How to Set 3 Realistic Goals That Will Help You Pass the CPA Exam

Those wishing to pursue a career as a CPA are required to take the CPA exam. Preparing for the CPA exam can be an intimidating process. Ensuring the right study habits are followed is very important in ensuring that individuals pass this exam.

How to Set 3 Realistic Goals That Will Help You Pass the CPA Exam
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Fortunately, there are tried and true methods that can assist in preparing for this exam. By setting realistic goals, individuals are more likely to have a successful study regiment that will ensure they are prepared for the testing process.

Find the Right Program

There are a variety of study guides and training programs that can help individuals fully prepare for the CPA exam. Some of these can offer an intensive cpa review course that will provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully complete the exam.

Finding the right program or study guide that offers the best help available is an easily accessible and very realistic goal that will assist with preparing for the exam. It is important to review these programs and guides to ensure they provide all the information needed for the exam.

Create a Schedule

The next step in preparing for the CPA exam is to establish a schedule for studying. Beginning this schedule as soon as possible will offer more time to prepare and fully learn all the information needed for the exam and the career. The old saying, "slow and steady wins the race" is really the best method for studying.

Study times should be placed during times when the individual is going to be the most alert and able to focus on the work. If the person goes to bed at 9 pm every night, having a study session after that time will not be very productive.

For each study period, set specific times on the calendar and stick to it. It is also important to set measurable goals during these study periods. For example, setting a certain set of days to completely learn one aspect can be an easily attainable goal for the study periods. Short-term and long-term goals identified in this calendar can also be beneficial in maintaining the schedule.

Be Accountable

Another very important aspect of setting and keeping goals is to be accountable for those goals. For some people, this accountability can come in the form of study partners. For others, a rewards or feedback option may benefit.

Finding others that are preparing for the CPA exam is often the best option for accountability. With several people in a group, it is less likely that an individual will give up or even skip study days. Creating a set schedule several times a week to meet up with others can help push individuals to maintain their study plan and increase the chances of them reaching their goals.

If others are not available, there are ways individuals can help them stick to their goals. Rewards are an option that can be used. For example, if a specific section is completed in the study guide successfully, a movie or special meal can be a great reward.

It is always important to remain realistic when setting goals and schedules. Even preparing for the potential of failing the exam can be beneficial. Setting a plan to begin a new schedule after a potential failure can help ease the fear of failing the exam in the first place.

Removing that stress can often help make the test less intimidating. This can help a person feel more relaxed during the test and improve their chances of success.