Contemplating the CPA Exam: A Personal Journey

As I sit here just two days away from my third attempt at the CPA exam, I find myself in a whirlwind of emotions. Each previous attempt has been a rollercoaster experience.

In my first attempt, I managed to pass Day 1, but unfortunately, I fell short on Level 1 Sufficiency for Days 2 and 3, ultimately scoring a Level 7. My second attempt was similarly disappointing; once again, I faced challenges with Level 1 Sufficiency and only received a Level 2, despite using Densmore resources. Now, with attempt number three looming, I can’t help but question how this will all play out.

Part of me just wants to get this over with—whether I pass or fail. I am yearning to reclaim my life after this ordeal. Once I submit this exam, I plan to toss my notes and textbooks into the abyss of forgotten study aids and move on without looking back.

I recognize that if I were to fail again, it would sting—particularly in the eyes of friends and family. The initial disappointment would be real, yet I believe I would move past it in due time, knowing there are countless alternative paths to explore, like pursuing an MBA or venturing into a different field entirely. Life doesn’t come to a standstill with a CPA designation, after all. In truth, I find little joy in the work itself; I merely tolerate it. It leans toward the mundane and tedious, at best.

Now, should I manage to pass, it would indeed be a moment of celebration. I could hold my head high, a small victory for the personal effort it took to conquer the exam. But in my heart, I know that it’s simply a badge of honor for staying the course rather than a mark of true professional respect. To me, the CPA designation seems a bit of a farce, particularly in recent years following the amalgamation.

In my view, a CPA is merely a means to an end—a stepping stone toward securing a better-paying job. Throughout my experience, I have come to see it as an opportunity that is a mixed bag, often leading to more disappointment than fulfillment.

The entire CPA Canada process feels like a colossal endeavor without substantial value. The exam seems to serve only as a mechanism for financial investment and the cultivation of specific test-taking skills, rather than genuinely preparing one for a career as a CPA.

I’m not