Balancing a full-time job while preparing for the US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam is no easy feat. However, with proper planning, dedication, and the right resources, it’s completely achievable. In this blog, we’ll walk through how a working professional can approach the CPA exam, including the types of exams, study planners, test windows, and the benefits of using UWorld or Becker for preparation.
The US CPA exam is divided into four sections:
1. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) – Focuses on financial statements, financial reporting, and accounting principles.
2. Regulation (REG) – Covers taxation, business law, and professional ethics.
3. Auditing and Attestation (AUD) – Tests knowledge of auditing processes and standards.
Each section requires a different set of skills, and as a working professional, the key is smart planning and preparation.
Before diving into the study material, it’s essential to evaluate how much time you can dedicate to studying each day. A working professional may not have the luxury of studying 8 hours daily, but with consistent efforts, you can manage a couple of hours on weekdays and more time on weekends.
It typically takes 300-400 hours to prepare for the entire CPA exam, which translates to about 80-120 hours per section. Here’s a recommended study breakdown for a working professional:
– FAR: 10-12 weeks | 120-140 hours
– REG: 9-11 weeks | 100-120 hours
– AUD: 8-10 weeks | 80-100 hours
To fit your study time into your busy schedule, aim for:
– Weekdays: 2-3 hours daily
– Weekends: 4-6 hours per day
With this schedule, you can cover the entire CPA syllabus in about 9-12 months.
As a working professional, it’s essential to identify when you are most productive. Early morning or late evening study sessions can help you focus without work distractions.
– FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting): Study for 10-12 weeks, 2 hours on weekdays and 5 hours on weekends. FAR is the lengthiest section, so allocate more time.
– REG (Regulation): Study for 9-11 weeks. The content is detailed, with tax laws and business ethics requiring careful reading.
– AUD (Auditing and Attestation): Plan for 8-10 weeks. Practice with real-world audit scenarios.
– SPECIALISATION : 7-9 weeks should be sufficient due to its more conceptual content.
Make sure to schedule regular review weeks and mock tests before the actual exam.
The process of scheduling your CPA exam is relatively seamless. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) oversees the exam, and you can schedule your exam through the Prometric website. You’ll need your Notice to Schedule (NTS), which you’ll receive after your exam application is approved by your state board.
The US CPA exam offers four test windows throughout the year, allowing you to schedule your exam at your convenience:
– January-March
– April-June
– July-September
– October-December
Each window provides flexibility, so working professionals can choose a time when they are best prepared.
Working professionals need the best tools to maximise study efficiency. Two top CPA prep courses are UWorld and Becker. Here’s why they are invaluable for your CPA journey:
– Known for its practice questions and detailed explanations.
– Helps professionals learn how to apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
– The question bank is regularly updated to match the latest exam pattern.
– Offers a comprehensive curriculum with video lectures, interactive exercises, and mock exams.
– Provides access to CPA experts for support.
– Becker has a strong reputation for helping professionals pass on their first attempt.
Both tools offer adaptive learning, ensuring you focus more on weak areas, saving time and effort.
UWorld stands out as a preferred CPA exam prep choice, especially for working professionals, due to several key advantages:
1. High-Quality Practice Questions: UWorld offers realistic, exam-like questions with an adaptive learning approach that focuses on your weak areas, ensuring efficient preparation.
2. Detailed Explanations and Visual Learning: Each question comes with thorough explanations, supplemented by visual aids like charts and diagrams, making complex topics easier to grasp.
3. Mobile-Friendly & User Experience: UWorld’s intuitive mobile app and user-friendly interface let you study on the go, ideal for those with busy schedules.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: UWorld is more affordable than Becker, offering great value without compromising quality.
5. Performance Tracking & Customization: With detailed progress reports and customizable quizzes, UWorld helps tailor your study plan effectively.
6. High Pass Rates: Many candidates have passed on their first attempt with UWorld, making it a trusted option for CPA preparation.
For working professionals, UWorld’s adaptive learning, cost-effectiveness, and realistic practice make it an excellent choice for CPA exam success.
Conclusion
Preparing for the US CPA exam as a working professional might seem daunting, but with a well-structured plan, the right study materials, and efficient time management, it is absolutely possible. Prioritise sections based on your strengths, utilise tools like UWorld and Becker, and take advantage of the flexible scheduling and test windows to ensure success.
