1. 

   broadstreet
   

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   BEC - I fear this section more than any other part. Please let me know what is a good study course ( I need video lectures) and guidance on how to approach. The material is scary. Please no marketing responses, just real true life experience. I study most on Sat and Sun about 6 hours each day and spend about 2 hours all other days. Is it as scary as it looks? How much time do I need?

   REG - 11/15/11 - 80
   BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
   AUD - 02/28/12
   FAR - 05/31/12

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   Posted 6 months ago #
2. 

   KasiaS
   

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   No, BEC is not as bad as you may see it. I thought it would be worse than what it really turned out to be.

   I'm sorry, I can't recommend a video based review course, but I used an incredible audio course that made the study beyond easy and when I sat for the exam, nothing really caught me off guard. I used NIU Correspondence CPA Review (cpareview.niu.edu) in conjunction with the Gleim test bank. This is the course that I've been using for all 4 parts and I think my scores speak for the course effectiveness. I understand if audio is not for you, but it's something to consider. (I promise I'm I real person and this is not a marketing ploy).

   As for study time, I spent about 5 1/2 weeks preparing with about 20 hours of study/week. Regardless of the course you choose, I recommend that you really hammer down corporate governance, COSO, SOX, and Cost Accounting. I wouldn't obsess too much over IT unless you know next to nothing about the topic. Best of luck to you!

   FAR 88 (07/15/11)
   BEC 83 (08/31/11)
   AUD 81 (10/15/11)
   REG 83 (11/26/11)
   
   Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

   Posted 6 months ago #
3. 

   broadstreet
   

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   Kasia - Many thanks for taking the time to respond. I feel a little better. I will take your advice and check out what you used. I find REG to be a breeze, although I am a tax person. Just freekin about all the weird BEC stuff. I just started and will be taking in mid Jan, 2012. The beginning is always the hardest.

   Broadstreet

   REG - 11/15/11 - 80
   BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
   AUD - 02/28/12
   FAR - 05/31/12

   Posted 6 months ago #
4. 

   KasiaS
   

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   My pleasure! I'm always happy to help others out since I've gotten a lot of help from this forum. I'm most definitely not a tax person so I'm not too pumped to face REG. To me, it has been the most painful section to study for, but I'm trying my best to be a trooper!

   One more piece of advice: do as many MCQs as you can bear and don't bother attempting to prepare for the WCs. If you're a good writer, you can easily pick up those 15 points. Before my exam, I think I averaged about 200-300 MCQs per day in the week leading up to the exam. That was more than good enough for me to pass.

   FAR 88 (07/15/11)
   BEC 83 (08/31/11)
   AUD 81 (10/15/11)
   REG 83 (11/26/11)
   
   Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

   Posted 6 months ago #
5. 

   Mahina
   

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   Definitely agree with KasiaS there. I have been using Becker to study and BEC was a breeze to me. I literally walked out with an hour left. Try doing as many multiple choice questions as you can stand and then some more. My sims were decently easy questions and there was only one I didn't know for sure. Just look out how they want the questions to be formatted and go from there.

   BEC - 85
   FAR - 85
   REG - 82
   AUD - 68 - retake January?

   Posted 6 months ago #
6. 

   broadstreet
   

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   Kasia - For REG I did 4,000 mcqs and 200 sims (obsessive), you can do it.

   REG - 11/15/11 - 80
   BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
   AUD - 02/28/12
   FAR - 05/31/12

   Posted 6 months ago #
7. 

   broadstreet
   

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   Thanks for the encouragement Mahina. I study this stuff like mad, and am determined. BEC looks crazy, thinking about a personal tutor.

   REG - 11/15/11 - 80
   BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
   AUD - 02/28/12
   FAR - 05/31/12

   Posted 6 months ago #
8. 

   bnrhilton
   

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   I used Becker with the wiley test bank my first go around with BEC and got a 69, not too bad considering I was studying for BEC and finishing up my second degree taking two classes, working full time, and have a family!.

   I had to take about 9 months off of studies because of a new position at work so I decided to start completely over this time and I used Yaeger's Home Study. I really liked the way Cindy taught the class. She went through the book, worked lots of problems from the book and really explained how to do the calculations using a white board. This time I passed with a 76

   F-78, lost credit (August OR October 2012)
   A-50,58,70,72,89 FINALLY!!!!!!!!
   B-69,76
   R-50 (JULY 2012)

   Posted 6 months ago #
9. 

   MyLifeisCPA
   

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   Broadstreet, I agree with Kasia. I had to repeat it though but knocked it out the next time. I feel that was due to me not preparing like I should. Definitely hammer down the Corporate Governance, COSO(I had tons) and Cost Accounting. I think if you know the major topics of BEC, the written communication will be your friend.

   Posted 6 months ago #
10. 

    See Pee A
    

    online

    Member

    @broadstreet: The pass rate for BEC is in a similar range as the other exams, which is surprising because it is one of the shortest review books. The key here is to NOT underestimate the exam, which I believe many people do. It is not a very tough exam, but it is far from easy and will require appropriate preparation. I used the Becker review materials (self-study comes with video lectures, flashcards, and software with MCQ's and practice exams). I studied for about 2.5 weeks (about 30 hrs/week... so depending on your time availability it took me about 80 hours). It's a bunch of random things like cost accounting, IT, economics, and other topics.

    I promise with adequate preparation it should be no problem. Assuming you study (as you mentioned above) about 20 hours a week you should be ready in 4-5 weeks, depending on how much time you require to commit information to memory. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate.

    Full disclosure: you can see my scores below, both first time exams.

    BEC 86 (08/30/11)
    FAR 84 (10/13/11)
    REG 88 (11/08/11)
    AUD 86 (11/29/11)
    
    Exam prep - Becker self-study

    Posted 6 months ago #
11. 

    broadstreet
    

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    Thanks guys and gals, maybe I can get some sleep with all the encouragement. Last night I had dreamed and was taking mcq's the whole time, what a nightmare ! Has this hapened to anyone else?

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
12. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    4,000 mcqs and 200 sims...lmao what a waste of time.

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
13. 

    broadstreet
    

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    Baseball - Why a waste of tme?

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
14. 

    katiekanton
    

    online

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    @BaseballCPA I admire you. I've struggled all my life with an unhealthy desire to be liked by everyone. It must be wonderful to not care.

    FYI, just because something works or doesn't work for you doesn't mean everyone else has the same experience. It might be overkill FOR YOU, but WE don't know it's overkill until we're actually sitting in front of the computer at Prometric. There are many reasons why someone might need to do that much practice: 1) to boost self-confidence going in to the exam, 2) because of learning disabilities, 3) to make certain they pass "this time", (family circumstances, job situations, health reasons, expiring scores, money--it's expensive to keep taking the test), etc.

    AUD - 88 - using Bisk, and btw, Bob Monette ROCKS
    FAR - 90
    REG - 85
    BEC -
    Ethics - 100

    Posted 6 months ago #
15. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
16. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    Hmm, let's take a look:

    1) Everyone's gunnin for a 75 here; nobody's going to pat you on the head for passing with a "higher" score than anyone else. So to spend an exorbitant amount of time hashing and rehashing concepts is hilarious to me. Unless, of course, you just didn't "get it" and that amount of time was necessary for the information to sink in.

    2) Using the study information you posted in the beginning (6 hrs on wknds, 2 hrs per wkday), you study about 22 hours a week (assuming you stick with that schedule, of course). Assuming you answer/review MCQs at a rate of 1 per 2 minutes minutes and sims at a rate of 1 per 20 minutes, you spent 8,000 minutes on MCQs and 4,000 minutes on simulations. That's a total of 200 hours -- or, in terms of your study schedule, 9.1 weeks. Granted, I know some sims and mcqs take less time than others, but likewise, some take longer. Overall, in my opinion, that's a huge waste of time.

    Hey, just my opinion...a pass is a pass, my friend, so do whatever makes you feel comfortable. lol

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
17. 

    broadstreet
    

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    Geez, it was my time not yours. best of luck guys, didnt mean to insult anyone.

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
18. 

    Mahina
    

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    @broadstreet - were you correctly answering those multiple choice questions? If so, congrats.:D

    BEC - 85
    FAR - 85
    REG - 82
    AUD - 68 - retake January?

    Posted 6 months ago #
19. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    @katie - Thanks, it's nice to be admired :)

    To your point, I never said my way was the law...come to think of it, I never even talked about "my way" lol. I'm just voicing my opinion...you certainly don't have to agree with it haha. Study your little heart out, Katie; I believe in you! :)

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
20. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    @broadstreet -- I didn't say you wasted my time lol but good luck with BEC...

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
21. 

    broadstreet
    

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    Baseball - thanks,I appreciate all the input. I obsessed agreed. Just want to pass the f'in thing.

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
22. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    Yep, well that's all that matters...do it however you have to.

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
23. 

    broadstreet
    

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    Quick question, if you passed all, why are you still on this site?

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
24. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    Quick answer: On occasion I like to dole out little pearls of wisdom to those still taking the exam. On other occasions, I enjoy giving my opinion, regardless of how abrasive it may sound. Depends on what side of the bed I roll out of, I suppose :) You, my friend, were on the abrasive opinion receiving end today.

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
25. 

    goodluck2everyone
    

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    @baseball

    didn't you write in an earlier post that you spent 180 hours studying for REG and just barely passed? So 200 hours is a waste of time but 180 hours is fine even though you barely made it with a pass.

    BEC- 80
    REG- 68, 71 (wtf...)
    AUD- 61 , 84
    FAR- -- May 30

    Posted 6 months ago #
26. 

    broadstreet
    

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    That was not me, my test is 11/15, no offensive taken, i enjoy the banter.

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
27. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    @goodluck -- I think you're thinking of someone else, champ, the only time I detailed out my study method for REG was in this thread:

    http://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/reg-if-you-have-taken-this-part#post-119774

    Also, I studied for 4 weeks for REG lol. Not sure where you're getting 180 hours from; time to put down the magic mushrooms!

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
28. 

    KasiaS
    

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    @broadstreet, thanks for sharing your REG prep. I don't think I'll be able to hammer out as many MCQs and SIMs as you, but I'll definitely make the most of the next 3 weeks. I still have a few lectures to listen to and then I'll do MCQs until my eyes bleed! lol

    @baseball, I agree that a pass is a pass regardless if you walk away with a 75 or 99 but as it was said before, each person is unique and some may need more time/practice than others to get the material. You're entitled to your opinion but it's not fair to say that what broadstreet did was a waste if time. If that produces a passing score, then none of that time was a waste.

    FAR 88 (07/15/11)
    BEC 83 (08/31/11)
    AUD 81 (10/15/11)
    REG 83 (11/26/11)
    
    Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

    Posted 6 months ago #
29. 

    broadstreet
    

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    Kasia, it sounds like a lot, in realty it's not, since I have been on this for 3 months, due to a personal time constraint. 6 weeks probably would have been enough under normal circumstances. I appreciate all respones, evren if some were abrasive. Totaly understand considering the pressure.

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
30. 

    yankeeaccountant
    

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    @Baseballcpa

    I remember reading your post on your path to the CPA. It was an inspiring story of a person who overcame obstacles to make their dream a reality. That being said, I didn't think your comment of: " 4,000 mcqs and 200 sims...lmao what a waste of time." was conducive to the spirit of this forum. Your comment wasn't an opinion as much as it was a cutting remark.

    Everyone's path to the CPA is different. Yes, we would all like to get there fast(er), but in the end, it isn't how long it took or how many mcq's we did--all that matters is getting there.

    Posted 6 months ago #
31. 

    bernard
    

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    roll back into bed and roll out the non- annoying side

    Posted 6 months ago #
32. 

    Veronica75
    

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    @yankee. Well said. I feel like there are a lot of negative posts lately.... and it's funny because many are coming from people who have passed. Strange. No offense to anyone here, but once I pass, I'm deactivating my account and moving on with my life!!

    If you don't have anything nice to say, don't saying anything at all.

    FAR - 79 (2x)
    AUD - 81 (expired), 77!
    REG - 74! omg (3x) 87!!!!!!! I'm done! OMG!
    BEC - 81 (4x)

    Posted 6 months ago #
33. 

    Jeff - another71.com
    

    online

    admin

    Can't we all just get along? :)

    Become a NINJA:
    NINJA Notes
    NINJA Audio
    Wiley Test Bank

    Posted 6 months ago #
34. 

    goodluck2everyone
    

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    anyways, back to the topic at hand

    for some serious advice, I recommend you master cost accounting and the variances. The wiley book does a tremendous job (especially with the variance section). I got weaker on every topic except for cost accounting which was stronger and my MCQ section ended up being stronger overall. Thats how much they emphasized the topic.

    BEC- 80
    REG- 68, 71 (wtf...)
    AUD- 61 , 84
    FAR- -- May 30

    Posted 6 months ago #
35. 

    broadstreet
    

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    Thanks everyone for the support. Just to gauge if I am nuts or not, how many MCQ's do people usually do? 4,000 didnt seem like that many over a 2 1/2 - 3 month period. Most take 30 seconds

    REG - 11/15/11 - 80
    BEC - 01/17/12 - hopefull
    AUD - 02/28/12
    FAR - 05/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
36. 

    atelery
    

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    @broadstreet,
    for BEC, i did all the Becker MCQ twice, Becker has about 800-1,000 MCQ (i think), so i did about 1,600-2,000 MCQ, plus my dad would randomly picked some question from Wiley book to test me, so I would say about 2,500 MCQ that I did going in to take the BEC. However, I only studied BEC for 3 weeks, so I am not sure if you are looking for someone who spent 2 1/2 - 3 months period, but i hope my info helps :)

    ~~~~~Passed~~~~~
    don't give up, this exam is not easy.

    Posted 6 months ago #
37. 

    kaaCPA
    

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    i did all the becker MC questions twice as well. so 2k?

    AUD | 85
    REG | 77
    FAR | 76
    BEC | 83
    ========
    ETH | 93
    State Board Application pending!

    Posted 6 months ago #
38. 

    yankeeaccountant
    

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    @broadstreet,

    I ended up with about 2500 on REG. That was the first time I kept good track of it. I am only working part time, so I am able to put in a decent amount of time each day. I studied for about 4 weeks for REG.

    Good luck!!

    Posted 6 months ago #
39. 

    CPA-Convertible
    

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    I am planning to spend 40000 hours on Ethics so that I can put "pass Ethics with 1st Attempt"

    AUD - Passed - 8-31-11
    BEC - Passed - 11-29-11
    FAR - Passed - 2-29-12
    & REG - Scheduled - 5/31/12

    Posted 6 months ago #
40. 

    goodluck2everyone
    

    offline

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    ^that's fascinating, here's an e-cookie ( % )

    BEC- 80
    REG- 68, 71 (wtf...)
    AUD- 61 , 84
    FAR- -- May 30

    Posted 6 months ago #
41. 

    yankeeaccountant
    

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    @Veronica

    good luck with Audit. I am taking it on 11/23. This will be my third attempt. Serenity now!!!

    Posted 6 months ago #
42. 

    Veronica75
    

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    Thanks Yankee!! I'm looking forward to getting it done and enjoying Thanksgiving with my family back home in Louisiana. Perhaps I'll go out on the town, throw a few back and dance the night away :)

    FAR - 79 (2x)
    AUD - 81 (expired), 77!
    REG - 74! omg (3x) 87!!!!!!! I'm done! OMG!
    BEC - 81 (4x)

    Posted 6 months ago #
43. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    Wasn't trying to be pleasant...just my opinion, dudes; feel free to disagree with it. Maybe he'll realize the redundancies in his study habits and streamline his study process for the next section. And if not, hey, he can put his 99's on his parents' refrigerator or something. Nice or not, I still hope you all pass the exam.

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
44. 

    Minimorty
    

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    Whats up baseball? Long time, no see.

    Posted 6 months ago #
45. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    What's up, Mini? Oh you know, same ol same ol...aggravating the masses haha. Just workin' like a dog, studying for the CIA, trying to maintain some semblance of a social life...how about you? Still puttin these exams down like Old Yeller?

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
46. 

    Minimorty
    

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    Lol. You probably just offended another 25 people with that Old Yeller comment.

    Ugh, hate auditing. I'm assuming you'll plow through those exams, huh?

    Yeah, now that I'm done with the exam I definitely have some free time in the evenings. Still no social life. Impossible with a 2.5 year old and a 0.5 year old. Plus my wife is tackling the exam now. Good times.

    Posted 6 months ago #
47. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    Haha I know...it's like I have Asperger's or something. Wow, congratulations, man!!! I'm really happy for you...I still don't know how you or any of the other full-time workers with spouses and children pull this exam off...I'm starting to think you guys are all superheroes. Good luck to your wife...maybe she can get some free tutoring sessions from the Mini-maestro!

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
48. 

    Minimorty
    

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    Ha, no chance. She's a sharp cookie. I bet she beats my scores on all four exams. That will put me in my place for sure.

    Stay out of trouble.

    Posted 6 months ago #
49. 

    BaseballCPA
    

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    Haha you too, buddy.

    REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
    Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

    Posted 6 months ago #
50. 

    Jeff - another71.com
    

    online

    admin

    best doggone dog in the wesssstttt.....

    Become a NINJA:
    NINJA Notes
    NINJA Audio
    Wiley Test Bank

    Posted 6 months ago #

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