Stay the Course: A Story of Persevering the CPA Exams

Preparing for the CPA Exam can be a daunting journey, but the rewards are well worth the effort. I would like to share my journey in hopes that someone will be inspired to not give up on their journey to becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Remember your "why". Why did you want to become a CPA in the first place?

My Story:

My first introduction to accounting was during my senior year of high school. My father is an accountant, and he suggested I take an accounting course. I was reluctant but nonetheless I signed up for the course. I enjoyed the class and found that it was relatively easy to me. Despite me enjoying the class, I wasn't ready to commit to accounting.

After graduating high school, I was chosen to participate in the Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP), sponsored by NABA, Inc. My initial thought upon hearing I was selected was: "Cool, I guess..."

Again, I wasn't overwhelmingly interested in accounting. It was something that came easy to me... that's all! Nothing more. Nothing less. As I entered college, I knew I wanted to major in finance. It seemed a lot more fun compared to accounting.

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Fast forward to my junior year (and a couple of internships later) ... That's where I decided that I actually wanted to pursue a career in accounting. From that point forward, I became obsessed with learning more about the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. I ended up accepting a full-time offer for a tax position at a Big-4 firm. I graduated college excited about the future that awaited me. I couldn't wait to start my "dream" job. I use "dream" in quotes because I originally wanted to pursue a career in entertainment (I'm still waiting on a call from any TV show looking for a lead 😂). Nonetheless, I was excited and ready to begin a new chapter, all while not knowing how much the CPA Exam would take up the next two years of my life.

Humble Beginnings for my CPA Exam Journey:

I began my study process in late 2021. I vividly remember saying to myself that this exam was going to be a breeze, and I would finish it in six months. See below for a timeline of my CPA Exam study process.

Date	Section	Score	Result
Mid-2021	FAR	63	FAIL 😢
Early 2022	BEC	69	FAIL 😢
Summer 2022	FAR	74	FAIL 😢😢😢😢
Summer 2022	AUD	70	FAIL 😢
Late 2022	FAR	79	PASS ✅
Early 2023	BEC	82	PASS ✅
Early 2023	AUD	79	PASS ✅
Mid-2023	REG	85	PASS ✅

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Remember your "Why":

As you can see above, it took a year and a half for me just to pass one exam. My CPA Exam journey was filled with feelings of disappointment, anger, and hopelessness. It really tested my faith and patience, but I made a commitment to myself, and all those that poured into me, to finish what I started. No matter what...

For any CPA Exam candidates looking for their first passing score, or you're unsure about starting your journey, remember why you wanted to become a CPA in the first place. My "why" was, and still is, to prove to myself that I can set goals for myself and achieve them, no matter how long it takes.

Remembering the reason you started studying for the CPA Exam will help you get through the tough times. Trust me, this exam is not easy by any means. With the right amount of discipline, dedication, and perseverance, you will pass your CPA Exams in no time. All you have to do is STAY. THE. COURSE.

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