There are now several CPA review classes all over the US and with good reasons. These have proven to be valuable aids to exam takers. Here are some things you should think about before you choose one.

Is the Class Exam Oriented?

Are the concepts and ideas of the class focused on the CPA tests? There have been several concepts used in past CPA tests, but they?re not important right now. What matters to you are the ideas being used presently. You?re probably working on a tight schedule already, so you don?t need any superfluous materials.

When looking for a CPA review class, look at orientation. If it isn?t focused on the present, look somewhere else.

The Presentation Matters

This isn?t just a matter of aesthetics. The actual CPA exam consists of four main parts. It is further divided into auditing, transactions etc. This isn?t how college textbooks are presented.

For this reason, your class must conform to the real thing as closely as possible. In other words, the materials must prove useful when you take the real exams.

Cost Concerns

A typical course will cost you around $2,300 give or take a few hundred dollars. You might be tempted to cut on costs, but think about it. Your future career is at stake here. Fortunately, some companies are willing to pay for the costs of CPA review classes.

Tell your employer of your plans. More often than not, they?ll be glad to reimburse your expenses when you pass. A certified CPA can be a vital addition to a company, so employers usually welcome it.

Comprehensive Materials

At the very least there should be flash cards or computer applications. The latter is particularly important. The software must resemble the real thing as close as possible.

Some services also offer counseling. It can be disheartening to work hard for the test and fail. Go through the services? features. How many of them do you need?

The more features there are, the more expensive the CPA review classes will be. A good rule to remember: only pay for the features you?ll be using. Needless to say, the study resources must be new.

Online vs. Live Classes

Some like to study online because it saves them the trouble of traveling to a far off location. Others prefer the live version because it?s more familiar. Only you can decide which setting suits you most. Whichever you choose, be sure to do research first. Study the credentials of the instructors. Learn as much as you can of the services.

Do not let the sales talk fool you. You need to focus on the facts and what they?re actually offering. It won?t take long before you figure out which services are the best known. When you?ve narrowed your choices to a few, compare their features and prices. This will make choosing a simpler task.

Your decision to become a CPA can boost your career in many ways. With the help of CPA review classes, attaining that dream will be a little easier.

There are plenty of free CPA exam downloads available online. If you’re studying to be a CPA, it’s crucial you know how to take advantage of this. At the same time you need to be aware of the potential pitfalls.

Download What You Need

There are a lot of files you can choose from. Don’t just download everything. Decide on what you need right now. Is it a general study guide? Or is it a test exam simulation? Do you need information on the software? Or is it the requirements in your state?

By getting only what you require, you’ll get to focus on the subject. Getting only the free CPA exam downloads you need should keep you from being overwhelmed.

Picking the Right Site

The right website means one that has accurate and updated materials. Don’t let the flashy graphics fool you. Download one file and read it. Is the info correct? It also won’t hurt to visit forums or blogs. These are excellent places to find links to free CPA resources.

When downloading software, be sure to perform a virus scan. Almost all review courses charge for using software. If a site offers one for free, run a virus scanner. These free CPA exam downloads might contain viruses, so it’s best to be sure.

Quality is of the Essence

This fact can’t be emphasized too much. A free download doesn’t necessarily mean it’s no good. There are a lot of free quality CPA products out there. However a lot of them are not updated. They may have been good resources a couple of years ago but totally useless now.

It’s important to realize CPA exams are constantly being revised. That’s the reason why CPAs still study every few years or so. Don’t bother using free but outdated material. It will only make things worse during the actual exam.

The point here is that you need to be discerning. Although they are free, you have to scrutinize the contents. If the grammar is poor or there are obvious inaccuracies, delete the file. Don’t hesitate to compare the materials in review courses with the stuff you find there.

Supplements, Not Replacements

Keep in mind that even the best free CPA exam downloads are complementary tools. They don’t replace the CPA review courses. They don’t take the place of the self study books or classes (live or online). It’s best to think of these downloads as supplements to the review materials you’re using.

A few other things to remember about using these materials: study all the information provided. Set aside specific times for studies. Give yourself enough time to learn before taking the exam.

Of course you should download the stuff that meets your needs. Pick materials that are most pertinent to your state requirements. Eventually you’ll learn to distinguish between the good stuff and the fluff.

When it comes to free CPA exam downloads, there is no shortage of websites to choose from. With a little bit of research, you’ll get these resources to work for you.

Nothing can guarantee you’ll pass the exam. But a CPA review class can provide you with plenty of benefits that can make a difference.

Getting Familiar with the Software

The word processor and spreadsheet used in CPA exams are different from what you’re used to. Some of the functions you take for granted in Excel and Word aren’t there. By taking review courses, you’ll get to know these applications. This will save you the time from studying the interface as you take the exam.

Anyone’s who’s tried using new software know time is needed to get used to the interface. By going through the CPA review class, you’ll have plenty of time to get used to it.

Going through Simulations

Classes and review courses offer realistic programs that look like the real exam. This format helps in preparing you mentally for the examination. No matter how many books you read, going through a simulation program is still the best way to prepare.

The course providers offer account for all four competency areas. These are financial accounting and reporting, business environment and concepts, regulation and auditing. The information provided can give you insights come exam time.

The simulations also come with detailed reviews. These include the fundamental ideas necessary for exam preparations.

Training Early

It’s recommended that you take the CPA review class as early as possible. Some go through it months ahead of the actual exam. This gives the individual time to get himself / herself ready. By giving yourself this allowance, you’ll have time to assess each provider.

Most will include guides, sample exams etc. These also come with the necessary software. There will also be quizzes, flashcards and many more study materials. Of course, the time and effort you put in is the most crucial element. All the software and tests won’t do any good if you don’t study regularly.

Other Information

When studying at a CPA review class or course, go over the Q&A included. These are necessary when you are done with the tutorials. The questions included are similar to the ones on the actual exam. These will help you get ready for the actual questions you’ll face.

The other data included also helps in recalling facts learned in accounting class. A lot of the difficulties with the exam can be removed this way. When reviewing, go through the sections and chapters thoroughly. Don’t forget to evaluate your progress. Go over the points that need working on.

A lot of these classes are online, but you can go for the offline ones if you like. The offline has the benefit of interacting with the instructor. If you want to study in a specialized field, there are several programs available.

An online search will reveal a training class near you. If you have questions, send the training class an email or call them.

The benefits of a CPA review class are numerous. If you want to increase your chances of passing the exam, you should evaluate the many providers out there. Pick the one that suits you, and be on your way to being a CPA.

Being familiar with the CPA requirements is necessary so you can make the proper preparation. The following are the basic qualifications. However, each state has additional needs so it’s best to check first.

The 150 Hour Rule

You must have at least a US bachelor’s degree in accounting / business. You must have the minimum credit hours required for accounting / business study. In addition you must have one more year of study.

This will total 5 years and is known as the 150 hour rule. The 150 rule is in effect in 45 states. Some states though, do not adhere to this regulation.

The CPA Uniform Exam

The CPA requirements can be summed up by the three Es. These are education, experience and examination. The actual test is the same throughout the United States. But the requirements of each state differ.

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Uniform CPA Exam. The Individual State Boards of Accountancy will determine the other requirements. However the prerequisites mentioned earlier will almost certainly be needed. For overseas accountants, the International Qualification Examination is usually taken.

1 Tier and 2 Tier System

The states may use a 1 tier or 2 tier system. Under the 1 tier system, an examinee that passes the test will be granted the license after attaining a specified working experience / hours. The CPA requirements and process for the 2 tier system is different. Here the license and certification are given simultaneously.

Issuance of CPA certificates rather than licenses is increasingly becoming the norm. The 2 tier states can issue a certificate without any work experience needed. In some places like Massachusetts, a superior academic background is given importance over the working experience. But other states still demand working experience.

Ethical Exams

An increasing number of state boards have implemented ethical examinations. Most use the AICPA self-study Professional Ethics for CPAs CPE course. But other states have designed their own tests. Currently 40 state boards make use of these tests. Be sure to check the status in your own area, as it may differ.

The CPE

The CPA requirements also come with the CPE (Continuing Professional Education). These are tests undertaken to renew their license / certificate. The frequency is two to three years.
The total time is 40 to 80 hours. The study can consist of seminars or self study.

However the study is conducted, the CPA must pass the test to get the credit. Most now include the ethics test. This takes at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.

Duties

The most basic task of the CPA involves public accounting and auditing. They can also work as business advisors. These individuals also prepare tax records and statements.

In addition they work as financial analysts, IT for accounting and venture capital. Debt management, corporate governance and various forms of forensic accounting can also be part of their duties.

Because some CPA requirements are state dependent, it’s best to review the regulations in your area. This will ensure you meet the prerequisites.

It’s not enough to just know the requirements for the CPA exam. To increase your chances of passing, consider taking one of the CPA prep courses in NH (New Hampshire). While it can’t guarantee anything, you can at least be sure you took all the necessary steps to be prepared.

Criteria for Review Courses

Right off you need to know these review courses cost money. The high end services will cost more than $2,700. The low end ones cost a little less. The price tag is a factor no doubt. But there are other things you should think about. The most important is that the information must be up to date.

By up to date it implies the material shouldn’t be older than 15 months. This requirement seems steep, but it’s a necessity. When choosing CPA prep courses in NH, you can’t settle for outdated stuff. It’s a waste of time and money.

The materials being used are just as important. The test simulation papers, the flash cards etc. must be extensive. Do some comparing on the materials being provided by these services. Since you?re paying, you’re entitled to get all the help you can get.

The Self Study Option

The self study route has numerous advantages. You can study at your own pace. There are no deadlines or other pressures to worry about. This approach also lets you focus on the subjects you feel are vital. If you’d rather take CPA prep courses in NH via this route, you must persevere.

For some, the lack of supervision relieves pressure and makes studying easier. For others, this setup encourages slack. You’ve got to be honest with yourself. Can you work without any supervision? Or are you better off studying with a teacher?

Studying on the Web

One of the most preferred options now is studying online. Websites offering these services have updated materials. They also offer interaction and quality software so they make for good choices. People who work find these Web courses more convenient than the regular class.

There are several online CPA prep courses in NH. You can go online and enter the appropriate info in the search engine. Research the hits and jot down your impressions on each one.

A Few Reminders

Before signing for a Web review course, check the format. Most will let you sample it. If you don’t feel comfortable for any reason, look for another one.

If you’re going for the live classes, find a schedule that fits you. There are scores of live classes in New Hampshire; go for the one that suits you. Don’t forget to check the accreditation of the instructor.

For those who prefer the self study route, get only up to date info. It’s best if you set aside regular hours for studying. This will get you into the habit of reviewing.

You have a lot of options when it comes to CPA prep courses in NH. Take as much time as you need when choosing them. This will allow you to prepare as best you can.

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.

A lot of people now take a CPA exam preparation class to get ready for the actual exams. These can be helpful, but there are a few things you need to account for. The course or class you choose will make a big difference.

Live Classes

This is the traditional way of teaching and it’s still popular. The major service providers often have hundreds of class locations. Finding one near your area shouldn’t be too hard. They also offer flexible and varying schedules. This should help you find one that matches your available time.

The main benefit of the live class is the schedule. It’s fixed so the temptation for slacking off is reduced. The presence of an instructor ensures you are progressing. A live CPA exam preparation class will keep you focused. There’s also the advantage of studying with other people. You’ll get insights and perspectives on the subject.

Online Studies

You can also study online. With the major service providers, you get the benefit of the instructor too. You can also interact with other students. Most of these classes are weekly. This gives you more scheduling flexibility. You’ll also have access to the guides online. This allows you to go over the instructions whenever needed.

Note: these online programs will require a DSL or cable Web connection. A 56k modem will be too slow. In addition you’ll need a media player. Support for Flash, QuickTime and other popular video formats will be necessary too. Also, some of these online CPA exam preparation classes may conduct sessions more than once a week.

Self Study Option

The self study programs let you study anytime you want. There are no instructors, no deadlines and no scheduling. You can study and research as long as you wish. This is ideal for those who want to learn at their own time and pace.

While this schedule is very flexible, it’s best for those who are disciplined. For disciplined students, the lack of supervision won’t be a hinder. Some also prefer this option because they can study better. Some are just more proficient learning on their own than in classes or seminars.

Other Reminders

The CPA exam preparation class methods mentioned are being provided by many services. You’ll need to assess each one. Some will have more features than others.

You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each one. Don’t just rely on the info provided by the site. Go to forums or ask exam passers what they think of this particular service provider.

When choosing between the three options, think of where you’ll excel. Be honest with yourself. Do you have the discipline for self study? Do you feel more comfortable studying by yourself?

Remember, you’ll be taking these classes to prepare for the exam. Go with the method that will be most beneficial. You also need to persevere with the tests.

Passing the exam may seem like a daunting task. However, going through a CPA exam preparation class should ease some of the burden and pressure.

After you have passed your application, the Board will process and approves it for you to take the New York CPA Exam. An Authorization to Test will then be submitted to the NASBA who will bill you for the fees that you need to pay. A 90-day period will be given to you to make the payment before the expiration of the application arrives and by then you will have to pass your application again.

Once you have paid the fees in full, a Notice to Schedule will then be sent to you. Contained in this notice are the scheduled exam dates and test details for the New York CPA Exam. The notice will also inform you about your identification number and when will be the expiration of your exam dates. You will be granted a six-month period to schedule your exam dates as well as take the exams that you have applied for in the beginning.

Exam dates can be scheduled any day you like within the six-month period given to you. Just make sure that the New York CPA Exam testing center is open on that date and it has an available space to take you in. It is ideal to have an early registration to guarantee a space on the date that you desired. Majority of the testing centers is open on weekdays – Mondays to Fridays including Saturdays. The following are the exam dates for New York CPA Exam: January 2 to February 28 or 29, April 1 to May 30, July 1 to August 31, and October 1 to November 20.

You have lots of ways available to schedule your desired exam dates for the New York CPA Exam. You can make a telephone call to the Prometric Student Testing Service Call Center at this number – 1-800-580-9648. You can also browse through their web site at www.prometric.com/cpa. You can also contact the testing center in your local area.

Listed below are the testing centers that you can take your New York CPA Exam.

Thomas Prometric Test Center
17 Computer Dr. East
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 438-6762
Site Code: 5110

Thomas Prometric Test Center
41 State Street, Suite 402
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-3160
Site Code: 5144

Thomas Prometric Test Center
111 Livingston St., 11th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 722-1434
Site Code: 5203 and 5204

Thomas Prometric Test Center
4927 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14226
(716) 565-0570
Site Code: 4219

Thomas Prometric Test Center
212 East Manlius St.
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 433-9038
Site Code: 4204

Thomas Prometric Test Center
224 Seventh Street
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 746-7367
Site Code: 5197

Thomas Prometric Test Center
1000 Franklin Ave., Suite 202
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 825-4407
Site Code: 4223

Thomas Prometric Test Center
317 Madison Ave., Suite 517
Manhattan, NY 10017
(212) 682-5754
Site Code: 5145

Thomas Prometric Test Center
35 Pinelawn Rd., Suite 108E
Melville, NY 11747
(631) 845-9063
Site Code: 5872

Thomas Prometric Test Center
675 Third Ave., Second Floor
New York, New York 10017
Site Code: 5845

Thomas Prometric Test Center
1 Penn Plaza, Suite 1540
New York, NY 10119
(212) 760-1137
Site Code: 5880

Thomas Prometric Test Center
675 Third Avenue Second Floor
New York, NY 10017
Site Code: 5846

Hibernating
111 Broadway
Lynbrook, NY 11563
(516) 825-4407
Site Code: 4223

For those who are aspiring to get a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, taking a very challenging and yet rewarding exam is greatly important for licensure, protection of the bearer, and recognition of the person’s achievement. But how can one go through that? Well, first and foremost, the CPA Exam dates should be learned.

Thankfully, CPA exam dates are usually being offered everywhere for those interested and willing to earn one’s license. Yes, the actual dates for the examination are made available in every state.

That’s one of the reasons which show that going through the registration and actual testing process should not be a huge problem for the aspirant. In fact, it’s not really time-consuming and stressful for most of the CPA testers.

To take the exam, one must be aware that there are different test schedules for a person to get an appointment for the testing of one’s abilities and know-how. Moreover, there are also countless of ways that one can easily look for that pertinent information.

Typically, CPA exam dates run from January to February, April to May, July to August, and October to November every year. The set of two months per exam date is referred to as a window. During that window schedule of CPA exam dates at any regional testing centers around, candidates for licensure are required to request for exam appointments if they are eyeing certain dates for testing.

After seeking their appointment to take the exam, the state board would then determine if the candidates are eligible to take the exam. Once that has been reviewed by the board, the NTS or Notice to Schedule is then sent to the candidate.

Registration for the CPA exam dates that the candidate would want comes next in the process. And that can be done at a Prometric testing center.

But that’s not the only place to go to. You can go online or at a nearby center.

Yes, a quick and easy way for candidates to ask for an appointment is to go directly on the Internet on the prometric site or call the Candidates Services Call Center at 1-800-580-9648 for schedules, inquiries, and other concerns. Another way to get in touch with these centers is to drop by at a local test center that is near your place.

Regardless of the chosen CPA exam dates that the candidate manages to get an appointment for, the person taking the test would be happy to know that these licensure exams are also being offered as one or more sections depending on what the person likes to take. If one feels ready to take on more than one section, that person is free to do so. And that can be arranged on the same testing date that the person is scheduled for.

Why a CPA Ethics Exam?

Both the magnitude and number of business scandals in recent years have given enough reason to reassess the accounting profession’s regulatory environment. This brought about the advent of a CPA ethics exam. As a result of said scandals people’s confidence on what is stated on a company’s financial statements have somewhat receded. Along with that decline comes a loss of trust in the ethical standards upheld and practiced by today’s CPAs.

Though laws have been enacted with the goal to rebuild the confidence and trust in the accounting profession it has been seen clearly as not enough. One of the most significant of these laws is the Sarbanes-Oxley of 2002 which created the Public Company’s Accounting Oversight Board. There was also an effort to raise the standard against fraud detection. However, these laws and standards have proven insufficient to achieve the lofty goal of restoring the lost trust in the accounting profession.

Reinforcing Ethics in Education

Here are some of the issues that reinforce the need for a CPA ethics exam. The issue on emphasizing ethics in accounting education isn’t an original idea. Obviously, CPA’s will many decisions that will eventually have ethical implications. As early as the year 2000 a study was conducted that shows integrity, ethics, and values should be bolstered within the circles of accounting education. Do take note that the study was conducted about a year before the huge business and financial scandals of the year 2001.

Furthermore, according to the said study conducted by Albrecht and Sack, there are certain weaknesses in accounting education. For instance, accounting students have been trained in such a way that they tend to memorize certain patterns in their profession and less on gaining analytical skills. Though commendable, being stuck in thinking within the box will not be able to cope with the ambiguities within the business world.

It has been understood that emphasizing values and integrity through a CPA ethics exam will stress the need for higher ethical standards among upcoming CPAs. Some of the approaches to do this include increasing the number of ethics questions in the CPA exam, expanding its scope, simulating ethical decision making, and requiring a separate CPA ethics exam before being granted a license.

Answering a Couple of FAQ’s

Does each state conduct its own CPA ethics exam? Yes. It is understood that each state’s board will have their own ethics exam and certification requirements. Check with your state’s board of accountancy for specific requirements.

Can I get a CPE credit from another state? Yes. You can transfer it from one state to another. However, you should still check with your state’s board for specific guidelines to ensure accreditation.