CPA Exam SmartTest App Review

"There just isn't enough time in a day!" I'm pretty sure you've all said that phrase at one time or another. Even when I had the luxury of studying for the CPA exam while not working, I still shared the same sentiments. CPA candidates know all too well the struggle that exists to make studying a priority in the midst of just...well, the demands of life. For those with uber busy schedules the key to being successful is being as efficient as possible with the time you do have. Utilizing mobile apps is a convenient tool to increase efficiency and have study materials at your finger tips.

The newest tool on the scene for iPhone aficionados is the CPA Exam SmartTest app by SmartTests LLP. The app features:

• Over 3,900 AICPA released CPA Exam Questions with answers and rationales
• Access to questions for All Four Sections of the CPA Exam**
• Questions by Category: browse questions within each section of the exam by more specific topics
• Quick Tests: take a quick test of either 10, 20, or 30 randomized questions and results are shown after
• Bookmarks & History: Ability to bookmark specific questions and review past exams taken

John Ceniza, Co-founder of SmartTests was gracious enough to let me get my hands on a copy. After feeling it out, here are my thoughts on the app:

What I dig...

• The PRICE! At $20, this app is a steal! It's not $20 for just one section, but ALL 4! As stated above that's over 3,900 questions you have access to in the palm of your hand.
• Not only are there a vast number of questions, but they are actually challenging. I'm confident that this can really serve as a legit learning tool.
• You can turn on a timer when taking a quick test to practice your time management skills which is a crucial component of passing the exam.
• The results page after a quick test shows how many questions you got right and wrong from each topic area of the exam section, allowing you to pin-point your weaknesses.
• The question list lays out the question, the answer, what answer you chose, the rationale and the other answer choices. That's pretty much a gold mine right there folks. Reading over and digesting all of that info is sure to get you steps closer to a passing score.
• The history feature displays quick tests you've taken with the results to refer to at your convenience.
• The bookmark feature is a useful way to make note of tricky questions.
• It has an easy user interface and clean layout that is formatted for both the iPhone and iPad (great for Apple stans lol)

My wishlist...

• In quick test mode, I would love if I could skip a question and come back to it later instead of being required to answer each one sequentially.
• It would be sweet if the bookmarks and history could sync between my iPhone and iPad.

As you can see, there really aren't any negative things to say about the CPA Exam SmartTest app so I highly recommend you drop the 20 bucks to purchase it. It's perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly yet effective and efficient way to study. Whether you're in need of additional questions to supplement a review course or your pockets are tight and you need access to a valuable study tool, look no further. It will certainly get the job done which is practicing MCQs until you're delirious. Happy Studying!


Are any of you currently using the CPA Exam SmartTest app? Is is it a yay or nay for you? Curious minds want to know! 


Follow SmartTests on Twitter at @smarttests 


If you enjoyed this post and want to see more from Noir CPA, please let me know by using the social buttons on the left! -LVH :)

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The Country's Oldest Black CPA

Check out this video featuring the oldest living black CPA, William D. Collins, CPA. While addressing the Council of the California Society of CPAs he shares his story of how he entered the accounting profession as well as the struggles he endured to become employed after becoming a CPA. At the time of this video, Mr. Collins was 92 years old (black sure doesn't crack lol) and had just retired the previous year. His story is one of many black accountants in this country who had to work 10 times as hard to get a job simply because firms would not hire them because of the color of their skin, despite impressive credentials. Mr. Collins' trials and tribulations remind me of how easy I had it when it came to landing internships in college and having a full-time job lined up even before graduation and for that, I say thank you.

P.S. There's even a brief appearance by Theresa A. Hammond, author of A White Collar Profession: African American Certified Public Accountants Since 1921 (which I still need to finish reading by the way :-/).



If you enjoyed this post and want to see more from Noir CPA, please let me know by using the social buttons on the left! -LVH :)

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Score Release 411 - July/August 2012

Half of 2012 has come and gone and the start of July brings the 3rd testing window. With summer in full swing I would imagine this is one of the most difficult windows to study for. Last year, I really had to dig deep and knock out my last 2 sections in August so as to not drag them out until the 4th quarter. I started a new job the 1st of August and was determined to not have to work and study long term. The bright side is that it's a perfect opportunity to switch up your studying venue and perhaps take it outside on your patio, to the park, or even the beach! Be sure not to deprive yourself of essential Vitamin D. :)

Enough of that though...you came here for score release info and score release info you shall receive. Staying inline with the previous window, the score release 411 comes directly from Another 71. The CPA exam Ninjas in his crew are legit and have accurately predicted the score release dates for the entire year. Impressive eh? Please note these dates differ than the dates the AICPA provides, but you can't deny the 100% accuracy the Ninjas have provided thus far. So here you have it:

I know the country has been experiencing some severe weather lately and I'm interested to know if it's affected anyone's studying or scheduled exam. If so, drop a line in the comments and tell me all about it.

In the meantime...

• Newbies or those looking for a new strategy should check out How to Study for the CPA Exam for some great tips that worked well for me. 
• Register with the Noir Cafe Forum  and join our growing community of black CPA candidates. 
• Contact me with any questions you may have.

If you enjoyed this post and want to see more from Noir CPA, please let me know by using the social buttons on the left! -LVH :)

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