Do you really need it?

Getting your CPA license requires one to study and pass the CPA exam. Let’s face it, the exam is hard. Really hard. It’s an exercise in endurance and it requires some serious commitment of time and effort. But is it worth it? Should you actually spent time studying and trying to pass it and then apply for your license?

When I studied for the exam, I thought I’d never pass it. I worked full-time in audit and busy seasons didn’t really help my studying. Did I pass all the parts on the first try? No. Simply because there weren’t enough hours in a day to dedicate to studying while working on audit engagements as a senior associate.   

REG was the hardest exam for me. I took me three tries to pass it. I never gave up. The exam score of 74 didn’t make me to postpone my next exam.

The second hardest part for me was FAR. It took two attempts to pass it and my time clock to pass all four parts was literally on the line. I had to pass FAR to complete my exam journey on time. I thought, well if I didn’t pass FAR in time, I’d need to reassess my career choice. 

The good news is that I didn’t need to reassess my career choice. I passed all four parts just before my first passed exam was set to expire. 

Looking back on my CPA exam, CPA license and CPA career journey, I have to say that it all was worth it. I was determined to not give up and I definitely couldn’t let the exam win! I had to conquer and win! Afterall, it seemed silly to me to have a career in accounting and spend years in public accounting without a license.

If you aspire to move up in accounting career and have earned or are about to earn a degree in accounting, getting your CPA license is a must. Don’t think that you can easily and quickly move up in accounting career outside of public accounting without a license. It’s possible but rare as accounting profession has changed so much in the last 20 years. Trying to make it to the top in accounting nowadays without a CPA license is like wanting to become a doctor but bypass the licensing requirements. 

If you are reading this as you prepare to embark on your CPA exam and license journey, good luck! Stay focused. 

If you are reading this post as you received another notice of not passing a certain part, don’t get discouraged. Schedule another date for the same part right away and resume your studying. Don’t postpone it or take a break. I know many who took a break and ended up giving up on the entire exam.

If you are reading this and you passed all four parts, congratulations! Now go get that license!