Tips for CPA Exam Takers

Prepare to pass

Make a schedule
Decide on the best of time of year to take the CPA exam based on your work schedule and then set up a study schedule.

Most exam passers tell us that the earlier you take the exam after graduating from college the better. Your work schedule will only get more demanding, and you will still have good test taking skills from school. Put those strong study and test taking skills to work when they're at their best and apply and sit for the exam as soon after graduation as possible.

Talk it over with your supervisor
Inform your supervisor of your plans and get their feedback. Check into your employer's policy for exam expense reimbursement. Some employers will pay for review courses and exam fees. Others will offer a bonus upon passing the exam.

Remember that having the credential stays with you no matter where you work, so if your employer isn't supportive, don't give up. The CPA credential is your ticket to career advancement.

Select a review course
Most MNCPA members say that taking a review course was the key to passing the CPA exam. Learn how to select a review course.

For more information see our list of exam review course vendors. Some offer discounts for MNCPA members.

Featured Self-Study Review Course of the MNCPA
» Learn more

Set up your ExamTracker account
Once you make the decision to take the CPA exam, the time will go fast. This complimentary tool will help you keep track of your passing scores and future exam dates.  You can also connect with other people taking the exam.

Exam basics

• The CPA exam is broken down into multiple-choice testlets and simulations (case studies). The multiple-choice testlets must be completed before you can move on to the simulation.  Learn more about the CPA exam format.
• You can review questions during a testlet or simulation. However, you are unable to go back and review once you have exited that testlet/simulation.
• The word processor and spreadsheet applications are not Microsoft products, so review the tutorial to familiarize yourself with them.
• You can only copy and paste one paragraph at a time, no more, no less.
• The search feature is standard; however, you must scroll down to all relevant topics.
• You must spell the word you are searching for correctly.
• There is no Back button. The History button allows you to find the last page visited (up to 20 of the last pages).
• You can enter numbers on the online calculator either on the keyboard or the keypad with the NumLock feature on.

Scheduling considerations

• Scheduling your test for the first time takes 6 to 8 weeks to process. Scheduling a subsequent test takes only about 1 week.
• If you schedule a re-test prior to learning the results of your test and cancel upon learning you've passed, your money will NOT be refunded.

This information is from the Uniform CPA Examination website.