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 These older materials are cheaper, but the information contained will be out of date. It’s better to spend money on new materials that make errors in the actual CPA exam because of outdated study tools.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.

In order to get a license as a Certified Public Accountant (also known as CPA), there are some requirements that you need to satisfy such as passing the Uniform CPA exam. However, to retain one?s license to practice the profession, some state boards in the United States require CPAs to complete Continuing Professional Education units. The units that they should finish depend on the state where they want to practice the profession. They can take the graduate units online or in traditional schools. To learn more about CPA Continuing Professional Education, let us have a look at the units that the accountants should complete.

Arizona

In Arizona, individuals who want to retain their license should finish several CPE units. The auditing and accounting units that they should complete include financial forecasting, mortgage lending, fraud detection and the analysis of financial statements. Aside from these, they should complete units on consulting services like asset management, capital budgeting analysis, corporate bonds basic, evaluating financial performance, investment analysis as well as valuations and securities. In addition, they are required to finish units on ethics such as consumer protection, real estate professionals ethics, anti-money laundering, financial professionals ethics and accountants ethics.

California

Accountants who want to renew their license in California should complete CPE units on accounting and auditing, which include internal control, real estate mathematics, capital management and revenue recognition. When it comes to consulting services, some of the units that they need to finish are advanced estate planning, corporate pension plans, consumer protection law, improving cash flow, investment risk as well as qualified retirement plans. In order to retain their license, it is necessary that they finish units in business management such as employment law, legal environments of business, managing corporate records, proactive supervision, business continuity planning and business conduct practices.

North Carolina

Individuals who like to renew their CPA license in North Carolina should finish graduate units in auditing and accounting such as real estate investments and financing, tools in financial forecasting, rules in revenue recognition, specialized industries GAAP and fraud detection. Aside from these, they need to complete Continuing Professional Education units in consulting services, which include consumer protection law, corporate pension plans, corporate finance for professionals, advanced estate planning, investment policy and risk as well as HR-10 plans. Finally, it is important that they complete units in ethics like the principles of consumer protection and fraud, anti-money laundering as well as ethics for financial professionals, real estate professionals and accountants.

Few methods help you get ready for the exam than a CPA review course. Regardless of the program you choose, these tips will be beneficial.

Live or Online Learning?

A lot of programs offer online services. For many this is the more convenient method. From the comforts of your home you can study. Others however, prefer the traditional ways of learning. Just ask yourself: can you commit to studying by yourself? If the answer’s yes, online study will suit you fine.

But if you prefer to listen to lectures, the live version may be more preferable. This is also more suitable for those who prefer a more visual approach to studying a CPA review course.

Scheduling

You also need to work out your scheduling. Courses today are now very flexible. Go over each one carefully. Assess your situation and pick the ones that fit your timetable best.
Expenses

Don’t let the expenses dictate the type of course you’ll take. Most of the time, your employer will shoulder all or part of the costs. Because the compensation differs, you should consult the firm to get the facts and figures.

There are also review service providers that offer discounts. When choosing a service provider, make inquiries regarding these offerings. Getting discounts will help when you’re studying a CPA review course.

Assess the Services Provided

The review setting can determine how well you do in the actual exam. You should always go with those that simulate the real exam. This helps you prepare for the real thing.

The more realistic the environment, the more prepared you’ll be. Of course if you’re more at ease with the Q&A style, go for it. A lot of providers also have final reviews.

Read the fine print before joining. If there’s an element you can’t understand, ask questions. Keep making these inquiries until everything is clear.

The bottom line: make certain you know the requirements and what you’ll receive. Nothing is more frustrating than studying a CPA review course and finding you get less than one you expect. Go over all the details.

Other Suggestions

Get in touch with those who have gone before you. Don’t be shy about asking for advice. Learn what preparation they took. Strive to emulate what they did and didn’t do.

Don’t throw away your old books. Some service providers are educating in new ways. Use these books to assist you in understanding the instructions. These providers often just change the phrasing. Use your old tomes to recognize their meaning.

Finally, you should be committed to it. The longer you put it off, the more taxing the schedule will be. Don’t wait for the right time. The right time is now.

The hard work may cause frustration. However, putting off the exam for next month won’t help. If you’re going to take the course, throw yourself into it. Slacking off won’t get you a passing score.

Taking a CPA review course isn’t going to guarantee a passing score. But it does mean you’ll be better prepared.

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.