Correction: For CMA, the 2 year work experience can be after the exam, and doesn’t need to be prior to the exam.

@acm0045

3 жыл бұрын

Correction: As a CPA you just need to apply in another state, not get their equivalent of a CPA.

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

But ravi indupuri moody doesn't mix up with anyone

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@acm0045 but ravi indupuri eats food though he's moody cost accountant fellow

@sungal42003

2 жыл бұрын

Also for CMA certificate the 2 years of work experience can completed up to 7 years after passing the exam

@marioandultrachap

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I heard that I was like wait what? I was about to be pissed for a minute

I have both CPA and CMA. I work for manufacturing industry. CPA got me the job, CMA helps me to do day to day job.

@mohmedyounis7721

7 ай бұрын

I have CMA and going to start CPA

@R.G.Edio_CPA

5 ай бұрын

I wanna be like u

@luiscalderon9019

2 ай бұрын

Congrats! I just earned the CMA as well and already have my CPA license. The CMA exam was slightly harder in my opinion, passed with a 72 exam score on both parts 😅

@blackhouse7646

2 ай бұрын

Did the cma help you with costing?

@dreamforge1864

5 күн бұрын

Kudos to you, brother. My dream is to get CPA and CMA, both. I know it will be hard, but i put an aim that im gonna do it!

I have had a CMA for over 10 years. Most employers have no idea what it is. Almost all CPAs think it's worthless. I tried to explain it that CMAs work primarily on corporate accounting and CPAs do tax and audit. Controllers are best served as CPAs, finance managers up through CFOs might be better as CMAs.

@positivechic1463

9 ай бұрын

The best explanation I’ve heard thus far

@nailatiylluf

9 ай бұрын

This is my fear with pursuing a CMA. If someone doesn’t know what it is how does it help you more than just knowledge of the job?

@luiscalderon9019

2 ай бұрын

It depends on who you’re talking to honestly. I didn’t know what the CMA was until 2 years ago and after careful consideration and research and long study hours I became one in 2024 🎉

Thank you so much for creating this content. Glad I stayed to the end because I really needed to hear the message. I was stuck for so long but this video changed my perspective, and I feel like I can finally move forward. Thank you.

Yes! I was waiting for this video. Simple but very informative. I want to thank you for your accounting interview help videos just landed my first accounting job in the A/R department of a global company. Looking forward to more videos in the future!

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Amazing, thanks for following the channel Ryan!

More people need to check this out! Thanks for sharing.

This is the best explanation I have ever seen on the subject! I would love to know your input on a CMA - EA combination. Again, you did such an amazing job. Many of the times that CPA's have given me input on the CMA, they almost always snub the CMA and say that it is second rate when compared to the CPA. I saw a much more honest approach from you. The comparison between the Mercedes and BMW totally paints the picture. Thanks!

@Samuelh8989

Жыл бұрын

I have the same question about the CMA-EA combo. Unless you're working in auditing, I'm struggling to see the benefit of a CPA over a CMA + EA. If your providing accounting and tax services, some states require you to be a CPA to the use of the word "Accountant" in advertising services. The other one is just public recognition, nobody says "let me talk to my CMA" or "EA," they always say, "let me talk to my CPA." Personally, I'm about 5 years into my career and I don't have the 150 credits to become a CPA. I'll be getting an EA license soon and then start working on the CMA.

@Liam69400

Жыл бұрын

@@Samuelh8989 I totally agree. I think that is where people are landing. It takes awhile for people to question the norm and make something different and their own flare. I also think that this change will also encourage the practitioners to share more strategy with their clients....most of the CPAs I have worked with just don't take the time to do that. To me, that is the value added instead of just filling out forms for the client. Communication is key! CMAs do a LOT of strategizing. I think it will only be a matter of time before the CMA and EA is just as known. Change takes time and is only caused by those who challenge the norm🙂

This was such a great explanation!! Very helpful!

Great timing of this video. I was just thinking about this. CPA candidate here, decided to pursue it after 13 years as an Accountant. But also considering getting CMA after my CPA.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

God bless! Don't spend too much think and spend more time doing! Best advice in the video, thank you!

Thank you such a life savior, you just made me prove my vision and decision.

I am a CMA and thought you did a good job laying this out. I to get asked what is the difference all the time. My current role is in revenue management and pricing strategy.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Good to know Daniel! Thanks for watching and contributing!

@mouaicifarhat5072

2 жыл бұрын

Hi my friend , please i need some information and help , i want to start my CMA but i don't know how i will subscribe or the official website

You mention that you admire CPA's who started their own practice and that you may wish to follow this career path yourself in the future. Will you please consider making a video on the career path you would recommend for those students who want to gain practical education and work experience to ultimately prepare themselves for starting and growing their own firm? I would really appreciate this kind of video since most accounting videos focus on becoming the best employee wo discussing a strategy for developing an end goal of preparing oneself to become self employed. Thankyou!

Far easier to get the experience requirement for the CMA. Plus, the IMI doesn't (often) verify your experience (random sample). While another CPA has to sign off on your experience, in every case, for the CPA license. Wider range of work qualifies for the CMA also. CMA travels with you better, if you want to live abroad (and I did). The CMA is wider in application, by which I mean you can get into finance easier (which I wanted to do). I wanted to work in finance, but knew a finance degree from a small university wouldn't cut it, instead I did an accounting degree with the CMA to get in.

In the US, you do not need to be a CPA to sign off on tax returns. You need it to sign off on audit and review engagements. You need to be either a CPA, Enrolled Agent or attorney to represent a client before the IRS.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Correct

In Canada the CMA has been absorbed by the CPA. Candidates can either choose public accounting or finance/performance management as specialization for the exam.

I've been researching accounting job posts, I haven't seen cma requirement that often. A cpa seems more common and well known.

@nikhiloommen4949

3 жыл бұрын

YOU havent dont your research well

@404TRUCKERTV

3 жыл бұрын

@@nikhiloommen4949 lol, simply typing accountants and 10 secs internet search, will show you that in America the Cpa is the most common accounting certification. so there's nothing to go back and forth about here.

15:35 I couldn't find the (big) thumb up, only the normal thumb up 😄 Thank you!

Thanks for valuable insights Bill! Aspiring CMA and a future CFO here. Your video inspired me to pursue CMA. Keep it 👆.

@TheFinancialController

2 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@jhonhonai9737

8 ай бұрын

Did you complete

@Swarnadeep_

6 ай бұрын

Any updates?

My most awaited video is here !!! Thank you, thank you, thank you

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Hope it lived up to your expectations!

Great explanation, thank you!

Thank you so much! This video gave me more clarity!

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController ravi indupuri moody doesn't mix up with anyone

I am CFO bound and I am glad I read about the CMA. I passed first exam on first try (idk how though, that thing was hard af). Taking second part this month. I do still plan to work towards CPA directly after CMA but I will say in my career I have worked with many CPAs who are only good with the theory of accounting and are trash with application of that theory. So their CPA license did little for them. It got them the job, but they dont do the job well.

Love from India, here it is very different, CPA is CA which have a national institute & licence authority (ICAI). If you look at the syllabus, CA is like CPA +CMA, ie. Tax, audit, costing, strategic management, control,etc.

Loved this video 👌 very well explained about cpa and cma

Thank you for the information 🙏🏼

The video is very informative and thank you for the videos❤️❤️

Thank you so much for the just right information

Thank you for those information.

Thank you so much for this explanation, really i like it , appreciated

@mouaicifarhat5072

Жыл бұрын

Hello I want help, if you could please I want to start studying CPA , I haven’t other choice , i have more then 10 years experience Now I’m working as accounting manager, but anywhere I applied for finance controller they required CPA certificate Please I want to start, and please can you share with me the link of the school

Thanks for your assistance ❤️

Much awaited video.thank you

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Great!

Hi, I am taking my Part 1 CMA exam in less than 3 weeks. Currently an FP&A, after I told my boss I will sit for the CMA exam, he offered to pay for the exam and will request a salary increase after I pass -- been at my job for 6 months. I think mainly because he knows I will be highly seeked after by other companies when I pass my CMA and wanted to keep me. IMO, CPA is great for Public accounting but in the private sector (mainly manufacturing) CMA is way more appealing. Depending on your career wants, both certificate will immediately add monetary value to you.

@clarenceharris524

Жыл бұрын

I believe everything being equal with a candidate , I think you might have a stronger technical accountant with someone who passes the cma vs the cpa. Although it says a lot by being able to get either credential. The CPA has more brand recognition in my opinion, so it is easier to market yourself as a professional. You could just get both credentials. I passed the cma, cpa, ea in that order.

@mehra777

Жыл бұрын

Where did you get the FP&A from and how long did it take you to get it?

@ayaspapaya

Жыл бұрын

@@clarenceharris524 well you wouldn’t need an EA if you have a CPA, right? But I agree that cpa and cma is a great combo to have and one that I am considering.

Also I want to slightly correct something you said. For the CMA exam, you can sit for it any time. However, you need 2 years of continuous work experience before you can officially put the credentials behind your name

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

I see, thanks for letting me know!

Thanks for this information

such a beneficial video, Thank u 🙏

The reason why CMA pass rate is lower is due to the entrance requirement as they indicated any bachelor degrees is okay.

Hello, I am currently going for my FAR exam for my CPA and getting ready to prepare for the one after, I've completed my 150 credits (MBA w/ Accounting and Accounting BS), as well as over 1 year of public work (Gov Audit as well as Personal and Corp Tax) I'm getting my CPA but I'm using it as a springboard to eventually get my PhD so I can become a professor, I dont personally love the public accounting world, it's a very great way to make a living but I'm a more free time oriented person over maxing out my income, however the knowledge I've gained through the CPA process is immeasurably helpful for both my own personal finances as well as helping friends with their businesses as well as being able to actually teach functional accounting and not just concepts in the future, the CPA study process has given me an outside look inward and its an amazing perspective to know. Could you possibly do something on the AICPA's CITS? I think Information Technology is going to be HUGE for accounting in the future especially with the rise of technology. is CITS worth it or is there a better path like learning a coding language + CPA? I think I'm becoming addicted to letters after my name hahaha.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Hey nick. I am not sure what CITS is. Can you tell me more?

@nickw4898

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController yes! My apologies, they had changed the name I think at some point I meant to say CITP! Certified Information Technology Professional. It appears as though many online say it may not be worth it, but it's also a newer certification arriving around 2008 I believe. It focuses on info security, cyber risks, business intelligence, data management and analytics, IT governance, risks and controls, on financial issues. I think there may be a large future for it, I'm considering it as a lighter test between my CPA and my PhD as I really love technology.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Ok yup I will address, good topic 👏

Thanks for explaining the difference between CMA and CPA. Simple and informative. I was confused to choose between CPA and CMA and finally decided to go for CPA after watching the video. Hopefully next year by this time I will get all my CPA exams done. Again Thank You.

@ceo8693

11 ай бұрын

so how was it? it’s been a year already

@jhonhonai9737

8 ай бұрын

Did you complete

@LekshmiUnnithan

8 ай бұрын

passed 3 sections and waiting for 4 th results@@jhonhonai9737

this the best explanation thx thats help alot alot

@TheFinancialController

2 жыл бұрын

🙏 thanks

Valuable info.

Hi Fin Controller! Regards from the Philippines. What do I need to get a CPA certification in the US? Love you content and please make more.

Tqqq for quality content

Will you please consider making a video on the career path you would recommend for those students who want to gain practical education and work experience to ultimately prepare themselves for starting and growing their own firm? I would really appreciate this kind of video since most accounting videos focus on becoming the best employee wo discussing a strategy for developing an end goal of preparing oneself to become self employed. Thankyou!

@ayaspapaya

Жыл бұрын

I started as a bookkeeper then moved up to accountant and then controller. It took 12 years and a degree, but at 31 I’m finally here lol. Just barely made it by the skin of my teeth 😅😆

Very impressive presentation.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mark!

this video is very helpful , thank you very much😊

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController ravi indupuri eats food

I love learning about accounting. I’m a junior in college for my BA in accounting. But I honestly don’t want to climb the corporate ladder. I wouldn’t mind being a staff 2 accountant. Having a work/life balance.

@TheFinancialController

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Nakia!

Great video! I hate that CMA doesn't have the same recognition and perceived value as a CPA. I am more interested in the CMA and have no interest in public accounting. I work for a bank as an Internal Auditor. The following certs are encouraged, carry an incentive and are reimbursed: CIA, CPA, CFE, and CISA. I plan to pursue the CPA so I can have flexibility. The CPA is the gold standard, I always see jobs requiring this certification. If you put CMA into LinkedIn and look for jobs it will return listings for the medical field as CMA also stands for Certified Medical Assistant. That right there is a problem. If you type in CPA it only returns accounting roles.

Hello! I compled 4 years of Accounting at college outside of USA (Dom. Rep). I have diploma, certification and CPA license from my country. In my case, I'm looking for a job in accounting field. I worked in a small business as bookkeeper and I supported in many clerical accounting activities. What do you think about professional that come from outside of USA, how this affects the success in our careers. Thank you!

Your experience requirement does not need to be completed before you enroll in the CMA program or sit for the CMA exam. You are required to complete the experience requirement and send in verification within seven years of passing the CMA exam.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this clarification Raneem!

Good watch! Next video; CIMA versus CMA?

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Ok

Getting them both.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Smart man

Thank you for your explanation. Here is my question - instead of thinking which to do, what's wrong doing both one by one?

@TheFinancialController

2 жыл бұрын

Both together are amazing for one’s career for sure

I am starting my MAC at the end of the year. What area of study do you recommended for highest paying/ most wanted accounting fields?

I currently work in manufacturing as a Staff Accountant and would prefer to stay in the manufacturing field as I feel more comfortable in that environment. I think FP&A responsibilities could be more fulfilling, but I’m definitely introverted, so I don’t know…

@jixseyloportacion9177

Жыл бұрын

So long as you are able to go outside of your comfort zone and work on your communication skills then go for CMA even if you're introverted. Management will notice your insights and how well you explain it to them.

Hi, I’m CMA, lived and worked in Indian after I moved to USA. I studied for exam passed it, had work gap of 5 years.. looking to start fresh which and where career I should choose as a beginner

Thank you so much

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController does ravi indupuri become moody while eating chilly chicken also? Shouldn't you worry about whether or not ravi indupuri becomes moody particularly while eating chilly chicken also?

I'm a CPA in New York. I want to go get my CMA now.

I didn't watch the video yet I only saw the comments, but I think you doin a good job anyway. My question is I'm will be comfortable with CMA in terms of finding a good positions, and experience instead of the academic education " knowledge". Knowing I'm on edge of year to graduate.

7:58 you do not need to have 2 years of experience prior to taking the CMA exam. I am currently taking it and I haven’t even graduated.

@ariana7474

3 жыл бұрын

You have seven years after passing your exams to get the 2 years of experience

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for contributing this fact

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController but he wouldn't go anywhere gurudutt Anna

Would you please make a video on the CTP also ... does it have any scope in the US or globally? I haven't seen any video from you on Treasury ... It's money-finance right?

Thank you very much from Bangladesh

@TheFinancialController

Жыл бұрын

You are most welcome mithon

Hi Coach, I'm not from Commerce background but I did MBA in 2012 followed by around 5 years of experience in secondary market research/consulting research. However, since 2016 September, I have been on a parenting break with 1 yr of BABI course from Great Learning in between 2019-'20. We just moved to the States (California) in June 2022. Will CPA or CMA help in resuming career? Need some honest career guidance

@CuriousAnkit07

Жыл бұрын

Hi @divyyapriya2969 , I currently live in India and want to move to US. I'm considering doing CPA for it, but I have few doubts and I'll be really thankful if you can clear the doubts. Thanks.

Hi Mr Bill, thank you for this clarification. I want to get a CPA certificate, could you please recommend for me an university or school where I can pursue the training on line? Thank you so much and good luck 🙏

@aspiringassetmanager4707

2 жыл бұрын

Miles education or Northstar academy.

I'm familiar with both. The only thing a CPA exclusively licenses you to do is to sign attestation reports for public consumption. Nothing else that I can think of exclusively requires a CPA license. It's interesting that most CPAs aren't even practicing what their license provides for them. Never understood why people pursue the CPA just to do taxes. Having said that, The CMA is way more relevant to the actual work that most accountants perform, especially in the corporate space. IMO, the CPA has undergone a severe devaluation over the decades. You see job postings for bookkeepers requiring a CPA now. smh.

@gunner2755

Жыл бұрын

Same in Canada. Jobs that were done by a bookkeeper or a technician with a 2 year accounting diploma now require a CPA which is extremely expensive to get and largely irrelevant to the job

I love your vedios sir, really helpful lot. I came from India, the way you explain, is great 👍.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController shouldn't you worry about whether or not ravi indupuri becomes moody particularly while eating bread toast jam?

I want to be a CMA in the future

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

But ravi indupuri becomes moody doesn't mix up with anyone

thanks

It is understandable that a CMA would prepare someone for a CFO position but more than 75% of the time I see those jobs listing the CPA as required. And if it isn't, then it's "preferred". Is this because very few people know about the CMA? I am convinced there are a ton of people that don't know what a CMA is.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

CMA might not be required, but the type of work experience you will get will be most relevant to CFO work more than that of CPA

I earned my CMA in 2019 and I am currently seeking a new role. I do not have a CPA. I've seen some roles that state CPA or CMA required/preferred. I've seem some positions that state CPA required, even though based on the description, a CMA would make more sense. People who know what a CMA is seem to be really excited when they see it. In situations where they do not know what it is, I have to explain it to them and that usually leads to the question "do you plan to get the CPA?" I'm really not sure at this point.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

The cpa name recognition is higher. I’d say pursue the cpa only if you plan to take the financial reporting route. But if for example your goal is a controller at a non public company, a CMA is great.

@uwinezafabiola9207

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController what about having both?

@themanifestorsmind

9 ай бұрын

Could a CMA have their own practice as a fractional CFO?

What is the difference between of&a, controller, and a financial analyst?

Can you talk about forensics accounting

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Ok

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController but shouldn't you worry about whether or not ravi indupuri becomes moody particularly while eating chilly cheese toast also?

CPA is more widely recognized but the preparation for the CMA exam is more relevant to corporate accounting and finance. I have not seen evidence that companies pay higher compensation due to certifications.

@SortaDopeIGuess

2 жыл бұрын

Where are you located . i live in the east coast. And for certain high level Acctg positions, they wont even call you back without a CPA or CMA. Almost all senior financial analysts at Amazon are almost required to have a CMA or CPA. Im sure they would take an MBA only, IF you come from a top 30 B school - but if not. Good Luck getting in without those certs. Just sayin.

Took the financial accounting course and I am deciding to do a bachelors in engineering at Michigan Tech and masters in accounting while pursuing CMA I think it will help me manage projects better. What are your thought? I’ve been looking at the CMA prep courses I will only have 60 credits by spring… I am 20 years old. Any thought The Financial Controller?

Thank you for sharing this useful information. I have 1 year of auditing experience and 2 years of accounting experience. I wish to enter FP&A career but before that, I have to get a professional license. What comes to my mind is ACCA. Any professional advice can be given to me?

this is helpful

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Hi. What do you think about Business Analyst position? Is it ok to switch from Accountant to this position? Thank you 😊

@treytwig4014

3 жыл бұрын

I went from being an accountant to a financial business analyst. Learn as much as you can about the financial systems and data modeling.

In India CPA earn more in big 4 than CMA, I have passed CMA, I am thinking to take CPA as well but the syllabus is more vast for CPA

What do you recommend? A. Associates degree in accounting or a certification?

Just finished the CPA and I am really considering the CMA next! What are your thoughts on getting both? I currently work in industry within a very large energy company. I want to work my way up. I only did a 12 week internship in public accounting and did not like it. I decided to get the CPA because IMO the CMA is not that well known, but I see that it is becoming more mainstream. Please let me know your thoughts on both. Thanks!

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Good move with getting the CPA first!! It’s more impactful. I say add the CMA only if you want to branch out to FP&A or similar roles

@Revocateanimos24

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController thanks i might shift into internal audit soon. If I do then ill consider the CIA instead of CMA

@misterj3133

2 жыл бұрын

@@Revocateanimos24 Internal audit is a bad idea for a CPA.....

If you're working in Transactions Tax for the Big 4, will they pay for you to get a CFA? Is it worth getting the CFA for this role?

Hi I have been working in AR coordinator for last 6-7 years. I would like to go for either of them as my next role requires one of those certifications. Cound you suggest which one is better

Old video, but as someone considering a career transition into accounting, what are your thoughts on taking (and, in theory, passing) the CMA exam and getting the 2 years’ experience and taking the CPA exam at the end of that?

@TheFinancialController

2 жыл бұрын

Good. But if you decide to focus on one certification, CPA is my choice

I just passed my CMA Part 1 and plans to take part 2 early next year. And then, the CPA exams. I say, go for both CMA and CPA.

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Go for it, admire your dedication hope!

@anirudhhattangadi3534

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFinancialController but ravi indupuri moody doesn't mix up with anyone

Hello please under CPA in order to be recognized globally, is it best to take or obtain CIMA(AICPA) license?

How are the factors the same for each CMA ? How are they different?

Have you done a video on Enrolled Agents????

I have a degree in mechanical engineering but for some reason I want to go into financial analyst program through CFI certificate programme. Is it advisable?

Hello, can you also please compare M.S in accounting with CPA/CMA as well? I am accountant with 4~5 yrs of private industry + CPA, so I'm wonder if master or CMA will be better fit for my future career, especially when I plan to stay in private industry

@TheFinancialController

3 жыл бұрын

Ok will do

Here you go: my $1.00 contribution to the channel. lol Thanks very much for sharing such valuable content, Bill!

@TheFinancialController

Жыл бұрын

haha thanks Lucas!

Thanks very much for your analysis..am really interested in the CMA qualification..currently doing ACCA..is it possible to travel to sit the CMA exams because don't have exams center in my country

Hi, I got one of each.

Please tell me books & techniques that help you for your career CPA student

I am going to join finance and investment banking course in uk. And ultimately want to pursue CFA, can u provide me any valuable suggestion.

Can work experience in private accounting meet CMA's requirement, or does it need to be in public accounting? TIA!

Do I really need a bachelors to go for being a CMA, and taking the test? I’m currently in the process in obtaining my Associate Degree in accounting; and wanted to know if I can be take a CMA with just that degree once I get it, and a little experience

The 2 years of experience required before taking CMA exam, has to be in US jobs? Or could it have been obtained in a different country (experience)?

what do you think about ACCA ? Is it worth to past at first CPA and afterwards CMA?

@anchaldeshwal4683

3 жыл бұрын

ACCA more recognized in EU part

For MBA with 5 years of experience, which of these areas are best? CPA or CMA

Would it be accurate to say the odds of passing the cpa exam is .41x.56x.47x.58= 6.25% vs .45x.45= 20% for CMA and therefore passing the cpa exam is harder because the pass rates should be cumulative instead of the average? Am I over thinking this? 🤔 😅