[Anonymous]

Hi all. I’m looking for some advice–I’m trying to work on my resume and I would like to add on it that I’m currently studying for the CPA exam, but I’m not sure how to say that (I’ve failed AUD on my first try and I’m taking BEC in October).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Kay]

IMO, unless you have passed any exams, it wouldn't add value to your resume.

From hiring managers' or recruiters' perspective, they cannot just simply believe/rely on what you state on your resume, unless you have actual results (i.e. passed exams)

And they might be skeptical about the word, “candidate” whether you are actually studying, or just making things up.

Currently:
CPA - Class of 2013
ALMI (Associate, Life Management Institute)
CISA - Passed in 2011, Certified in 2014

In Progress:
ASA (Associate of Society of Actuaries) - EXAM P (O), EXAM FM (O), EXAM MFE (X), EXAM MLC (X), EXAM C (X)

[Kay]

IMO, unless you have passed any exams, it wouldn't add value to your resume.

From hiring managers' or recruiters' perspective, they cannot just simply believe/rely on what you state on your resume, unless you have actual results (i.e. passed exams)

And they might be skeptical about the word, “candidate” whether you are actually studying, or just making things up.

Currently:
CPA - Class of 2013
ALMI (Associate, Life Management Institute)
CISA - Passed in 2011, Certified in 2014

In Progress:
ASA (Associate of Society of Actuaries) - EXAM P (O), EXAM FM (O), EXAM MFE (X), EXAM MLC (X), EXAM C (X)

[mla1169]

It most definitely adds value to a resume. Plenty of employers are encouraged that a candidate is actively pursuing their license.

However I would steer clear of the term “CPA candidate” as it can be misleading to someone who is not familiar with the process. Before I had my license I put it under the education section of my resume, something like “sitting for CPA exams, AUD-Passed, FAR 10/13, BEC and REG TBD”.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

It most definitely adds value to a resume. Plenty of employers are encouraged that a candidate is actively pursuing their license.

However I would steer clear of the term “CPA candidate” as it can be misleading to someone who is not familiar with the process. Before I had my license I put it under the education section of my resume, something like “sitting for CPA exams, AUD-Passed, FAR 10/13, BEC and REG TBD”.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[san4596]

IMO – It really depends on where you are applying. If you are applying at a firm, I would suggest making it known on your resume that your are a CPA candidate. This lets the firm know you have the potential to become a CPA without needing additional education hours. They will likely ask even if you do not have it on your resume.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[san4596]

IMO – It really depends on where you are applying. If you are applying at a firm, I would suggest making it known on your resume that your are a CPA candidate. This lets the firm know you have the potential to become a CPA without needing additional education hours. They will likely ask even if you do not have it on your resume.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[acamp]

I would definitely include it, having applied and been approved to sit is still better than a lot of people

Maybe, “CPA Candidate: Approved to sit by the California Board of Accountancy” or something along those lines. Could also say BEC scheduled for 10/2013. It shows intent, the fact that you've personally paid the app fee, have been approved and ponied up for the exam shows you're serious. So maybe “CPA Candidate: Approved to sit by the California Board of Accountancy, BEC 10/2013”

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

I would definitely include it, having applied and been approved to sit is still better than a lot of people

Maybe, “CPA Candidate: Approved to sit by the California Board of Accountancy” or something along those lines. Could also say BEC scheduled for 10/2013. It shows intent, the fact that you've personally paid the app fee, have been approved and ponied up for the exam shows you're serious. So maybe “CPA Candidate: Approved to sit by the California Board of Accountancy, BEC 10/2013”

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[wizards8507]

I like what acamp said for someone in your position. If nothing else, it shows initiative.

None passed: CPA Candidate: Approved to sit by the Calofornia Board of Accountancy

1, 2, 3 passed: CPA Candidate: Passed BEC, AUD, and FAR; REG anticipated November 2013

Four passed: CPA Candidate: Exam passed; Licensure pending completion of Education requirement

NY CPA

[wizards8507]

I like what acamp said for someone in your position. If nothing else, it shows initiative.

None passed: CPA Candidate: Approved to sit by the Calofornia Board of Accountancy

1, 2, 3 passed: CPA Candidate: Passed BEC, AUD, and FAR; REG anticipated November 2013

Four passed: CPA Candidate: Exam passed; Licensure pending completion of Education requirement

NY CPA

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all your answers, guys. That is exactly why I want to have it on my resume, to show that I'm being proactive about this whole process.

Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all your answers, guys. That is exactly why I want to have it on my resume, to show that I'm being proactive about this whole process.

Thanks again.

[kudawudashuda]

Does anyone know what to put for Foreign Language?

Is it too much if I put something like Basic Spanish or Conversational Chinese on my resume even though I am not fluent?

REG = 58 (02-20-13), 75 (05-01-13)
AUD = 67 (05-29-13), 79 (08-29-13)
BEC = 83 (07-31-13)
FAR = 72 (10-29-13), 69 (02-27-14), 73 (04-16-14), 81(08-13-14)

Study Materials = Becker 2013 + Wiley Online Test Bank
(75%) On my Way to a CPA (minus the experience requirement)!

[kudawudashuda]

Does anyone know what to put for Foreign Language?

Is it too much if I put something like Basic Spanish or Conversational Chinese on my resume even though I am not fluent?

REG = 58 (02-20-13), 75 (05-01-13)
AUD = 67 (05-29-13), 79 (08-29-13)
BEC = 83 (07-31-13)
FAR = 72 (10-29-13), 69 (02-27-14), 73 (04-16-14), 81(08-13-14)

Study Materials = Becker 2013 + Wiley Online Test Bank
(75%) On my Way to a CPA (minus the experience requirement)!

[wizards8507]

@kudawudashuda, I wouldn't put anything unless you could actually USE the language for business purposes. No one will care if you know how to say “Puedo ir al bano” but they WILL care if you have the ability to audit a Chinese client.

NY CPA

[Author]

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