Do you want to become a CPA?
This profession is popular due to its average salary. Depending on your job, you can earn as much as $460,000 every year.
However, becoming a CPA means studying and passing the examination. It will be hard without proper preparation. The worst part is not knowing where to start.
Do you need to prepare for the CPA exam? If so, follow the tips we will list below. These are study tips to ensure your career success:
1. Start Preparing as Early as Possible
As soon as you get a CPA exam schedule, start preparing. Some dedicated aspiring accountants start preparing as early as college. You can devote your classes to learning more about becoming an accountant.
Having your college courses revolve around your CPA preparation makes your exam prep easier. When you take a review course after studying accounting, it becomes more of a refresher. You are filling in the gaps since only a few topics will be unfamiliar to you.
2. Map a Routine
As an exam candidate, you must find your best strategy for preparing and studying. For example, look at the topics when covering a section. Think about the exam format and the weight of each subject.
The good news is various preparation courses will give this information. You can check the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) for their Exam Blueprints. It provides a comprehensive insight into the exam.
When making a study plan, ensure it covers several days at a time. Never plan your number of study hours every day. Instead, consider the topics you want to learn.
Avoid taking shortcuts and follow your checklist of subjects. Never skip over a topic even if you already know it well.
However, never get hung up on a single topic as well. Always remember how each only covers one part of the CPA exam.
When you struggle with a subject, skip it while keeping it in mind. Complete the rest of the review book chapter before returning to your problem area. After all, learning about other topics puts it into context.
3. Remove Distractions
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a CPA candidate is to drown in distractions. It sounds obvious, but most people do it unconsciously.
Distractions can either keep you from studying or break your concentration. An example of the former is television. Watching TV prevents you from getting your review materials and starting your review.
As for the latter, it can be YouTube. When you listen to an unrelated podcast, you will more likely internalize it instead of your review materials.
Solve the issue by identifying whatever is keeping you from studying. Once you find these distractions, get rid of them. It requires willpower, but you will accomplish more if you dedicate 100% of your attention.
4. Look for a Study Place
The best way to avoid distractions and stick to your schedule is to find a dedicated study area. It is a place where nothing and no one can bother you. You will have a better time focusing while people leave you alone.
As soon as you enter your study place, mentally prepare yourself. The area must never have a TV or other devices, such as phones. If you can find a place far from the street, you can avoid vehicular noises.
People are less likely to bother you while inside the study area. Without these distractions, you can complete your practice exams more accurately.
5. Take Study Breaks
A lot of people seem to miss this study tip. You can never study 24/7, since doing so will leave you exhausted. It causes you to lose your focus and defeat the purpose of your review.
As a result, you will only waste time and lose more. Build breaks into your study routine to ensure you do not burn out. For example, take a 15-minute break halfway through your studies.
When you take breaks, your mind will get a much-needed rest. It keeps you fresh and ready for more information. However, always be mindful not to let your study breaks get out of control.
The reason for your breaks is to increase your study efficiency. Otherwise, they are nothing more than distractions.
6. Get into the Proper Mindset
It matters not whether you are diving into a prep course or looking at flashcards. Without focus, you will never retain anything from these materials. Before a review session, stop for a few moments to get into the right mindset.
Take a deep breath and get rid of your daily concerns. When you worry about your errands and other tasks, your review will become a waste of time. In most cases, you will forget everything you studied in the last two hours or so.
Always remember how studying is a mental endeavor. Your mindset will dictate whether you retain the knowledge. Get in the zone before starting your study.
7. Keep Your Motivation
At some point during your study, you will question the reason behind doing it in the first place. Your mind will start filling with doubts.
Everyone will experience these since it is normal to be anxious about something as life-changing as a CPA exam. Catch yourself when it happens and remind yourself of the reason for your preparation.
Regardless of your goal, never stop reminding yourself over again. Your CPA exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay pumped and motivated to power through to the finish line.
Are you worried about your job after passing the exams? If so, consider visiting Taxfyle and learn about freelance CPA jobs waiting for you.
Pass Your CPA Exam Now
These are some study tips to ensure your CPA exam is a success. Internalize them since it is easy to lose motivation months before your test-taking day.
However, learning about these habits is only the beginning. Look for reputable exam review materials to stay on track.
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