The Countdown to My CPA Exam: Reflections and Realities

As I sit here just two days away from my third attempt at the CPA exam, a whirlwind of emotions engulfs me. This journey has been anything but straightforward, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how I feel as the clock ticks down.

A Brief Recap of My CPA Journey

This will be my third time taking the exam. My previous attempts have been a rollercoaster:

• First Attempt: I managed to pass the first day, but I stumbled on the Level 1 Sufficiency for Days 2 and 3, landing a Level 7.
• Second Attempt: Unfortunately, history repeated itself, and I faced another setback with Level 1 Sufficiency, this time scoring a Level 2 despite leaning on the Densmore resources.

And now here we are at Attempt #3—who knows what will happen?

A Desire to Move On

At this stage, part of me just wants to finish this chapter, regardless of the outcome. Whether I pass or fail, I want to reclaim my life. Once this exam is behind me, I plan to discard my notes and textbooks, putting this whole experience in my rearview mirror.

I recognize that if I don’t succeed this time, it will sting—especially when I think about the expectations from friends and family. Yet, I also know that time is a healer. There are always alternative paths, like pursuing an MBA or diving into a completely different field. The truth is, life continues beyond the CPA.

The Reality of My Experience

To be completely candid, my enthusiasm for Accounting is minimal. While I can endure the work, it’s more tedious than fulfilling. Passing the CPA exam would certainly be a personal victory, a testament to my resilience, but it wouldn’t change my overall perspective on the designation. Unfortunately, my respect for the CPA credential has dwindled, particularly due to the flawed administration of the program since its amalgamation.

For me, the CPA has become merely a stepping stone toward securing a higher-paying job—nothing more. I have never believed that the CPA is inherently superior or inferior; my experiences suggest it can lean more toward the negative.

A Broken System

This entire CPA Canada process often feels like a farce. The exam doesn’t genuinely prepare you for a career as a CPA; rather, it seems designed to train you in test-taking and empty your wallet.

As I reflect