[REGFARAUDBEC]

I’ll try to make this nice and short. I thought I aced REG and had most likely failed FAR. Turns out I had gotten an 85 on FAR and 73 on REG. Unfortunately, I jumped the gun on my resume and had said that I had passed REG and left out the results of FAR when speaking with recruiters… this has taught me a very valuable lesson to say the least. Now, I have 5 interviews already confirmed and they all think that I had passed REG and FAR. I plan on taking REG early April and I imagine most of these interviews will take at least a month. I know most of the companies I’m interviewing with require at least 3 rounds of interviews.

So, should I come clean or do you think it’s OK to let this one go? What are my chances of getting caught in this white lie? I WILL pass it in April, so help me god. Any advice you could give me would be much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Don't lie, that will likely derail any chance you have of succeeding in the company if they ever find out. If it were me, I would specifically bring it up and explain that you were very confident that you had passed REG. Even though you've received a failing score now, you'll very easily get that passing score on your next attempt.

[Anonymous]

That's a little more than a white lie haha. I would come clean because employers can look up to see if you passed.

[mla1169]

I think the fact that you're even asking this question means you already know the answer. I'm just shocked anybody would put an exam on their resume anticipating that they had passed.

You can say it was some typo, and you MEANT FAR. But don't try to put one over on a potential employer, especially as an aspiring CPA.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[REGFARAUDBEC]

Believe me, I know it was very foolish of me. I just wanted to make my resume more attractive to potential employers. Unfortunately, that's the position that I'm in. I really don't know what to do, because I feel like if I come clean it will look just as bad. The positions that I'm applying for aren't heavily rooted in accounting anyways, they're financial analyst positions and internal audit. If I make it to third round interviews it won't be until late April and I would have already passed the exam by then. Yes, I know I'm stupid… that aside, some advice would be greatly appreciated.

[REGFARAUDBEC]

Also, I believe they need your social security number to check CPA exam status. Most employers don't ask for a candidates SS# until after they have extended an offer or until late round interviews.

[Anonymous]

Scores for first wave of second quarter don't come out until may 3 at the absolute earliest. You wknt know you for sure passed it yet again in late April.

[mla1169]

Well you were given advice twice. But it wasn't what you wanted to hear.

For what it's worth, something like that could keep you from getting a license. Probably not, but I wouldn't risk my future career on a string of “I thought”, “I hope”, and “what are the chances”.

I sure do hope you pass REG this time, but there's zero guarantees.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[jlg2010]

REGFARAUDBEC I see elements of the fraud triangle in your post….serious rationalization. Admit what you did and apologize.

FAR Aug 12 84
Aud Feb 13 99
BEC Apr 13 86
Reg May 13 87 Done!!!

[jlg2010]

REGFARAUDBEC I see elements of the fraud triangle in your post….serious rationalization. Admit what you did and apologize.

FAR Aug 12 84
Aud Feb 13 99
BEC Apr 13 86
Reg May 13 87 Done!!!

[REGFARAUDBEC]

Oh, I will. Thank you for your advice, I do appreciate it.

[jlg2010]

I meant to add that most folks would respect your honesty more than penalizing you jumping gun a bit

FAR Aug 12 84
Aud Feb 13 99
BEC Apr 13 86
Reg May 13 87 Done!!!

[jeff]

People are quick to forgive a lot of things … lying is not one of them.

Just tell them what happened in as few words as possible and move on IF it comes up.

AUD - 79
BEC - 80
FAR - 76
REG - 92

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE | Another71

[soxfan866]

I wouldn't call them up and tell them you lied, but I also wouldn't continue to lie about it. If it gets brought up, come clean and say you jumped the gun. Say exactly what you did in your original post, you thought you did very well, but ended up coming just short and will make sure you pass on the next attempt. Employers can't check if you passed sections of the exam, right? I mean I know they can check that you're licensed, but individual sections, really? I doubt that, but who knows.

[LSNYC]

I think you already know what you did was wrong.

I would update your resume to reflect the correct section and bring copies with you and when you go in say I have brought the most recent copy of my resume. This may highlight the flaw but if it comes up you can say oh you must have an outdated copy I realized my mistake and updated my resume as soon as I realized. Did you talk to your recruiter? What did they say to do?

I had a mistake on my resume, a typo and this is what i did, however mine was an actual spelling mistake.

As for checking scores, I am pretty sure it depends on the state, in NY i am pretty sure they cannot look up your results without your permission.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[REGFARAUDBEC]

LSNYC, that's a great idea!

I'm currently working with 6 different recruiters and the “white lie” is only with one of the recruiters, fortunately. Unfortunately, that recruiter has me the most interviews lined up with solid job opportunities. I haven't told them, because I'm afraid they'll drop me – probably an irrational fear.

I know most states the employer can't look up your individual test scores and can only check to see if you have your license, but I still don't want to start off on the wrong foot with a potential employer.

[Author]

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