As a CPA exam candidate, you have probably been bombarded by ads
from different companies offering courses that guarantee your success in
passing the CPA exam. CPA exam review courses are an investment of time and
money, making your selection important to ensure that you will successfully
pass the exam. In your quest to pass the CPA exam, the following suggestions
should help you when selecting the right review course.
1. Course presentation
Choose a course that will complement your learning style and
cater to your needs. If you need the discipline of a regimented schedule,
choose a classroom course. If you absorb information more efficiently by
studying on your own, opt for a self-study course. Review courses are available
in every medium imaginable, including integrated software programs, live
lectures, audio courses, video presentations, and, of course, a combination of
these. For first time review students, your are generally most successful if
you select a course with a balanced combination of classroom guidance,
self-study materials, and periodic evaluations to monitor your progress. A good
course should increase general knowledge, drill you on exam-like problems, and
gauge your weak areas. Also, investigate the presentation format. Is an
instructor in the classroom interacting with the students? Does the
presentation use multimedia resources?
2. Content and depth
The key to choosing an effective course is to find one that
utilizes the most up-to-date exam problems and essays available, while
presenting them in an easy-to-understand fashion. Look for a program that
provides materials based on topics from past exams.
3. Convenience and time allocation
Ultimately, the course you choose should be as accommodating and
efficient as possible. When selecting a review course, it's important to have a
realistic understanding of the amount of time involved in taking a course. At a
minimum, your homework and study time will equal the in-class time. Find one
that fits into your schedule. It may be helpful to find a course that offers
student tools and make-up days outside of the regular class schedule---since
you need to add study time to your already hectic schedule.
To decide whether or not a course will work for you, ask yourself
the following questions:
Since there are no shortcuts to success, are you committed to
putting in the time necessary to give yourself a chance to pass the exam?
Will you benefit from lectures?
Are there make-up sessions available?
How far do you have to travel to attend class?
Are there hidden costs involved, such as parking?
4. Value
Utilize free-trial programs before committing to a method of
review. This will help you decide on the effectiveness of the course for your
style and needs. Decide on a course as soon as possible to take advantage of
the discounts available to those who register early. Take careful consideration
to spending a little more for a course that may increase your chances of
passing the exam in your first sitting.
5. Tools and techniques
Inquire about the test taking techniques courses promote in their
materials. The benefits from experienced insight into mnemonic devices and
testing strategies will prove invaluable in alleviating test anxiety. Apply
these tools early in your course and determine if they are truly helpful. If
you find they are not, ask your instructor about alternative methods.
6. Help and customer support
If you are dependent on academic support, ask yourself how many
times you would e-mail your instructor for answers. It may be important that
you have access to your instructor.
7. Pass rates
Pass rates are misunderstood and misused. As a future CPA,
question the pass rate data offered and the relevancy to your situation. For
example, if you are a senior at Michigan State University, how important is it
to you to know how well the review course provider performed at a graduate
school in Virginia? If the provider doesn't publish local and national pass
rates, ask them why? Remember that the national average pass rate for
first-time undergraduate candidates passing all four parts of the exam is
approximately 10 percent. For any one part of the exam, the average rate is
about 30 percent. (It is somewhat higher for the Audit and Law sections.) A
review course provider that promotes a 90 percent pass rate is either
identifying a very unique market or is telling you that nine out of 10 of its
students pass at least one part of the exam. As a CPA candidate, you are
interested in the data regarding the number of students who pass all four
sections in your local area.
Once you have chosen a review course that best meets your needs,
your primary goal for taking a course is to absorb as much information as you
can in a short period of time. The following tips should help you succeed.
Attend lectures
In-class lectures are designed to re-introduce past information
from accounting courses. Therefore, it's important to strive for a perfect
attendance record so that you don't miss critical information. The chances of
passing the exam are greatly enhanced if you attend classes and complete the
homework. If you know ahead of time that you will have to miss classes, choose
a course that offers make-ups.
The in-class lectures should be the easiest part of a review
course and will be very helpful as long as you attentively follow the lectures
and highlight items you are unclear about. After you go home, it's important to
take a look at the items that were unclear and review them. Don't just review
the items once, but come back to them at later dates.
Make flashcards
Multiple-choice questions are a tricky yet essential part of the
CPA exam to master. Flashcards are a great method for preparing for the exam.
After each lecture, set aside a few minutes to create flash cards of the key
points and definitions you learned in class. Also, make flashcards for the
difficult concepts and definitions. Once you've done that, set them aside, take
a break, and come back to them later. Also, take this time to clean up your
notes. Make sure your notes are complete and easy to read.
Your flashcards should go with you everywhere for the next couple
of months. Whenever you have free time---whether it is on a bus, in between
classes, or eating lunch---take out your flash cards and review the
information. The more times you review concepts, the easier they are to
remember and understand.
Do homework
Homework problems are an important step in the review process.
Answering previous exam questions is an excellent way to understand the content
and to simulate the exam. Make sure you not only understand the explanation for
the correct answers but also the explanations for the incorrect answers and
distracters. Reviewing material outside of class can help to ensure a full
understanding of concepts before the exam. Invest in software that has old exam
questions. Make sure the software scrambles the information so you look at a
"fresh" question each time.
Reread notes
Reading your notes is one of the best ways to remember what was
discussed days or weeks before. Set aside a couple of hours every Sunday to review
notes from prior classes. You'll be surprised at how quickly you will recall
old concepts.
Learn the tricks
Review courses offer simulated exam conditions and exam taking
techniques. Review the techniques to quickly eliminate distracters and to
assure at least partial credit, even when you are at a total loss.
The tips you shared here in your article really helps a lot of people who want to pass the CPA Exam. Indeed, your blog can help my brother who is planning to take the CPA Exam. I'm sure he will be glad when he saw your tips. Thank you and keep sharing!
ReplyDeleteGet more tips and advice's from TMA Accountants here