My Typical Day as a CPA Exam Candidate

my-typical-day-as-a-cpa-exam-candidate

My favorite time of the day for studying is early in the morning when my mind is still so fresh and focused.  These morning hours were the most productive for me as there are no distractions, kids are asleep, and it is so peaceful. My 2nd favorite time to study is anytime!

Anytime I can find 15 minutes to watch a lecture, read the text book or do a quiz. I try to fit in these little mini study sessions anywhere and anytime I can, waiting at the doctor’s office, kids’ football games or swim practice, or while kids are playing at the beach or the park. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done if you invest those few minutes here and there.

Here is a typical weekday for me:

4:00 AM: I get up and make myself a good strong cup of coffee

4:15 – 6:15 AM: I watch lectures, write my notes, and read the text book

6:15 AM: Wake up the kids and get ready for school and work

8:00 AM: Leave home to drop off kids at school and head to work

8:15 AM: Start listening to the audio lectures in the car on my way to work

9:00 AM: Work day starts

12:00 PM: Depending on how busy the day is, I may be able to fit in a 15-20 minutes quiz or read

5:00 PM: Leave work and listen to more audio lectures in the car

5:45 PM: Pick up the kids from after school care or grandma’s

6:15 – 9:00 PM: Family time! Prepare dinner, eat, help kids with homework, etc.

9:00 – 10:00 PM: If I’m running behind I’ll do some homework

And here is a typical Weekend day:

5:00 AM: Wake up, or sometimes more like drag myself out of bed after a long debate of whether I should get up or sleep a little more because I deserve it 🙂 

5:15 – 9:00 AM: Long study session

9:00 – 10:00 AM: Breakfast, and some family time

10:00 – 12:30 AM: Another study session

12:30 – 8:00 PM: Lunch, family time, activities, dinner, etc.

8:00 – 10:00 PM: One last study session

The 2-3 weekends before the exam, I studied more on the weekends

Sometimes it’s really hard to stick to the schedule, especially if I get sick, kids were sick, or work puts more demand on my personal time. I’ll share in my next blog how to ask for and get help and support from family and friends to get you through those tough times.

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy – I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” ― Art Williams

Scroll to Top