Best CPA Exam study methods

Hello,

I live in California and I am going to take the new CPA exam soon, 1
part at a time. I was wondering which study methods are best? Should
I take a class or just acquire materials and study myself?

I graduated in 1999 with a bachelors in accounting, and I worked for
around 3 years under CPA's including 1 year of auditing. I graduated
#1 in my business school, but I have hardly touched any accounting
type work in the last 2 years. I am currently working as an
independent consultant and I am paid very well, and most of my work is
more finance related than accounting. I honestly don't want to be a
CPA, I think its a waste of time but my wife and mother in law won't
stop bitching at me so I figure I will do it to shut them up. With
that said my motivation and dedication will be minimal so I am just
wondering what will be the bare minimum I can do to pass and get this
over with. I understand accounting very well, but my attention span
is extremely low as I find accounting to be arguably the most boring
topic of study that exists.

Any help is appreciated!!!!

Thanks,
J

 

Don't bother yourself! With this attitude, you'll never pass the exam
anyway. Tell your Wife and Mother-in-law that you don't want to be a CPA.
The only thing a CPA can do that no one else can legally do is to perform a
financial audit of a company checking to see whether or not that company has
complied with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This is not
for everybody. If you are making good money and are satisfied with your
situation, stick with it. Of course, CPAs do other things rather than
audits as well such as I do. I prefer tax planning and preparation for
individuals and companies as opposed to audits.

Wayne Brasch, CPA, M. S. Taxation

 

I agree with Wayne, but you asked so here goes....

None, there is no such thing as best, it is an individual thing. What
is good for one is awful for another. Bisk, Micromash, Kaplan, Gleim,
or something else.... just take the one you feel most comfortable
with.

 

You shouldn't waste your time on the CPA exam if you really don't like
accounting too much or find it boring.