The CPA Exam is a humbling experience. It’s not uncommon for candidates to receive low scores and retake the exam. Even the most academically confident students find themselves questioning their abilities at one point or another. Study fatigue, self-doubt, and negative self-talk all seem inevitable and are under-discussed hallmarks of the exam prep process for most CPA candidates.
Let’s be clear: That’s normal.
Why does the CPA Exam feel so different?
Unlike structured academic programs where professors guide you with deadlines and graded assignments, CPA Exam prep is largely self-paced. No professor is reminding you when to study. There are no short-term grades to boost your confidence, and no classroom energy to tap into for motivation. It’s so easy to get distracted on social media and put off studying for another day.
Beyond that, the CPA Exam covers a massive amount of content. It’s broader than any single college course and combines skills from a wide variety of classes, so underestimating the time required to study and cramming for the exam is a recipe for a low score. Shortcuts that worked in undergrad to earn good grades do not suffice. Preparation demands not just content knowledge and retention but requires endurance, consistency, and serious internal motivation.
All of the internal and external pressures from work, family, and peers, combined with the lack of structure and the high stakes of exam day, can lead to moments where the nerves are real, and it feels tough to continue testing. And that’s usually when the negative self-talk creeps in.
“Am I smart enough for this?”
“I don’t have time. I’m too exhausted after work.”
“What if I fail again? I’m so embarrassed.”
“Other people make it look so easy; why is it so hard for me?”
Your inner dialogue is an influential component of how exam preparation feels, ultimately determining how you respond in challenging moments. The problem is that when negativity takes over, it makes showing up to study harder, less consistent, and less successful.
But how do you break out of that negativity spiral?
Your mental health is a part of the strategy
Supporting your emotional well-being during your CPA journey is just as important as mastering the exam content. It’s not indulgent; it’s strategic and will lead to more success on exam day.
Since it’s a high-stakes exam, the body associates it with danger and enters into fight or flight mode. When this happens, it becomes harder to focus and recall information. Savvy, self-aware CPA candidates practice and protect their growth mindset, empowering themselves with emotional regulation skills. Learning how to stay calm and collected on exam day can be just as important as preparing with flashcards and practice exams.
Let’s talk about what to do to keep going when it gets tough.
Anchor yourself with your why
Take a minute to write down why you’re doing this.
Be honest. Is it financial freedom? Career growth? Proving something to yourself?
When you hit a low point (don’t worry, most CPA candidates do), come back to that personal why. It’s your compass when motivation wanes and you’re ready to take a break from studying.
Most CPA candidates experience something that will impede their progress at one point or another. Heavy work demands, family caregiving responsibilities, or unexpected personal challenges that may require a break from testing should be honored. The problem is that unforeseen breaks tend to last longer than anticipated and can result in the danger of scores expiring. However, if you recognize the breaks starting to hinder your progress, you can return to your ‘why’ (pro tip: be sure to write it down now) and use it as motivation to get back on track.
Build a support system
You don’t have to go through this alone. Tap into resources and communities both online and in your local area:
- Utilize your review course’s tools and study planners to create the missing structure and make it feel more like a traditional academic course.
- Join an online CPA study group. NASBA offers a free one here, and Becker has private Facebook groups for students.
- Find accountability partners or study buddies who are taking the same exam at the same time.
- Work with a CPA exam coach for 1:1 guidance.
- Get a pep talk from someone who’s seen it all before.
- Reach out to your university and see if there are any study groups nearby. If not, consider starting one!
Professional counseling isn’t just for rock bottom
If anxiety or discouragement becomes overwhelming, it’s okay (and smart) to seek professional support.
Receiving a low score doesn’t mean you are a failure. But for high achievers, it can feel like an identity crisis (no, it’s not just you feeling this way!). Counseling or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help you untangle those feelings and reset the narrative in your head that leads to overwhelm.
Here are helpful links to find professionals that can support you:
- Psychology Today – Find a local therapist
- Telemynd – Online therapy
- BetterHelp – Online therapy
Bottom line? Studying for the CPA Exam isn’t just a test of your knowledge. It’s a true test of your resilience. Take care of yourself. Protect your inner peace and tune out inevitable comparisons you’ll likely make to your peers while taking the exam. That license will mean so much more when you persevere through the hard times and achieve your goal of becoming a CPA. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. And remember, you don’t need to do it alone. Don’t be afraid to seek support beyond your review course and social media.
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