CPA Examination Day Tips

What to Wear for the CPA Examination
For the Examination, you don’t want to wear anything that would make you feel uncomfortable. You need to concentrate on the test and the information at hand. It is recommended to wear something loose. Do not wear anything that binds. Lay out your clothes the night before. Also, the Examination site maybe air conditioned, taking a jacket is always recommended. Wear something that makes you feel confident yet comfortable.

What to Bring to the Examination
You now must focus on the essential and recommended items to bring to the Examination site. You need to bring, of course, your identification card, registration card, and pencils. DO NOT bring a calculator, ruler or paper. Scratch paper and calculators will be supplied at the Examination site. Remember if you don’t use mechanical pencils, bring a sharpener! You will need it. Mechanical pencils are the best, you won’t need to waste any additional time sharpening pencils. Be sure to bring more than one in case one malfunctions. Also, bring a couple of pens and a highlighter. You can use the highlighter for information on your scratch paper that you want to use later for essay questions. If you take any kind of medication, bring an ample supply to take during the day.

The CPA Examination takes essentially seven and a half hours the first day and eight hours the second day, with an hour and a half break for lunch. It’s important to break for snacks and something to drink to help keep up your energy. Bring something that will give you energy, like a granola bar. Water and juice are always good ideas for items to drink. Both are refreshing. Bring your watch and make sure it’s working properly. Budget your time based on the minimum and maximum times listed on the Examination booklet.

What to Avoid
You develop a routine while studying for the Examination that fits your needs. This routine accommodates not only your study habits -- but your emotional, mental and physical needs. DO NOT STRAY FAR FROM THESE ROUTINES BEFORE THE EXAMINATION. For example, don’t eat spicy foods the night before the Examination. You need your sleep the night before the Examination, not indigestion. Maintain your normal exercise routine. Don’t over do it the night before. You don’t want to be sore the day of the Examination. You will be stressed the night before the Examination, continue your normal exercise routine, but find another way to relax before the Examination. Go to bed at your normal time. You don’t want to get to much or too little sleep the night before the Examination. Don’t indulge in alcoholic beverages the night before the Examination. You want to be as fresh and mentally alert as possible. Make sure you take time before the Examination to locate the test site and parking areas to avoid any morning confusion and frustration.

What to Expect - Emotionally, Physically, Mentally
The CPA Examination is demanding. It will become even more demanding of your time; your emotional and mental state; and will take a physical toll on you as it becomes closer to the Examination time. Passing the CPA Examination can be one of the most rewarding moments in your life - but you have to work hard to get there. Don’t think it a simple task. Don’t underestimate the stress the test will bring. After the Examination you will be exhausted in all ways. You must be prepared for the Examination and the MicroMash CPA Review System will make sure you are. We will not only teach you the information you need to know, we will give you the confidence and guarantee you need to pass the CPA Examination.

To avoid too much stress, be as organized as possible and ready for the events of the day. Fill out any forms from the State Board before entering the Examination site. Arrive early to fill out your paper headings and attendance forms. Find a seat where you will be comfortable. When the test has began, attempt to answer all questions in the minimum time before going back to finish difficult or incomplete answers. Note: all essay/long problems must be answered in order given in the Examination booklet. Answer all questions completely. Guessing on an objective question cannot hurt you if you run out of time. Do not transfer answers to the preprinted Examination Answer Booklet until you have worked all questions in a problem. Read essay/long problem requirements before reading the facts of the question. Do not let one question destroy your confidence. Take each question separately and apply your knowledge answering the question. Finally, relax and be confident.

Information provided by: MicroMash