Our CPA employees remember what it’s like to be a CPA candidate. They share their top ten study tips to help you prepare for the CFE.
Gearing up to write the Common Final Examination (CFE)?
The CPAs in our office remember what it’s like to be a candidate. Below, they share their top ten study tips and exam advice to help you prepare. Good luck!
1. Don’t wait for the last possible minute to start studying.
Seriously. Start early. It’s better to study more frequently than to try and cram!
2. Take every practice exam you can.
And don’t be afraid to have people review your responses or provide feedback. It helps to ask people who are also writing the CFE, or those who just passed it. You can also offer to mark others’ practice exams.
3. Visualize struggling on a question.
When you are lacking motivation to study, try visualizing failing or struggling on a question. It will get your butt into gear!
4. Meditate.
This is the perfect time to take up meditation. Try taking a class, or find an app that you like.
5. Familiarize yourself with an exam environment and routine.
Set up your surroundings and schedule as if you’re about to write the exam. Use the same calculator, laptop, and pens. Then, set up a similar schedule, ensuring the same bedtime and water/food intake you would have during the exam.
Are you a CPA candidate? Take a break from studying and apply for our CPA Candidate Program!
6. Become the teacher.
Try and teach the topics that you are struggling with to your partner, a friend, or a family member. This is even more fun if they hate accounting.
7. Don’t just read notes—understand them.
Reading notes isn’t sufficient. It tricks you into thinking you understand, but under exam or real-life pressure, that “recognition” often won’t be there.
8. Remember why you’re doing this.
Remind yourself why you’re putting in the effort. Write a sticky note and post it in your study area to keep you focused and motivated.
9. Don’t ignore the easy topics.
It’s easy to focus on the topics you struggle with and ignore your strengths. Make sure to beef up your weaknesses while remembering to spend adequate time on your strengths.
10. It’s OK to fail.
Remember, lots of people fail the CFE. It’s not the end of the world. There will always be another opportunity to take it again.
What’s next? Once you successfully write your CFE, make sure to apply for our CPA Graduate Program!