If you are preparing for the CPA exam and feel like you are putting in the effort but not getting the results, you are not alone.
Many students reach a point where they are studying every day, watching lectures again, solving more questions, yet still feeling unsure. Some fail a section and start doubting themselves. Others pass one part and then get stuck on the next.
At this stage, the problem is usually not effort.
It is direction.
This is often when students start thinking about working with a tutor and wonder how to choose the right one.
First, Be Honest About What Is Not Working
Before looking for a tutor, pause for a moment and reflect.
Ask yourself:
- Do I understand the concepts but struggle with questions
- Am I overwhelmed and unsure where to focus
- Have I failed and do not know why
- Am I running out of time because of work or other responsibilities
Most students already know something is off. The issue is not motivation. It is clarity.
A good tutor starts by understanding this, not by jumping into teaching.
Not All CPA Sections Feel the Same
One reason students feel stuck is because each CPA section feels different.
Some sections test heavy concepts.
Others test judgment and application.
What worked before may suddenly stop working.
A strong tutor understands these differences and helps you adjust your approach instead of forcing the same strategy everywhere.
If someone treats the CPA exam like one single process, that usually creates more confusion.
You Probably Do Not Need More Material
Most CPA candidates already have enough study material.
What they usually lack is:
- understanding why answers are wrong
- knowing which mistakes matter
- confidence in how questions are framed
One-on-one guidance helps slow things down and clear confusion. Instead of adding more content, the focus shifts to fixing misunderstandings and building confidence step by step.
That clarity often matters more than doing more questions.
Progress Should Feel Visible
If tutoring is helping, you should feel it.
Not overnight, but gradually.
You should start to notice:
- fewer repeated mistakes
- clearer thinking during practice
- better understanding of why an answer is right or wrong
A good tutor adjusts the plan when something is not working. If nothing changes over time, it is fair to question the approach.
Flexibility Matters More Than You Think
Many CPA candidates are juggling jobs, long days, and limited energy.
When study plans are too rigid, they usually fail. Not because the student is weak, but because the plan is unrealistic.
The right tutor understands this and helps you work with your schedule, not against it. That flexibility is often what helps students stay consistent instead of burning out.
Be Careful of Big Promises
The CPA exam is difficult. Anyone who says otherwise is not being honest.
Be cautious if someone:
- guarantees passing in a fixed timeline
- avoids talking about past failures
- focuses more on selling than listening
Real guidance feels calm, not rushed. It sets expectations without pressure.
The Right Tutor Feels Like Support, Not Pressure
The best tutors do not make you feel behind.
They help you:
- understand what is holding you back
- break things into manageable steps
- rebuild confidence after setbacks
The goal is not just passing the exam, but helping you feel in control of the process again.
A Final Thought
Needing help does not mean you are incapable. The CPA exam challenges even strong, disciplined students.
Sometimes, progress comes from having someone look at your situation objectively and guide you in the right direction. For many students, that clarity changes everything.
If you feel stuck, unsure, or tired of guessing what to do next, speaking with Andrew Katz can help you gain perspective before investing more time and effort in the wrong direction.