Posted on 10th May 2010 @ 7:59 PM

Advice for Success and Pitfalls to Avoid On the CPA Exam

By Lambers CPA Review

1) Work individual questions in order. Make sure that you flag the ones you skip, so you can go back and answer them later. Remember, there is no penalty for guessing. Make sure you answer everything.

2) Watch for wrong-choice indicators; words like, “always,” “never,” “only,” “under no circumstances,” “identical,” etc. These words are usually there for a reason … and that’s to indicate the incorrect answer.

3) Watch for negatively stated questions. For example, “Which of the following is not a characteristic of effective internal control?”

Goal Setting: Your goal is to become a CPA, a professional. That will mean financial security, the opportunity for more fulfilling positions, possibly the opportunity to start your own firm. Keep your ultimate goals in mind as you begin. You must stay focused throughout your preparation period, and work every day to make that goal a reality.

Visualize your Goal: In the flux of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals. As the saying goes, “When you’re knee-high in alligators, it’s easy to forget your objective was to drain the swamp.” You need to visualize your goals on a daily basis. Picture yourself sitting in a plush office as the CFO of a major company, or imagine yourself owning your own firm. Expect to achieve your goal; keep a positive attitude.

Lambers is a regular contributor to www.cpareviewmaterials.com.  You can learn more about Lambers products here.