What is the best cpa review material out there?
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donestudying
offlineMemberI used MDS CPA Review Self Study Materials and liked it a lot. I didn't feel like I was wasting a lot of time reading, but rather learning just what I needed to know. There aren't "text books" to read; instead, just you watch the classes with an outline form of information to follow along with. The other thing I liked was that I could call/email in for help when I needed it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Need a Napa
offlineMemberI'm pretty sure you're going to get a different answer from everyone on this site, but I'll throw in what I know in case you find it helpful. I'm 2 for 2 with ExamMatrix, and I left AUD feeling pretty good about it too. I learned about ExamMatrix from a coworker who went 4 for 4 with ExamMatrix. I got all 4 parts with the pass guarantee for $1,000, but I've seen the "monthly special" price be anywhere from $700 to $1,100.
I can tell you with 100% certainty that ExamMatrix is not for everyone. It is, for the most part, based on working multiple choice and TBS questions. They give you books and cram DVDs, but tell you going in that you don't even need to use them unless you are having difficulty in an area. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who wouldn't benefit from this approach, and I can tell you that doing FAR multiple choice questions right out of the box is very intimidating. I think my first few sessions I was getting somewhere in the 40% range of correct answers. Once you answer all the questions correctly at least once, though, you'd be surprised at how much you have learned. Right or wrong, they give you a detailed explanation with links to glossary etc.
What I like: Well, I'm 2 for 2 so far. I like that! You study on your own time, and can squeeze in a 15 minute session or go all day. Since you're not reading a book, it's not like there is a rush to get through the chapter to have a stopping point. You can stop any time and it won't hurt you. With a full time job and 2 kids, this is crucial. Also, the price seemed reasonable compared to some of the more popular programs.
What I don't like: The software runs off of your hard drive rather than the internet, which can be a challenge if you share your computer. It also would be an issue if you think you'll have time to study at work (which I didn't, but I know some do). You'd have to install the software on a laptop and bring it back and forth to home and work. Also, the software runs a little bit slow. There is a little bit of a lag between submitting an answer and seeing the result. Sometimes when I'm tired, I find myself trying to surf the net between questions, which is obviously not helpful.
All in all, I've been very happy with it, and would recommend it to anyone who has a very busy life and cannot always allocate a couple of hours for study.
BEC - 83 (8/31/2010)
FAR - 85 (11/30/2010)
AUD - 82 (2/27/2011)
REG - 87 (5/31/2011)Posted 1 year ago # -
Nemnar
offlineMemberI used Gleim to begin with and didnt really like it too well. After 2 fails (one mostly because i didnt study at all) I ponied up the dough and got Becker (self study). So far it has served me well. I passed Aud with a 96 and Reg with a 90. Im still waiting on Bec. I like Becker because it gives you ways to remember things. As a matter of fact, i can still remember stuff from Reg. Becker also has tons of multiple choice questions, some of which are, (at least to me) harder than exam questions. Its a matter of preference. No matter what study material you pick, adapting it to how you can best study or learn is crucial, in my opinion.
BEC 69 (very little studying) 88 (lots of studying, becker)
REG 90 (lots of studying, becker)
AUD 96 (lots of studying, becker)
FAR 52 (0 studying) 76 Im Done!!! (lots of studying, becker)Posted 1 year ago # -
kandisjoy
offlineMemberI have used: Roger, ExamMatrix, and CPAexcel
Roger: I didn't like him. Yes, he's "high energy," but he also drove me nuts and his videos expired for me before I passed the exam. Also he is pretty expensive.
ExamMatrix: This was okay, but I didn't feel like it was enough. I started to memorize answers and sometimes I couldn't tell if I really knew the material, or if I only got the questions correct because I had seen them before. Also I had some technical difficulties that were frustrating. This review program is less expensive than most, however it also expires.
CPAexcel: I really like CPAexcel. I passed BEC with flying colors with this review program. The content is continuously updated and it never ever expires. If you buy the 2010 version and don't pass, you automatically get the 2011 version when it becomes available. I didn't feel great coming out of REG, so if I didn't pass I might buy the Wiley book to supplement my studies, just to make myself feel more secure in passing it. But I'm not sure that it's really necessary.
FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85
CA Licensed 11/2011Posted 1 year ago # -
CPAinVA
offlineMemberI passed BEC, AUD, and FAR on my first try with CPAExcel. I like that you can study for 15 minutes, 45 minutes, 3 hours or however much time you have because the lessons are broken down into little modules/segments. I had to retake REG, but that's not CPAExcel's fault. My NTS was expiring and I had a newborn and didn't finish the material. The practice questions and sims have been right in line with my exam questions.
BEC-84 Expired- Retake 8/19/11
AUD-80 Expires if didn't pass BEC
REG- 82
FAR- 85Posted 1 year ago # -
Guido
offlineMemberYeager passed BEC with it and made a 74 using Becker and a 74 using CPA Excel. I think Yeager did a great job with Reg.
BEC 78 11/13/10
REG 68 in 2011, 79 Passed 10/1/11
AUD 78 11/30/11
FAR Take 2012
Wife is due with our first 5/31/11 will lose BEC credit on 5/31/11 TWO DUE DATES!!Posted 1 year ago # -
Beckettpg8
offlineBlockedIt's not exactly which is better but how you approach the study process and what method / approach works for you to retain the stuff you need to know. You need peace and calm during the last 1.5 weeks and also you need some luck to get the easier exam then your neighbor.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Liz317
offlineMemberHere's my advice on finding the "best" review material. Make a list of all of the review programs out there. Make notes on how (videos, books, flashcards, audio, lectures, etc.) & when (small sessions, big sessions, on weekends, etc) you prefer to study. Research the review programs from their websites, and find the top 2-3 that seem to work with your study habits. Then ask specific questions about each program to decide or mix & match to make the best program for you.
I think all of the programs work for someone, but all of the programs may not work for you. And remember that the review material is only a small part of the equation for passing. No program is a miracle-worker. You have to put forth the effort & study study study!
Also, don't buy all 4 parts in one program if you are unsure it will work for you. That way you won't feel like you wasted money on something that doesn't work for you.
FAR - 92 --- AUD - 87 --- REG - 80 --- BEC - 87
A licensed CPA in Louisiana!!!
Dear CPA Exam, You are a beast. But you WILL be defeated!Posted 1 year ago # -
mandaj
offlineMemberI used CPAexcel for all parts. I passed AUD and BEC in 2010 Q4. I was extremely happy with product with the parts I took in 2010; however, I felt that the 2011 material was buggy; there were a lot of errors in the answers and the grading on the sims wasn't good. Also, the program includes a study schedule that estimates the amount of time needed to study based on other passing candidates, but the estimates were reset for the 2011 material. Each bite size lesson was set at 30 min which is a significant underestimate in my opinion. I did pass FAR in 2011 - still waiting on REG.
That being said, I think the program did everything I expected. I purchased the basic course and left out the videos, mentoring, and printed books (all the material in the books is available within the electronic course). I spent about $800 for all four parts which compared to other products seamed completely reasonable. Also, the materials for 2011 automatically updated, so I didn't have to worry about what part I would take when. I didn't need to worry about new material if I didn't pass either.
The deciding factor for me was the fact that the material does not expire. As far as I'm concerned, that is the best guarantee offer out there. I was not willing to jump through hoops to prove that I put in the time studying in order to maintain the most up to date materials.
AUD - 92
BEC - 77
FAR - 81
REG - 88Posted 1 year ago # -
bcox
offlineMemberI have used Yager for BEC, FAR, and currently for REG. I do not have one complaint. I have yet to come across a question on the exam that was not covered in my material (maybe I shouldn't say that before REG!). The best program for you really does depend on how you learn and what kind of background you have. Personally, I needed someone to actually teach me all this stuff because I have been out of school for several years. I honestly can't thank Yaeger enough for their help through this process.
As for auditing, I am on the fence about Lambers. I had heard that Yaeger wasn't great for AUD so I decided to try something different. Garland was great but their 2011 update left a lot to be desired IMO. There were only 9 IFRS questions in their materials so I supplemented with the 2011 Wiley text. Garland did was not the instructor for the 2011 updates and the folks who did some of the videos came across as not knowing their stuff. All in all Lambers was okay. I guess I will have a better idea in a couple of weeks when I get my AUD score. (Yup, I live in NC and usually don't get my scores until 10-12 days after they are released, it stinks).
BEC 8/31/2010 79 (Yaeger)
FAR 11/29/2010 82 (Yaeger)
AUD 02/28/2011 90 (Lambers)
REG 07/25/11 87 (Yaeger)Posted 1 year ago # -
TooBigToFail
offlineMemberFirst, know thyself. You need to figure out what kind of person you are and how you learn best. Only then can you select the materials that will make YOU pass the exams.
It's also each test-taker's responsibility to review everything on the AICPA.org (for content specifications) and COSO.org websites. No study program can teach everything. You have to supplement with other professional reading, especially with BEC!
P.S. I love you Peter Olinto!
Done with FAR, AUD, REG, BEC. Today, March 29, I will remember you forever!!
Delaware candidate.
Going to convert Peter Olinto to my team. :DPosted 1 year ago # -
Jeff - another71.com
offlineadminWelcome!Whoever mentioned Exam Matrix likely has already passed since the thread is 9 mo. old.
Posted 4 months ago # -
jonathansays
offlineMember@bardessono 80 hours is about right. I'd say 4 to 6 weeks for each section. I've had success with it. The only time I failed was BEC and that was because I didn't study very long and didn't finish all of the questions. I recommend it.
AUD - 98, 92, 88 - ExamMatrix
FAR - 80, 81 - ExamMatrix
REG - 76 - ExamMatrix
BEC - 71, 71, 80 - ExamMatrixPosted 4 months ago # -
TXCPAGAL12
offlineMember@jonathansays- Do you know how ExamMatrix compares to Becker self-study? When I did Becker AUD in 2010 I felt like the CD lectures just draaagged on, and it was very hard just sitting around highlighting through the book. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if ExamMatrix is a good fit for me. Also, its obvious with your test scores that it worked for you- but do you feel like a lot of the stuff you saw on your exams was directly covered in your ExamMatrix study material?
REG: 63 (Apr '12)
AUD: 70 (Feb '10)... 2nd attempt May 22, 2012.
BEC:
FAR:
CPA 2012!Posted 4 months ago #
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