Ac-Counting Stars: The Journey Towards Being a CPA

Trisha Mae Acedera1,2,3, Jade Agustines1,2,3, Hannah Marie Alonzo1,2,3, Mary Jasmine Arnaiz1,2,3,
Ron Ashley Bongcayao1,2,3, Alex Cordon1,2,3, Rhealyn Gotuato1,2,3, Cassandra Nicole Lanzuela1,2,3,
John Cristopher Pioquinto1,2,3, Mr. Jonathan F. Alvances, LPT1,2,3,4

1
Senior High School
2
Accountancy, Business, and Management
3
Valenzuela National High School

4
Research Adviser

July 2023
 Endorsement

This research paper entitled “Ac-Counting Stars: The Journey Towards Being a CPA” prepared by
Jade Agustines et al. of 11 ABM Kotler of Valenzuela National High School, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for Senior High School has been examined and now recommended for Oral
Examination.

This is to certify that Jade Agustines et al. are ready for Oral Examination.

Mr. Jonathan F. Alvances, LPT

Adviser

This is to certify that the research paper, “Ac-Counting Stars: The Journey Towards Being a CPA”
prepared and presented by Jade Agustines et al. of 11 ABM Kotler is recommended for Oral
Examination.

____________________________________________
Panelist

Dr. Shammy-Rose V. Santiago

Research Focal Person, Valenzuela National High School

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

 Certificate of Originality

We hereby declare that this research paper is our original work and that, to the best of our
knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person
nor material to which a substantial extent has been accepted for award of any other degree or
diploma of a university or other institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgement
is made in the text.

We also declare that the intellectual content of this research paper is the product of our work, even
though we may have received assistance from others on style, presentation and language
expression.
Jade Agustines
Principal Investigator

Members:
Trisha Mae Acedera
Hannah Marie Alonzo
Mary Jasmine Arnaiz
Ron Ashley Bongcayao
Alex Cordon
Rhealyn Gotuato
Cassandra Nicole Lanzuela
John Cristopher Pioquinto

Jonathan F. Alvances, LPT

Adviser

Date:

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

1.0 Introduction

The Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) is one of the most
anticipated board exams in the Philippines. All accounting students want to pass this exam so
they can be called CPAs. They're employing a variety of strategies to pass this exam. Many can
pass, but many cannot. As many critics would say, the CPALE is one of the nation's toughest
board exams. The Professional Regulation Commision, in its May 2022 CPALE results, revealed
that 22.29% (990 out of 4,442) examinees passed.

In today's economy, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) bear enormous responsibility.

CPAs are more than just number crunchers; they protect against fraud and ensure that investors
and other stakeholders can rely on the financial statements that the business world relies on.
According to the American Institution of Certified Public Accountants (2018), the requirements
for becoming a licensed CPA are stringent and include education, experience, and a rigorous
examination, collectively known as the three E's.

It is stated in the Philippine Accountancy Law (RA 9298, Section 16) that in order to be
qualified as having passed the licensure examination for accountants, a candidate must obtain a
general average of seventy-five percent (75%), with no grades lower than sixty-five percent
(65%) in any given subject. Despite their best efforts, many students still fail to pass the
examination (Encio, 2022). Taxguro (2021) stated that passing the examination takes time,
patience, determination, and self control.

Passing the ultimate test, the board exams, is the true measure of any board program
(Castillo, 2017). The CPA licensure exam is a major step toward earning the CPA designation. It
is used to verify that an accounting student passed the examination (Alduwaila & Al-Mutairi
2020). The University of Nevada, Reno believes that individuals who pass the exam and are
CPA-certified the industry's gold standard-can sign off on audits and financial reviews. When
applying for positions such as internal or external auditor, business advisor, managing partner,
and corporate or business accountant, licensed CPAs may have better job prospects. The study of
Jalagat (2016) stated that by enrolling in a targeted degree program, students can learn how to
prepare for the CPA Exam and careers as business and financial professionals. Your knowledge,
experience, and test-taking skills will determine how much time you spend studying for each
component of the exam, as with all exams (Tan, 2014).

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 The hardship of CPA Licensure Examination could also be ascribed to its content (Perez,
2015). The quality of graduates academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually might also
be some variables to consider in their preparation for the examination (Laguador, 2020).
Performance on board examinations serves as a gauge of a university's graduate quality
(Ballado-Tan, 2014).

The purpose of this study is to investigate the CPA board passer's preparatory activities
and experiences in pursuing the CPA course. The study aims not only to inform aspiring
accountants about the long road to accounting, but also to inspire and motivate ABM students to
become future CPA board passers. This research aims to provide insights into the challenges and
fulfillment of being a CPA board passer.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

The study’s primary objective is to investigate the different preparatory activities that
CPA graduates take to pass the licensure examination. The CPA Board Passers of Pamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Valenzuela are the people who are being sought out as respondents for this study:
The following inquiries will be questioned as part of this study:

1. What are the preparatory activities of CPA graduates in taking the licensure exam?
2. What are the encountered circumstances of CPA graduates in taking the licensure
exam?
3. How do CPA graduates overcome the challenges in taking the CPA Licensure Exam?

1.2 Significance of the Study

The study may bring significance since it talks about the different CPA Board Passers
preparatory activities and experiences. This may benefit not only the researchers, but also the
board passers, future CPA licensure examinees, readers, researchers, the future researchers, and
the whole community as it may give information that can help to their fulfillment in taking the
licensure examination. This phenomenological study may be beneficial to the sectors listed
below:

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 Board Passers
The primary goal of this research is to discover what activities CPA board passers use to
prepare for accounting courses. In short, they are the people who will be asked to participate in
the study. The study's findings will be beneficial to them because they may provide some new
strategies and plans to move forward. Additionally, the study may assist them in improving and
determining the right action that is required when coping with their challenges prior to taking the
examination. Passers can develop the necessary skills to assist organizations in selecting the best
financial paths forward through higher education and program specialization.

Future CPA Licensure Examinees

The results may allow them to assess and evaluate their own readiness and preparedness
for taking the CPA Licensure Examination, which has a higher chance of passing. This will also
help them decide when to take the licensure examination, identify their strengths and weaknesses,
and identify the things, knowledge, skills, and attitude they still need to pass the licensure
examination.

Readers
Readers will benefit from the information provided to act accordingly on the various
accounting subjects, because they will be able to see the effects, benefits, and advantages of being
active, diligent, and industrious in every academic endeavor as early as now, through this research
study, because the cpa licensure examination will measure the competencies and dexterities of
every examinee with their four - long years of stay in accounting course.

Community
Understanding CPA board passers' perceptions of future employment opportunities is
significant not only for board passers but also for the entire community and country. The
perceptions of CPA board passers can be used to guide instruction, advice, and recruiting
strategies. CPAs have a long history of public service. Their work instills public trust in
everything from corporate investment to fraud prevention to the health of not-for-profit
organizations. The profession has long believed that power comes with responsibility.

Researchers
The purpose of this research is to provide the researchers with additional knowledge
regarding the measures that CPA graduates did to assist them in better understanding in taking the

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

accounting course. They will be able to get an idea of what they can do or what measurable
activities they can use in taking the licensure examination in the future.

Future Researchers
This study will also act as their cross-reference, giving them a background or review of
the predictors of passing the CPA licensing examination. The concepts offered may be used as
reference data in conducting new research or in assessing the validity of other relevant findings.

1.3 Scope and Delimitations

The purpose of this research is to investigate the journey and experiences to gain an
understanding of the various preparatory activities and difficulties faced by the new CPA board
passers. Furthermore, this will state the perspective of new CPA board passers, who are also the
study's target respondents, on taking the licensure examination. Therefore, the researchers
conducted an one-on-one interview with a selection of new CPA board passers using an interview
guide that was created by the researchers during the second semester of Academic Year
2022-2023. The participants in this study are restricted to the six (6) recent board passers of
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela. By analyzing the responses of those who took part in the
study, the researchers will be able to gain insight into the challenges and fulfillment of being a
CPA board passer.

2.0 Review of Related Literature

2.0.1. The Preparatory Activities of Accounting Graduates towards being a Certified

Public Accountant

The Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) is taken by thousands

of applicants each year in the Philippines (Herrero, 2015). One of the hardest exams a student
may ever take is the Accountancy Board Examination (Calubayan, 2020). Ballado-Tan (2014)
states that throughout the past five years, the University of Eastern Philippines has had an average
passing percentage of 40.48%, or four examinees out of ten, on the Accountancy Licensure
Examination. This outcome demonstrates that not all university graduates were adequately
prepared for the test. Even several honors students failed.

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 The true measure of any board program is passing the ultimate test, the board exams. But
to attain the title “CPA”, a complete preparation and persistence is needed to pass the difficult
Board Examination (Calubayan, 2020). As mentioned by Esaga et. al. (2022), Since getting a
license is difficult, degree holders who want to get one enroll in review courses after they
graduate to get ready for the board exam. Despite their preparation, many test-takers fall short of
passing the exam. This difficulty is a result of the Accountancy program being a very difficult
course. In light of this, the Licensing Exam requires more time and effort with the large amount
of information the examinee needs to comprehend.

A benefit of being better prepared is that it may result in lower costs associated with
having to retake failed or expired sections of the exam or the need to purchase additional study
materials. It may also result in passing sections the first time around, resulting in increased
confidence when taking later sections (Johnson, 2020). One of the best ways to stay on track
during your CPA review is to have a schedule and stick to it. Studies have shown that people with
a set schedule are more likely to succeed. As any CPA review student knows, the key to success is
organization. Getting plenty of sleep, aiming for at least eight hours per night, is one of the best
pieces of advice for anyone preparing for the CPA board examination (Murillo, 2022).

2.0.2. The Encountered Circumstances of Accounting Graduates towards being a

Certified Public Accountant

For those entering the Accounting field, becoming a Licensed Certified Public
Accountant is a significant accomplishment. Anyone entering Public Accounting must have it,
and it is commonly preferred certification for those working in the private or public sector
(Coffey, 2020). Calabuyan (2020) stated that the license is difficult to obtain; with this, the degree
holders who aim to be licensed attend review schools after graduation to prepare themselves for
the Board Examination. Despite being prepared, many test takers fall short of scoring well
enough on the test. This difficulty is a result of the Accountancy program being a very difficult
course. It covers a wide range of subjects. Accounting is very analytical in nature, despite the fact
that it involves math—contrary to popular belief the fundamentals are frequently very simple. It
uses a lot of grammar as well.

Licensure Examination is comparable to a passport for obtaining a particular degree's

professional title. The Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination or CPALE, is a

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

professional test only for those pursuing an Accountancy degree. It is regarded as one of the
toughest Licensing Exams, which ranked 5 out of 10 as stated by the Professional Regulation
Commission. In light of this, the Licensing Exam requires more time and effort with all the
extensive information the examinee needs to comprehend (Esaga et. al., 2022).

Calubayan (2020) highlighted that some personal aspects particularly during the review
stage were contributively the hindering factors affecting the examinees performance. Due to a
variety of extracurricular activities, one might lose focus or neglect intensive study time, which
are some of the reasons why one might not pass the first time. While some are contemplating the
difficulties they will face, others are merely considering the advantages of passing the test. In
order for them to make a choice worth making and not later regret it, they must carefully consider
factors like the financial status of the family, the peer pressure, the parents’ influence, and the
school’s teaching influence (Esaga et. al., 2022).

2.0.3. New CPA Board Passers Overcoming their Challenges During the Process of
Taking the Licensure Board Examination

The graduating students of the Accountancy degree program have varying opinions on
the licensure examination, and the CPALE is notoriously difficult to pass. Passing the CPA Exam
and CPA Exam results have long been wanted after, because the exam is standardized, testing the
same content information for each candidate, it is regarded as a "benchmark" of achievement
(Allen, 2006).

Many future CPAs must overcome obstacles such as financial difficulties, emotional
troubles, and even scholastic difficulty in order to reach their goal. They understand that success
does not come easy, but must be won through hard effort and perseverance. They push themselves
to work harder in class, seek assistance when needed, and never give up on their aspirations.

To overcome these obstacles, despite the difficulties, the new board passers were able to
endure, work hard, and ultimately succeed in passing the exam and becoming a certified CPA. It
means that they were able to overcome their obstacles and succeed despite them. It demonstrates
their tenacity, persistence, and ability to overcome adversity and achieve success in the face of
adversity. These new CPA Board Passers may proudly state that they not only met their goal, but

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

also developed the strength and resilience to confront any problem that may arise in their future
professions.

2.0.4. CPA Board Passers Strategies and Study Methods

The Vice Chairman of the Board of Accountancy, Dr. John S. Bala, claims that the CPA
Board Exam is one of the most difficult Government Licensure Examinations in the Philippines
in terms of the low national passing rates as compared to other Government Licensure
Examinations (Ballado-Tan, 2014). Accounting as a measuring and communicating vehicle plays
a major role in economic planning, control, and decision making. Accountants attempt to develop
their skills by passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam which becomes a dream for
each accountant. Passing the CPA Exam represents a main milestone on the path to obtaining the
CPA designation (Alduwaila and Al-Mutairi, 2020).

Pattaguan (2018) states that maintaining a consistent study routine is essential for passing
the Board Licensing Examination. Concepts in accounting courses must be thoroughly
understood. An effective study and review techniques, together with diligent effort and aptitude,
will undoubtedly be helpful. Learning styles do affect students' academic achievement, as has
been tested and demonstrated. This indicates that study techniques play an important role in the
learning process to ensure better results (Calubayan, 2020).

Based on Dickins et. al. (2021), a survey of candidates taking the CPA Exam in 2018 and
2019, the authors analyze the degree of use and effectiveness of various study methods (e.g.,
instructor-led study programs, self-study review courses, flashcards, study notes, and practice
problems). Problem-solving practice is the best study strategy. Contrary to what several existing
studies have found, enrolling in an instructor-led study program does not seem to boost the
likelihood of passing. This is good news considering the evolution in training and learning from
face-to-face, synchronistic, group study, to online, asynchronistic, independent study. Our data
suggest the optimal study plan is to independently study primarily by practicing problems
(Dickins et. al., 2021).

These changes suggest the need to reexamine the effectiveness of CPA Exam candidates'
study methods. In 2017, the CPA Exam added task-based simulations that require candidates to
demonstrate analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills (Dickins et al., 2021). One of

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

the most effective ways to prepare for the CPA Exam is to take computerized practice exams that
mimic the various types of questions that can be found on it. You'll be less shocked when you see
the questions for the first time on test day if you practice answering both multiple choice and
situational questions (Cpaexam, 2022).

2.0.5 The Fulfillments of Accounting Graduates in Passing the CPA Licensure Board
Examination

Benna (2015) stated that in this world, success is something that everyone aspires to. No
matter who you are, you always want to accomplish your objectives. The best option for a career
in accounting is to become a CPA. Accountants will encounter many obstacles on the path to
acquiring their CPA License, but the effort will be well worth it in the long run (Lamboard, 2016).

According to Wen et al. (2015), while students tend to identify extrinsic elements with the
CPA Certificate, intrinsic factors are actually more important in terms of students' aspirations to
take the CPA Examination. Coe (2016), An individual's internal drive is what drives them.
External benefits do not motivate it. Instead, the sense of personal fulfillment or satisfaction that
comes from engaging in an activity stimulates interest in it. Stivers (2014) indicates that many
students believe that an accounting career will provide them with a little personal fulfillment.

It will be worthwhile to make the sacrifices necessary to obtain the CPA certification if
you want to choose a rewarding career in the accounting industry. A fantastic pay, a broad range
of professional options, quick development, job security, and job satisfaction are just a few of the
advantages that come with having a CPA license. (Lombord, 2016).

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2.1 Theoretical Framework

2.1.1. Theory of Connectionism

Theory of Connectionism was introduced by Edward Thorndike, a well-known American

psychologist, in a study titled "The Contribution of Psychology to Education" that was published
in 1910 in The Journal of Educational Psychology. These Laws state that learning occurs when a
person is able to create links between a specific stimulus and a given reaction. These are referred
to as "habits'' and can be promoted or prevented depending on external factors and how frequently
a person is exposed to the stimulus and the response. Thondike's Laws emphasize the value of
incentives and the necessity of practice and repetition in a learning environment. Three main laws
make up Thorndike's theory: (1) law of effect - responses to situations that are followed by
rewarding states of affairs will be strengthened and become habitual responses to those situations;
(2) law of readiness - a series of responses can be chained together to satisfy some goal that will
result in annoyance if blocked; and (3) law of exercise - connections become stronger with
practice and weaker when practice is discontinued. The law of effect had the implication that
responses that make it less likely to reach a rewarding state—such as sanctions or failures—will
be weaker.

The connectionism hypothesis contends that learning and knowledge acquisition may be
explained by the interconnection and activation of nodes in a neural network, which is relevant to
the study of CPA Board Passers. In other words, a CPA Board Examination requires a
well-connected and structured network of information, abilities, and approaches pertaining to

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

accounting concepts and principles. Additionally, connectionism emphasizes the value of practice
and feedback in developing connections and raising performance, which is similar to the
extensive study and preparation required to pass the CPA Licensure Examination. According to
Connectionism Theory, the brain's numerous neural networks cooperate to process information
and generate patterns. Similar to this, in order to pass the CPA Licensure Board Examination, one
must combine their understanding of accounting rules and concepts with excellent
problem-solving abilities. Success on the CPA Licensure Board Examination depends on having
the capacity to integrate disparate ideas and apply them in practical situations. In order to create
study methods that improve the capacity to connect and retain accounting knowledge, it is helpful
to comprehend the tenets of connectionism.

2.1.2. Operant Conditioning Theory

The American Psychologist B. F. Skinner created the Operant Conditioning Theory at the
beginning of the 1930s. Operant Conditioning, commonly referred to as Instrumental
Conditioning, is a behavioral psychology learning theory that places a strong emphasis on the
importance of reinforcement in conditioning. It highlights how rewards and punishments for
particular behaviors might affect how someone will act in the future. The word "operate" is the
root of the phrase "operant conditioning". When our actions have an impact on the outside world,
they also have an impact on us, and it is up to these impacts to decide if we will keep acting in

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that way. The response will be repeated and strengthened if the results are positive. Operant
conditioning's fundamental tenet is the connection between behavior and reward. As a result of
the organism's role in causing the change in the environment that affects how likely it is for the
action to recur in the future, it's likely to be repeated if the action is successful.

Comparably, our study is related to the Operant Conditioning Theory in the sense that
those who pass the CPA Board Exam have been rewarded for their behavior of studying and
learning accounting subjects. Positive reinforcement, in accordance with the theory, reinforces
beneficial behaviors, increasing the possibility that those behaviors will be repeated. As a result,
those who passed the exam received encouragement for their study habits and command of
accounting concepts, which contributed to their success on the test. This association emphasizes
the significance of reinforcement in modifying behavior and achieving success in taking the CPA
Board Examination.

2.1.3. Iceberg Theory of Success

According to this study, students' academic success, such as winning the top spot on their
board test, supports Steve Mueller's Iceberg Theory of Success. We all understand how an iceberg
that is floating in the sea is made up, therefore you already know that the majority of an iceberg is
concealed beneath the water and that only a little portion of it is visible above the water line. The
results of this person's actions and the majority of his accomplishments are evident to all of us
(i.e., the visible portion of the iceberg), but the work that went into achieving those results are

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

buried and undetected (much like the invisible portion of an iceberg that lies below the water
line). Most people typically only notice the wonderful results that a successful person has
produced over his life. Because of these successes, we are frequently oblivious to the enormous
amount of work that was required to obtain these successes. And at this point, without knowing
the "real" effort that will be required to succeed, it might be incredibly discouraging for someone
who desires to do similar feats. As a result of having too high of expectations and not being
prepared or willing to put out the necessary work to succeed, this will ultimately result in failure.

Never forget that there is never a simple course that every student in the world can take.
According to some students, accountancy is the study of how money functions in society and in
commercial enterprises. We must focus on its intricate system and how it actually operates. One
of the most anticipated and unforgettable experiences for CPA board passers is the CPA Licensing
Board Examination. People only focus on the final result, the glory, and the epochal victory. But
time and time again, it has been demonstrated that some of the real factors that contribute to the
eventual victory we see include tenacity, devotion, commitment, sacrifice, failure, and
disappointment. The "Iceberg Theory of Success" aids us in understanding that every well-known
or extraordinarily successful individual puts a lot of labor and effort into achieving their
objectives. We can also be more persistent since we are clear that we must put in the necessary
effort to succeed.

2.2 Definitions of Terms

The researchers used a variety of phrases in relation to the selected concept. The primary
objective of a definition is to explain a phrase that readers may find difficult to understand. To be
clear, the essential terminology used in the study has been specified in both conceptual and
practical terms. The following are the terms:

Accounting Principles - It is the rules and regulations that businesses and other organizations
must abide by when reporting financial data are known as accounting principles. The language
and procedures that accountants must employ are standardized by these guidelines, making it
simpler to analyze financial data.

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Auditing - It is to formally examine and confirm the veracity of financial reporting. A business's
management may perform an audit as part of an internal control procedure, or the government
may do so if they suspect questionable financial activities.

Board Examination - A series of exams you must pass in order to work in a specific field.

Business Strategy - A commerce methodology diagrams the particular ways in which an

association plans to position itself, accomplish its short-term and long-term objectives, and
develop over a period of time.

Business Valuation - Trade valuation could be a handle and a set of methods utilized to assess
the financial esteem of an owner's interest in a commerce. Here different valuation strategies are
utilized by budgetary advertising members to decide the cost they are willing to pay or get to
impact a deal of the trade.

Financial Analysis - It is performed by experts who get ready reports utilizing proportions and
other procedures that make use of data taken from budgetary articulations and other reports.
These reports are ordinarily displayed to best administration as one of their bases in making trade
choices.

Financial Reporting - It is the business's income that should be tracked, analyzed, and reported
through financial reporting. This aids in your decision-making and that of any investors over how
to run the company.

Fundamentals - Fundamental in Accounting as procedures call for you to revise your yearly
budgets and estimates as well as evaluate your performance on a number of fronts either monthly
or quarterly.

Professional Ethics - American Library defines professional ethics are the values that guide how
an individual or group behaves in a professional setting. Professional ethics offer guidelines for
how one should behave toward other individuals and institutions in such a setting, similar to
values.

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Taxation - Is the process through which a government or taxing authority imposes or levies a tax
on its people and corporate entities is known as taxation. Taxation is used at all levels, from
income taxes to the goods and services tax (GST).

2.3 Research Paradigm

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3.0 Methodology

3.1 Research Design

The researchers chose Phenomenological Research Design under Qualitative Research in

order to perform research on the journey of new CPA Board Passers. Yilmaz (2013), explains
qualitative research as an emergent, inductive, interpretive, and naturalistic approach to the study
of individuals, cases, phenomena, social situations, and processes in their natural settings with the
goal of revealing in descriptive terms the meanings that people attach to their experiences of the
world. Phenomenology is most frequently utilized in studies that aim to comprehend the essence
of a certain set of people's lived experiences (Creswell & Poth, 2018).

The researchers chose qualitative research as their approach because it is suited for the
study which comprises experiences, views, and the collection of non-numerical data. The
researchers also utilize a phenomenological research design because it is a better fit for this
investigation. In addition, the researchers used phenomenology to learn more about the
experiences of CPA New Board Passers completing the Board Licensure Examination. The
information received will help in understanding the obstacles connected with taking the Board
Licensure Examination.

3.2 Research Locale

The participants of the study are from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela. The
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) is a city-funded institution of higher learning which
offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to the less fortunate but deserving students of
the city, it is located at Maysan Road, Valenzuela City. The researchers conducted this study to
explore the journey of CPA Graduates in taking the Board Licensure Examination. The choice of
this specific study is related to the strand of the researchers who are studying Accountancy,
Business, and Management (ABM). This research is a mediated interview performed through an
online platform such as Zoom Meetings. This method was used to enable a smooth and
convenient data collection process for both the researchers and the respondents.

3.3 Population and Sampling

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

 This research will be conducted among six (6) participants who passed the CPA
Licensure Examination that graduated at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela. This study
refers to New CPA Board Passers. The researchers recruited six (6) New Board Passers
participants who willingly shared their journey in taking the Licensure Examination to gather
significant data for this research.

The researchers will use non-probability sampling, purposive sampling, and snowball
sampling methods as they conduct this study. The non-probability sampling draws the sample
using non-randomized methods. The non-probability sampling method relies heavily on
judgment. Rather than randomization, participants are chosen because they are easily accessible
(Showkat, 2017).

Rai and Thapa (2015), defines purposive sampling that represents a group of different
non-probability sampling techniques. Also known as judgmental, selective or subjective
sampling, purposive sampling relies on the judgment of the researcher when it comes to selecting
the units that are to be studied. Usually, the sample being investigated is quite small, especially
when compared with probability sampling techniques. Purposive sampling refers to the deliberate
selection of specific individuals, events, or settings because of the crucial information they can
provide that cannot be obtained so well through other channels (Padgett 2017). A non-probability
sampling technique called snowball sampling entails the recruitment of new units by existing
units to make up the sample. Research about people with particular characteristics who would be
hard to identify otherwise can benefit from snowball sampling. According to Cohen et al. (2009)
and Welman & Kruger (2001), snowball sampling is the process of choosing some participants
for a study based on the recommendations of other participants who share comparable traits and
have relevant information. Because one person gives a lead to the following participant, De Vos
(2001) refers to this chain of participants as chain reference sampling. One individual referred to
another active and informed person, and snowball sampling was utilized to choose the other
important participants who were classified as ordinary citizens.

This study uses these sample techniques because they give the researchers the flexibility
to select, participants are chosen based on their perceptions rather than at random. The people
they gathered all fulfilled the criteria they needed for this study, it would be simpler for them to
collect valid data. Additionally, the researchers gathered study participants through
recommendation, which makes purposive and snowball sampling more appropriate for the study.

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

 3.4 Research Ethics

The study follows the criteria of the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th
Edition format, and researchers provide correct acknowledgement to the work of others while
avoiding plagiarism and giving credit where credit is due. This assists researchers in
communicating their thoughts and conclusions in a logical and coherent manner, improving the
readability and comprehension of their work.

APA format is a standard set of conventions for formatting manuscripts. It contains

detailed instructions for in-text citation references, references lists, pagination, margins, hierarchy
of subheadings, running heads, etc. For two reasons, it has been adopted by a wide range of
academic fields (particularly excluding medical texts and journals, which have their own set of
established rules). First, it is widely acknowledged that certain formatting guidelines need to be
standardized in order to help readers understand scholarly papers as quickly and easily as feasible.
Second, in response to this necessity, the APA has created an incredibly extensive and
comprehensive handbook; editors in other fields don't need to waste time creating alternative
parallel forms (Gajjar, 2013).

The researchers also ensure that the confidentiality of the study's participants is
safeguarded. An agreement is a contract between at least two parties that specifies information
that the parties must share with one another while keeping from the other parties. The Data
Privacy Act of 2012, commonly known as Republic Act No. 10173 or DPA 2012, is a Philippine
law that strives to protect individuals' basic right to privacy in connection to their personal data.
The law establishes principles for both government and private institutions in the acquisition,
processing, storage, and dissemination of personal information. Participants' identities should be
kept secret or anonymous, and participants should be guaranteed that their self-identifying
remarks and information will not be used. The participants must be kept discreet and anonymous
as a crucial first step in safeguarding them.

Additionally, the researchers utilized informed consent in the study. Through the process
of informed consent, which entails informing potential research participants of important study
details prior to their permission, the involvement of those subjects is protected. Informed consent
is the cornerstone of moral research (Fleming, 2018). The term is made up of the two crucial
terms "informed" and "consent," each of which must be carefully considered. The questions that

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

will be asked of them, the purposes for which the data will be utilized, and the potential outcomes
(if any) will all be clearly disclosed to the participants. The participants give their express, active,
and written agreement to participate in the study, as well as acknowledgement of their right to
access their own information and their right to withdraw at any time. The procedure for obtaining
informed permission can be seen as a contract between the researcher and the subjects.

3.5 Research Instrument

The research instruments are the different tools utilized by researchers to collect, analyze,
and evaluate data and information from their respondents. Depending on whether the research is
quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both, the instruments employed may change. Some
tools are more advantageous and effective than others at specific jobs, which is why it is
important to learn which tools appear to be appropriate for the type of research that will be
conducted. The researchers in this qualitative study used the following instruments to develop the
research:

3.5.1 Informed Consent

Informed consent refers to the process of obtaining a person's voluntary and informed
agreement to participate in a research study. As stated by Xu et al. (2020), researchers reported
that consent included information disclosure, understanding, and a voluntary decision. They
emphasized the variety of consent exchanges, which depended on the skills and preferences of
potential participants, the complexity of the study, and the context. Although all researchers
claimed to have given written materials to potential volunteers, they all questioned the usefulness
and readability of these materials. In the case of CPA New Board Passers, researchers can ensure
that participants are fully aware of what is involved in the study and can make an informed
decision about whether or not to participate by getting informed permission.

3.5.2 Screening Tool

According to the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) (2018), a
systematic tool or process can be used to conduct screening with a population as a whole, such as
the student body of a school, or a group of students, such as a classroom or grade level.
Researchers are urged to take data screening when planning surveys, choose screening methods

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

based on theoretical considerations and report the outcomes of analysis conducted both before
and after using data screening techniques. In addition, the confidence that researchers and readers
have in a study's findings can be raised by using screening tools appropriately (DeSimone, 2015).

3.5.3 Interview Guide Question

Making an interview guide aids interview research in a variety of ways. An interview

guide is just a list of the high-level subjects you intend to cover in the interview, as well as the
high-level questions you intend to answer under each topic. The process of producing such a
guide can assist in focusing and organizing your path of thought, and hence questioning. I can use
the instructions to mark off the question so that we don't ask it explicitly. According to Bird
(2016), an interview guide can assist the researcher focus and stay organized so that they can
collect correct data. The researchers may also ask follow-up questions to elicit further information
and ideas from their respondents.

3.5.4 Online Interview Platforms

In recent times, video conferencing applications have become essential for professionals
working remotely and conducting online interviews. One such software is Google Hangouts
Meet, developed by Google. Meet allows users to share their screens, offering the option to share
the entire screen or a specific tab (Singh & Awasthi, 2020). Google prioritizes product security by
employing secure connections and activating default security measures in Google Meet, reducing
the need for additional protection measures. The platform incorporates counter-abuse protections,
including safeguards against hijacking in web meetings and dial-ins (Singh & Awasthi, 2020).

As such, the researchers will make use of the said online interview platform as it has a
user-friendly interface, reliable connection, and range of features which makes Google Meet an
ideal choice for online interviews, ensuring a seamless experience, stable audio and video
transmission, and enhanced interview interactions.

3.6 Data Collection

According to the study of Kabir (2016), the quality of obtaining results can be
overshadowed by the data gathering phase of a research study because it reduces the likelihood of

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

errors that could come later in the process. Due to the fact that incomplete and erroneous data
make it impossible to guarantee the accuracy of the findings, a strong study design should be
combined with lots of quality time spent on data collecting to produce acceptable results. The
following steps were taken in the data collection process: First, the researchers sought the
research adviser's approval on the study's topic and instruments. Second, the chosen subjects were
asked for their consent by the researchers. Third, the researchers request the participants
permission to take part in this study by giving them an informed consent form. Fourth, the
researchers used mediated interviews with the chosen subjects. Fifth, The respondents were given
questionnaires by the researchers. Sixth, the researchers explained to the participants the
importance of their responses to the study. Seventh, the researchers asked the respondents to be
completely honest in their responses. Lastly, the data gathered from the volunteers was collected
by the researchers.

3.7 Data Analysis

Thematic Analysis was originally developed by Braun and Clark (2013) for their
psychology research. They also stated that thematic analysis is the most compatible set of
approaches for analyzing qualitative data, specifically in conducting interviews. According to
Morgan (2022), one of the fundamental elements of qualitative research is Thematic Analysis.
Finding recurring themes in a data collection through Thematic Analysis is essential for
understanding phenomena (Vaismoradi et al., 2013). As opposed to summaries of data domains, it
is related to a common area of interest (Braun & Clarke, 2019). (Yusuf et al., 2021) stated that the
terms "theme" and "pattern" are frequently used interchangeably in the literature; hence,
throughout this study, "theme" will be used exclusively. Therefore, researchers who specialize in
qualitative research should start with learning this technique. Researchers must be aware of the
various ways this strategy can be used in order to effectively use it (Morgan, 2022). Insightful and
reliable results can be obtained via a thorough Thematic Analysis method (Nowell et al., 2017).

The researchers decided to use Thematic Analysis to analyze the data. This method will
help the researchers to examine the data and determine the common patterns in the journey of a
CPA Board Passer. Thematic analysis was used by the researchers to find, examine, describe, and
comprehend the common patterns, themes, and meanings present in the data we gathered and to
obtain insights into the experiences and viewpoints of each participant in this study.

VALENZUELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

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