Should I study every day for the CPA exam?

Studying 5-6 days per week is ideal for most candidates. Taking one complete rest day helps prevent burnout and allows information to consolidate. However, avoid gaps longer than 2 days to maintain momentum.

How far in advance should I schedule my CPA exam?

Schedule your exam 6-8 weeks before your target date. This creates a firm deadline that motivates focused study. If using an adaptive course like Surgent, schedule after the course indicates exam readiness.

Study Strategies9 min read

CPA Exam Study Schedule

Sample schedules for every situation

Follow your review courses recommended timeline

Split time between content learning and practice

Reserve 1-2 weeks for final review before the exam

Build in buffer time for unexpected delays

A structured study schedule is the foundation of CPA exam success. Whether you have 6 weeks or 6 months per section, this guide provides sample schedules and principles for building your own effective plan.

Last updated: February 1, 2026

6-12 weeks

Typical Section Prep

2-4 hours

Daily Study Time

Final 1-2 weeks

Review Week

3-5 per section

Practice Exams

8-Week Study Schedule (Working Professional)

This is the most common timeline for full-time professionals studying 15-20 hours per week. It balances thorough preparation with realistic time constraints.

Weeks 1-2

First 25% of content

Focus on understanding concepts

Weeks 3-4

Second 25% of content

Continue new material + review Week 1-2

Weeks 5-6

Final 50% of content

Complete all new content

Week 7

Comprehensive review

Focus on weak areas, take practice exams

Week 8

Final review

Light review, practice exams, rest before exam

4-Week Intensive Schedule

For candidates with time off or those supplementing a section they nearly passed. Requires 30-40+ hours per week.

Week 1

First 40% of content

Heavy content consumption

Week 2

Complete remaining content

Finish new material

Week 3

Full review + practice

MCQ grinding, weak area focus

Week 4

Final prep

Practice exams, light review, rest

12-Week Extended Schedule

For candidates with limited weekly hours (10-15) or those who need extra time for a challenging section like FAR.

Weeks 1-4

First half of content

Steady pace, thorough understanding

Weeks 5-8

Second half of content

Complete new material

Weeks 9-10

Comprehensive review

Review all topics, identify gaps

Weeks 11-12

Final preparation

Practice exams, weak areas, rest

Building Your Schedule

Use these principles to create a personalized schedule that works for your situation.

Follow your review courses recommended timeline as a starting point
Block specific hours for studying—treat them as non-negotiable appointments
Split study time: 50-60% content learning, 40-50% practice questions
Review previous material regularly to prevent forgetting
Schedule practice exams to simulate real exam conditions
Build in 1-2 "buffer" days per week for catch-up

Recommended CPA Review Courses

Surgent

Adaptive learning that reads your needs

$999–$1,999View Review

Becker

The industry standard for CPA exam prep

$2,499–$5,999View Review

Gleim

The largest question bank in CPA review

$2,499–$3,499View Review

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Best for Working Professionals

Balancing a full-time job while studying for the CPA exam requires maximum flexibility and efficient study methods. You need a course that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

Best for Busy Parents

Juggling parenthood while studying for the CPA exam requires maximum flexibility and the ability to study in short bursts. You need a course that adapts to your unpredictable schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most successful candidates study 15-25 hours per week. Full-time students or those on study leave can study 30-40+ hours. Quality matters more than quantity—focused 2-hour sessions beat distracted 4-hour marathons.