CPA Exam Prep: MCQ Tips Shared

The CPA Exam includes both task-based simulations and multiple-choice questions. Success requires knowing what to expect, careful preparation for both formats, and most importantly, understanding the underlying concepts behind each question.

Winning tips from Elijah Watt Sells Award honorees

Each year, the AICPA presents the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award to CPA candidates who earn a cumulative average score of 95.50 or higher across four sections of the Exam, and who pass four sections on the first try. These award winners represent the top tier of candidates and share more than just a passion for the accounting profession. Their preparation methods reveal smart, strategic study habits that can help any CPA candidate succeed by devoting significant time to study, practice, and problem-solving.

Award-winners consistently reported that preparation for multiple choice questions (MCQs) isn’t just a matter of memorization, rather, it’s about understanding the “why” behind each concept and understanding the theory behind each question.

One candidate emphasized, “Don’t try to memorize words separately, try to establish a framework or structure about the subject.”

The most recent group of award winners shared this additional advice for preparing for the MCQs on the CPA Exam:

• Keep a consistent study schedule that includes practicing MCQs every day
• Understand the concepts and logic behind each question
• Identify areas of weakness ahead of time
• Revisit unclear topics

A consistent study schedule is important for any study prep, and one Elijah Watt Sells winner made sure to stick to his schedule rigorously. “During busy season, I aimed to complete 100 MCQs daily, which helped me retain over 80% of the exam material before taking the exam.” He continued, “Focus on truly understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing. While this might seem time-consuming initially, it significantly reduced my overall study time because I could logically work through problems and reverse-engineer answers.”

The Bottom Line

Devoting time to preparing for the MCQ portion of the CPA Exam requires a careful strategy. While there’s no single path to success, the steps these award winners took might be worth a look as you map out your journey.

If you're a CPA Exam Candidate, be sure to check out Everything You Need to Know About the CPA Exam, including CPA Exam Blueprints and CPA Exam Sample Tests.