Countdown to the CPA Exam: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

As I prepare for my upcoming CPA exam—just two days away—I’m reflecting on what this journey has meant to me. This will be my third attempt at the CFE (Common Final Exam), and I can’t help but feel a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions about it.

The Road So Far

Let’s take a brief look at my previous attempts. In my first try, I managed to pass Day 1 but stumbled on the Level 1 Sufficiency for Days 2 and 3, scoring a Level 7. My second attempt didn’t fare much better; I again faced challenges with the Level 1 Sufficiency, achieving only a Level 2, even with the help of Densmore’s study materials. Now, here I am, on the brink of my third attempt, facing an uncertain future.

To be honest, part of me just wants this ordeal to be over—regardless of whether I pass or fail. I yearn for my life to return to normalcy, and I’ve made a vow: once this exam is behind me, I’ll toss my notes and textbooks aside. It’s time to move forward, without looking back.

The Potential Aftermath

I know that if I don’t succeed this time, it will hit me hard, especially with the expectations of friends and family weighing on me. The disappointment might linger for a while, but I’m confident I’ll find a way to bounce back. There are always other paths, whether that’s pursuing an MBA or diving into a completely different field. I understand that life doesn’t end at the CPA designation. In fact, to be completely honest, my enjoyment of this work is minimal at best; I can tolerate it, but that’s about it.

A Goal and a Reality Check

If I do manage to pass, it would certainly be a crowning achievement. There’d be a sense of pride in knowing that I conquered the exam, and perhaps I’d feel justified in celebrating my success. However, I’ve wrestled with the notion that this designation, while often esteemed, has become somewhat of a punchline due to its administration post-amalgamation.

For me, the CPA is primarily a stepping stone—a means to secure better job opportunities. My experiences have led me to see this credential as a mixed bag, often skewing toward the negative side.

The entire CPA Canada examination process feels