[DS]

I know this has been asked before, but I'm torn on whether I should list my scores on my resume. In my case, I'm a career changer with 20+ years engineering experience finishing up a MSA this semester so I think one of my my biggest hurdles is going to be getting past the resume sniff test. I took FAR & REG over the summer and really scored well so I'm wondering if having that on the resume will lead to more interviews or not. Anyone have a strong opinion one way or the other?

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 91
FAR - 97
REG - 99

Foobar

[water]

I would do it, it can't hurt especially since you got a perfect score on REG. I considered doing the same with my REG score but decided not to, on the basis that scores don't really matter. I think ultimately this is true, but only after you have the license. If you're still taking the exams a high score may indicate your dedication to the employer. I haven't had much luck with interviews because I don't have much accounting experience, and I've wondered if listing my score would've helped. Chances are the ones who will see your resume will already be CPAs and recognize the commitment it takes, which can only help you.

REG - 91 (May 18 2020)

FAR - 89 (Aug 24 2020)

BEC - 95 (Sept 28 2020)

AUD - 90 (Nov 12 2020)

[monikernc]

I am a second career CPA and don’t think adding scores will help unless your excellent trend continues and you win the Elijah Watt Sells Award. Hopefully you will be able to recruit through your school and get noticed.

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[JFKGY]

I agree with @Monikernc unless you have nothing to write on that piece of paper then you can write the score to fill up the space. If I were you I will use the space to write how “20 years of engineer will possibility help on your accounting career”.

You should also consider your “target audience” of your resume. To be honest, CPA only sounds interesting if you are going for accounting / law firm or public accounting. Adding a CPA line on bookkeeping, AR AP budgeting (the general accounting world) will likely scare your future boss away. Many office don't want CPA-eager employees because as soon as they got their CPA they run away for higher paid job.

If you want to get into an accounting firm, better find one that have engineer clients and sell off how you know this industry well.

NY - License Approved December 2020.

[Skynet]

I only lists my scores on my dating profile. Usually when the ladies ask, I just tell them it's my Salaries over the years. 😬

AUD - 90
BEC - 78
FAR - 84
REG - 87

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - In Progress
Phase III : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase IV : Form the new Charlie's Angels with Megan Fox, Scarlett Johansson, & Gal Gadot
Phase V : TBD

[Anthony]

I would say it wouldn't hurt if you have spaces on your resume that needs to be filled and your resume is kind of empty. At worst, people would think your just bragging. You might wow a few people..but most don't really care because at the end a CPA is a CPA whether you barely make the cut or pass with flying colors.

But yeah, if you get Elijah Watt Sells Award I would definitely add it under accomplishment or something like that.

AUD - 82
BEC - 80
FAR - 81
REG - 82

FAR - 74 first attempt

[monikernc]

Firms like this one will be very interested in your combo. Consider this when writing your resume. https://litcongroup.com/careers-at-litcon-group-2019/

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[JFKGY]

I would also recommend talking to all your other engineer friends, clients, or anyone, what accountant they use, and see if there's any opportunities, rather it will be the high-end jobs, or simply printing paychecks and passing them out. That will be, the fastest way to get yourself into the door. And if you think you might want to stay within the engineer business, and kinda just merge accounting into it, you will be seeing your buddies everyday in the door. The industry is smaller than you think, if your are staying in the same city / area.

NY - License Approved December 2020.

[DS]

For others in the same situation I wanted to update people that I did end up putting my scores on my resume and just received an offer from a local public accounting firm. During my interview with the partners a couple did ask about it and I humbly said that I debated whether to do so and both of them said they had no problem with it and I should be very proud of them. I definitely see the pros and cons of doing so but I guess either I lucked out with it in the end.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 91
FAR - 97
REG - 99

Foobar

[monikernc]

Congrats! You should always go with your gut!

AUD - 93
BEC - 82
FAR - 76
REG - 88

How have you been?
Ninja book and MCQs and the forum, all first try! 2016
Licensed State of Montana April Fool’s Day 2020
State of Colorado June 2020 - AICPA Ethics 93
Experience was the worst part of the journey for me. You?
If you want things to change you have to do something different.

[CoHa]

Congratulations for your stellar performance! Just a friendly suggestion, in case a you find out that a local public accounting firm is not your favorite: big banks, big finance companies would love to have CPAs for their risk management, corporate credit analysis, portfolio management positions.
In my opinion, CPAs, esp. those with a technical background/proclivity, could look beyond accounting/tax/audit in a specialized firm. The finance industry in general has a lot of interesting positions where CPAs are more than welcome.

[Author]

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