[Anonymous]

Sorry if I’m rehashing an old topic, but I’d like to hear peoples’ opinions on my overall study plan/testing dates, and whether people think I’ll be spending an adequate amount of time studying for each section. I just graduated a week ago and have been studying since. I have no full-time job or other commitments currently, as I don’t start work until October.

So here’s my plan: Study exclusively for REG and take it on July 1. After that, study for BEC and take it around July 15. Then leave myself a month and a half for FAR, taking it sometime around August 31st. And finally, take AUD October 1 (I start work on October 2, and I’ll also be in the process of finding an apartment and moving to NY during this time).

Again, I have absolutely no other commitments, and have studied about 50 hours over the past week. Do you all think I’ll be able to put in an adequate amount of time for each test? Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Anonymous]

Its an ambitious plan but definately doable. Time required to for each section varies a lot by individual. Some spend upwards of 100 hours per section and go through all the material once or even twice. I dont think i put in more than 40 hours of actual study time for any one section. It really just dpends on how well you retain information . Not trying to make it sound easy just saying it varies a lot by individual and that its definately doable.

[Anonymous]

hey thanks for your input. I guess I don't really have a feel for how hard the tests are since I haven't taken one yet. I was actually studying off and on throughout the semester for BEC which I thought I might take in May. Getting 80 – 90% consistently on Wiley Test Bank quizzes. Do you happen to have any experience as to how difficult Wiley TB is in relation to the actual test?

[Anonymous]

BEC was a tough test but I think the Test Bank was harder than the actual test but I mostly used Becker. If you are getting 80-90% than you should be set up to do great. Keep at it!

[SammyJ]

Its good to hear that you have no other obligation and can spend most of your focus on these exams. I was in the same boat as well, but I gave myself extra time since I didnt have a job lined up already. It is a very ambitious plan. Taking three exams for the first tiem inside the same testing window is going to be really tough. You gotta remember the fatigue factor. These exams are tiring. And if you do plan to stick to your 50 hours os studying per week, thats gonna take a lot outta you. And rationing only 15 days or so for BEC is not wise in my opinion. I gave myself around 25-30 days and still didnt feel confident entering the exam. However, this exam is do-able with just simple economics/acocunting knowledge. There are going to be several random questions where either you know it or not.

If you do have your eyes set on trying to acocmplish all the exams before you begin working, then your plan is the ideal plan. And the ordering of the test is the best combination too. Good luck!

FAR-81!!
AUD-69, Retake: 84!!
REG-86!!
BEC-81!!
Education- Done
Ethics- August 2013
Experience- 7 Months of CPA Experience and counting!

[mla1169]

I was thinking 2 weeks for BEC wasn't enough until you mentioned that you've been studying for it and scoring so well on MCQ's. I think you'll be fine. It's not going to be easy but it can be done!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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