[BoyNextDoor]

Should one take or skip the 15 minute break when the clock will stop on the CPA exam?

Does anyone like to eat or drink something from your locker during the break or is this potentially problematic if this can cause one to have to use the restroom before finishing the final testlet?

Also, going back through the security checkin can burn time.

[Anonymous]

For me personally, once that clock starts going, I don't take breaks, I don't stop, I don't walk away, I need to be done as soon as humanely possible. I am in the zone and to walk away from that computer would be to break my focus, my concentration, and my stride. I have never ever taken a break during these exams…..Granted, I have never had to use the restroom and I think even if I did, I wouldn't:)

[turo9992000]

I took the 15 minute break every time. I don't open my locker, get a sip of water, pee, and sit in the lobby for about 10 minutes and try to clear my mind. When I go back in i generally feel more refreshed.

[Bourne]

I've taken the break every time. Go to the restroom, do some jumping jacks/pushups/pullups/army crawls on the bathroom floor to wake up, get a drink of water and return. Do not eat anything. For FAR I had to take a major dump with about an hour left of the exam and let me tell ya, that is not the ideal testing environment

[jenpen]

I took the break every time. I would go stand in the lobby, get some water, eat a protein bar, and go to the bathroom. Very rarely was I gone for the entire 15 minutes, because I was always worried about getting checked back in on time.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Tim]

I was never a fan of breaks. In school I always hated the break in the middle of class cause I'd rather just get out 15 minutes earlier than take a 15 min break in the middle.

When I started my first full-time accounting job I worked non-stop from when I arrived to when I left (and ate lunch at desk) and never took breaks for the first year I worked there. The second year I started taking a 15 min break in the morning and afternoon and I just walked around the parking lot. I honestly believe this led me to be more productive overall, not less.

Therefore I always take the time-stopping break on the exam. I just go out front, use the restroom, look out the window for a few minutes then go back in.

[Recked]

I always take the breaks. I bring a clif bar and red gatorade.
Bump the blood glucose levels to improve concentration, little carb load for energy.
Use the restroom, some times I would pace, sometimes I would sit and stretch.
Then get back in there and crush the rest.

Depends on mental capacity and endurance. To each their own.
If you're older I would at least suggest taking a pee break.

[Anonymous]

Major D***
LOL

[Parthamis]

I took the break for sure!

Had a sip of water, bag of raisens/nuts, and quick walk around. Definitely needed it going into the intense Sims.

[Anonymous]

The second time I took FAR, I'm pretty sure I would have failed if I didn't take the break. The first testlet of SIMs I took were brutal. I was kicking myself mentally. Took the break, grabbed a sip of water and went to the restroom. Went right back to my computer, took a few minutes before I logged back in. Once I logged back in I felt much better, had my confidence back. I'd definitely recommend taking it, even if just using 5 minutes.

[Jen-J]

I take the break – put on lip balm from my locker, a trip to the bathroom, hit the water fountain, and walk an extra lap or two of the floor to get the blood flowing (my knees hurt if I sit too long). I haven't bothered eating, but I eat a full meal before the exam.

[Go.For.Broke]

@BoyNextDoor I would take the 15 minute break, if the clock stops. Take that free break to take a deep breath and re-charge for the duration of the exam.

On breaks, I'd usually use the restroom, have a banana (I'd store in my locker) and a few sips of water. A little water and banana didn't make me need to use the restroom during the rest of the exam.

[cometssaywhoosh]

I would take the break. Go use the restroom and stretch and just clear my head for a bit.

[BoyNextDoor]

Thank you everyone for sharing your advice, opinions and experiences.

[alloverit]

I say take it, but if you can handle it and think you'll lose momentum then go with your gut!.

Since it's so late in the test, I eat some dark chocolate and reapply rosemary oil to my upper lip, get a drink and of course…GO TO THE BATHROOM.

[jombe]

I personally never took any breaks. Just wanted to get it done and get out asap.

FAR - 94 (10/4/15), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
AUD - 99 (1/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
REG - 96 (4/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
BEC - 91 (7/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ

581 days of listening to lectures, reading texts & 10,000+ MCQs...

[Author]

Replies