#CPA EXAM

[pinkacademiaprincess]

life lately: studying for the cpa exam 📕🧠📝💗

some motivational pics for myself b/c i'm deep into studying for the cpa exam and the light at the end of the tunnel for me is passing scores 😅🥹🤞

[seminalstudy]

🎧 currently listening to: acceptance tender wednesday morning

anyone else tried out spotify's new daylist?

[ckmstudies]

August 2nd:

I decided to push this exam back. I was so stressed out and never meeting my study goal each day and just falling further and further behind. My mom finally pulled me aside and told me to move my exam that this stress isn't worth it when it might cause me to make a worse score. It cost $35 to move the exam but now I'll take it September 6th instead of August 25th. I redid my study schedule leading up to the exam and now my daily goal is two modules a day which is much easier than the three I was trying to do and never got to. It's also easier to convince myself to start the work when my to-do list is shorter. Today I studied for three hours and forty minuets and finished up module three and got half way through module four. I'm very happy with this as I got a slow start to my day with having to switch everything around. I'm so much more relaxed now that I have more time!

Today's accounting topic: The economic order quantity inventory model attempts to minimize total ordering and carrying costs and can be applied to the management of any exchangeable good. Just-In-Time inventory model was developed to reduce the lag time between inventory arrival and inventory use.

Other activity: I finally finished a full crochet clothing item! I finished a blue shirt and I love it so much. I've weaved in all the ends and blocked it and got to wear it to dinner with my mom.

[bloggin-til-cpa]

Little starbies studying action going on. That pumpkin spice latte gmfu I’m lactose intolerant 😭

Also, they took out every wall outlet for customers at this Starbucks. That is just horrible!!! Was looking forward to charge all my gadgets but my battery pack came to the rescue!

[taycpastudies]

2/5/2024

Back into it! Started restudying yesterday for my last CPA exam! I’m manifesting that this will be my last take, and in August after I hit my 1 year work experience I’ll be a CPA!

Frustratingly, I have to wait until June to get my score even though my exam is in mid-March, which is pretty dejecting, but I’m sure I have enough time in the next 6 weeks to really get well prepared!!!

[andrewmnyard]

waiting until june 4 for a score on a test i took in march is psychological torture. like what if i failed. what if i passed.

[gwgaccountant]

I've been looking into CPA review courses, and I'd like some advice on which to take.

Becker seems like the gold standard; UWorld boasts the highest pass rate; I've seen decent reviews for universalCPAreview, and it's a lot cheaper than the others. By which I mean using it for a year would cost $699 instead of the $1200-2200 of other major review courses.

Whatever I pick, it's going to be a significant purchase. So I'm curious what other people have to say. Do any of you have experience with some CPA review course or opinions on them? Are there any resources you'd recommend? Any other advice?

[tejaswini-simandhar]

Are you aware of US CPA Exam changes from 2024?

US CPA is one of the most lucrative career options in the accounting field. The global demand for CPAs has increased exponentially over the last few years. Parallelly, the roles and responsibilities of CPAs have also varied in accordance with the ever-changing business landscape. The advent of digitization and the implementation of new technologies have revolutionized the finance and accounting industry. To ensure that CPAs are updated and competent with the technology-driven business landscape, AICPA has introduced the CPA Evolution Initiative.

The US CPA Exam Evolution Initiative will come into effect from January 1, 2024 and will have significant changes to the CPA curriculum. The passage below explores in detail the CPA 2024 changes.

CPA Evolution Initiative – What is the New Model?

The new model has been proposed to make the CPAs more tech competent. The new model will follow a Core + Discipline model with 3 Core Sections and 3 Discipline Sections.

CPA students have to study all three core sections. The three core sections are:

Financial Auditing and Reporting (FAR)

Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

Taxation and Regulation (REG)

CPA students can choose one discipline section out of the three. The three discipline sections are:

Business analysis and reporting (BAR)

Information systems and controls (ISC)

Tax compliance and planning (TCP)

Irrespective of the discipline section the CPA candidate chooses, he can opt to practice in other areas well. His choice of discipline section will not have any effect on his CPA licensure.

Transition Policy – What it Means to CPA Aspirants?

AICPA along with NASBA, have created a smooth transition policy for implementing the new changes. The transition policy is simple and straightforward. Below is the break of the transition policy and how it affects the CPA candidates.

Candidates who have passed and have credit for AUD, FAR, or REG on the current CPA Exam will not need to take the corresponding new core section of AUD, FAR, or REG on the 2024 CPA Exam.

Candidates who have passed and have credit for BEC on the current CPA Exam will not need to take any of the three discipline sections.

Candidates without credit for AUD after Dec 31, 2023, will have to take the AUD core section on the 2024 CPA Exam.

Candidates without credit for FAR after Dec 31, 2023, will have to take the FAR core section on the 2024 CPA Exam.

Candidates without credit for REG after Dec 31, 2023, will have to take the REG core section on the 2024 CPA Exam.

Candidates without credit for BEC after Dec 31,2023 will have to take one Discipline section on the 2024 CPA Exam.

The current sections and curriculum of the CPA exam will not be available for testing after Dec 2023.

CPA Exam 2024 – What are the Content Changes?

There are some significant changes in the curriculum of each section for the CPA exam 2024. The content from the section has been transferred to the other sections.

The only section that remains relatively unchanged is AUD. While no content has been removed from it, some content from BEC has been added to this section. The newly added topics in the AUD section are basic economic concepts and business processes and internal controls. Some existing content from FAR will be moved to the BAR discipline section under the new model. These topics include business combinations, R&D costs, stock compensation, and public company reporting, among many others. Some BEC topics have also been moved to the FAR section. Similarly, some existing REG content has been moved to the TCP discipline section. This content includes gross income concepts.

In the case of discipline sections, the BAR section includes complex technical accounting topics along with lease accounting and revenue recognition. It also includes certain topics from the BEC section such as managerial and cost accounting, variance analysis, non-financial measures of performance, and financial valuation decision models. ISC exam section will evaluate the candidate on knowledge of IT audit and advisory services. It also borrows some BEC topics. Lastly, the TCP discipline section evaluates the candidates on knowledge of federal tax compliance policies and focuses on complex tasks. As specified already, some REG topics have been included in the TCP section.

Below is the summary of how the content has been spread across different sections under the CPA 2024 model:

REG – REG + TCP

FAR – FAR + BAR

AUD – AUD

BEC – FAR + BAR + AUD + ISC

CPA Exam 2024 – Scoring Weight Changes

There is not much change in the scoring weight of the CPA exam. Under the new model, every section has a scoring weight of 50% MCQs and 50% TBSs, except one section. The ISC discipline section gives 60% weightage to MCQs and 40% weightage to TBSs.

CPA Exam 2024 – Section Time and Question Count Changes

There is no change in the section time. The current section time of 4 hours will remain the same for the new model as well. In the case of question count, the new model has 2 changes. The current model has a question count in the range of 62-72 MCQs and 8 Sims, except for BEC. The BEC exam has 4 TBSs and 3 Written Communication questions. Under the new model, the ISC exam section will have 82 MCQs and 6 TBSs. Similarly, FAR and BAR exam sections will have 50 MCQs and 7 TBSs

CPA Exam 2024 – Skill Level Changes

There are no changes in the skill level categories but there are a few minor changes in the skill level allocation for some sections. The changes to the question count also reflect the skill level changes. For instance, ISC with more MCQs has more skill allocation to Remembering and Understanding. AUD section lays more emphasis at Remembering and Understanding and Analysis levels, whereas FAR section lays emphasis at Remembering and Understanding and Application levels. The latter section has fewer questions at the Analysis level.

REG section retains the same skill level with no changes. FAR and BAR have more questions at the application level with MCQs having complex calculations. TCP section contains the highest percentage of questions at the Application level.

It should be noted that these changes are not finalized. There might be a few changes to the new model. But, the core concept of the model will remain the same. AICPA has announced that it is waiting for inputs on the new model till September 30, 2022. Post that, it will review the comments and make any changes if deemed fit. The blueprint will be finalized in December 2022 and will be published in January 2023.

[selfcareportfolio]

📱 What Corporate Taught Me About Studying

After nearly a decade away from school, I assumed I was just “bad at testing.” But then I realized it wasn’t when I studied: it was how.

I had to unlearn cramming and relearn comprehension.

🧾 Corporate Lesson → Study Breakthrough

In five different jobs, I adapted quickly. But the biggest shift came when a trainer told me:

“Don’t just write what I’m doing. Understand why I’m doing it.”

That one line changed how I work and now, how I study.

🧠 Flashcard Burnout → Concept Mastery

I used to drown in flashcards. But even after all that, I’d blank on test day.

When I focused on understanding over memorizing, my grades improved and so did my stress.

🌱 Gentle Tools That Helped Me Thrive

– 25:5 Pomodoro sessions – Reading slowly + highlighting key insights – Explaining concepts to myself in simple terms – ChatGPT prompts like “Explain it like I’m five”

I passed exams, but more importantly: I found a rhythm that didn’t burn me out.

💭 For Anyone Studying + Working Full-Time:

What if understanding not perfection is the self-accountability we really need?

[albonoracers]

on tonight’s edition of procrastinating studying for the cpa exams—finally learned how to curl my hair with a curling iron instead of using my flat iron!

[financeblog2025]

🎓 Cracking the CPA Code: Why More Indian Students Are Choosing the U.S. CPA Route

In today’s fast-paced global finance world, having a qualification that opens international doors is a game-changer. And for Indian students dreaming big, the U.S. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is fast becoming the golden ticket to a high-impact career.

But what’s fueling this surge of interest? And more importantly, how do you get started?

Let’s decode the journey—backed by expert insights, real numbers, and the right guidance from NorthStar Academy, one of India’s leading CPA training platforms.

📘 What Exactly Is the U.S. CPA Qualification?

The CPA credential, governed by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), is a globally recognized license for accountants and auditors. For Indian aspirants, it’s more than just a degree—it’s a strategic move toward international careers in accounting, taxation, and finance.

🔗 Want to understand the syllabus better? Check out this detailed guide: 👉 Decoding CPA Exam Syllabus – What You Need to Know

🧑‍🎓 Who’s Eligible & How to Apply from India?

Many students assume that becoming a CPA from India is complicated—but that’s not true, especially with expert support.

Here’s what you need:

A commerce-related background (B.Com + M.Com or MBA is common).

An understanding of U.S. CPA state board requirements.

Guidance for choosing the right state (every state has slightly different eligibility norms).

🔗 Read this before you start your CPA journey: 👉 Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a US CPA

🔗 Also, here’s a detailed walkthrough of the entire process: 👉 How to Become a CPA in India – Eligibility & Licensure

💸 CPA Is an Investment—Know the Cost!

Planning is key. From evaluation fees to exam costs and training fees, knowing the numbers upfront helps you stay focused.

🔗 Check out this budget breakdown post: 👉 The Cost of Becoming a US CPA from India – A Breakdown (WordPress)

🌎 Why Indian Students Are Choosing CPA Over Other Courses

Here’s what sets CPA apart:

Global Recognition: Work in MNCs, Big 4s, or anywhere in the U.S.

Quick Certification: Can be completed in 12–18 months.

High ROI: Average CPA salaries in India start around ₹7–9 LPA.

Plus, with hybrid and online learning options like NorthStar’s CPA course, working professionals and students alike are getting certified faster and smarter.

🧭 Choosing the Right State Board Matters—Here’s Why

Each U.S. state board has its own rules for education, experience, and licensure. Picking the right one based on your academic history can make or break your application process.

🔗 Here’s a complete guide on state selection: 👉 How to Choose the Right US State Board for CPA from India (Blogger)

📈 Final Thoughts: Your CPA Journey Starts with the Right Guidance

Whether you're a student or a working professional, the CPA path is accessible and rewarding—if you have the right roadmap and mentorship.

🔗 Already inspired? Check this out: 👉 How to Become a CPA: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students (Medium)

💡 Want personal mentoring and structured coaching? Start your journey with NorthStar Academy and explore their trusted CPA training programs.

📢 Let’s Hear from You! Got questions about CPA or confused about where to begin? Drop a comment or send a message��let’s make your CPA dream a reality!

[ckmstudies]

August 8th:

Got over three hours of studying in today! I finished up module 8 and did module 9 so I'm finally done with section two. Tomorrow I'll review section two and take a practice exam and then review sections one and two and take the first mini exam. I felt more confidant with the last two modules of section two than I did with any other module but I'm hoping reviewing will give me confidence in the other modules too.

Today's accounting topic: The internal rate of return is the expected rate of return of a project and focuses the decision maker on the discount rate at which the present value of the cash inflows is equal to the present value of the cash outflows (usually the initial investment).

Other activity: I went to the gym at nine am today and took my dog on a mile long walk after it poured rain for three hours and was nice and cool!

[bloggin-til-cpa]

Exam day!!! The vibes on the way to the test center.

Now that I took the exam, time to wait until the score release in November 🫠

[taycpastudies]

8/21/23

The countdown to my exam scares me! 16 days… not nearly enough time, but it’s too late to make any changes since my work had to approve it. I’m sort of planning to fail and have to retake, but I’m absolutely going to give it my all on September 6th!

I’ve been getting 3.5hrs in consistently for the past few days, I need to stay at or above that much (definitely prefer more) but it’s so hard since I spend all day at work using my brain. I keep telling myself it’s temporary! Soon I won’t have to worry about it, and it’ll all be worth it!

I did have a great weekend though, my boyfriends sister and her husband came to visit us and we did a ton of fun stuff! And my boyfriend got me the a beautiful rose for my desk 🩵 it perks me up when I start feeling dejected.

Goal for the week:

Finish B4 (started tonight), take mini exam 2, be at least halfway through B5 by this time next week, memorize all the mnemonics from the first unit, and listen to the audios from my other study software a few times!

[andrewmnyard]

the fact that tomorrow i could literally be done w my cpa exams. like literally 18 hours from now i could be done. OR I might have to go back in 100% until mid december (more likely). im ill.

[ashmithblogs123]

The Ultimate CPA Journey: How Indian Students Can Crack the US CPA in 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of global finance and accounting, the US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) has emerged as one of the most prestigious qualifications, especially for Indian students eyeing international careers. But what makes this journey worthwhile? How can one stay motivated and effectively crack the CPA exam?

Let’s dive into a comprehensive roadmap, leveraging proven strategies, motivational insights, and guidance from top educators to help you become a CPA success story in 2025.

📌 Why the US CPA Matters for Indian Students

The US CPA isn't just a qualification—it's a global passport to high-paying roles, leadership positions, and recognition in the financial world. For Indian students, especially those navigating global careers, the CPA opens doors in Big 4 firms, MNCs, and government roles abroad.

🔗 Read more on The Roadmap to Success: A Guide for Indian Students Pursuing US CPA

🏆 The Prestigious CPA Top Award: A Symbol of Leadership

Beyond passing the CPA exams, standing out as a CPA Top Award Winner is a mark of extraordinary achievement. These awardees exemplify academic excellence, perseverance, and leadership.

🔗 Get inspired by The Prestigious CPA Top Award

If you're aiming for such accolades, it’s crucial to follow a disciplined preparation strategy—from choosing the right mentors to mastering mock exams.

🎯 Mastering the CPA Exam: Proven Strategies That Work

The CPA exam is intense, but with the right plan, it’s more than manageable. Here are a few takeaways from experts:

Break your study plan into manageable goals

Use adaptive learning platforms

Regularly solve MCQs and simulation-style questions

Join a CPA review course that supports your learning pace

🔗 Dive deep into Mastering the CPA Exam: Proven Strategies for Success

And don’t miss out on tips to stay mentally fit and focused during your preparation.

🔗 Read: How to Stay Motivated During Your CPA Exam Preparation – Tips & Tricks

📚 Choosing the Right CPA Course: Why NorthStar Academy?

Your choice of CPA review course can make or break your journey. NorthStar Academy’s CPA program stands out with:

AICPA-aligned study materials

1-on-1 mentorship

Live classes + recorded lectures

90%+ student satisfaction

🔗 Explore the official course page here: NorthStar Academy CPA Course Details

If you're unsure how to select the right course for you:

🔗 Check out this guide on How to Choose the Right CPA Review Course

🌏 The Journey of Indian CPA Achievers

Success stories are powerful motivators. Whether you're just starting or halfway through, learning from others’ paths can offer the clarity and drive you need.

🔗 Read: The Journey of Indian CPA Achievers

From overcoming doubt to securing international placements, these stories show what’s possible with grit and guidance.

🌐 Join the Community That Supports Your CPA Dream

NorthStar Academy isn’t just a course provider—it’s a community of driven learners, mentors, and achievers.

🔗 Visit the main site: northstaracad.com

Whether you're exploring the CPA route or ready to enroll, this is your one-stop destination to success.

Final Thoughts

The US CPA journey is more than just an exam—it’s a transformation. It demands focus, structure, and the right support system. With resources like NorthStar Academy, success isn't a matter of "if" but "when."

Start strong. Stay consistent. Finish like a leader. 2025 is your year to become a global CPA.