CPA prep adivce

[b***@gmail.com]

I am interested in opinions on CPA exam prep courses any of you may
have taken, and what you found to be most helpful.

For some background, in 1997 I graduated with a Business Economics
degree with an emphasis in accounting. Since then, I have done
absolutely no accounting work and have pushed most (read: all) of my
accounting knowledge to the back of my brain. I'm sure much of it
would come back quickly once I saw it again. I'm looking to broaden my
horizons and potential marketability in the work force.
Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks in Advance
Brian

[Lance Mertz]

Most CPA courses are designed for those right out of school or with
current esperience or both. I would try auditing an Intermediate
Accounting Course and maybe Auditing. A lot has changed in the years
since you graduated.

You could read an accounting book and auditing book... but I recommend
taking some classes to refresh.

Another thing may be to get a Glimes study guide (SP?)... and see if
you can do the work. They are a good review and update.

Good luck.

Lance

Post by b***@gmail.com
I am interested in opinions on CPA exam prep courses any of you may
have taken, and what you found to be most helpful.
For some background, in 1997 I graduated with a Business Economics
degree with an emphasis in accounting. Since then, I have done
absolutely no accounting work and have pushed most (read: all) of my
accounting knowledge to the back of my brain. I'm sure much of it
would come back quickly once I saw it again. I'm looking to broaden my
horizons and potential marketability in the work force.
Any advice or suggestions?
Thanks in Advance
Brian

[ann_n_bell]

Brian,

Here is my 2 cents- (I took it 3 years out)
1) Find out what exactly what classes your state requires to sit for
the exam E.G. when I was in CA it was only 1 class in Bus Law but in LA
(where I sat) it was 2 classes in Bus Law. You will need Intermediate,
Gnmtl, and Advanced Acct classes.

2) I have heard many things about the prep courses. I took the Becker
all day Saturday class along with the CRAM courses, but I have friends
who took the on line and the study on your own class. All had success.
I would highly reccommend one with a CD of the multiple choice test
questions

3) Becker fails to prepare you for the 'Mental' part of the exam.
Remember the test rate has traditionally had a 12% pass rate on all 4
parts the 1st time. But it can be done. I used a book called 'You can
pass the CPA'. I am not sure if it is still available. (I am not sure
how the computer testing has changed the results)

4)There is never enough time to go back to study everything over. I
used Gleim's method for studying (it worked well on the CIA as well)-
Gliem's method is to go through the questions without looking at any
reading (you will get several wrong), then read or attend the lecture,
then go back through the questions. This makes the lecture/reading
stick.

5) Remember its rough, but doable.