How many practice questions should I do for the CPA exam?

Aim for 2,000-4,000 questions per section. This means completing your review courses full question bank at least once, with additional focus on weak areas. Quality matters too—read every explanation.

Should I take notes while studying for the CPA exam?

Minimal note-taking is fine, but dont rely on it as your primary study method. Research shows re-reading notes is ineffective compared to practice questions and active recall. If you take notes, use them for active testing, not passive review.

Study Strategies8 min read

Top CPA Exam Study Tips

Proven strategies from successful candidates

Active recall beats passive reading for retention

Spaced repetition prevents forgetting

Practice questions are more valuable than re-reading notes

Understanding concepts trumps memorization

Passing the CPA exam requires more than just hours of study—it requires effective study strategies. These tips come from successful candidates, tutors, and research on effective learning.

Last updated: February 1, 2026

Master Active Recall

Active recall—testing yourself on material rather than passively reviewing—is the single most effective study technique. Research shows its 2-3x more effective than re-reading.

Quiz Yourself First

Before reviewing a topic, try to recall what you already know. This primes your brain for learning.

Close Your Notes

When doing practice questions, dont look at notes until youve committed to an answer.

Explain Concepts Aloud

Teaching a concept (even to yourself) reveals gaps in understanding.

Use Flashcards Actively

Dont just read the answer—genuinely try to recall it before flipping.

Leverage Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition involves reviewing material at increasing intervals. Its proven to dramatically improve long-term retention compared to cramming.

Review new material after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks
Use flashcard apps with built-in spacing algorithms
Circle back to completed chapters regularly
Adaptive courses like Surgent automate this process

Maximize Practice Questions

Practice MCQs are your most powerful study tool. Most successful candidates complete 2,000-4,000 questions per section.

Read Every Explanation

Understand why wrong answers are wrong, not just why correct answers are right.

Track Your Accuracy

Identify weak topics by monitoring your performance by area.

Simulate Exam Conditions

Time yourself and avoid looking up answers during practice sets.

Focus on Weak Areas

Spend 70% of practice time on topics where you score below 70%.

Optimize Your Study Environment

Where and how you study affects retention as much as what you study.

Find a consistent study location free from distractions
Use website blockers during study sessions
Study in 45-60 minute blocks with short breaks
Keep your phone in another room
Use noise-canceling headphones or ambient sound

Understand, Dont Just Memorize

The CPA exam tests application, not just recall. Understanding why rules exist helps you apply them to unfamiliar scenarios.

Ask "why" for every accounting rule you learn
Connect concepts to real-world examples
Build mental frameworks, not just fact lists
Focus on principles over exceptions

Recommended CPA Review Courses

Gleim

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Surgent

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Becker

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Related Exam Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Dont rely on memorization—focus on understanding. Use active recall, spaced repetition, and practice questions to build deep understanding. For necessary memorization (like specific rates or limits), use mnemonic devices and repeated testing.