[orod390]

I will soon complete an internship in a public accounting firm and plan on taking the CPA exam early next year. I still have one semester worth of coursework left but i have 3 months available until classes resume. Is it too early to start studying for the CPA exam?

[soxfan866]

Yes, I would say it is too early. People tend to exaggerate how big of a commitment the CPA exam is while you're still in school. A recent grad taking the exam is much different than someone who has been out of school for 10 years taking the exam. I would start studying no earlier than halfway through the Fall semester if you want to be ready to take a part on January 1st.

[Anonymous]

Most people only need 1 1/2 to 2 months (studying 7 days a week) to study for each section. My advice would be to enjoy your time off and drink a case of beer or two for me.

[Anonymous]

@soxfan, while I do agree it is too early for op to start studying now, I have to disagree with you in regards to how big a commitment the exam is. The difficulty and amount of time to prepare will be different for everyone regardless of when you went to school. I went to school years ago for my first degree but went back to school to complete my accounting degree and started exams as soon as I was done with school. It took me almost three years to finish the exams. I happened to be working full time, taking care of a family and helping my husband start a business so there were distractions but it was still a huge commitment.

[soxfan866]

bnrhilton – Sorry! I should have said “time commitment” instead. That's what I was sort of getting at with the next sentence. These boards really do make you aware of the different situation that everyone's in and it is certainly a big commitment.

[Author]

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