[Jenn4roux]

So, I’m new to this whole CPA exam thing, but I totally don’t get why score sharing/talking about passing or failing is such a sensitive topic. I ran into a fellow test taker that I knew took a section in Q3. In front of his CPA dad and CPA brother, I asked how he did. He said, “It didn’t go too well.” I said I passed my section, and the conversation ended there. Today, I was approached by the CPA dad, who very nicely explained to me I shouldn’t ask other people how they did on their test, especially in front of other people. Long story short, this was his first section, he failed, and he hadn’t told the brother and dad yet, so I basically outed him. I now feel like the most horrible person on earth.

Then I started thinking, why is this such a big deal? Yes, I passed and he failed, but aren’t we all in this together? Shouldn’t we encourage each other through the triumphs AND the fails? I passed with a 75. Do I care? Not a bit. Will I tell people if they ask? Absolutely. I will shout about that 75 from the rooftops.

Maybe I should chalk this up to me being an open book, but I really don’t get what the secretive nature of all of this is about.

[BBHYX]

I think most people are very willing to talk about their passes, but don't want to talk about their failures (especially if they really put in the time and studied REALLY hard but still came up short). I just never ask – they will volunteer the information if they care to share. If not, it's their business.

[rb2017]

^^ agreed. It's not a great feeling when you're in a group setting and someone asks if you passed and you have to tell everyone you failed. It's not as bad if it's just you and the other person, but like BBHYX said, you'll most likely know if they passed because they'll want to tell you.

[HoosierCPA]

Yeah its as simple as the above comments. People are embarrassed. I tended to be more quiet when I passed rather then failed — odd I know.

FAR - 78
REG - 72,74,71...please just go away REG nobody likes you!
BEC - 82
AUD - Aug 16

[shawn in VA]

things get complicated when you tell your family your taking the exam and then they follow up and ask how you did/if you passed. It is embarrassing sharing failures (I have had my share) so I stopped telling my family when I am taking the exams and ONLY tell my spouse. It is not worth it for me at least. I just plan to tell my parents when the whole process is over and which I hope is before June 2018. I do NOT want to waste my summer studying. I love being outdoors when it is nice and studying for the CPA is not fun when its nice out. .

[M123]

Rainman has far greater emotional intelligence than me but if it's before scores, “how did you do” is completely fine. After scores, then a bit of foreplay up to the conversation is in order and if no takers no pushing the issue.

[Anthony]

It's kind of like social media…nobody wants to talks about ‘bad' side of things, it's all roses and rainbows.

I won't lie. I kept quiet about my first failure at FAR, but as time went on I've accepted it. It's part of me.

[Anonymous]

I think you're just at the tip of iceberg. When I took my first CPA exam, I passed AUD and my co-worker failed AUD for the 3rd time. I didn't really get what the big deal was but she was a very good friend outside of work so I didn't press the issue. Fastfoward 2 years and I've taken over 5-6 exams, some sections multiple times and had nothing to show for it but thousands of dollars out the window. Yeah, it's not so fun telling people you didn't pass FAR for 3rd time in a row. It adds a whole new factor to test taking just thinking about having to tell people you failed… AGAIN. So my advice is the same as above. I figure if someone passed, they would tell you. I do not ask my co-workers how they did. I don't ask them what they are taking next. I don't ask them when their first exam expires. If they want to come talk to me about it or need advice, they know I'm here and they know I've struggled.

I'd be curious to see if your opinion on this changes as you continue on your journey. Best of luck!

[CPYay]

There are also family and cultural norms at play that we must consider. My family, for example, doesn't understand the challenge and difficulty of studying for and passing the CPA exams. I've always done well in school, so to them my passing is expected.

The fact I passed them on my first try probably made their understanding even less sensitive. Not one person in my family (other than my kids and my girlfriend) is in accounting or knows about how hard these exams are, nor did they experience the grueling study schedule. They would simply call and ask how my studying was going and which ones I'd passed. This was infuriating at times when they nonchalantly said “oh good job. So you're a CPA now?”. AFTER EVERY EXAM.

I'm sure this is even more true for some cultures. My dad's side of the family is 100% Persian and is already unimpressed because I'm not a doctor or making 6 figures and living a lavish life. I passed FAR with an 89 which I was ecstatic about. Before my dad congratulated me, he asked what the highest score is. To him, an 89 is a B. Average. He doesn't understand a 75, or an 89, is the same as a 99.

I don't know what reactions I would have received if I didn't pass an exam. I'm sure I would have received questions as to why or heard “try harder”… Or even lost some respect. Only the ones taking this exam know the true struggle. Everyone's situation is different both internally and externally. We must respect that.

[tskits75]

I personally believe you shouldn't ask anyone how they did. If they bring it up then go ahead, but I never ask anyone unless they bring it up. My old manager used to ask people in a meeting or something and would press when they are vague. One time, she kept pressing when someone said it didn't go well and she even made them say the actual score in front of everyone. I thought that was too far.

AUD - 92
BEC - 79
REG - August
FAR - TBD

[TommyTheCat]

i think you'd be best served by keeping your successes and failures and scores to yourself, and if others ask you in a one on one setting and you want to discuss, great. I have several co-workers who are taking exams right now and I am faring pretty well on them but they are struggling. Each score release I make sure I don't go around talking about the tests or score releases. If they ask me privately how I did or if I passed I'll tell them if I feel like it and I will ask how they did if I feel like it.

If you are an open book about it then good on you, but don't expect anyone else to be. This is stressful stuff, sometimes career-altering stuff and most folks don't like talking about it. That's why folks usually come here instead.

[Tncincy]

I've taken reg and far a least twice and failed twice…badly But I think people are so sensitive because of the expectation. The peers and family believe it's a piece of cake for everyone and everyone should pass without difficulty. With that said, when the actual test fees, study products and study time is committed I was sad and second guessing myself whether CPA is for me. I often come to the forum to read about the success of others for motivation to keep trying. Asking someone how they did is probably based upon the relationship. And really if you have a good relationship is too be considered. Believe me, when the test is passed you won't be able to shut them up. Long suffer, bare with, all of the above.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Earla Riopel (NYCARE)]

I failed multiple times, passed a few (except FAR) and lost credits as well.

For a while, I was a little sensitive about when someone asked, and I happened to have failing mark(s). However over time, I became used to it. If I fail, I consider it at break-even(BE). I learned something from the exam, and at least I get something on what I paid for.

Also, if the reason I failed, just because I didn't study enough, I don't make a big deal of it. My husband is always supportive of it. He sees my CPA exams as something that keeps me busy, and just help my family about taking care of finances.

I used to be a ‘soccer coach' for younger children/youth, boys & girls, including my son. Each time we won, we celebrate. Each time we lost, we accepted it, and shake hands with the opponent team. All losses we consider them as additional experience. They become better player and likely, improve how they approached setbacks in life.

This Another71 forum helps a lot. A place where you can celebrate wins (passes) and losses (failures), without any judgments. The reason is that, we know how tough this exam for most us.

Lastly, I'm going to try hard, passes or fails along the way for the 18 months. I don't want to lost credits again this time around. I have been taking US CPA for a very long time.

Good luck for us who are still taking it.

[CPAcandidate3]

The only thing I didn't like about the whole process was the outside pressure I felt while taking it. I can totally understand not asking someone about there test in front of others especially right after the score release. I always gave people a date 3 days after the actual release date so if I did fail I had some time metabolize it before discussing. If I had failed a test I know I would have been a little annoyed talking about it the net day.

[Tncincy]

@Earla, what is us CPA? a study course?
Hey I know what you mean, my husband is about sick of me and this test and my pouting lip when I fail, or my sad face when I have to spend more money on a new nts or study materials. He's at point now of asking “why aren't you studying?” He has become a real drill sargent. I don't mind, it tells me he is still in my corner. (for now) :-).

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Tncincy]

Never mind I misread your post. Good luck anyway….and Good comments.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Author]

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