How to Recover from a Failed CPA Exam: Retakes, Scores, + Tools I Used to Pass
So you’ve failed the CPA Exam? And guess what? You’re not alone and it’s actually totally normal to fail. It’s just not talked about enough. The pass rate is around 50%. That means out of every 2 people taking the exam, 1 person fails. I totally understand that feeling of being totally knocked out by the CPA Exams, whether you were way off from passing or got a 74. I’ve had both experiences + I want to share with you that these exams were designed to make you fail. I know what it’s like…that feeling of working so hard for something…only to be disappointed, demoralized, + disheartened. You know what? I've been where you are at + want to let you know that the CPA Exams may have made you feel like this, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will pass the CPA Exams + I am proof of that.
Ask yourself these questions after failing:
How close was I to passing?
How can I level up + make this pain my superpower?
How will this make me stronger?
Here are 4 things to do after you failed:
Revisit your score + if you can see your strengths + weaknesses from the topics on the exams, use that as a roadmap to guide you through your new + improved study method.
Take at least a whole week or weekend off from studying. Do things that make you feel alive - spending time with family or friends, going out, being in nature, binge watching Netflix, or making time for your hobbies.
Do things everyday that will level up your mindset.
Be so damn relentless that nothing + I mean NOTHING can get between you + passing the CPA.
Tell yourself this in the mirror everyday:
This L was not a loss, it was a lesson.
I already passed the CPA + it feels so amazing.
I am a CPA + I am living my life with abundance.
There are so many opportunities in my life as a CPA, it blows my mind.
My current situation is not my final destination.
If you’re in need of a little pick me up to motivate you throughout your CPA journey, I recommend looking at The Cool CPA’s Instagram profile highlights of motivational quotes titled “#alwaysACCOUNTANTable movement” for inspirational and badass accountant quotes to help you get through your day.
Remember this quote “Everyone fails. Highly successful people fail many more times than the rest of the world and with much higher stakes at hand.” In my opinion, failure is success in progress. You’re already one step closer to becoming a CPA. Think about it that way.
The only way you’re not going to become a CPA is to throw your towel in + give up, then live your life with the “what if I tried harder then” thoughts…because you CAN get over the pain of failure, but you CANNOT get over the pain of regret.
Know this: “Pursuing your dreams is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” The CPA Exams are difficult, but the limitless opportunities you have will all be worth it in the end.
Vent + cry it out, then move forward with your life by keeping your head up knowing that are already a CPA! Time just hasn’t caught up yet. Aside from making sure you know the CPA material + concepts like the back of your hand, I know it is equally as important to have a strong mindset + mental attitude in order to pass the CPA.
Tools I Used
$9 Amazon Face Roller to avoid looking crusty + avoid under eye circles (keep it in the freezer + use it every morning in an outwards position away from your face)
Gunnar Optics yellow computer glasses to avoid eye strain + eyes drier than the Sahara Desert (lol)
Water Bottle for water intake because water balances the chemicals in your brain + can boost your concentration levels. My favorite water bottles/jugs are:
32 oz. Hydroflask for keeping your drinks hot or cold
2.2 liter water jug when you’re on the go for your desk, a hike, or out doing errands
28 oz. Simple Modern Classic Insulated Tumbler for a lighter version of the Hydroflask
64 oz. motivational water bottle that tracks your water intake throughout the day
Meditations as part of my morning + night routines
Amazon Stand Up Desk Convertor because you deserve the option of sitting or standing while studying (also can be used for wfh!)
Spotify Playlists for any mood - Study + Focus Slappers, Hot Accountant Anthem, Workout Bangers, + more!
Yoga mat, dumbbells, + my heavy CPA books (lol) to work out for study breaks
Read or audiobook of motivational books (Should we start a book club?! I’m all about self-improvement + entrepreneurial books)
Podcast Episodes to Listen To
The Cool CPA Podcast Episodes (on Apple, Spotify, + Google Podcasts) where I talk all things CPA Exams:
Episode 7 “How to Pass the CPA Exams: Overcome Failure, Retakes, + What Your Score Really Means”
Episode 24 “How to Pass the CPA Exams: Failure, Imposter Syndrome, + Owning Your Journey”
Learn Exactly How I Passed the CPA Exams by enrolling in The CPA Exam Masterclass™!
This masterclass is an intensive mentorship course with over 100 strategies + tips to elevate your mindset with all the secrets + strategies to pass the CPA Exams with lifetime access that includes:
CPA Exam Tactics to Pass (MCQ, simulation, essay, progress test, study tips, time management strategies, + more!)
CPA Mindset Transformation Exercises (with over 90+ minutes of exclusive meditations for every step of your CPA journey that you won’t find anywhere else!)
Exclusive Weekly Live Trainings (mentor you in navigating every step of your CPA journey, live Q&A, + access to the replays for life!)
Empowering Community + Connections (private access to like-minded masterclass members + support group)
Personalized CPA Study Plan (how to create a realistic + sustainable CPA plan based on your unique lifestyle)
Exam Day Checklist (everything you need to know to prepare for exam day, what to expect, what to bring, how to overcome anxiety, etc.)
Study Resources (tools every CPA Candidate should know about)
Become a masterclass member: SIGN UP HERE
I also offer 1:1 consultations to support + mentor you regarding the CPA Exams, career guidance, or advice to level up your life!
I’m excited to work with you by sharing my advice + answering any questions you have!
Comment below how you recovered from a failed section!