Are you preparing to take the CPA Exam for the first time? In this episode, we sit down with two prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award winners who share their personal journeys, including the challenges they faced and the strategies that helped them succeed. Whether you are looking for a few helpful study hacks or just practical advice on how to balance it all, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration from top scorers who've been in your shoes. Tune in for the ultimate CPA Exam survival guide—and remember, every CPA started as a first-time test taker! This episode is hosted by Liz Burkhalter (Director CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speakers, Samuel Abram and Ujjwal Ahluwalia. Bonus resource: Be sure to check out this article for helpful guidance from additional award winners! https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/exam/articles/passing-exam/cpa-exam-success-momentum-and-focus/.

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

Curious about the steps for international students to earn a U.S. CPA? This episode covers everything from education requirements and application guidance to new licensure pathways and where you can take the CPA Exam. Get expert advice on practical tips, resources, and new tools—like the NASBA CPA Mobile App—to help you succeed from anywhere in the world. This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Sr. Manager CPA Candidate Engagement, AICPA) who is joined by guest, Kyle Barrier (Associate Director of International Evaluation Services at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). Bonus resources: Be sure to check out… • https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/international-licensure/ • https://nasba.org/products/nasbainternationalevaluationservices/ • https://nasba.org/nasba-cpa-mobile-app/ • https://nasba.org/internationalexam/ • https://nasba.org/blog/2025/07/01/new-licensure-pathways/

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

In this episode, we explore the power of perseverance through failure. An aspiring CPA shares candid insights on navigating setbacks, regrouping, and coming back stronger in his career journey. Whether you're facing a setback or supporting someone who is, this episode offers inspiration, strategies, and a reminder that failure isn't the end—it's part of the path forward. This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Thamir Kazwini (aspiring CPA).

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out upcoming AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

Are you ready to tackle the most complex tax scenarios on the CPA Exam? This episode unpacks the TCP (Tax Compliance and Planning) discipline's structure, content areas, and expert strategies for mastering tax compliance, planning, and simulations. This episode is hosted by Liz Burkhalter (Director CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Irina Moyseyenko (Senior Manager Examinations, AICPA).

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out upcoming AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

Explore the Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) discipline of the CPA Exam, where data-driven decision-making meets financial storytelling. This episode breaks down key content areas like financial statement analysis, technical accounting, and data analytics to help candidates prepare with confidence. This episode is hosted by Liz Burkhalter (Director CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Randi Lockhart (Senior Manager Examinations, AICPA).

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out upcoming AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

Discover key strategies for mastering the Information Systems and Controls (ISC) discipline of the CPA Exam in this episode. Tune in for expert guidance on exam structure, study tips, and practical advice to help you succeed in IT audit, risk management, and advisory topics. This episode is hosted by Liz Burkhalter (Director CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Rob Tangen (Senior Manager Examinations, AICPA).

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out upcoming AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

Ready to land your first accounting internship—or make the most of the one you've got? In this episode of "Next Stop: CPA," we're diving into the real-world stories of two future CPAs who recently experienced very different kinds of accounting internships. Hear from Katherine Suh (Accounting major at Indiana University) and Hunter Richardson (Accounting and Computer Science student at Georgia Tech) as they share practical advice on how to find the right internship, valuable lessons learned, and how to stay motivated throughout the journey. A fun spin on the AICPA's popular webinar series, Q&A with a future CPA, this conversation is packed with insights to help students take the next step toward their accounting career.

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

Ready to turn your education into opportunity? Talent solutions experts share practical interview prep tips based on extensive industry experience and offer real-world answers to your most pressing interview questions. This episode is facilitated by Hunter Richardson (Accounting and Computer Science student at the Georgia Institute for Technology) who is joined by guest speakers from the Robert Half team and focuses on valuable interview insights that will help you go from campus to career with confidence.

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out upcoming AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

Want to know more about the evolving landscape of CPA licensure? Tune in to learn about the current pathways to licensure, how states are rolling out the newest option, and what mobility means for your career. Whether you're just starting out or preparing for your next move, our guest speaker offers practical advice, transition tips, and resources to help you make informed decisions. This episode is hosted by Liz Burkhalter (Director CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest, James Cox (VP of State Advocacy & State Society Relations, AICPA). Bonus resources: Be sure to check out Your pathways to licensure where you can access informative FAQs, helpful videos, a practical decision guide, the licensure status for your state, and who to contact if you have questions.

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out upcoming AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

Learn how to master simple steps to TBS success. Listen to this episode in the "Q&A with a CPA" series for helpful guidance on task-based simulations on the CPA Exam. This episode is hosted by Liz Burkhalter (Director CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest, Lori Kelly (Senior Manager Examinations, AICPA). Bonus resource: Be sure to check out a a retired task-based simulation (TBS) from the FAR section of the CPA Exam. This TBS focuses on detecting and correcting discrepancies in financial statement balances through analysis and adjusting entries. Click here for a full video walkthrough of the simulation and to download your copy of the simulation with our notes on the steps needed to complete the task.

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• Check out upcoming AICPA student webinars here.
• Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.

CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.