5 Effective Study Tips From A CPA Licensure Exam Topnotcher

Winona Rica L. Sigue Winona Rica L. Sigue

1 year ago

study desk with a lamp, digital clock, glasses, flower painting, and some notebooks
Here’s some friendly advice—and a fair warning: Studying accounting requires more than just numerical
ability. And ultimately, the most nerve-wracking part of the journey is the Certified Public Accountant
Licensure Exam (CPALE).

The CPALE is considered to be one of the most difficult board exams in the country. As of the May 2018
CPA board examination, the national passing rate is 28.92%.That’s why it is important that you study
today, not just for the sake of passing a quiz, but to prepare yourself for the rigorous board exam.

Take it from Ariel Joseph Nipas, a third placer in the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination
in 2016, and magna cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of
Santo Tomas.

He shares how he managed to excel in his studies, while even doing extracurricular activities on the side.
And the best part is you can do it, too!

Improve your study habits with these pro tips:

1. Don’t just memorize; Understand the lesson.

It is easier to solve accounting problems once you fully understand the concepts.Thus, you also have to
read theories as much as you compute problems. He said it is better if lessons appeal to your common
sense.

2. Understand what study habit works for you.

The study habit that works for others may not work for you. Do you prefer to study alone or with
friends? Are you more productive in a quiet place? Does listening to music help you remember your
lessons? There are different studying techniques that could be useful to you. Make sure you’re
practicing a routine wherein you are most productive and comfortable.

3. Share your knowledge.

Being competitive often translates into selfish ways which can be unhealthy. According to Nipas, the joy
of learning can be found in sharing. Sharing handouts, cool shortcuts and techniques would really be
helpful! It is a productive way to study and bond with your friends as well. If you can explain a lesson to
them, it means you understand it by heart!

4. Get enough rest.

Yes, you read that right. Get yourself some rest! “Your brain works better if you are well-rested,” says
Nipas. Perhaps it’s time to fix your irregular body clock and jump to bed early! There’s a time to study
and a time to rest. It’s all a matter of time management.
5. Do not give up.

Keep moving forward no matter how many times you fail an exam. Nipas says it’s not about how you fall
down but about how you rise up again. Learn from your mistakes and focus on studying harder and
smarter. Effective preparation will enhance your mastery and confidence when you finally take the
board exam. So plan ahead and make the most of the free time you enjoy today, future CPAs!

Preparing for life after college? Visit Edukasyon.ph’s Careers page to find accounting-related job
opportunities, book recommendations, and useful apps that will gear you up for the future!

When studying, I understand the concept first before answering problems.

I memorize rules, definitions of technical terms, formulas, etc.
I often ask my teacher for further explanation of topic that is not clear to me.
I copy the diagrams, drawings, tables and other illustrations that the teacher put on the blackboard.
I do not rely on answer key or solution manuals of books and test bank of review schools when
answering assignments and reviewing for quizzes and exams.
I submit my assignments, papers and projects on time.
When test papers are returned, I find time to review the questions I missed.
If time is available, I take a few minutes to check over my answers before turning in my examination
papers.
I test over material that could appear in future quizzes and exams.
I spend my free time studying in the library.
I try to study during my personal peak time of energy to increase my concentration level.
I study where it is quiet and has few distractions.
I spent more than four hours studying outside of the review center.
I devise a review plan to follow a certain schedule.
I give more focus on subject(s) I had difficulty during college.
When I doubt the correct solution of a problem, I refer to the textbook for a guide to follow.
I used different techniques when reviewing such as taking notes, outlines, highlighting, formulas,
memorization, mnemonics, taking notes while listening to the reviewer, etc.
I study with group of friends or co-examinees who I can exchange ideas with and ask questions right
away.
I have enough time for study and rest.
While taking the last college semester, I enroll in a review center/school to reinforce concepts and
learning.
I enjoy the challenge presented by accounting problem.
Accounting develops my ability to think logically and reason out correctly.
I enjoy seeing how rapidly and accurately I can work on Accounting Problems.
Accounting is important as any other subject.
Accounting is a stimulating subject.

Nos. 1 - 10: Faculty Competency

Nos. 11-15: Curriculum and Program of Studies
Nos. 16-20: Admission and Retention
Nos. 21-25: Facilities and Resources

Faculty states clearly the objectives and concepts of the subject / lesson.
Faculty has a thorough mastery of the subject matter.
Faculty is updated with latest development in the field and can relate subjects to other fields and life
situations.
Faculty encourages critical and creative thinking in solving accounting problems.
Faculty gives practical tests within the subject matter already discussed.
Faculty has a properly balanced theory and practice when presenting the lesson.
Faculty explains the accounting concepts at more complex levels as the students gain sophistication and
understanding.
Faculty accomplishes all topics in the syllabus that need to be discussed at the end of each term.
Faculty encourages, motivates and stimulates students' interest in the subject.
Faculty shows genuine interest in dealing with students and handles students' concerns/problems with
fairness and understanding.
Curricular content reflects the depth and breadth of the professional preparation required of each
graduates.
Subjects taught are consistent with the course description.
Program of studies contain all relevant subjects necessary in the actual board examination.
Curriculum includes Review/Integration subject as a good training ground in preparation for the actual
board exams.
Curriculum provides practical experiences related to the course for which the students are being
prepared.
Policies on admission and retention are clearly defined and strictly implemented.
Standards of admission and retention are sufficiently rigorous and demanding to meet the needs of the
profession and merit respect of the public.
The retention policy is used as a basis to check whether the students are fit for the program
The retention policy reminds the students to be more serious in passing all the subjects, especially major
subjects.
The retention policy helps the program in the licensure examination school performance.
Review materials such as textbooks, reviewers, review center handouts, etc. are provided to the faculty
as part of instructional materials.
Assistance and or aid/s are granted to faculty to take part in relevant and continuous professional
development.
The library has sufficient or satisfactory holdings of the needed volumes of books and copyright of latest
editions.
The school provides fast internet access for research purposes.
A student center or area is available where students can study.

Hindering Factors
Column 1
Lack of focus.
Cannot cope with the review discussions easily.
Failure to undergo intensive review because of extracurricular activities and social distractions.
Encountered unfamiliar questions/topics (such as new tax regulations, laws and accounting standards)
resulting to a lower level of confidence during the review stage and actual board examination.
Increased television viewing, social networking, electronic games.
Lack of financial resources.
Lack of adequate family support and supervision resulting to emotional difficulty.
The school’s passing rate puts pressure on me in studying harder to pass the board exam.
High expectations from family and friends intimidate me.
Health problems.