CPA - FAQs

Who should take the CPA exams?
All persons who have majored in accounting or wish to describe themselves as accountants can take the exam. Concorde-Gleim recommends that accounting students take the CPA exam as soon as they are eligible.

What is the schedule for the examination?
The Uniform CPA Exam is an online examination offered in the first two months of each calendar quarter. Thus a candidate can take the exam at his own convenience in the following 'testing windows' -

January and February;
April and May;
July and August; or
October and November.

A candidate can take the exam in any order he/she chooses. He/she may start with Audit, followed by Financial, Regulation and Business; or he/she could start with Business (or any other subject) and then go on to take the other three subjects in the order most suitable to him/her. Further, he/she can take the exam with sufficientintervals between the papers to suit him/her. Thus the Uniform CPA exam is extremely flexible now.

What is the general format of questions in the exams?
The CPA exam uses 2 question formats:

• Multiple Choice questions.
• Simulation

What is the simplest formula for success in the examination?

• It is recommended that you begin your exam preparation 3-4 months prior to the exams.
  
• You might have to curtail your leisure activities just this once…a miniscule price to pay for the rich rewards you will reap on successful completion of the course!
  
• Remember that your goal is to complete the exam successfully so that you will not have to return!
  
• Therefore, maintain your schedules
  
• With the Concorde-Gleim advantage on your side, you can rest assured that half the journey is already undertaken!

Do mnemonics and other tricks work?
Mnemonics may help you at times. But, Concorde-Gleim sincerely believes that you should not just 'memorize' the material, but 'learn' it.

How difficult is the CPA exam compared with equivalent Indian exams?
The CPA exam is relatively easier. The CPA exam tests you on basic concepts. As the CPA exam is predominantly objective, the focus is on understanding rather than memorizing.

Does the Concorde-Gleim CPA Review cover all the topics in the syllabus?
Yes. The Concorde-Gleim CPA Review comprehensively covers all the topics specified in the AICPA Content Specification Outline (syllabus).

What other books do I need to refer apart from the study material provided by Concorde-Gleim?
The study material provided by Concorde-Gleim comprehensively covers all the topics in the syllabus. One, therefore, doesn't need to refer to any material apart from the study material provided.

How important is it to score well?

• Like any competitive exam, scoring well does matter.
• However, do not despair if you have not done as well as you had anticipated. Passing in all the four sections the first time will be better favored than scoring well in the second or third attempt.

How are the Concorde-Gleim CPA Review live classes conducted?

• The Concorde-Gleim CPA Review sincerely believes in understanding of the core concepts rather than memorizing;
• Therefore, for each topic, a qualified and experienced faculty first gives an overview;
• This is followed by an audio-visual presentation explaining, in depth, the concept and finally;
• There is a question and answer session to test the candidates understanding of the topic;
• If a candidate has any doubts, these are also clarified immediately;
• The above process makes the Concorde-Gleim CPA Review classes extremely interactive and interesting for the candidates.

What are the mock exams? Are Home Study Kit candidates also eligible for the mock exams?
The Concorde-Gleim CPA Review conducts two mock exams for each batch, one mid-term and one at the end. These exams are conducted under an examination environment. The purpose of these mock exams is not only to test the candidates' knowledge but:

• to give the candidate an idea as to how the final exams are conducted in the USA; and
• to increase the seriousness of the candidates.

All Home Study Kit candidates are entitled to take the exams which are hosted on the web.

Does Concorde-Gleim offer online assistance?
Yes. Concorde-Gleim has a team of qualified and experienced CA, CPAs who will reply to all queries received by email, telephone or fax.

I need to discipline myself to stick to study schedules. What is the best way to do that?

• Discipline is very important as far as study schedules are concerned.
• Procrastination often happens before beginning the very first module/study set and then, it might be too late.
• One effective method of disciplining yourself is to enroll for the Concorde-Gleim CPA Review.

I am 48 years old and out of college for over 25 years. Can I take up the CPA now and pass the exam?
Very much so! As the exam tests you on basic concepts, rather than your memory, experience in fact helps in grasping the issues. Many of our enrolled candidates are in your age bracket and have successfully completed the CPA.

Will guessing in the exams work to my advantage?

• If you do not know the answer, guess work will make your process faster and simpler. However, it does not make sense making wild guesses
• If at all you opt to guess, make an educated guess
• Try and eliminate other answers, so that you can increase your odds of guessing correctly.

What are flash cards?

• Flash cards are compilations of the important concepts covered in the syllabus. The concepts, together with their explanations are given in a lucid, easy-to-understand manner and bound in conveniently sized books.
• Flash cards are very important for busy professionals/executives who are constantly on the move. The easy-to-handle size of the compilation makes it extremely handy to carry and refer, even when waiting for buses/trains/planes etc.
• Further, Concorde is proud that it is the only Review Course which provides flash cards as part of the course material at NO EXTRA COST!