Mental Health Tips for CPA Board Exam Reviewees: Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout

The CPA Licensure Examination (CPALE) is widely recognized as one of the most difficult professional board exams in the Philippines. With passing rates historically lower than many other licensure examinations—sometimes even lower than the Bar Exam—the pressure you feel as a reviewee is not imagined. It is real, and it is valid.

Preparing for 450 multiple-choice questions across six subjects over three grueling days is no small feat. Add to that the weight of expectations from family, the financial investment in review materials, and the uncertainty of waiting for results, and it becomes clear why so many accountancy graduates struggle with their mental health during this period.

This guide is not about toxic positivity or empty encouragement. It is about giving you practical, evidence-based tools to protect your mental health while you pursue your CPA license.

Understanding the Pressure You Face

Research on Filipino students consistently shows that academic pressure is among the most frequently experienced challenges, with fear of failure affecting up to 88% of students, followed by exam overload (68%), high academic expectations (63%), and performance anxiety (62%). These numbers are likely even higher among CPALE reviewees given the exam's reputation.

A 2025 systematic review found that anxiety prevalence among Filipino students ranges from 12% to 83%—at least twice the rate found in the general Filipino population. Factors contributing to this include financial difficulties, family obligations, and the intense academic pressure inherent in board exam preparation.

The stress you feel is not a personal weakness. It is a natural response to an objectively difficult situation.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

Burnout is not simply feeling tired after a long study session. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic stress that has not been successfully managed. In one study of students preparing for high-stakes examinations, 97% reported experiencing some level of burnout.

Physical Warning Signs

Constant fatigue: Feeling exhausted even after adequate sleep
Physical symptoms: Recurring headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, or getting sick more often
Sleep disruption: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much

Mental and Emotional Warning Signs

Concentration problems: Unable to focus despite sitting with study materials; your mind constantly wanders
Mental exhaustion: Frequently "zoning out" and feeling like your brain refuses to absorb information
Performance decline: Mock exam scores dropping or becoming increasingly confused about concepts you previously understood
Loss of motivation: The thought of reviewing no longer excites you—or fills you with dread
Heightened anxiety: Feeling constantly on edge when thinking about the exam
Emotional volatility: Snapping at loved ones, crying easily, or experiencing mood swings

If you recognize several of these signs in yourself, it is time to take action—not push harder.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing Stress

Research from medical students preparing for board exams identified 12 key strategies for alleviating burnout during intensive study periods. These strategies apply directly to CPALE preparation.

1. Prioritize Sleep (Non-Negotiable)

Sleep is not a luxury you can sacrifice for extra study hours. Research shows that sleep quality, duration, and consistency account for nearly 25% of the variance in academic performance. Importantly, it is not just the night before the exam that matters—sleep patterns over the entire month and week before testing correlate with better grades.

Studies demonstrate that after two weeks of sleeping six hours or less per night, cognitive performance drops to the level of someone who has been awake for 48 continuous hours. You cannot study your way out of sleep deprivation.

Sleep Hygiene Tips:

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep consistently, not just before the exam
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends
Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed
Create a cool, dark, quiet sleeping environment
Limit caffeine after 2 PM

2. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is one of the most effective natural stress relievers available. Exercise releases endorphins that promote positive mood, increases focus, and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone).

You do not need to commit to intense gym sessions. Even a 20-30 minute walk provides significant benefits. The key is consistency.

Practical Exercise Ideas:

Morning walks before studying
Stretching breaks every 90 minutes
YouTube workout videos (plenty of 15-20 minute options)
Dancing to music between study sessions
Evening walks to decompress after studying

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique and Take Real Breaks

Research shows that the brain can focus intensely for only about 25-30 minutes before needing a break. Students who study for long hours without breaks actually retain less information than those who take regular short breaks.

The Pomodoro Method:

Study for 25 minutes with full focus
Take a 5-minute break (stand up, stretch, walk around)
After 4 cycles, take a longer 15-30 minute break
Repeat

During breaks, actually step away from your desk. Do not scroll social media—this does not give your brain the rest it needs.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises

A meta-analysis of mindfulness-based interventions found them effective for reducing test anxiety across diverse age groups. The key insight is that the anxiety response and the relaxation response cannot coexist simultaneously—when you activate your parasympathetic nervous system through breathing exercises, you physically cannot maintain the same level of anxiety.

Research shows that even 5 minutes of deep breathing before an exam can boost scores.

Box Breathing (When Panic Strikes):

Inhale slowly for 4 counts
Hold your breath for 4 counts
Exhale slowly for 4 counts
Hold empty for 4 counts
Repeat 4-6 times

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: When feeling overwhelmed, name:

5 things you can see
4 things you can hear
3 things you can touch
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Starting from your toes and moving up to your head, tense each muscle group for 5 seconds, then release. This helps release physical tension you may not realize you are holding.

5. Create a Sustainable Study Schedule

Having a realistic plan prevents the overwhelming feeling of "there's too much to cover." Research shows that committing to a specific plan facilitates goal attainment while reducing anxiety.

Key Principles:

Break material into manageable chunks rather than trying to tackle entire subjects at once
Schedule specific study times and stick to them
Include rest days—your brain consolidates learning during downtime
Do not overschedule; be realistic about what you can accomplish
Build in buffer time for unexpected disruptions

Remember: You do not need to study 12+ hours daily. Quality matters more than quantity.

6. Maintain Social Connections

Studying in isolation increases stress and anxiety. Your support system—family, friends, fellow reviewees, mentors—provides emotional support and accountability that you cannot replicate alone.

Ideas for Staying Connected:

Study with fellow reviewees (in person or online)
Schedule regular check-ins with family or friends
Join CPA reviewer group chats or forums
Talk about your stress—do not bottle it up

7. Limit Information Overload

One common mistake among reviewees is accumulating too many review materials and sources. Research suggests that using one or two comprehensive sources is more effective than trying to absorb information from multiple angles.

When you have too many books, lectures, and online resources, the information starts to "mush together," increasing confusion and anxiety.

8. Nourish Your Body

Proper nutrition affects cognitive function and mood. While it is tempting to survive on instant noodles and coffee during review, your brain needs proper fuel.

Basic Guidelines:

Eat regular meals; do not skip breakfast
Stay hydrated (dehydration impairs concentration)
Include protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
Limit excessive sugar and caffeine
Keep healthy snacks available for study sessions

Managing Exam Day Anxiety

The anxiety does not end when review does—many reviewees report intense anxiety during the actual exam days.

Before the Exam

The night before: Do light review only. Cramming creates more anxiety than benefit. Get adequate sleep.
Morning of: Eat a proper breakfast. Arrive early to avoid rushing stress. Bring everything you need the night before.
Waiting period: Use box breathing. Avoid discussing difficult topics with other examinees—this often increases anxiety.

During the Exam

Read instructions carefully: Rushing leads to avoidable mistakes
Skip difficult questions: Mark them and return later; do not let one question consume your time and mental energy
Use breathing techniques: If you feel panic rising, pause for a few deep breaths
Stay in the present: Focus only on the question in front of you, not on how many questions remain or how others seem to be doing
Trust your preparation: Second-guessing every answer increases anxiety and often leads to changing correct answers to incorrect ones

Between Exam Days

The CPALE spans three days. Do not exhaustively analyze the previous day's exam—what is done is done. Instead:

Get adequate sleep
Do light, targeted review for the next day's subjects
Maintain your routine as much as possible
Continue your stress management practices

When to Seek Professional Help

There is no shame in seeking professional support. You do not need a diagnosed mental illness to benefit from therapy or counseling. If something does not feel right, that is reason enough.

Signs It Is Time to Reach Out

Emotional challenges feel overwhelming and last longer than a few weeks
Difficulty functioning in daily activities (attending review, eating, sleeping, maintaining hygiene)
Persistent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or that things will never get better
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Increasing reliance on alcohol or other substances to cope
Extreme or long-lasting changes to eating or sleeping patterns
Relationships suffering significantly
Feeling completely unable to manage anxiety despite trying various strategies

Important Reminder

Stepping in early—before things feel "severe enough"—can prevent escalation. You know yourself best. If you think it might be time to talk to someone, it probably is.

Mental Health Resources in the Philippines

24/7 Crisis Hotlines (Free and Confidential)

National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline

Landline: 1553
Mobile: 0917-899-8727 (USAP) or 0919-057-1553
Services: Psychiatric emergencies, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, referrals

Hopeline Philippines (Natasha Goulbourn Foundation)

PLDT: (02) 8804-4673
Globe: 0917-558-4673
Smart: 0918-873-4673
Available 24/7

In Touch Community Services Crisis Line

Phone: (+63 2) 8893 1893
Globe: (+63) 917 863 1136
Smart: (+63) 998 841 0053
Location: 48 McKinley Road, Makati City
Also offers subsidized counseling for those with financial constraints

Additional Support Services

Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA)

Phone: (02) 8921-4958 / (02) 8921-4959
Hours: 7 AM - 4 PM, Monday to Friday
Text: 09175652036
Email: [email protected]
Facebook chat: PMHAofficial (8 AM - 5 PM, Monday to Saturday)

UGAT Foundation (Adolescents and Young Adults)

Phone: (02) 8426-5992

Ateneo Psychospiritual Counseling

Phone: (02) 826-6001 loc. 4872 to 73

Affordable Options

Government hospitals: NCMH and provincial psychiatric facilities offer subsidized or free care based on income level
Community health centers: Provide basic mental health support
In Touch Subsidized Counseling Program: Affordable counseling for individuals in financial difficulty
University counseling centers: If you are still enrolled or recently graduated, check if your university offers free counseling services

A Final Word

The CPALE is difficult. The stress you feel is real. The pressure from yourself, your family, and society is real. Acknowledging this is not making excuses—it is being honest about the challenge you face.

But here is what is also true: Your worth is not determined by a board exam. Whether you pass on your first attempt, your second, or your fifth, you are still a complete person deserving of care and respect—including self-care and self-respect.

Taking care of your mental health during review is not a distraction from your goal. It is essential to achieving it. A burned-out, anxious, sleep-deprived mind does not perform at its best, no matter how many hours it spends studying.

Be kind to yourself. Take breaks. Ask for help when you need it. And remember that the review period, however long and difficult it feels, is temporary. Your mental health is not something to sacrifice on the altar of a licensure exam.

You are more than your CPALE results. Take care of yourself accordingly.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to any of the hotlines listed above. You do not have to face this alone.

Sources

Last updated: January 2026. Mental health resources and hotlines verified as of publication date.

Join Our Community

Get study tips, exam updates, and peer support on Facebook.

Ready to Start Your CPA Review?

Get AI-powered review for all 6 CPA subjects.

Back to all posts