for the exam. There is no commitment without persistent and focused action and vice varsa. The exam is tough and also passable. You just have to give it the respect, time, focus, and preparation that it demands. There is no substitute for practice.

4. Good exam technique. Mostly, commonsense stuff. Pace yourself (that is time budgeting and sticking to the budget). Read the questions carefully. Educated guessing. Basic computer skills (for example, how to split a screen or use embedded/onscreen calculator). Don’t leave questions unanswered. Focus on each question. Read the question (stem) first. Starting with the essay part of the simulation. Double-checking questions to make sure you read it correctly. Double-checking answers to make sure you selected what you wanted to select. Double-checking spelling and grammar. Making sure all questions aare answered. You can find more of these tips in your CPA review book or your lecturer (on DVD or live) will probably give you some pointers. Good exam technique is more effective if you are fully prepared for the exam.

5. Positive Thinking. You can pass without believing in yourself (that you can do it). I, however, think that positive thinking makes the a trip on this road less traveled a lot easier.

All the tips on this blog and other places can be summarized into these 5 things, or they are closely related to these. That is all you need.

[If you think there is more than this, or that you can take out one of these, please feel free to share below or send me an email via the contact form.]

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found that helpful. Your comments are welcome.

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