How I Passed the CPA Exams: Mindset Tips + Must-Haves
Let’s talk mindset tips + must-haves for the CPA Exams!
Mindset Tips to Pass the CPA:
MINDSET: A strong mindset to power through studying, practicing, + setting aside time to study. I recommend journaling, meditations, having a support group of CPA Candidates + like-minded baddies aka The Cool CPA Community
CONSISTENCY: Make studying a habit + part of your lifestyle because you need to tell yourself this is temporary but being a CPA is permanent + will give you a limitless future so bright you’ll need sunglasses. Consistency with progress tests + refreshing of the material is key to passing. Period.
BEST STUDY METHOD: Learn how you best study – lectures, audio, MCQ’s, reading the book, etc.
CONFIDENCE ON 1000%: Turn your swag on at for exam day, act like you’re already a CPA, + don’t let the AICPA hand you a failed score. Bump a playlist (I have Spotify playlists - Hot Accountant Anthem, Study + Focus Slappers, Bad Bitch Energy, Workout Bangers, + more!) before your exam or whatever you like to do to get you in the right headspace before walking into Prometric
Daily Affirmations:
I am a CPA
I finally passed all 4 CPA sections + it feels amazing
I knew I was wildly capable of becoming a CPA
My Study Must-Haves:
Amazon Stand Up Desk Convertor for working + studying because sitting is so yesterday (I’ve had this since 2018 + it’s THE BEST!)
Bose Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones because the only thing that should be cancelled are failed CPA scores or to catch flights, not feelings (perfect for traveling on planes too!)
Earplugs for CPA Exam Day to cut out the noise of BS + the haters
Eye Drops to prevent your eyes from feeling like crusty sand paper
Yellow Computer Glasses because dry eyes are not sexy
Laptop Desk Tray for studying on your couch, bed, or the pool lounge chair in the Maldives once you’re a cool CPA
Peppermint Oil to rub on your head (reduces headaches!), hands, + neck to wake you the F up
Facial Ice Roller that you keep in the freezer to say goodbye to puffy + dark under eyes
Wrist Braces for your right hand + left hand to avoid carpel tunnel + tendinitis when working + studying
My study must-haves
Resources I Used:
This website Sound of Colleagues has the sounds of coffee shops and office sounds to make you feel like you’re studying or working in one
Printable Daily Agenda I made of top priorities, tasks, fitness goals, water intake, wellness, my “why’s,” tomorrow’s goals, reminders, + laughs/inspiration
CPA Exam Daily Planner which I will send to you via email as seen below if you:
Subscribe to thecoolcpa.com
DM me on IG @thecoolcpa with the book emoji 📚 + the email you used to subscribe
Cpa exam daily planner
Well there it is. My mindset tips that actually work + study must-haves you NEED. I hope you found this useful so you can be the best CPA Candidate there is!
I would love to know what blog posts you would like to see more of + any must haves you have in the comments below.
You got thissss!
The CPA Exam Masterclass™:
Learn Exactly How I Passed the CPA Exams by enrolling in The CPA Exam Masterclass™!
The CPA Exam Masterclass™ is a 6-week online course that supports you through every step of your CPA journey with lifetime access until you pass the CPA Exams with ongoing mentorship from Lea, CPA as she guides you through the exact method for how to pass the CPA Exams. As a member of The CPA Exam Masterclass™, you are fully supported with an empowering community of like-minded CPA Candidates, unlocking mindset transformation tactics to keep you motivated, connect with yourself on a deep level by creating the ultimate CPA study plan, and access to over 100+ strategies for how to tackle MCQ's and Simulations to get that final passing score (to study smart, not hard!).
As a member, you will be on the fast track to confidentially passing the CPA Exams, experiencing how wildly capable you are with an unstoppable mindset, and finding clarity on your purpose of becoming that dream CPA that you already have within you.
This is YOUR time and space to elevate your life with the mentorship, mindset, community, and strategies of driven, successful, and empowering CPA Candidates like you. You are one decision away from becoming a CPA. The choice is now yours.
This masterclass is an intensive mentorship course that includes:
CPA Exams Tactics to Pass
Hacks for all 4 sections - AUD, BEC, FAR, + REG
Strategic study tips
MCQ strategies
Simulation tips
Review period tips
Score release tactics
Practice exam strategies
AICPA released MCQ’s, simulations, + essays
Time management advice
How to identify your best study method
The best study locations
Study Resources + Tools
CPA Mindset Transformation Exercises
Over 90+ minutes of exclusive meditations exclusively tailored for CPA Candidates (where you won’t find anywhere else!)
Life changing mindset exercises to keep you on track
Motivational pep talk audios
Exclusive Weekly Trainings
Weekly trainings to support you through every step of your CPA journey until you pass
Mentorship for how to navigate your study plan, exam day, + advice
Live Q&A to guide you
Empowering Community + Connections
Private access to an exclusive Facebook group of motivated, like-minded CPA Candidates
Create meaningful connections + friendships
Feel a sense of belonging throughout your CPA journey
Personalized CPA Study Plan
Monthly + daily downloadable templates to keep you accountable (or ACCOUNTANTable lol)
Advice on how to balance work + study (after graduating, transitioning to full time work, busy/tax seasons, sabbaticals, etc.)
Implementing your personalized CPA study plan based on your unique lifestyle
How to create optimal routines
How to easily fit in wellness daily - movement, food, self-care, etc.
Exam Day Checklist
How to know if you’re ready to take the exam
Checklist for exam day
Exam day tips
How to overcome test day anxiety
Prometric tips
For the curriculum in The CPA Exam Masterclass™, check out the course linked here.
Resources + Podcast Episodes:
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, + TikTok @thecoolcpa
Be sure to listen to The Cool CPA Podcast Episodes (on Apple, Spotify, + Google Podcasts) where I talk all things CPA Exams: