Every CPA exam varies depending on the state in which you wish to qualify as a CPA, so you'll have to read up on the requirements specific to your jurisdiction. You can visit this Web site for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and click on your state to get specific information regarding both CPA courses and the CPA exam. However, most state CPA exams require the same amount of preparation.
First of all, you'll need to complete the education requirements of your state. Take the appropriate CPA courses, which will be a mixture of accounting classes and business classes. Then you'll need to invest in getting accounting experience, again specific to the experience requirements of your jurisdiction.
Once you've completed your education and experience requirements, you'll want to study up on the CPA exam itself by following these steps:
Make Sure You Really Are A Candidate
Before you sign up to take the exam, make sure you really have completed all the requirements. You don't want to show up for the test and find out you're missing hours of experience or an accounting class you thought was not necessary.
Read The Content Specification Outlines
These outlines will define all the requirements on all four sections of the test. You'll need to understand exactly what material will be covered on the test and identify which areas of the test may give you the most trouble. This will help you narrow down the subject matter you will need to study most.
Take A Dry Run
You'll want to take a sample test to prepare yourself for the real thing. Time yourself as if you are taking the real test. Use the missed questions as learning tools as you figure out what areas of the test were easy and what areas tripped you up.
Study, And Then Study Some More
Make sure you practice your areas of weakness until you have those topics down pat. Once you are sure you are ready for the test, schedule yourself for an exam.
For more information on preparing for your CPA exam, go to this Web site for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, and look for specific information for your state. There are classes you can take specifically preparing you for the exam, including sample questions and explanations behind the answers.
Try, Try Again
A CPA exam is hard, which is why you need to take the test thoroughly prepared. About half of the test-takers won't be able to pass all four parts of the test. Luckily, you don't have to pass all four parts at once, but it may be best to get this tough test out of the way so you can continue your pursuit of a career in accounting.
 | If you're interested in potential accounting careers, you'll be delighted to learn there are many jobs you can get with a degree in accounting. Jobs range from being a financial planner to a certified public accountant. |
 | Forensic accounting is a popular career choice, since you'll get to use your mathematics skills just like any other accountant, but you'll also get to do investigative work. |
 | Managerial accounting is a valuable part of running any business. If you get a job as a managerial accountant, you will be responsible for keeping the managers of an organization aware of the financial goings-on of the company at large. |
Cost accounting is a method of evaluating costs, profits and everything in between when it comes to running a business, and you can use that information to help leaders of your company make decisions. |
Accounting ethics is a code of conduct that guides those in the profession to behave in a respectful, controlled and moral way. Clients need to have confidence in the business practices of professional accounting firms. |
