This article is part 3 of a 3-part series on studying for the CPA Exam.
See part 1—19 Strategies for Conquering the CPA Exam
See part 2—CPA Exam Studying 101: Picking the Right Study Approach & Review Provider

You’ve studied. You’ve planned. You know more about taxes and auditing than you ever thought possible. And then it hits. Your plans to get those three letters after your name have come to a screeching halt.

Insert any number of reasons why your perfectly plotted course has taken a detour. Maybe it’s a low score on part of the Exam. Maybe it’s a major life event that has caused a ruckus. Or maybe anxiety reared its head during the Exam and left you staring blankly at a section you thought you’d conquer without issue.

Here’s the truth—about 50 percent of CPA Exam candidates fail part of it on their first go-around. It can be heartbreaking, and the disappointment and frustration are real, but once you pick yourself up and wrap your head around why it happened, you’ll be ready to saddle up and try again—with a strategy.

Some of the issues most commonly noted are poor test preparation, test-day challenges and pesky outside factors. Here’s what you can do to increase your chances of being on the positive half of the 50/50 statistic.

Study

Yes, yes…seems obvious, but many people don’t stick with a disciplined study schedule, opt not to enroll in a study course, focus too much on a specific section and ignore others, or fail to prepare adequately for the task-based simulations.

And never underestimate the time commitment. The average amount of time CPA candidates spend with their noses to the study grindstone is 350–450 hours—that’s equivalent to a two-and-a-half-week vacation. And if you’ve been out of school for a bit, you may need to dust off your old college notes and crack open a book or two to research and relearn concepts that may have become a bit fuzzy.

Effective CPA Exam Study Habits

🗂️ Create structured study plans

📚 Utilize review courses

🧠 Choose a review course that best fits your learning style

👥 Consider mentorship

✍️ Take notes while you study

✅ Practice multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

⏱️ Simulate test conditions by timing practice tests

🚫 Minimize distractions

⏳ Break up study sessions into short timeframes

☕ Take breaks

😴 Rest

Get Up Close and Personal

Familiarize yourself with the test. It’s one thing to answer questions from your trusty test prep books, and it’s another to sit in a lab and take a computerized exam. Once you’re face-to-face with the actual CPA Exam, it can feel overwhelming, which is why the AICPA offers sample tests and INCPAS offers a sneak peek into the Exam through free mock exams—the same Exam you’ve likely dreamt about. These will help you become acquainted with and lessen any anxiety you have around the four-part test that can change the trajectory of your professional life.

Also, while memorizing concepts is helpful, you need to be prepared to put that knowledge into action. You need to understand the “why” behind the correct answer. The CPA Exam is not about basic recall; you need to be able to apply the knowledge to real-life scenarios, use critical thinking and problem-solving skills, analyze information, interpret standards, and apply knowledge through task-based simulations (TBS).

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Balancing work and life is hard enough, but adding studying for the most important exam of your life can cause things to topple. Or create undue stress. And even if you get a handle on that, once you’re in the hot seat on Exam day, there are other things you need to consider. There are noisy test takers that can distract you, or you might spend too long on one question. It’s important to come prepared, stay focused on your goal and pace yourself.

What to bring on test day:

📄 Printed Notice to Schedule (NTS)

🪪 Two forms of ID

🍎 Snacks/coffee

💧 Clear water bottle

👂 Earplugs

Once you’ve hydrated and put in your earplugs, it’s key to pace yourself as you make your way through the multiple-choice section and onto the TBS to finish on time.

If You Don’t Pass…

If your journey to adding those coveted letters—C, P and A after your name—hits a speed bump, don’t panic. Make a plan. Start by reviewing your NASBA performance report to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This is your roadmap for next time.

Reflect on what may have gone awry: Was it your study method? Stress? Workload? Family demands? Lack of sleep? Be honest with yourself, acknowledge the emotions you’re feeling, and take a mental breather. Then, revise your study strategy based on the sections you struggled with.

When you’re ready to reschedule, be strategic. If you scored below 70, take a month or so to focus on the weak spots. But if you were right on the cusp of passing, aim to retake the Exam within three weeks.

You’ve got this. Keep going!