The CPA Exam Countdown: A Personal Journey

As the date of my CPA exam approaches—just two days away—I’m feeling a whirlwind of emotions. This will be my third attempt at earning my CPA designation, and I’m struggling to decipher how I truly feel about it.

The Journey So Far

Let’s take a quick look back at my previous attempts:

• Attempt #1: I managed to pass Day 1 but faltered on Level 1 Sufficiency for Days 2 and 3, ending up with a Level 7.
• Attempt #2: Unfortunately, I encountered a familiar roadblock here as well, failing Level 1 Sufficiency once more, and only achieving a Level 2 result. For this attempt, I utilized the Densmore method, hoping for a different outcome.

And now, here I am, gearing up for my third round. Honestly, who knows how it will all turn out this time?

A Desire for Closure

Part of me simply craves resolution—whether that comes in the form of passing or failing. I yearn to move on with my life, liberated from the weight of these exams. Should I successfully navigate this attempt, I plan to purge my study materials, leaving this chapter behind for good.

Of course, the prospect of failing again is daunting. I know the emotional fallout will be real, especially when it comes to how I perceive myself in the eyes of family and friends. However, I also recognize that time will heal those wounds. Life will continue, and I have other avenues to explore, such as pursuing an MBA or perhaps a Master’s in a different discipline. The world doesn’t end at the CPA designation.

In all honesty, my enjoyment of this profession is minimal at best. While I can tolerate my current work, it feels very much like a mundane and tedious routine.

The Weight of the CPA Designation

Passing the exam would indeed feel like a monumental achievement, but in truth, it would only affirm my capabilities in test-taking. Beyond that, the designation itself holds little esteem for me. Frankly, I’ve lost respect for what it represents, largely due to the manner in which it has been administered following recent amalgamations in the profession.

To me, becoming a CPA is simply a means to secure a better-paying job; that’s the extent of its appeal. My experiences have led me to view the CPA journey as a mixed bag that leans more towards the negative side