CPA Prep Courses
Few would argue the need to take a CPA prep course as a means for helping get ready for the real exams. But there are a lot of things that you need to be aware of to increase your chances of succeeding.
Check the Qualifications
Examine the credentials of the instructor prior to joining a live class. Is he / she a full time teacher or just part time? Listen carefully to what they’re saying. Do they seem knowledgeable or are they just reading the material? You should also be wary of those who only depend on their experience.
That last point is important; these days, CPA exams are done with computers. If your CPA prep course teacher is still used to the pencil and paper routine, you won’t be updated on the latest techniques.
A note on online classes: some so called interactive classes just play back a prerecorded video instead of offering a real instructor, so beware.
Audio Recordings and Weekend Classes
If you’re busy, there are now live classes that take place weekly. This setup makes it more convenient for those who are busy during the whole week. Another tip: use audio recordings. You can listen to these after work or when you’re traveling. It’s a convenient way to learn and review the things that you’re studied already.
The audio recordings are also ideal for those who prefer the self study route. It’s also suited for those who’d rather study at home than travel just to get to class.
Self Study or Live Class?
The self study CPA prep courses are suited for those who have self discipline. If you need supervision or procrastinate, taking a live class will be the better option. A structured review course is also suited for those who’ve graduated from their accountancy course years ago.
Updated Study Materials
Classes and structured review courses offer updated study materials. If you’re self studying, acquiring the newest study materials is also a must.
For starters, you need to get familiar with the software. It’s very different from the ones you typically use. Spend as much time as possible getting familiar with the exam questions and sample test papers. Go over all the topics carefully.
When looking for updated CPA prep course study materials, never buy anything that is a year old. These older materials are cheaper, but the information contained will be out of date. It’s better to spend money on new materials that make errors in the actual CPA exam because of outdated study tools.
Tips on Product Research
Compare the AICPA exams with the product you’re researching. Are they similar? Are the questions tough enough without being too confusing? What about the help file? Does it actually help?
If you’re taking the exam online, how extensive are the features? Can you take the exam online or do you have to print the papers out? Printing every test paper will end up costing you a lot of money. In that case, you might be better off buying a book.
Some people feel that the choices they have to make when choosing the CPA prep course is as hard as the actual exam. But you need to persevere. Invest time in making the right choices, and you will be better prepared for the CPA exam.