[Ben]

Just starting out on this journey and I’m curious when practicing MCQ do you strictly go off memory or do you practice using resources? In college many years ago I would use resources such as power points, notes, the book etc. to answer homework questions, but on the CPA exam you don’t have those resources, so is it best to practice as you will test?

[Tncincy]

@Ben-G, You probably won't go by memory until you have done quite a few mcq's. Then main thing is to know the concepts. Memory is a given as you do so many. At first you might want to use the book or what ever reference materials to get started and get on a roll. If you don't have a good review course I recommend getting Ninja or some online videos. I am a little cautious of the online videos because the information may not be updated. Get started and good luck to you.

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

[Ben]

Thanks Tncincy. I'm using the Roger review materials. I just here about people doing x number of MCQs, and I'm curious do I complete the entire first chapter before starting to practice MCQs? Or, is it better to get through a few sections on the chapter, then start hammer MCQs even if questions pop up on material I haven't covered yet?

[AusNat]

I use resources when I'm doing MCQ (or other problems) to learn, but not when I'm doing (formal or informal) practice testing to gauge where I'm at. If I have to go searching for an answer and re-read material and then apply it to the question, I'm more likely to retain that new knowledge than if i just read the answer explanation on the MC answers. Obviously we don't have books or the internet on the exam, but when I'm studying the point is to learn what I don't know yet, not test. I do, however, mark questions that I had to use resources for to go back and review them – I don't have that question mastered.

Periodically I'll do sets of MC as informal practice tests or take an actual practice test (just once per section for me), and I don't use materials then. The purpose of these is different than when I'm studying, since I'm actually trying to gauge readiness for the exam.

[Ben]

Thanks for the feedback AusNat. The method you use is what I was thinking of doing.

[Author]

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