Quick answer
On CPA Exam morning, wake up early and remember three words: workout, shower, eat. Get your body moving for 20–30 minutes until you break a sweat, take a shower, eat a small meal that’s easy to digest, and then go take the test. Do all 3, in order. It’s worth 5+ points.
Why exam-day energy is worth 5+ points
Think about how good you feel a few hours after a workout, a shower and a meal. That’s how you want to feel while you sit for the exam.
In Darius’s words: “The exam has a way of stealing your energy. The key is to maximize positive energy for as long as possible during the exam.”
Each section is a long sitting, and the exam chips away at you. You’ll hit a question that feels like it belongs on a different section, or a simulation that won’t come together. Each one costs energy. Start the day with as much of it as you can, and you’ll keep thinking clearly deep into the test.
The exam-day routine: workout, shower, eat
1. Wake up early
Give yourself time, so nothing about the morning feels rushed.
2. Workout
Spend 20–30 minutes moving until you break a sweat. Make it a normal part of your own workout routine, or anything that gets your body moving that your doctor or trainer would approve. Exam morning is not the day to try something new.
3. Shower
Wash off the workout and get ready to go.
4. Eat
Eat enough to give you energy for the exam: a small, easy-to-digest meal that you know sits well with you. A big, heavy meal can leave you sluggish or running to the restroom during the exam. Save the big meal for after the exam, as your celebration.
5. Go take the exam
Workout, shower, eat. Now you’re ready to take the exam.
Plan the trip before exam day
Know how you’re getting to the Prometric test center and where you’ll park before exam morning. If you can, do a dry run to see how long the trip takes. Wondering about directions and parking on the day costs the same energy the routine is meant to protect.
Check your appointment confirmation for the arrival time and the ID you need to bring.
Advocate for yourself in the testing room
If anything in the room is distracting you, such as bad lighting, noise or an annoying tester next to you, be proactive. Ask the test center staff to change your setting. They’re not going to come around and ask you.
This is the CPA Exam. You’ve worked so hard to prepare for this day, and you deserve the best possible testing experience. The better the experience, the better the results.
You pass the exam before exam day
Most candidates think they pass the CPA Exam on exam day. You only take it that day. You pass it a little at a time, every day you study and review.
You can’t pass the exam on exam day alone, but a rushed, tired morning can cost you points you’ve already earned.
A note on health
Darius Clark and i75 are not doctors, licensed personal trainers or nutritionists, and nothing in this post is medical, fitness or nutrition advice. Only do activity and eat food your doctor allows, and skip anything they would advise against.