You’ve probably heard that the CPA Exam requires a big investment of study time. With four rigorous sections, each covering four hours of complex accounting concepts, it's no wonder that the exam comes with a reputation for difficulty. Many candidates therefore find assistance studying through a review course. Others also consider hiring a private CPA tutor. But, before diving in, you want to make sure that CPA Exam tutoring is worth the time and cost.
Learn more about why you may or may not want to hire a CPA tutor, what qualifies good CPA Exam tutoring, and how to unlock the best CPA Exam resources for your buck.
Benefits of CPA Exam tutoring
The CPA Exam is considered one of the most difficult professional credentialing exams. It’s a 16-hour, four-part assessment, and you must pass all four sections of the exam within a minimum of 18 months. The exam covers a variety of topics at different skill levels, tested in a computer-based environment with a unique interface that you may find uncomfortable unless you've practice beforehand.
Considering the difficulty of material, the time constraints, and the unique testing environment, it’s no wonder we recommend over 300 hours of study before taking the exam. And it’s no surprise that many rely on CPA Exam tutoring to help them prepare. Working with a CPA tutor has particular advantages, including:
Personalization
A knowledgeable CPA tutor can help you assess the most challenging concepts for you and focus on those during your preparation. CPA Exam tutoring helps you consider your strengths and identify weaknesses, establishing a daily study schedule to focus on the specific areas you need to review most.
Identifying knowledge gaps
If you’re already working as an accountant, a CPA tutor can help you with the areas you don’t practice in your job. A good CPA tutor can target concepts that you'll see on the exam, but may need to review in more detail, and shift study time to close those knowledge gaps.
Answering specific questions
As you study, you'll likely have very specific questions arise. Rather than wasting time pouring through books and notes, a CPA tutor can help you directly answer the question. A CPE Exam tutor can provide multiple explanations around the same topic to help you more deeply understand difficult concepts. Sometimes, all you want is to ask a real person a question and get a succinct answer. CPA tutoring can provide this to you.
Disadvantages of CPA Exam tutoring
Although CPA Exam tutoring can be extremely helpful for more personalized, targeted study, you should watch out for these potential drawbacks.
Cost
Of course, a big disadvantage to hiring a CPA tutor, online or in-person, is the cost. Regular, private CPA Exam tutoring can quickly become expensive. But there are also high costs associated with not being prepared for the exam.
Returning applicants pay both application and CPA Exam fees, so the cost of retaking any exam section is quite expensive. Along with incremental fees, you could also lose credit for previously passed sections of the exam if you’re unable to retake the other sections within the specified timeframe. If you work with the right CPA tutor or review course, however, you can increase your ability to pass the CPA Exam on the first try.
Qualification
With the endless CPA Exam tutoring options that pop up in an internet search, you can have your pick of CPA tutors. Some are much more qualified than others, but it's hard to know who is worth your time and money. You want someone who is not only an expert on the subject matter, but also a great teacher. Many who offer their CPA Exam tutoring services may not be entirely up to the job and it's difficult to vet them on your own.
Updated knowledge
If you hire a CPA tutor, you also run the risk that they may not be updated on the latest exam regulations and content updates. It's difficult to keep completely abreast of these changes and you don't want a CPA tutor who isn't fully capable of preparing you for all exam aspects.
Time
Another potential drawback of working with a CPA tutor is the time commitment, particularly if you have a full-time job and need to study at hours outside of what a CPA tutor offers. If that's you, then a well-designed CPA Exam review course may be a good option— one that can help you prepare on your schedule and at your convenience.
Who would benefit from a CPA tutor?
Anyone preparing for the CPA Exam can benefit from good CPA Exam tutoring! However, certain candidates may gain more than others from the personal support.
If one of these situations applies to you, you may consider getting a qualified CPA tutor:
- It's been a while since you've gotten your degree and you know you have questions.
- You've been working in a specific specialization and need to refresh other topics.
- You've taken an exam section more than once and aren't passing.
- You're at a stand-still in your current study habits, understanding, or motivation.
How Becker fills the need for CPA tutoring
Becker has been helping students prepare to pass the CPA Exam for over 60 years, constantly refining our tools and resources to fit any learning style.
Becker's CPA Exam review is designed to provide the flexibility of online CPA exam tutoring, while offering the personalization and community support you need to make the study process more collaborative. Our resources include:
- Comprehensive, up-to-date content
- Our CPA Exam review courses comprehensively cover the CPA exam content and automatically update according to the latest AICPA blueprints. We walk you through exam concepts and reenforce your knowledge through video lectures, digital textbooks, simulated exams, flashcards, unlimited customizable practice tests, and more.
- Vetted, Becker-approved CPA tutor
- As part of our Pro and Concierge packages, you get one-on-one sessions with a private Becker CPA tutor. With our CPA Exam tutoring, you can trust that your tutor is truly a CPA Exam expert who knows the concepts and is up to date on the latest changes.
- Adapt2U Technology
- No two people understand the same concepts or have the same questions. That’s why Becker utilizes Adapt2U Technology to constantly assess your knowledge as your prep, helping you identify and prioritize the areas where you need the most help.
- Expert instructors
Our expert instructors are experienced, industry-leading professionals with diverse CPA backgrounds and specialties. All of our instructors have been hired for both their expertise in CPA Exam concepts and clarity in teaching, so you never have to spend time vetting your sources, as you would in a typical CPA tutor search.
Becker instructors can also show you how to structure time for each exam section and provide valuable test-taking tips. Our SkillMaster video tutorials feature Becker instructors who lead you through the four types of task-based simulations, considered to be the most complex portion of the exam. Along the way, our instructors offer strategies and techniques that can help you work through the simulations as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If you're preparing for the CPA Exam, finding support in your study— be it through a CPA tutor, CPA Exam review course, or both— is the best way to ensure success and avoid costly and time-consuming retakes.
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