Excelling in Israel’s CPA Licensing Exams
Arielle Chill is one of nine Bar-Ilan graduates recognized as top scorers on the national CPA exams—more than any other academic institution in Israel
The CPA licensing exams in Israel have long been known for their difficulty. But this year, with rocket attacks and an ongoing war in the background, they were especially challenging. And yet, despite the difficulties, the 2025 exam results brought good news, especially for Bar-Ilan University graduates.
Bar-Ilan led all Israeli academic institutions with 129 graduates who successfully passed the exams, and nine of them earning a place on the list of national top scorers; the highest number of any university or college in the country.
These results reflect Bar-Ilan’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, its strong emphasis on real-world preparation, and above all, the determination of its students to succeed in one of the most demanding professions in Israel.
Learning, Volunteering, and Excelling
One of this year’s top scorers is Bar-Ilan graduate Arielle Chill, who ranked first in the auditing exam and second in the financial accounting exam. Her outstanding achievements earned her special recognition from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
“The results came from intense study, but also from group support,” says Arielle.
Arielle began her studies in economics and accounting at Bar-Ilan about five years ago, graduating with highest honors. During her degree, she also served as a course teaching assistant. Like many of her peers, her first semesters were during the COVID-19 pandemic and were completed remotely.
“It wasn’t easy. There were moments of loneliness, but I found my own rhythm,” she recalls. Later, during the October 7 attacks and the subsequent Iron Swords War, Arielle—like many other students—found herself balancing exam prep with volunteering for Israel’s Ministry of Defense and helping train reservist soldiers.
Why Study Accounting?
Today, Arielle is an intern in the high-tech division at Ernst & Young. She says she chose accounting not just for the job security it offers, but because it opens doors to a wide range of opportunities.
“What drew me in wasn’t just the numbers—it was the ability to understand processes, influence decisions, and offer advice. For me, it’s a tool that lets you take a real part in the business, public, and social worlds.”
The Recipe for Success
While Bar-Ilan’s results are clearly the outcome of hard work and intense study, Arielle believes success takes more than just notes, lectures, and guided practice.
“What helped me—and others—was, more than anything, the people I studied with. The months leading up to the exams were intense and stressful. We spent that time together, studying late into the night, constantly pushing each other forward.”