Many accounting students and future CPA candidates ask, “When should I start studying for the CPA exam?” The answer is as soon as possible!
The Certified Public Accountant exam is an academic test with specific requirements that can become more challenging the longer you are out of college. The material covered in the exam is most familiar and fresh right after completing your accounting degree, making it easier to prepare. Additionally, life tends to become busier after college with full-time jobs and other responsibilities, reducing available study time.
If you are already well into your career and haven’t started studying yet, don’t worry! There is still ample time to prepare for the CPA exam. Let’s explore various scenarios and determine the best time for you to begin your exam preparation.
I’ll even give you some of my personal timeline tips and some from students who have already completed this journey.
Key Takeaways
- Start Early: Begin studying for the CPA exam as soon as possible to keep the material fresh and leverage the momentum from your academic coursework.
- Find Your Optimal Time: Schedule your exam at a time of day when you are most alert and focused, whether that’s early morning, mid-morning, or afternoon.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your study plan and exam schedule if necessary, but avoid last-minute changes to minimize stress.
- Balance Study and Rest: Ensure you balance intense study sessions with adequate rest to maintain peak cognitive performance on exam day.
- Utilize Review Courses: Invest in a CPA review course to help structure your study plan, provide practice questions, and keep you motivated throughout the preparation process.
When is the Best Time to Sit for the CPA Exam?
There is no real best time to take the exam. It really just depends on your situation and what is going on in your life right now. Typically, CPA candidates fall into these three main categories:
- College Students
- Recent Graduates
- Career Professionals
Let’s take a look at each of them and see when each should apply for the exam.
CPA Exam Dates for College Students
When should college students take the CPA exam?
If you are a college student, you should contact your state board to see if they allow you to take the exam before you graduate. Many states allow students to take at least one section during their senior year of college.
This is an excellent way to get ahead of your graduating class and show future employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in financial accounting. It goes a long way to be able to put one or two passed CPA exam sections on your resume before you even finish your degree.
Again, this will be highly dependent on your state. It’s also dependent on lifestyle and responsibility. As one now CPA explained, “I’m in my senior year of my bachelor’s, and I just passed FAR in the last score release. Sitting for AUD next week and I hope this all pays off because it’s stressful…to balance studying for these tests, school, fitness, and social life. That said, I’d still recommend it to anyone who can do it…”
CPA Exam Dates for Recent Graduates
Others think it’s better to wait until after college, and I tend to agree. I advise recent graduates (people who have graduated within the last 3-5 years) to start their CPA exam prep right away, even if they haven’t found a job yet. Taking the CPA exam right out of college will show future employers that you mean business. A public firm is much more likely to hire you if you are actively pursuing your certification.
“I started studying right after college and took my first 2 before I started working in public. Took a 6 month break until after busy season and wrapped up my last 2 just before December while working full time. It’s not too bad, but the earlier the better imo, definitely makes life easier if you don’t push them off while you’re still used to studying and test taking.”
Licensed CPA
I know it’s tempting to wait until you get hired to buy a review course and sign up for a section because many firms will pay for the costs, but don’t wait. You would be surprised at how many firms will reimburse you for exam fees and review course fees after they hire you.
CPA Exam Dates for Professionals
When Should Career Professionals and Accountants Take the CPA Exam?
Career professionals (people who have graduated more than 5 years ago) typically have a lot more going on in life than someone right out of college. They also tend to have lost a lot of useless facts that they learned in college.
My personal opinion: work experience helps you to pass the CPA exam. For example, SCF, you get better at it the more you prepare them and it’s easier to understand. This is an advantage when studying for FAR…”
CPA on Reddit
I would still advise you to take the examination as soon as you can, but this isn’t always feasible. Careers, family, and other obligations get in the way. Thus, scheduling your exams around your business seasons makes the most sense. For instance, tax accountants would be crazy to try to sit for a section during tax season. They would be much better off taking a few in the last quarter before their jobs get busy again.
If you are a career accountant or professional, review your schedule and determine when you can take all four sections. Then, make a plan to start studying for the CPA exam according to your availability.
Get Discounts On CPA Review Courses!
What Time of Year is the Best to Take the CPA Exam?
Unfortunately, there is no “best time of year” for everyone. It largely depends on your schedule. For example, college students might want to take the exam during the summer months, while career accountants might want to start studying for the CPA exam towards the end of the year.
There has been much speculation that some testing windows are easier than others because the pass rates improve. This idea is total nonsense. All of the window tests have the same exam and are equally difficult. Pass rates tend to fluctuate based on exam changes, updates, and candidates’ schedules.
Don’t worry about there being an “easy” testing window. Fit the exam into your schedule and your life, and you will do just fine.
Best Time of Day to Take the CPA Exam
Determining the best time to take the CPA exam can be influenced by personal preferences and daily routines. Here’s a mix of insights from various candidates on a thread discussing time slots:
- Morning Advantage: Many candidates, like TwistedTee23, find that taking the exam in the morning helps them perform better. As one candidate put it, “My nerves are always an issue, so it’s best for me to get it out of the way as soon as I wake up.” This approach leverages a fresh mind and reduces the anxiety of waiting all day.
- Afternoon Preference: On the other hand, some candidates, such as AccomplishedAd6542, prefer scheduling exams for later in the day. “I always schedule the 12:30 slot. It gives me time to get there early and I just hang in my car and study.” This allows for additional last-minute preparation and avoids morning rush-hour traffic.
- Mid-Morning Balance: Others, like cpadev, find a mid-morning slot ideal. “I’ve scheduled every exam for 1:30 PM because that’s usually when I start doing homework.” This timing helps them avoid early morning stress and ensures they are fully awake and alert.
- Flexible Options: For those who enjoy a bit of flexibility, starting exams around 10:30 AM can be a good compromise. It allows for a relaxed morning while still avoiding the wait until the afternoon. “Prometric has called the day before and said my seat would open up early if I choose, so I usually start testing around 10:30ish,” shared AccomplishedAd6542.
- Personal Rhythm: Ultimately, the best time is highly individual. Candidates like Comfortable_Trick137 emphasize knowing your own body and preferences. Whether it’s avoiding early mornings due to not being a “morning person” or scheduling around personal routines, finding what works best for you is key.
Start Studying Now!
Here’s the best study tip that I can give you:
No matter where you are in your life, the best time to start studying is right now.
Procrastination will keep you from becoming a CPA indefinitely.
Don’t let this happen to you.
Tips on When to Take the CPA Exam
- Right After Graduation: The material is fresh in your mind, and you have more flexibility and fewer responsibilities.
- During a Career Transition: If you are switching jobs or careers, use this period to focus on exam preparation before starting your new role.
- When You Have a Structured Schedule: Choose a time when you can consistently dedicate study hours without significant interruptions.
- If You’re Currently Unemployed: Take advantage of this time to focus intensively on studying without work distractions.
- After Setting a Goal: Purchase a CPA review course, schedule your exam, and create a study plan to stay motivated and on track.
- When You Have Money for a Great Review Course: You don’t want to go at this without the right materials to ensure you pass.
Conclusion
Choosing the best time to start studying for and taking the CPA exam depends on individual circumstances and personal preferences. While some candidates thrive with morning exams, others find their groove in the afternoon or mid-morning slots. The key is to assess your own schedule, stress levels, and peak performance times. Regardless of when you choose to take the exam, the most important factor is to start your preparation as soon as possible and stick to a consistent study plan. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful CPA.
FAQ
Your daily routine can significantly impact your exam performance. Choose a time when you are typically most alert and focused. For example, if you are a morning person, scheduling an early exam may help you perform better.
Yes, you can reschedule your CPA exam appointment if you feel unprepared. However, be aware of the rescheduling policies and fees associated with changing your test date, and try to avoid last-minute changes.
Managing exam-day stress can be achieved by practicing relaxation techniques, ensuring you have everything prepared the night before, and arriving early at the test center. Consider scheduling the exam at a time when you feel less rushed and more composed.
Studying right before the exam can be beneficial for some candidates as a quick review of key concepts. However, avoid cramming, as it can increase stress. Instead, focus on light review and relaxation to keep your mind sharp.
If you have multiple CPA exam sections to schedule, plan them based on your personal peak performance times and the difficulty of each section. Spacing them out to allow adequate preparation time for each can also help reduce stress and improve performance.
