Overview

To enhance the validity and reliability of the examination, the questions are divided into two types, the multiple-choice questions and simulations. The multiple-choice questions consist 70 per cent of the exam while simulations consist 30 per cent of the exam. It is important that examiners know the time limit for each section to make sure that they answer all the CPA exam questions. The scores received by examiners will be based on their ability to link the different concepts in accounting as well as provide supporting documents and evidences for their arguments or proposals.

Auditing and Attestation

Examiners are given four and a half hours to answer all the questions in the auditing and attestation section. The questions focus on engagement planning, documentation of important information, evaluation of information as well as assessment of internal controls. Aside from these, examiners are also required to answer questions regarding the proper ways of preparing documents or written communications to clients.

Regulation

The time limit for answering the questions in the regulation section is three hours. The topics covered in this section include professional responsibility and work ethics. Some of the questions also focus on accounting issues related to federal tax procedures as well as business law.

Business Environment and Concepts

The questions in this section cover topics about financial management, economic concepts, business structures and information technology. Other topics covered in this section are planning and measurement as well as business management. Facilitators allow examiners to answer all the questions in this section for two and a half hours.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

Other than auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts as well as regulation, the exam also has a special section on financial accounting and reporting. The questions in the section focuses on the important matters about creating financial statements, the different kinds of business transactions, accounting issues concerning nonprofit and nongovernmental institutions as well as accounting issues related to the financial states of governmental agencies.

Fixing Your Schedule

If you’re going to take the test you must organize your schedule. By setting up a study schedule, you’ll be able to focus on it entirely. The best time to take the test is after graduating from college. The less time you let pass between graduation and the test, the better.

After college, your test taking skills will still be intact. In addition, there’s less demand from your schedule. This is one of the most important tips for passing the CPA exam. Take advantage of the relatively free time you have after college to study and try the exam.

his doesn’t mean you can’t take the tests when you’re working full time. But it will be a little harder.

Choosing a Review Course

There are many types of review courses available. Go online and assess the many kinds out there. This can be one of the most useful tools when it comes to passing the test. Give yourself some time to learning what the review courses are about and how to use them.

Get Familiar with the Software

Spend some time learning the software. The word processor and spreadsheet are different from Word and Excel. Give yourself some time to learn their features. This is one of the most vital tips for passing the CPA exam. For example, copy / paste doesn’t work with multiple paragraphs. They need to be copied one at a time.

While there’s a history function, there’s no Back button. When using the spreadsheets, you can punch in numbers if the NumLock is on. Unlike search engines, you must type the word correctly when looking for something.

You can review the question for the multiple choice testlets you’re taking. You can also do the same with the simulation. Using this option can clarify the case study before you. Remember too that you can’t go back to a testlet / simulation that you have finished.

Other Tips for Passing the CPA Exam

Nothing beats preparing early, so give yourself as much time as possible to get ready. Unlike in the past, exams are now done using computers. Learning to use one therefore, is a must.

If you’re working, inform your employer. Some companies have reimbursement offerings for exam takers. While others will shoulder the cost of the tests, others will give bonuses to exam passers. However, these offerings are not always available; it depends on the company.

Avoid Distractions

It’s only human nature to worry about the test results. But a lot of the worry can be put aside if you studied properly. By properly it means steering clear of distractions. It will also help if you read a few books on how to take a test.

These tips for passing the CPA exam should help when you decide to study and take the tests. There’s no sure fire way of passing, but these strategies can take away a lot of the anxiety and pressure.