When to start studying to become a CPA…

Start studying for the CPA Exams…when?

Becoming a CPA is the end goal but unfortunately we have to deal with those pesky exams before we can get to that. So, if you’re wondering when to start studying, find the section that applies best to your situation and read on!

1. For college students

I recommend that college students don’t even start thinking about the exam until their senior year. In my state (and most others) you can’t sit for the exam until you have graduated with a bachelor's degree, so worrying about the exam as a sophomore or junior is pointless.

Once you hit senior year though it should get on your radar. You should start thinking about what you’re doing after graduation as it may affect your study plans. Will you be taking a year off? Will you be going to grad school? Or will you be going into the workforce?

And then around January or so I'd start looking into review courses and purchase one that suits your needs and budget. And now you have the review course. I'd recommend just poking around in it and seeing what sorts of topics are covered and just becoming familiar with it. And then, if you have a light load your senior year, you could start studying around March or April and hopefully be ready to take an exam soon after graduating.

However, if you’re really busy your senior year then don’t start studying until all your classes are done. And I know it may be tempting to take some time off after graduation to relax and celebrate (which you should 100% do) but make sure to start to develop that study habit as soon as you can. It’s important to show yourself that you’re making the exam a priority. And the sooner you do it after graduation the more your knowledge from your classes will still be able to help you.

2. Full time workers

For full time workers my go to answer for when to start studying is NOW! I know too many people working full time who have just let their chance to take the exam continue to pass them by. Because it is so easy for them to rationalize it by saying things like “I am happy with my position so I’m not sure if I even need to become a CPA” or “work is just so crazy right now, ill start studying when it settles down.”

Once you’re working full time and you’ve gotten comfortable in your position it may be hard to find external motivation or pressure to put in the work to prepare for the exams. That means the drive to pass the exams has to come from within. You need to be serious about these exams, because there is absolutely no point in putting in half effort. You won’t pass unless you truly commit to do so.

Plenty of people have done it, including myself. No one will tell you it is easy but it is doable. You just need to want to do it for yourself. Once you make up your mind to do that, start NOW! You got this! 🙂

3. Part time workers

My advice here is very similar to the full time worker, start now. If you are working part time either trying to figure out your next steps or waiting until your full time job starts, start studying.

Use the benefit of not being a full time worker to study. Once you start full time work you will find it much harder to make study time and stay consistent.

4. Gap year

If you are taking a gap year I would definitely encourage you to use that time for studying. Everyone’s gap year looks different but if you’re able to get the exams done that will be a huge boost to you and your resume. Employers may be alarmed if you take a gap year to sit around and do nothing. But if you can disguise it as getting your CPA Exams done, no one will question it at all.

5. Grad student

Hopefully if you’re in grad school you were able to get 1-2 exams done before starting, but if not that is no problem. You can always start studying now 🙂. And that’s exactly what I’d recommend.

However, a lot of grad schools are good at helping you stay on track for the CPA Exams so maybe your professors will give you guidance on that. And if they don’t, then ask. Professors love to help students and share their wisdom.

6. Career change person

If you are one of the brave people who are making full on career changes then first of all I applaud you, and secondly I recommend you start studying now (are you noticing a trend?).

However, I know a career change is a big deal and can add a lot of chaos to your life so studying may not be your top priority. But, if you’re able to start studying for the exams you may be better prepared for a job in the accounting industry. And in some cases you may even need to have passed some of the exams before you can get a job in the industry.

So everyone’s situation will be a little different but I would say if you can manage your career change and studying at the same time, do that. And if you need to pass the exams before you can make the career change, well then what are you waiting for?

Conclusion

I know there is nuance to everyone’s situation and things like this are much easier said than done. But these are just broad guidelines and recommendations. You have to find what works best for you. And most importantly, you have to make the decision that you’re going to put your all into this. That’s the only way you’ll find success. Good luck, you got this!