Hi. My name is Joshua, and I am a Professional CPA exam taker.

I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2008 with my Masters of Accounting.

I say professional exam taker because I have sat for each part of the CPA exam at least twice, some three times, and a couple four times. It always seems as if I am studying.

My journey began back in 2008 when I was finishing my Masters degree and part of our program was designed for CPA prep classes. Now hindsight being 20/20, I wish I hadn’t taken those classes lightly.

During 2008 I sat for all 4 parts of the exam, only to pass BEC on my first go around. As I was passing BEC and my first part, all of my classmates were also passing BEC as well, but they were celebrating being finished.

It was very discouraging knowing that all of my friends are done but my journey has just begun, but I knew I did not need to lose my focus. The hardest part was dealing with so many close scores. I got 2 74s on Regulation and Audit and a 73 on FAR all on my first go around.

I tried again and again to pass the needed 3 parts. Finally, I ended up passing Audit and Regulation on my re-takes, which only left FAR. However, I had bad time management and it only left one window to sit and pass FAR.

I got another 73. All my passed sections expired. I felt defeated. So I ended up taking a year off from studying because I felt I couldn’t deal with all the studying right now.

Now, a year later, I work full time and I am trying to finish up my CPA exam. Currently, I have Audit, Regulation, and BEC passed and I am striving for FAR in the first of May.

I look forward to keeping you all posted on my studying progress and keeping everyone encouraged. Everyone can pass; it’s just a matter of determination and a little luck.