Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Task-Based Simulation Study Tips

Task-based simulation

Please enjoy this sponsored content from Gleim CPA Review.

Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) are a significant part of the current CPA Exam, and their significance will only increase in the next version of the CPA Exam coming in 2017. For the rest of 2016, the AUD, FAR, and REG sections of the CPA Exam will include six to seven TBSs, but starting in April 2017, these sections will each contain nine TBSs, and BEC will transition from having zero to five TBSs. These additional TBSs will pull more of the weight of your CPA Exam score than ever before, as the scoring weight of TBSs will rise from 40% to 50% in the next iteration of the exam. After July 1, TBSs will also include Document Review Simulations (DRSs). Knowing how important TBSs are, you should review what Task-Based Simulations are and then adopt these Task-Based Simulation study tips.

Task-Based Simulation Study Tips

Follow these tips to prepare for all the different types of Task-Based Simulations on the present and future versions of the CPA Exam.

1. Familiarize yourself with the software of the CPA Exam.

The CPA Exam is a computerized test with a customized interface, and you do not want to waste precious time and effort on exam day learning the specifics of the software for the very first time. You will be much more productive and efficient if you can direct your focus toward other exam components, so practice completing TBSs in a realistic testing environment as much as you can before your exam. By thoroughly acquainting yourself with the software ahead of time, you will feel right at home with the actual CPA Exam.

2. Do not memorize the content of the Simulations.

Memorizing the old content of a practice Simulation will not effectively prepare you for the new content of a CPA Exam Simulation. Instead, the best way to study for TBSs is to understand the fundamentals of accounting as well as the mechanics of the Simulations. If you can grasp how Simulations work and become comfortable with completing one, you can focus on the content in your exam prep and therefore be ready for TBSs on the CPA Exam.

3. Anticipate a variety of topics on the Task-Based Simulations.

The CPA Exam addresses multiple aspects of accounting in one TBS, so you will need to recall topics from different study units in order to finish TBSs on the test. College courses usually introduce candidates to the subject matter on the CPA Exam, so if you encounter information in a practice TBS that you have yet to review in a study unit, that information should not be totally new but simply unfamiliar. In these situations, stay calm and do your best, because unfamiliar information in practice TBSs will help you expect the unexpected and be better prepared to pass.

4. Practice, practice, practice.

The best preparation for TBSs is consistent, concentrated practice. Practicing with TBSs enables you to know how to use the TBS software, how the TBSs are formatted, and which types of questions TBSs ask. With regular TBS review, you can hone your time management skills and validate your exam presumptions.

Task-Based Simulation Study Materials

In order to get plenty of TBS practice in by your exam date, your one-stop shop of study materials should be a bank of CPA Exam questions that includes tons of Task-Based Simulations. The largest CPA review test bank on the market provides the most TBS options, and it is only offered by Gleim CPA. Learn more about the exam emulation and thorough coverage of our Mega Test Bank today.