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

I recommend you tackle the multiple-choice questions before completing the essay/problem questions. However, you should read those questions and briefly prepare an outline of the correct answer. Then supplement your answer with "clues" identified as you work the multiple-choice questions.

Now for specific advice:

• Answer the questions you are positive about, and that require little effort, first. This will serve to increase your confidence.
• Always answer all questions even if you must guess. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Similarly, don't bother to show your computations or comments since there is no reward or partial credit given.
• Be careful when selecting answers with words such as "always," or "never." Although these are sometimes correct, be sure you consider the restrictive nature of such responses.
• On computational questions (including those requiring a journal entry answer), DO NOT look at the answers before solving. Simply cover up the suggested answers and solve the problem. This will alleviate the problem caused by answers that appear to be correct but are actually wrong.
• Read all of the answers. The CPA Exam often provides several correct answers to a question. Your task is to produce the MOST CORRECT answer; thus, you must carefully read all answers to ascertain the correct response.
• For questions that require intensive computations (e.g., reciprocal method of service cost allocation), make an educated guess and move on. You can always return to the question but don't waste a substantial amount of time that you could be "earning" easier points elsewhere.
• Treat each answer as a true/false statement, looking for 3 trues/1 falses and vice versa.
• If you are able to eliminate any obviously wrong answers, you've greatly improved your odds of obtaining the correct ones. Research shows that your "gut reaction" is usually correct. Never, ever, change your mind and go against this. Statistically speaking, you will lose.
• If you don't have a clue, select the longest answer. Test preparers agree that, in general, correct answers require more words to ensure that all possible circumstances are considered.
• Remember, the correct answer is always there. This means for computational questions, you might begin with the answer and "plug" your way backwards to obtain the correct answer.
• Eliminate all obviously incorrect answers immediately. For example, if required to indicate the impact of an entry on financial statement elements, eliminate any choices that reflect an increase in income, with a corresponding decrease in equity, and vice versa.

Remember, with a little practice and good test-taking strategy you can improve your score dramatically!

Got a question? Email the author at rwyatt@drury.edu.