Understanding the PETH Exam
The PETH exam, while often called an “open book exam,” lacks authoritative guidance labeling it as such. Using study strategies designed for the real exam might be considered cheating. It’s crucial to approach the exam with a strong knowledge base, without relying on external aids. The strategies outlined below are for studying and practice exams only.
Optimal Study Strategy
- Get the Materials: Purchase the PDF of “Professional Ethics for Certified Public Accountants.” It’s essential and costs $150.
- Dual-Screen Setup: Use one screen for the PDF and another for the practice exam. Keep a printed copy of the PDF on your desk for easier reference.
- Finding Answers:
- Search for exact sentences from the questions in the PDF. About a quarter of the questions will match word-for-word.
- For other questions, search for keywords in the index, and review all relevant sections.
- Check the end-of-chapter questions for additional practice.
- Handling Complex Questions: Understand the nuances in questions about independence, as they can be tricky. Read and compare all references to ensure accuracy.
- Prepare for Wildcards: Expect 3-5 questions that may not have a clear reference. Focus on fully understanding the material.
Important Exam Facts
- Passing Score: You need 90% to pass. Many fail their first attempts, so take your time since there’s no time limit on the exam.
- No Time Limit: The exam can be taken over several hours without losing your answers.
- Retakes: If you fail, you can retake it immediately. After three failed attempts, CalCPA may require paper exams.
This study approach maximizes your chances of success while avoiding potential pitfalls. Stay informed and methodical throughout your preparation.
If you need further assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below.
Your tips are appreciated. Very thorough, well thought out strategy to passing this exam the first time through. Thank you for posting them.
It’s hard to come by well-informed people for this topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking
about! Thanks
This article was very helpful, thank you for sharing
Passed the exam on first attempt!! Thanks a lot for all the tips! I followed all of them. Just like to add that when i submitted the exam, i did not get the instant email that was expected. i waited for an hour or so. I logged in again and saw my answers were still saved, hit submit again and thats when i got the message and email – in case someone has the same issue.
thanks again, this saved me a lot of time by not retaking it. Do it right (this way) the first time to save the headache
Hi,
Wow, great to hear the good news! Congratulations on passing & thank you for contributing to the discussion. Are you an experienced preparer? Please stay in touch as you continue to develop in your career as we are always looking for fantastic candidates for our offices across the US. Passing on the first attempt, especially for an exam with such a difficult passing score, is a big deal.