CPA Exam Study Plan: Week-by-Week Schedule | LearnByTeaching.ai
This 16-week CPA study plan covers one section (FAR) in depth, the most challenging and content-heavy of the four CPA exam sections. The schedule balances conceptual learning with extensive task-based simulation practice, which is critical because TBS items carry significant weight. Adapt this template for AUD, REG, and your chosen discipline section by swapping the topic blocks.
16
weeks
20
hrs / week
320
total hours
Weekly Plan
Rest & Review Strategy
Take at least one full day off per week to avoid burnout — CPA study is a marathon, not a sprint. On rest days, avoid all CPA materials. If you feel overwhelmed, swap a heavy study session for a light flashcard review. Many candidates study for multiple sections over several months, so preserving mental energy is essential.
Adjustment Tips
- 1
If you already have strong government and nonprofit accounting knowledge, condense Week 7 and use the extra time for consolidations or leases.
- 2
If you are studying while working full-time, extend the plan to 20 weeks at 15 hours per week to maintain the same total study hours.
- 3
If your diagnostic shows you are already strong in financial statements and revenue recognition, move faster through Weeks 2-3 and add extra TBS practice.
- 4
If you struggle with the quantitative aspects (bonds, leases, EPS), add an extra week of focused calculation practice between Weeks 5 and 6.
- 5
If you plan to take all four sections within one testing window, use this 16-week plan for FAR first, then create condensed 8-12 week plans for the remaining sections.
Final Week Protocol
Day 1
Monday: Take a final mini-exam with 33 MCQs and 2 TBS under timed conditions to confirm readiness.
Day 2
Tuesday: Review only the questions you got wrong — focus on patterns across all practice exams, not isolated facts.
Day 3
Wednesday: Light review of your flashcards covering government accounting, IFRS differences, and lease classification rules.
Day 4
Thursday: Practice 3 FASB Codification research questions and review your time allocation strategy for each testlet.
Day 5
Friday: Confirm your Prometric appointment, review test center rules, and lay out your ID and confirmation.
Day 6
Saturday: Rest completely — no studying. Do something enjoyable and get a full night of sleep.
Day 7
Sunday (Exam Day): Arrive at Prometric 30 minutes early, take deep breaths, and trust your 16 weeks of preparation.