Preparing for the CPA Exam is a special challenge, requiring strong dedication and an investment of many study hours. For working parents, passing the CPA Exam may therefore feel like a nearly impossible achievement—balancing full-time work, exam prep, and parenting.
But you’re not alone! Becker has supported thousands of CPA candidates who are also parents during their exam journey. We've gathered the insights they shared in our CPA Facebook community, to learn how they passed the CPA Exam while balancing it all.
1. Structure is key.
Finding time to study without neglecting your work or family may seem like a daunting ask. But sitting down with your schedule to define and maintain structure will help you tremendously.
Block out the time when you know it’ll be impossible to study: maybe that’s first thing in the morning while you’re getting the kids’ breakfast, during the day while you’re at work, or in the evening when you’re making sure everyone is fed and in bed.
Now, look at what’s left: maybe you slot an hour or two of study before the kids wake up in the morning? Or perhaps you structure a strict bedtime and hit the books when everyone is asleep? Maybe your lunch break becomes your sacred study hour?
Whatever works for you, find that schedule and stick to it. Once it becomes your routine, it won’t seem nearly as difficult.
| “I passed all four sections with a 3-4 year old in tow while working full time and being a single mom. Structure is the key. Kids are fed and bathed by 7pm, 1 hour of TV time, always a bedtime story and hit the books from 8-11pm. It was exhausting and difficult, but also doable. Good luck everyone. TOTALLY DOABLE, just push hard!” – Dalia E. |
| “Each hour is to be assigned to a task. It works! Cheers” – Carol K. |
| “Schedule bedtime and meals and lay clothes out the night before for you and the kids. Use any shortcuts you can think of. Keep positive!” – Judy D. |
2. Find your cheerleaders.
You don’t have to do this all by yourself! Sometimes finding CPA study time will require assistance from your biggest supporters.
- Have a partner? Maybe that person can take the kids out on a Saturday morning and give you a few hours to study.
- Is family nearby? Maybe they can pitch in to have the kids over one evening to let you focus.
- Will your work support you? Employers want their team members to become more knowledgeable and qualified, and they may offer support in the process of earning your CPA license. Consider asking your employer about such assistance—be it to work more flexible hours, get financial support, or even change to a part time or remote position until you’ve earned licensure. It can’t hurt to ask and see what options are available!
- Need a few final hours to feel confident before exam day? Consider hiring a babysitter to give you that extra evening of study before you walk into the exam.
Study groups can also be very useful to provide motivation and learn first-hand tips that have worked for your peers. Groups that meet consistently can also give you that extra level of accountability in your study schedule.
| “Reach out for help, get a network going that you can rely on to help take care of things so you can study.” – Melissa R. |
| “My number one tip for a recent coworker was to put studying before work. Take time off anytime that you have “slow days” at work and learn to say “no.” Employers and families will want what is best for their favorite CPA!” – Shelley G. |
| “Don’t be afraid to ask for help with the kids, the house, dinners, etc. Write down your study plan on the calendar so everyone knows. You’re not alone in this journey! You can do it!” – Teri S. |
3. Get creative with your study locations.
For a busy parent working to become a CPA, study can happen anytime, anywhere.
Whether you download mobile review materials to work from your phone or bring a physical textbook with you on-the-go, take advantage of the downtime while you wait at a kid’s band practice, soccer tournament, doctor’s appointment, etc.
This may be the key to squeezing in those extra study hours you need.
| “I work and manage schedules for a dancer, football player, and karate student. I took my [CPA Exam review] book with me and did my reading while waiting in the salon, at practices, and at rehearsals. I just had to be very creative in most studying efforts.” – Kortni L. |
| “I’m a single mom working full-time, so I don’t have a lot of free time. I study during all my son’s hockey and Taekwon Do practices. I also arrange playdates during the weekends or ask my close friends to take him to the movies. Everyone wins! I recently took my first exam and got an 86! The struggle does pay off. ” – Anastasia L. |
4. Keep your head up!
Above all, stay motivated! Your mentality makes a huge difference in your ability to focus on studying, retain the information you review, and do your best on exam day. A positive attitude may be the extra push that you need to cross the finish line.
Check out these 8 tips to keep your CPA Exam motivation going and remember all that you’ll gain by becoming a CPA. You can do this!
| “Keep your head up and keep pushing.” – Carolyn S. |
| “Reward yourself throughout the process with breaks. You may not be able to take a vacation but visit a restaurant you’ve wanted to try for some time or take stroll downtown. You will pass your exams and you will earn your CPA license!” – Melonie J. |
Becker is here to help
Never forget that Becker is here to help you throughout your journey, just as we’ve walked nearly two million other CPA candidates over the finish line.
Get a free 14-day trial of Becker CPA Exam Review and explore the tools we offer to help hone your study, make the most of your time, and pass the CPA Exam, guaranteed.
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- …and much more!
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