How To Pass The CPA Exam: Proven and Practical Method

I am not the smartest guy; this is a practical, disciplined approach to be prepared and confident on test day. No tricks, No secrets. A comprehensive, effective guide to passing the CPA Exam in 4 months that applies to most people. I worked part-time (20 hours a week) while studying. If you are working full-time or are off for the summer adapt the 2 sections/week as needed, but do not sacrifice the two core concepts: compress and review.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions/comment and if it helps please like and share.
AICPA Sample Tests: www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/cpae...

[@tscoms5472]

Passed all 4 in 6 months. My big take away was that getting that mental endurance and discipline was crucial. Gaming is one of my hobbies and I was studying off of my gaming pc and it was so tempting to start gaming with the boys but you gotta remember you are dropping 4 figures to take these exams

[@bitpat7008]

Congrats bro! I’m a gamer too so that’s going to be tough lol

[@atlienacct5868]

😭 I love to game fml goodbye video games

[@jaimenegron406]

How did you overcome gaming?

[@jincyranjith5358]

How did you conquered this achievement...amazing bro,,,👏👏👏

[@CtotheJCops]

Congratulations! How did you schedule time to play video games? Did you tell your self, “once I study for 4 hours straight and no distractions, I will play for 1 hour today?” That’s something I’m doing right now as a way to reward myself

[@daniellerunsthecity9102]

I passed FAR in 4 weeks using this method. Thank you!

[@TheSuperZufan]

Thank you for this. This was the best review method I’ve seen so far….and I’ve been researching this for months. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I truly appreciate it. ❤️

[@kaleighmjones]

So glad I found this when I did! I've been studying for BEC for about a month now and I have been struggling to find a studying method/process that works for me. I love the way that you have everything set up and can't wait to get started studying.

[@lulut2746]

When you said... or just the knowledge of it all... that was EVERYTHING!!! Focus on the learning and passing will come!

[@Brovha]

"It's just another practice test...it's a walk in the park" ~ Like your style! I may begin my whole endeavor pretty soon myself! I'll keep you posted! Thanks for sharing study advice, sir!

[@southisaac]

I am considering studying for the CPA Exam AGAIN, and this video really helped me. Then, I read the verse and it sent me over the top. Thank you for the encouragement. I needed this.

[@nhuttruong3480]

Thank you for sharing. Your help is much appreciated. Your intention was to share the way to study and the strategy to go about to pass the CPA exam, you didn’t sell us anything. You are a generous person. Thanks again.

[@GtstangLv]

Fantastic practical study tips in here. One thing that really helped me was setting practical test dates for my availability and using the Becker study plan to break down the CPA tests down by individual module. My biggest problem before was being completely overwhelmed by the amount of material. Visualizing how I was going to tackle the exam helped me calm down and realize it was totally doable.

[@paulkim9327]

Your method works man! I passed FAR and I am doing BEC now :)

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Let’s go!!! Congrats!! Thanks for letting me know!

[@winmeaphone]

@@michaelhumphrey4567 also passed BEC with a 92! once again your method works! I am off to audit

[@kevinli885]

Paul Kim How did you study for BEC?

[@amarmanhas8432]

Hi can we give all 4 papers at one go

[@rplayer77]

Hi Paul, let me know if you are able to get this message. I have a question for you.

[@xp075867]

You have a very calm voice! Thanks for the tips!

[@pennythechiweenie3345]

Hey Michael. I like your method. The constant review and keeping things fresh in your mind is such a good idea. How can I adjust it to study while working?

[@badisheffey4550]

Your voice is calming and soothing. That's key to this video. Thank you.

[@mauricioalejandro74]

Definitely helpful for us insomniacs out here

[@AngieeShipps]

Just graduated with my MBA desiring to take the CPA exams !! This is great motivation I needed to start studying! Thank you!

[@DreamFirms]

You're an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Keep it up!

[@ssuper570]

Thank you so much for sharing your precious plan and candid opinion. Now i've got clearly what i have to do. I will be back here after passing all 4 chapters :)

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

I hope so! Good luck!

[@professionalyutuber538]

I think working full time and your schedule is doable but will be tough and worth it in the end. Thanks for sharing.

[@Mikaeus_Un_Hallowed]

Thank you Father Humphrey Your testaments are a guide to my feet and a light to my path

[@TrueColor20]

Thank you for Your advises Mike. I think all information I need is here. I am about to start CPA exam preparation. Hope back to this comment for good news later.

[@antonioromero878]

Thank you brother! Much love from Canada

[@midnightsnack805]

I'm about to start with your method Michael, it sounds pretty solid to me. Planning to pass Far this March with it + the Roger review course (cheaper, what can I say?). I love the Galatians quote at the end, I'd never heard it before but I've definitely heard variations of it in the business world. - Bob

[@britneyc8872]

Thanks for these practical tips and I will be using most of them! Liked the verse as well.

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you. I hope it helps!

[@grisvolonte]

Thank you! I just started today. And I’m hoping to pass it quickly and it’s a lot. Thank you for the tips, it helps

[@rahul_chotaliya]

cleared ?

[@anaescobar3693]

Great work! Congratulations and thanks for the advice. Greatly appreciated 😊

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

No problem! Hope it helps and good luck.

[@JasonHansonDeo]

I absolutely need to see this video today! Thanks!!!! And congratulations!!!!!

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

So glad it helped and thank you!

[@sbaby1991]

I'm so relieved you only used Becker because I was getting so confused with all the other supplemental programs out there. I loved the bible verse too :)

[@ellieazimi3300]

Thank you so much for these practical methods. It is so helpful. God bless you!

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you! Good luck!

[@michaelruiz74]

Good vid! Like how you closed with Galatians. Thanks!

[@jonathanpark773]

Congrats on the Elijah Watts Sells award my friend!! Thanks for the great video

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you

[@ChuyenNguyen-vq9ec]

Thank you so much for sharing your tips. It's very helpful. God bless you!

[@jigarmehta2005]

Hi Michael, I am extremely impressed with your detailed video it is great. I am preparing for FAR and I will definitely apply this into my routine. Can you please guide me if I can get any online lectures on FAR? Or any online tutor?

[@roziegichohi1593]

Thank you for this video- Could you make a video of what you think is super important to take notes on

[@Oveeya]

Michael, you’re awesome! Thanks for sharing your tips. I’m done with FAR and am attempting to study and pass REG in 4 weeks and I hope I can using your tips :)

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

That’s awesome! Congrats on passing!

[@user-xy2ly4uz6p]

Did you pass!?

[@Oveeya]

@@user-xy2ly4uz6p Yep! Got done with all 4 by 2/25 and got my final passing score on 3/10 :)

[@sootheme5846]

Overall i think you are a genious. congratuation of you amazing perfomance

[@wendystephens4327]

I will try this method. Thanks for sharing.

[@deeplymissMJ]

Congrats! a well-deserved victory!!! The first time I watched your video, I was astonished and speechless. Thank you so much for sharing your study tips. I look forward to seeing more videos if you feel like talking about each exam experience especially Audit. Take care :)

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you very much! I may make some more. I was pretty consistent with this approach with every exam!

[@paulabulluck640]

Love this approach. Thanks!

[@kristenenation]

This video was very helpful. Thanks for posting.

[@krishnanraman9131]

Thanks for the Video Micheal, I am 38 and have a full time job. DOING 4 hours is the maximum I can spend per day. Can you suggest how I can dedicate my time better and take up the exams??

[@DreamFirms]

Great tips Michael!

[@katieboan4165]

Thanks for posting this video. I am going to start studying for FAR next week :) my only other question is- approx. how many hours did you study per day/week? thank you!

[@abidg1597]

Awesome video, pls make more videos on cpa study strategy exam etc.

[@rockfinancial2371]

Unrealistic timeline for those who work full-time. Congrats on your high scores! I try to take notes but end up finding they slow me down overall. Now I just have been answering MCQ's and searching the text for wrong answers to learn why I got it wrong.

[@shivamsharma-qr1jt]

did it work? you pass?

[@rockfinancial2371]

@@shivamsharma-qr1jt Yep, finally!

[@stephaniaa5064]

hi, not sure if you’ll even see this! but I’m in the same boat and was wondering if by doing the MCQs and taking notes on that were u able to pass it FAR on your first try?

[@1makeupprincess]

Thank you!! I am feeling very hopeful that your studying method will work out for me, seems very efficient. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@rplayer77]

Hi Bianca, were you able to pass the exams using this method?

[@malikjaved616]

I’m starting with FAR. I’m out of school for over 15 years. Your method seems great. I will follow it. Thanks

[@pennythechiweenie3345]

I’m out of school 30 years! It’s never too late.

[@crystaljohnson567]

I hope it works for you. I’m starting far today June 12, 2020. I work in the industry and now it’s time to restart my CPA journey. The kids are going to college and I’m an empty Nester, so now it’s time to study for this test. Wish me good luck🍀

[@malikjaved616]

Good luck You work hard and that is all you need

[@user-xy2ly4uz6p]

Did you pass!?

[@user-xy2ly4uz6p]

Angie Conover did you pass!?

[@CPACareerPaths]

Love all the tips! 👍

[@elisanamo1226]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Congrats by the way.😊

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you! Good luck to you!

[@zkhan9936]

How well did you do in college as a clouting major? feel like its a big factor since its all about what you learn and the review for the CPA is building on what you retained from your college years

[@ishmael802]

This man a different breed.

[@rituconsul]

Hi -- Thank you for your video. I have been out of school many years and I too am following your approach: notes, condense and review. Looking at comments on other sites -- people have compared the SIMS on Becker to the actual test and have said that the SIMS were way easier on Becker. Would you say this to be true? Or did you find that the Becker SIMS were comparable to the actual test in the look and complexity? Honestly -- I was having enough of a hard time with Becker -- if those are easy ....

[@abrahamlee4671]

Thank you very much, God bless you , amen.

[@elizabethemmanuel1919]

Congratulations!!! Planning to buy Becker next month, I start my exams early 2020. Writing FAR first then BEC, AUD, REG, that make so much sense...Gal 6:9 is such an encouragement, it made my day! Thanks again!

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

I’m so glad! I hope it helps and good luck to you!

[@elizabethemmanuel1919]

Thanks! Which did you use Advantage, Premium or Pro Becker material?

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

I think it was the premium

[@maruslight5582]

Hello Michael, Personally I have taken and failed FAR twice. I am thinking of starting with BEC instead because going through FAR again sounds daunting. However I have complete handwritten notes for all 10 sections of FAR. I am scheduled to take BEC on March 13th. Please advice given my unique circumstance🙏🏾 Also the verse you quoted is today's verse 1/19/2021 from the youversion App.🙏🏾

[@archanatanwar5039]

Thank you thank you so much. Indeed it's great help. May god bless you!!!

[@aimeemolina2608]

Thank you for your video. I have a question if you could please answer what you think I should do. I am am going part-time for the summer (30 hours a week) at my public firm to get more studying in before audit season. I have failed FAR twice, and I want to pass this time, and I am scared that I won't have the concepts down and/or mesmerize answers if I try to rush and get two sections a week, but I feel myself losing what I just learned. I am implementing reviewing every week and I have done this for two weeks now. I don't know if I should push to cover more, since I see my scores are low in prior sections or should I move on and review those topics later?

[@kannameghana4821]

Great tips. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@apekshachiplunkar9890]

Hey man! This video is super informative... Thanks. Did you get the Elijah Watt Sells award? Also, I am very scared to even start FAR looking at its volume. So would you recommend to start with the subject that we feel more confident about?

[@RandomRabbit007]

Thanks for the help bro. Just passed FAR on my 1st attempt with a 79 today! 1 exam done, 3 more to go but hopefully all downhill from here. This video helped me alot, more than anything else on youtube. I stuck to what you said as far as not trying to get a perfect score, get to passing then give the test and it really worked out for me! 6 weeks just like you! Thank you. I'll use this technique for the other exams as well.

[@TheGoldenTuba]

Congrats!!

[@RandomRabbit007]

@@TheGoldenTuba Thank you Zack

[@RandomRabbit007]

@@TheGoldenTuba Just passed Auditing in 4 weeks! On to Regulation next!

[@RandomRabbit007]

@@TheGoldenTuba Just found out I passed REG. 1 more to go, BEC

[@RandomRabbit007]

@@TheGoldenTuba BEC done. It was a hell of a journey but I'm glad its done

[@nomercy2968]

Please help me with this question: Whatever review course you used. I see that some offer video classes (extra $$). If you did, were they useful to you, or textbooks, your notes, and MCQ's are sufficient? Thank you.

[@georgebabu1489]

Any tips for sims? I feel like I am struggling on sims more than anything else because I find the application to be challenging

[@Ananananon]

you're a boss. bless you for making this video

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Appreciate it! Hope it helps.

[@ALXSSA]

See the thing I didn't do was ignore the small detailed things, I wanted to learn EVERYTHING because I didn't want to get thrown curveballs, and they messed me up because it took forever for me to understand stuff and I felt like I wasn't learning. Good video! Subbed! I just took audit and I'm not feeling too good about it, but thanks for the tips. :)

[@ALXSSA]

Also, congrats on passing with 97's, that's LIT. Did you win the award (I forgot what it's called but don't you get like $20k bonus or something haha?)

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

I totally understand that. Details can be important but sometimes you have to step back and see the bigger picture. I hope you passed, and good luck on the rest of them! I haven’t had any one reach out about the award yet so I’m not totally sure, but thank you!

[@euniceferrer8072]

I will become a CPA 💞 I’ll follow your tips.

[@traderreality6354]

I hope I can pass CPA I Don’t have job I am 36 years old all my dreams related to CPA if I can choose between my life and CPA I would choose CPA

[@florencegilbert9528]

@Elvis Anderson So sorry about that am still looking forward too take my CPA exam on September just studying hard and praying to God I know I can make it.

[@RichardLorenzoJr--RROC.]

@Jefferson After 3-4 years of studying we are being challenged by the ultimate exam “CPA” many CPA students face difficulties in acquiring their certificates

[@cynthiamorgan4184]

@@RichardLorenzoJr--RROC. I failed my CPA exam to times first was 2012 second was 2018 and I lost money on review questions and also wasted a lot of time studying which never helped me .

[@thomashalls8558]

@@cynthiamorgan4184 Sorry for your predicament license is for everyone just have to work hard and believe you’ll make it.

[@thomashalls8558]

i know of a woman who can help you out her name is Mrs Tina my cousin sister told me of her and how she helped her make her license if you need her you can talk to me here is my email

[@seandesalero6594]

Great advice!

[@ag12thman]

This is an outstanding and very helpful video. I am on the verge of trying to finally get back to studying and get the CPA done, finally, and I was looking for something that would outline a study method or protocol that I could follow. Your video is one of the few that I've found that does this! I have not yet started and am working on a plan that finally see me through this monster of an exam (four of them) successfully. How do you recommend modifying things for someone (like me) who works full-time (50+ hours most weeks)? Should I aim for 1.5 sections per week, maybe? Love the Bible verse you gave at the end, too. I'm going to write that down so I can see it at the start of every study session.

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

That’s what I was going for. I hope it helps! I would shoot for 1 section a week with that amount of work, anything above that would be great. As long as you keep reviewing along the way, I think it’ll work great. That verse definitely kept me going. Gotta find something to motivate us and push us through cause it just isn’t that fun haha.

[@andrewholt670]

Passing the CPA exams is when you study hard, if you can't study or you don't have time for your studies I'd advise you get yourself a help like Mr Dylan

[@noramei-hua9577]

People keep talking about Dylan all overKZbin, he must be a very awesome help

[@DavidJames-ck6lk]

Yes you're correct but remember heaven helps those who help themselves, try studying if you can't study then get yourself a good help

[@jameson001]

Everyone has their own way, Dylan worked for me and studying didn't .

[@jennyms6027]

CPA exam is really a pain in the ass, I don't believe I'll pass, I need Dylan’s information.

[@ivyisabella7040]

Mr_Dylan01

[@abodo511oo]

Dear Michael, Thank you so much. I have a small question, I’m an average person, not a genius. Can I expect passing the exam if I study Becker very well. My question, can I expect familiar questions in the real CPA exam compared to those practice tests provided by Becker?

[@69Jenny1981]

Thank you Michael. One of the most helpful and to the point videos I have seen as of yet!

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

That’s what I was going for! Thank you and good luck!

[@NMLeepsa]

Can you make a video for 2021 cpa exam preparation?

[@prayers4allable]

I'm so glad for you and I'm proud of how you love God. Your Bible quotation is great. I will use your pieces if advice to write my CPA. Thanks a lot.

[@somadhikari7951]

Hi Mike, do you have not suggest any supplement review course along with Becker or only you recommend Becker. Is Becker enough for covering all exam contents?

[@lizacurran1085]

I'm studying full time and managed to fail BEC and REG, so clearly what I'm doing isn't working. Thank you so much for making this I was immensely frustrated. I'm actually reading thru Galatians right now and seeing your quote at the end was a total God thing!! Shooting to take Audit December 10th!

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

I’m so sorry to hear about bec and reg. They’re hard tests so don’t get too down! Hopefully these tips can help! And that’s awesome, I don’t think just a coincidence. Do not grow weary! Good luck!

[@DeontreM]

Good luck on your exam Liza!! I'm taking FAR around the same time

[@lizacurran1085]

@@DeontreM best of luck!! It's such a pain doing all this around the holidays

[@sandrawithoutborders5631]

The best delivery I have listened to. Thank you so much.

[@hafsaruun256]

I think most methods in youtube are made for students who r doing nothin the whole day other thn studyin. I hv CPA exam late april n am working, hvin little time to study n sitting for 6papers is challenging but i believe i will make it.

[@alanouda.almukhem7146]

share the good news hafsa 🤩 ! did you made it ?

[@jeanneta7802]

Hi Michael, Thanks for making this video! I was a hard time managing how to study and retain all the topics in FAR so this really helped me visualize a game plan for me to approach it in a different way. I was constantly getting hung up on small details too! Did you find listening to the Becker lectures a lot more helpful than reading the book by itself? I know they bring up many useful mnemonics but I found the lectures to be a hit or miss depending on the instructor assigned for the section. I like the mnemonics they use but sometimes the lectures felt more distracting because I couldn't take notes while they were talking.

[@user-xy2ly4uz6p]

Did you pass!!??

[@atrujillo9311]

Thank you for sharing in such a clear, detailed way. Would you be able to share what your averages were on the practice exams?

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you! Generally I scored around 15 points lower on the practice than I scored on the actual exam (which I hear is normal). Mainly upper 70s and lower 80s.

[@macyfleming8487]

Hi Michael, I am not sure you would remember me from school, but I randomly stumbled upon this video and WOW! Congratulations on your success with the CPA exams; you definitely deserve it! It is motivating to hear about your experience with the exams and your study method, as I am struggling with the drive and discipline these exams require. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life since kicking butt on these exams!

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Yes of course I remember you! Thank you for commenting! I can certainly understand not being motivated, it’s just not fun haha. But I know for a fact you can do it...Let me know if you need anything!

[@virufan1743]

Hey Michael, Thanks for the lovely video. Is 36 mths experience compulsory to become CPA. I have 3 yrs of experience as manager in hospitality does it count as experience?

[@spectremels4587]

Really helpful video and congrats on passing so fast! When you say practice tests on the three days before the exam, do you mean the three Mock Exams Becker provides or did you create your own PTs? Thanks!

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Yes, I was referring to the mock exams. Becker recently changed the names on all those. Then each week I would create two practice tests to keep reviewing and adding the material together. My philosophy is the more you review during, the more you’ll understand, the better you’ll perform, and less you review at the end.

[@rachellanier2196]

great information!

[@danielcharles7820]

This method helped me pass FAR and BEC. Thanks!!!

[@rplayer77]

Hi Daniel, I am confused about this method and was curious to see if I can ask you for help. I have been trying to get it, but there are some things that I am not clear on. Let me know if you can do so.

[@desmondkelvin2278]

Get leaked questions and answers for your upcoming exam CPA AUD BEC FAR and REG And upgrade your scores 100% guarantee Pass in first attempt contact us via WhatsApp for more details [phone]

[@danielcharles7820]

Update: I used his methods to cram for all 4 exams. My study time was less than 1 month in total, and I got a 75, 81, 82, and 84 on AUD, REG, BEC, and FAR, respectively. I studied for 10 days for FAR, 5 days for BEC, 3 days for REG (because I'm a tax professional), and 6 days for AUD. Thanks again, Michael! Needless to say, you certainly changed my life.

[@deelipprajapati8011]

Thank you, M.

[@detebeza]

Awesome 👏

[@msanrai]

The mental endurance piece is so important. By hour 3 im so exhausted taking the test.

[@marzanahossain9316]

Hi Paul, how did you know which topics are critical? Do you have your far notes by any chance?

[@feytellegela9758]

Hello am frm Phil really love to review and pass CPA

[@articulate1935]

Such a great video! Compress and review, repeat. Wish you had a full time employee version lol

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you very much and I understand! If I was working full time, I’d try to do a least a section a week. I would also review more often since it cannot be compressed as much. Easier said than done for sure!

[@Damonn-ij4tw]

You are amazing, don't stop posting these types of videos , I got motivated by you iam 21 yrs old CMA and im going for the cpa

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

Thank you! I appreciate that. Good luck to you

[@tuckerhudson1381]

How do you know what is super important information compared to what isn't? Do you take notes on a separate page during the lecture or just follow along with the lectures and take notes?

[@lacydrew]

How can we distinguish importance of topics?? Thanks so much for the tips!!

[@Mlewis2833]

Hi Michael am currently using Becker review and am using FAR. My biggest problem is taking notes. How do it know what to take notes on and how I know what is super super important to take notes. Please help me!!

[@janelleperez2782]

Hi! Great video Michael :) Did you do the final review with Becker btw?

[@michaelhumphrey4567]

I did not do any of the final review from Becker. I just used my own notes

[@404TRUCKERTV]

Damn bro, good job! 👏👏

[@tdecker]

what about the "final review" sections on becker? did u work through those at all?

[@kevinli885]

If you have time limit and can only choose one thing to do to study. What would you choose to study for sure that you will pass?

[@dyquangipson7554]

Hello Michael, I am currently starting my CPA Journey with FAR as well. However I was wondering if you could show or explain what you decided what was important information and super important information. I tend to write down more than what is needed so an example of how you set up your notebook would be very helpful.

[@rahulsrivastava3234]

Same concern.

[@KatherineSaferian]

I'm wondering too.

[@jankimistry7044]

I actually end up making more notes considering everything is important. So I stopped taking notes. I started with FAR from becker material. This video is really helpful for taking my exam. As I am planning to give my exam in March End.

[@99WcingPro]

On my first attempt of the CPA FAR section, I scored only a 46, and I was terribly disappointed. I have my retest on January 7, 2021, and I still have trouble with answering many of the MCQs correctly on practice tests. I have been taking detailed notes on the explanations in the Becker Review Course, which helps a lot with understanding the concepts more clearly.

[@desmondkelvin2278]

Get leaked questions and answers for your upcoming exam CPA AUD BEC FAR and REG And upgrade your scores 100% guarantee Pass in first attempt contact us via WhatsApp for more details [phone]

[@MyaThoo]

Where does reading the book come into it? And authoritative literature?

[@raghadhakeem-vr6sv]

Hey, did you memorize all the lecture notes or only the super important one. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!