It is no secret that study materials are available at bookstores and CPA exam websites for people to purchase. Such materials serve as guidebooks that work through the various sections of the CPA exam and offer practice questions for students to gauge how well they do along the way. However, do not become overly comfortable with the study materials. Just because you ace a portion of the sample test does not mean you will find the same questions on the final exam. As such, study a diverse array of materials from various educational companies to expand your knowledge.
Time management plays an integral role in taking the CPA exam. Not only do you need to organize your time prior to the test so that you can prepare for it appropriately, but you must also use time management skills to pace yourself throughout the test when you finally take it. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the CPA exam contains four different areas: auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation and business environment and concepts. The length of the exam can be daunting, but it is very important not to let the minutes and hours slip away from you early in the test. Spending too much time in the beginning or middle sections cuts into your ability to finish the exam. Accordingly, many students time themselves when they study to see how fast they must answer each question.
Avoid pulling an all-nighter before the exam. It is important that you get plenty of sleep because you will need to muster the most concentration you are capable of for the test. Going into the exam tired and groggy can be disastrous. Additionally, it is important to eat a breakfast of champions before the exam. Even if your stomach does not feel hungry because of all the pretest butterflies, fill your belly with brain food, such as eggs and toast. Avoid sugary breakfasts that will make you feel hungry shortly into the exam.
Understand the skill specifications for what the CPA exam is evaluating you on. The skill specifications outline can be obtained through the American Institute for CPAs. It is important for you to know how the scoring system works and what the reviewers are specifically looking for, because it can help your chances of bringing up your final grade. Get as much clarification from the AICPA as you can prior to taking the test so that you can also clear up any misconceptions or rumors about how the scoring system works.