Five basic challenges confront CPA candidates. To achieve success, it is important to address the challenges from the very beginning. This is when the Becker CPA Review can be an invaluable aid in keeping candidates on track to pass.
Challenge 1: Lack of complete preparation
Comprehensive and rigorous preparation is the key to passing all four parts of the CPA Exam. Taking a review course for the CPA Exam will significantly improve your chances of passing. Choose a review course based on:
Comprehensive content
Software that replicates computer-based testing
Support and guidance from experienced professionals
Recent graduates of accounting programs may find that much of the exam content is familiar from their past academic coursework. Familiarity is rarely enough to pass the exam, however. A comprehensive review is necessary to anchor your knowledge in a broad set of topics.
Working professionals will realize that their recall and knowledge of other areas may have eroded. A comprehensive review will be necessary to cover the subject areas to pass the exam, as well as develop required mental endurance and speed.
Comprehensive content
Software that replicates computer-based testing
Support and guidance from experienced professionals
Recent graduates of accounting programs may find that much of the exam content is familiar from their past academic coursework. Familiarity is rarely enough to pass the exam, however. A comprehensive review is necessary to anchor your knowledge in a broad set of topics.
Working professionals will realize that their recall and knowledge of other areas may have eroded. A comprehensive review will be necessary to cover the subject areas to pass the exam, as well as develop required mental endurance and speed.
Solution: A comprehensive review program
Successful CPA candidates must have a thorough academic understanding of exam material, but equally critical is the ability to apply their knowledge instinctively. Courses are both comprehensive and highly focused on what candidates need to know and how to pass.
Challenge 2: Time management
Time management during the CPA Exam is critical and a candidate must be able to respond instinctively.
Candidates must learn to budget the total exam time appropriately amongst the testlets within each part of the exam and should reserve 15 minutes of “oops and breathe” time. Candidates must ensure they stay “on schedule” from testlet to testlet to devote adequate time to each.
Simulations can take from 30 to 50 minutes each to complete. Candidates have less than two minutes to answer each question.
Candidates must learn to budget the total exam time appropriately amongst the testlets within each part of the exam and should reserve 15 minutes of “oops and breathe” time. Candidates must ensure they stay “on schedule” from testlet to testlet to devote adequate time to each.
Simulations can take from 30 to 50 minutes each to complete. Candidates have less than two minutes to answer each question.
Solution: Practice and planning
Gaining practical experience in managing time is an invaluable advantage on exam day. Becker’s PassMaster Software administers timed drills that assess the strongest and weakest areas. Becker’s Final Exam software includes a countdown clock to assist in practicing time management.
Becker’s expert instructors will show how to structure time for each exam part and provide valuable timesaving tips. Flash Cards are used in conjunction with the textbooks and materials. These are excellent tools to increase speed.
Becker’s expert instructors will show how to structure time for each exam part and provide valuable timesaving tips. Flash Cards are used in conjunction with the textbooks and materials. These are excellent tools to increase speed.
Challenge 3: The unique computer-based exam environment
Some candidates may be accustomed to computer-based exams. The CPA Exam environment contains new and unique tools that candidates will want to be very comfortable with before taking the exams.
CPA candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform beyond basic computer skills. The exam interface is unique and candidates must know the exam tools.
Candidates must also be skilled in using the provided four-function calculator, spreadsheet, and research function. Using research, candidates will access authoritative literature to answer auditing, accounting, and taxation questions; to support judgments; and to create formal audit communications. The AICPA offers a tutorial and sample test on the computer-based exam at www.cpa-exam.org.
CPA candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform beyond basic computer skills. The exam interface is unique and candidates must know the exam tools.
Candidates must also be skilled in using the provided four-function calculator, spreadsheet, and research function. Using research, candidates will access authoritative literature to answer auditing, accounting, and taxation questions; to support judgments; and to create formal audit communications. The AICPA offers a tutorial and sample test on the computer-based exam at www.cpa-exam.org.
Solution: Simulation of exam conditions
CPA Exam is different in that the tools and materials contained within the Becker CPA Review are specially designed to mimic the CPA Exam interface. Becker candidates master:
The subject material
Navigating the computer-based exam environment
Using the computer tools provided in the exam interface
Becker’s proprietary PassMaster™ Software contains over 3,000 multiple-choice questions and over 40 simulations designed to replicate those on the exam.
The subject material
Navigating the computer-based exam environment
Using the computer tools provided in the exam interface
Becker’s proprietary PassMaster™ Software contains over 3,000 multiple-choice questions and over 40 simulations designed to replicate those on the exam.
Challenge 4: Lack of self-discipline
For many candidates, procrastination is the biggest enemy.
Candidates have been known to put off their actual testing date after having begun preparation. This can result in lower scores as well as incremental fees, missing testing windows, or even losing credit for previously passed parts of the exam.
Candidates should maximize chances of success and commit to a date of completion and plan to:
Complete preparation for each exam part
Take the exam parts on schedule
Provide for retaking one or more parts of the exam
Candidates have been known to put off their actual testing date after having begun preparation. This can result in lower scores as well as incremental fees, missing testing windows, or even losing credit for previously passed parts of the exam.
Candidates should maximize chances of success and commit to a date of completion and plan to:
Complete preparation for each exam part
Take the exam parts on schedule
Provide for retaking one or more parts of the exam
Solution: Structured methodology and flexible schedule
An exam strategy is imperative to achieving success. Becker CPA Review has laid out a strategy that can lead to success within eight months. The Becker Plan™ provides students with a head start in staying on track.
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