[Editor's Note: this article is in reference to the old paper-based exam, not the computer-based exam that is now in use.]

First, you should analyze your score by AICPA Content Specification Outline (CSO) area. This will be possible based on the "Candidate Diagnostic Report" which will accompany your exam scores. The Business Law CSO is the most useful because it contains the most areas. The Financial CSO is the least useful because it contains the fewest areas.

Second, review your preparation program from the previous CPA exam. What were its strengths and weaknesses? How can it be improved? Most important is your recognition that what you did previously to prepare for the exam and/or to take the exam did not work. Accordingly, you need to make adjustments and rededicate your effort to complete the next exam successfully.

Third, be aware and consider the availability of 1) AICPA review of exam papers, and 2) candidate appeals. These AICPA options may or may not be available through your board of accountancy. A review is a process to verify the accuracy of the grades awarded during the production grading process. The review consists of manual verification of your score on your objective question answers, independent verification of the original grading of essay/computational questions, and re-tabulation of your total grade. It is not a "regrade" and rarely results in grade changes.

An appeal consists of your visiting your board of accountancy to review your answers in conjunction with the AICPA answers and an exam question booklet. Note that you will not be able to take any notes with you, but you will be able to submit written commentary on the grading of your papers. Gleim authors believe there is great value in analyzing your performance, but this will be an expensive option, i.e., over $100 per section appealed. For some, it will be worthwhile, especially for one section.

Fourth, prepare a written plan and schedule to prepare for and take the next CPA exam. Remember that only one in six people pass the entire exam on the first attempt. Conversely, virtually all serious candidates pass the CPA exam within six attempts.