[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.

[Matt]

Some people care, some don't.

There are various reason for all said feelings and depending how you bring it up, some people might be feel bad.

It's as simple as that.

A friend of mine is just starting with the exam and I gave him some advice, but I'm not going to bother about the scores unless he brings it up.

The only thing that annoys me a little is when people compare the CPA to another type of exam and tells me how they breezed through it. I think I might have done the same thing once before starting.

One thing to keep in mind though, you might feel different if you end up failing a part.

FAR 74

[lilac]

I would say it's better not to ask. If they passed, they'll tell you – or else someone will. It's the kind of news that spreads. If you don't hear anything about it, they didn't pass. I didn't tell most people I was even taking the exams until I had passed three. And believe me, the constant questioning around the final part, all good intentioned, didn't help it all.

[Operation_CPA]

In my opinion the exam itself is hard enough – having other people asking you if you passed/failed in a public setting only brings more attention to the grind of this process and the failure itself. It's also really hard when people you work with or know passed the exams all first try so it is hard for them to understand what you're going through.

Like others have said I would just leave it be unless they bring it up. Some people care, some don't but I rather be conservative about it.

[RyonT]

After 4 fails in a row, I hate talking about it, but unfortunately its unavoidable. Everyone knows I'm taking it because I'm never around. I'm the only one in my circle of friends/coworkers that is studying for it, so people don't really know how hard it is. When they ask how I'm doing, I know its because they want to see me succeed, but it gets embarrassing telling them I failed. The worst part is when they decide to compare it to some exam they took in college or professionally. Even my girlfriend compares it to the GMAT. I'm sure its hard, but c'mon.

Anyway I can see why people don't feel comfortable talking about it, but I do think it would be better talking to another candidate about it. At least you both know what its like going through the process.

[Earla Riopel (NYCARE)]

Hi @Tncincy,
As to…
“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 seargent. I don't mind, it tells me he is still in my corner. (for now) :-).”

LOL! That's one thing being married and Canadian. My school fees are all transferable to my husband. As long as I take care of our finances and investments. We both bring in decent household income as a couple. He get all the tax breaks and ‘peace of mind' & I have the luxury of helping him whenever possible. Of course, we have to ‘stay married'. LOL!

Myself on the other hand, I have an allowance for continuing education. And yes, the US CPA exams are more like, part of my training. As an international candidate, my formal education are mostly non-US, so failing exams is not so much of a big deal.

Except this later years, I am getting old, the exams are getting tougher, and studying for the exam is becoming harder. For me, I am just happy to get my US CPA designation and staying on a budget. Crossing the US/Canadian border is something that keep my husband and myself busy. My husband works for Japan/American/Canadian owned company. Related link: https://twitter.com/AlbertRiopel

My apology for a long comment.

[Jenn4roux]

To clarify, I work in private industry, and I'm the only person I know that is taking the exam, aside from this guy, so I didn't know talking about it was apparently a big no no. He is one of our outside auditors, and is just in town right now for our audit. I had spoken to his dad previously, and he told me he was about to start taking the exam as well, so I decided to make polite passing conversation. Another accountant in our building was taking the test and stopped because she couldn't pass any of the parts, and she's been pretty open about her failures, so I thought people talked about it in normal settings. I know I'm at the beginning of my journey, but so is this guy; it's his very first section he's also taken. Granted, I may change my mind attitude about it later, and I'm not expecting everyone to be an open book like I am. I just really didn't get why this was such huge “hush hush” deal.

[Author]

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