According to the CPA exam board, most students often feel anxious before the exams. This condition is majorly attributed to the exam’s reputation as one of the most challenging exams. It is true that CPA exams are comprehensive and require extensive studying and comprehension of calculations and formulas. It is also a make-or-break exam for professionals looking to make accounting their lifetime career; thus, it is a high-stakes exam. There’s no way around CPA exams; you just have to sit for them, unlike normal assignments where you can get away by hiring academic writers like those found at grademiners.com. While it is normal to feel a bit anxious, if the anxiety isn’t controlled, it can mess with your performance. Buckle up as we explore tips to ensure CPA anxiety does not stand in the way of your dreams.
Recognize the Sources and Symptoms of CPA Exam Anxiety
The first step in managing anxiety is to pinpoint the source. According to research by CPA boards, CPA learners have anxiety due to two main reasons: pressure to perform or the cumulative nature of the exam. The pressure to perform mostly affects professionals, as the certification holds a lot of significance in their careers. The anxiety resulting from the broad nature stems from the fact that the exam tests a student’s comprehension of key concepts such as auditing and financial management. The contributing factor is the doubt of preparedness.
The symptoms of CPA exam anxiety are usually physical or emotional reactions. Most students often experience feelings of being overwhelmed, headache, restlessness, insomnia, and some have panic attacks. Luckily, there are remedies for the anxiety, as they all stem from the need to ace the exam.
Develop a Study Plan Tailored for the CPA Exam
CPA exams are broad in scope and content coverage. They evaluate your abilities in all areas, including auditing, regulation, financial accounting and reporting, and business environment concepts. You must be adequately versed in these areas, as unpreparedness can lead to doubts, hence anxiety. So, create a study plan that allocates ample time for each topic. Allocate more time to areas you are weak in and complex topics. That way, you will have time to go through the content before the exam day and avoid last-minute cramming, which often leads to more anxiety.
Utilize CPA-Specific Resources When Studying
CPA exams are known to be brain-challenging. The only way to be ready is to ensure that you use CPA-specific resources during your preparation. These resources outline all the areas you need to cover before the exam. They also have sample questions from areas that have been tested over the years. Utilizing such resources will enable you to have a picture of how the exams are set and, thus, prepare adequately. You can also identify patterns, such as topics that are mostly tested. It will help ensure that you are well-versed in the areas, and this will give you an edge in studying for the exam.
Use Practice Exams to Simulate Real CPA Exam Conditions
CPA exams focus on timing and structure. You want to make sure that you are well-versed in the structure and can adequately manage your time when tackling the different questions. To familiarize yourself with the structure, you can go through past exams and use them from practice. Set aside time to practice the various types of questions, such as task-based, multi-choice, and written. It will help you get rid of the anxiety that comes with exam structure. Simulating exam conditions will also help you with time management. You will be able to gauge how much time you spend on each question, which will help you divide your time for better time management scores.
Seek Guidance from CPA Mentors and Study Groups
Due to the reputation of the CPA exams, experts in the accounting field who have passed the exam have created programs to help CPA students prepare for the exams. It is good to enroll in one of the programs for better preparedness. Mentors have gone through the test and passed. Therefore, they are aware of the complex nature of the exams and can help you with some tricks to help ace the exam. Alternatively, you can join student CPA-specific study groups. These groups have peers who can relate to your condition as they, too, are going through the process. Studying together and sharing strategies will help you approach the exam confidently.
Develop a Calm Day Exam Routine
The day before the exam day and the actual exam day are crucial. They can make or break all your work preparing for the exams. Here are the dos and don’ts before and during the exam day to help you overcome anxiety.
The Day Before the Exam
Before the exam day, ensure your exam requirements are in order. Make sure you have your pens, calculator, and any other materials that are allowed by the governing body in check. Strictly pack only what is permitted in the exam room to avoid being disqualified. Also, ensure that you quickly review key section notes and remind yourself of the formulas. It will make your mind well-stimulated and sharp before the exams.
Additionally, check your exam centers and exam rooms, especially if you are taking them at the CPA centers. It will help avoid confusion. Noteworthy, the night before the exam is not the time to start worrying about your pending schoolwork or browsing the internet to find where to buy an essay. You need a relaxed mind, so log out of your devices and sleep early.
Exam Day
On exam day, wake up early. Prepare yourself, double-check that you have all the requirements, and head out to the exam center early. It will avoid lateness, which usually leads to confusion and panic. Once the test starts, be sure to practice what you prepared during the simulations. Relax and handle one section at a time.
Parting Shot
CPA exams have had a reputation for being challenging, leading to anxiety among students. While it is true they can be challenging, you should not allow anxiety to make it even harder. Instead of focusing on the anxiety caused by fear, focus on what you can control. Using the tips discussed above, you can overcome the anxiety of CPA exams and ace the test. Good luck!
