The CPA Board Exam is one of the last hurdles to becoming an accountant. While it is difficult, it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to ace the CPA Board Exam on the first try.

Know the possible contents of the exam 
Before you can begin studying, it is important to know what you are supposed to study. Make sure to know the contents of the CPA Board Exam to prevent unnecessary surprises. Recently, the Philippine government had implemented policies that changed how the books are being prepared. Expect changes on the exam following these new policies.

The iCPA Facebook page releases important news and updates about CPA board examination contents. Visit that page to know more about the examination contents.

Study, study, and study 
Make a detailed study schedule on the days following the examination day. Write down the subjects that you would review for the day and leave some days for rest. In studying, make sure to use comprehensive notes and competent teaching materials.

One way to study for the board exam effectively is reviewing with friends or colleagues. In this setting, you can ask others for help in understanding concepts that you have difficulty with. Moreover, friends who have taken the exam and passed may impart valuable tips that may help you during the exam. Strategies in examination-taking are well worthy to be studied.

However, if you are more of the lone wolf type, that’s okay. Self-studying can be as effective as a group study. If you need some guidance on concepts, online reviews and blogs may help you answer the confusing questions. Youtube tutorial videos may also help you understand new questions introduced on the board examination.

But, above anything else, don’t memorize everything. Your understanding of concepts will be tested in the examination, not your ability to memorize. Make it your goal to master all concepts and its applications, especially the new ones introduced recently.

Use review examinations
Using review examinations or mock exams is a great way to further your studies. You can either get them from attending classroom reviews, buying them from bookstores, or downloading them online.

Attending classroom reviews is arguably the most effective out of all three. Not only will you receive a mock examination copy, but you will have a professor to guide you through it. However, all these pros come at a price. Classroom reviews will cost you an expensive sum. Unless you have the funds for it, then you might as well choose the other options.

You can either procure a copy of a mock examination through local bookstores or online sites. However, there’s another and better alternative to answering a booklet with an attached answer sheet. The iCPA site has several online quizzes that test specific subjects and concepts. These quizzes provide you with some stats to see your areas of strengths and weaknesses. You can only customize tests to fit your needs.

References: 
https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-study-for-the-cpa-exam-1290510
https://www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/cpaexam/forcandidates/howtoprepare.html

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
She is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle.