Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's journal entries, consolidations, or tax calculations—and focus time there rather than reviewing material you already understand. Research on learning shows that individualized attention significantly improves retention and problem-solving speed, which is critical for passing the CPA exam within your target timeline.

During your first session, a tutor will assess your current knowledge, discuss which CPA sections you're preparing for, and understand your timeline and goals. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan that targets your specific challenges and builds a structured path toward exam readiness.

Many candidates struggle with FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) due to its breadth of topics and complex consolidation rules, while others find REG (Regulation) overwhelming because of the volume of tax code detail. Time management during the exam and understanding how to apply concepts to multi-step scenarios are also frequent pain points—personalized tutoring helps you build strategies for each challenge area.

Most candidates spend 120–150 hours studying per section, though this varies based on your accounting background and how much time you can dedicate weekly. With consistent personalized instruction and structured practice, many students see significant improvement in their understanding and exam readiness within 3–6 months, depending on how many sections they're tackling and their starting point.

Look for tutors who are CPAs themselves or have extensive accounting experience and deep knowledge of the current exam format. They should be familiar with the latest AICPA standards and testing software, and ideally have a track record of helping students pass their exams. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who understand both the technical content and the best strategies for exam success.

CPA tutoring costs vary based on tutor expertise, session frequency, and how many sections you need help with. Most students benefit from weekly or bi-weekly sessions leading up to their exam date. Contact Varsity Tutors to discuss your specific needs and get matched with a tutor whose rates and availability align with your budget and study timeline.

Yes—many tutors work with candidates across all four sections and can help you prioritize which sections to tackle first based on your strengths and weaknesses. Some students benefit from focusing on one section at a time with deep personalized instruction, while others prefer ongoing support across multiple sections as they prepare. Your tutor can adapt their approach to match your strategy.