Where are you with the CPA exam?

Stage 1

Just starting

You’ve decided to do this. Good. Here’s how to get oriented without burning a week on forums.

1. Learn how the exam works

   Three Core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) plus one Discipline (BAR, ISC or TCP). Four hours each, any order, 75 to pass.

   Read the exam outlines

2. Pick your first section

   There’s no required order. Pick one you can put on the calendar soon, because a date makes it real. FAR and AUD are both required, and FAR work pays off again in AUD. Just don’t book two sections so close that the second one gets five days, and if one date slips, move the other. That’s how I failed AUD.

3. Plan your study time

   My rule: never more than 3 months on one section. Studying full time, about 1 month. Working full time, 2 to 3 months, ideally 2. Pack the hours into the shortest stretch your life allows.

4. Watch the free basics

   Who I am, how the exam works today, and how to study while working.

   Start Here playlist on YouTube

Stage 2

Studying now

You’re in it. Do the questions first and use lessons when you’re stuck, because you’re not watching videos on exam day.

1. Free lessons by section

   Short lessons and quick concept clips. New sections get their playlist as the first lessons go up.

   FARISCAll playlists

2. Read a topic walkthrough

   Two FAR topics that trip people up, explained step by step.

   Deferred tax asset vs deferred tax liability
   Inventory errors and how they flow through

3. Study strategy that fits around a job

   Study habits, scheduling and test day, in short videos.

   Tips and Strategy playlist

4. Practice with free simulations

   Ten task-based simulations across FAR, AUD, REG and the Disciplines, graded when you submit. Try one when you’re ready to test yourself.

   Try the free simulations

5. Free memorization guides

   One guide for each of the six sections, with the lists and rules worth knowing cold. Free downloads, no email needed.

   Get the free guides

Stage 3

Coming back from a fail

I failed AUD the first time, rebuilt my plan and passed the retake. It’s a pass/fail exam, and a pass is a pass no matter how many tries it took.

1. Read this first

   What your score means and what to do in the first day or two.

   CPA score release: what to do next

2. Build your retake plan

   Write down what felt hard while it’s fresh. Use your performance report (if your board provides one) to find weaker areas, start there, and still review everything, since the next exam can look different. Plan real study hours again for the retake. Then put a retake date on the calendar.

3. Get someone in your corner

   If you want help finding what went wrong and fixing it, I work one on one with candidates on retakes (paid sessions).

   Book a tutoring session
   

   Lauren, a CPA candidate, on our one-on-one sessions

Stage 4

Almost licensed, or newly licensed

Passing all four is huge. Enjoy it. Then there’s paperwork. Requirements differ by state, so your state board is always the final word.

1. Check your state’s license rules

   Education, experience, and often an ethics exam or course. Find your board and its requirements.

   State boards of accountancy (NASBA)
   Getting a license (NASBA)

2. Understand the full path

   The AICPA’s overview of the exam, education and experience pieces.

   This Way to CPA (AICPA)

3. After you’re licensed

   Look yourself up once your license posts, and keep up with your state’s CPE rules.

   CPAverify

4. CPE courses Coming soon

   I’m planning CPE courses for newly licensed CPAs. More here when they’re ready.

This is general guidance, not legal or licensing advice. Always confirm the current rules with your state board.