[timmycpa]

We all know people who roll out of bed and ace every exam without preparation. I am not that person, and if you are reading this, in all likelihood neither are you. I will spare you my life story and how I overcame adversity (blah blah). Since you only care about passing the exam, here are my tips –

1. You must want to pass

2. You must take at least 2 sections every testing window/ Money is no object

3. Never postpone an exam

4. Know what is on your exam

5. Sleep

6. Never take breaks (during exam)

7. The rest

1) You must want to pass

My first tip seems the most obvious, but it is the most important. Once I became serious about passing, I saw results. Just going through the motions isn’t good enough; as in– passively listening to lectures, zoning out during classes, skipping homework, claiming I was always busy, ect. You are investing a lot of time and money into this exam. Realize that no one owes you anything, and your excuses will continuously fall on deaf ears. Take the initiative to be reviewing on your lunch break, have lectures playing in the car, reading on the train and doing as many questions as humanly possible. The “I don’t have time” objection does not apply, nor does anyone care.

2) You must take at least 2 sections every testing window/ Money is no object

I am always surprised at how many people study 3-4 months for one part – this is a colossal waste of time. With a competent reviewer, 6 weeks is the maximum study time for all exams. Work out a schedule with your employer/family/friends to keep to this regimen. You have to be of the mindset that your exam takes precedent over most of your other obligations.

To be blunt, being poor is not an excuse. Once you get registered/licensed you will continually pay maintain your CPA recognition anyway. We already established that you must want to pass – therefore, paying ridiculous fees should have already gone into your decision. So take out your checkbook, and give yourself the best possible chance to succeed.

3. Never postpone an exam

Apart from the obviously reasons to postpone an exam, needing more time to study is a terrible excuse to do so. At the very worst, you are left in same position you were before and you learned something about that particular exam.

4. Know what is on your exam (& what isn’t)

Most of these threads revolve around people frantically searching for any clues on what will be tested. Stop doing this – you know what is on the exam. You are probably aware of the key topics before you even open your reviewer. Most reviewers do a good job in breaking down the weight of each section anyway. The rest is common sense and time management.

There are a lot of filler information in these reviewers, most of which arise from previous users complaining about topics tested that were not mentioned in the study material. No one likes surprises, but don’t let this fear of the unknown make you stray from the key topics.

5. Sleep

Drastically underrated, and essential on exam day. Sometimes, I would literally be running on fumes in the prometric center, which made the experience unbearable and inevitably led to failure. Even if you feel unprepared the day before your exam, if left with doing more lease/bond questions or getting a good night sleep, I recommend going with the latter. Good in theory and in practice, you might find yourself more equipped to pass after a good night’s sleep.

6. During exam, never take breaks

I have never heard anyone else talk about this, so maybe this will be new to you as well. As much as you might feel the urge to take a break, I highly recommend you wait and finish. You wont gain any momentum after taking a break, you will waster precious time and more importantly every break is documented. Just look at it from the examiners point of view, what would you think of a candidate constantly taking breaks? Going to check on notes? Make a phone call? You know what I’m getting at.

Avoid coffee and other diuretics on exam day, and always choose a time that you will feel the most comfortable.

7. Other helpful hints

Some simple tips about each exam (how long I recommend studying) –

Audit (3 weeks) – My most difficult exam. My last go I decided to do only multiple choice questions as a means to study. Doing the reading and/or following the lectures wasn’t doing it for me. Also fell free to cut out the filler topics entirely (10% or less), and do questions on the bigger issues. Keep note of anything with timeline or dates attached in this section.

FAR (4-5 weeks) – You know what is on this test, so stop psyching yourself out. My last attempt I used becker and reviewed about half the material – I spent most of my time trying to master to key, difficult areas that most people have limited exposure with (my best attempt without getting specific); the rest I reviewed at my discretion. The key is to keep reviewing and don’t let wide gaps of time pass before you pick up your book again. In this more than any other section, it helps to be familiar with the research tab.

REG (4 weeks) – Im slightly biased, as I never had a problem with this section. Keep in mind this about 70-80% tax. I know sometimes when reviewing Business Law, its easy to forget this is a tax exam. When pressed for time, do the key topics in tax – not much more to it.

BEC (2-3 weeks) –Since a writing section was newly added, there are plenty of current sources out there to help you on that. Not many key topics, and the rest is notoriously filler. Master the key topics & the writing and you are home free.

Good luck.

[rose77]

I don't know where my previous posts are gone. Timgeartycpa1, you mentioned that it is perfectly possible to pass the exam considering my background. I am a 35 yr old mom- 2.5 yr old son. I do not need work visa but given the fact I never worked in accounting and I passed my Bachelors in Accounting 12 yrs ago in Srilanka. What is the time frame to prepare for someone like me.

Also, I read in this forum of few of them with US experience and despite passing exam finding it difficult o get a new job. What would it be in a scenario for me.

Thanks for answering my previous posts Timgeartcpa1.

[FtheCPA]

@TimmyCPA or anyone else. Umm… this schedule seems aggressive. Is this assuming the individual is not also working full time (40 hrs/week)?

[KelzMS]

I was thinking the same thing. It is kind of hard to get a lot of studying in when you work 40+ hours a week. I study every night but 3 weeks just is not long enough when you only have nights and weekends (or not for me). Plus those who do taxes won't get hardly any studying in for the next 4 months. If you get off at 7, 8, 9 or later you don't really have much time to study that night once you fix dinner and eat. Plus you don't have the whole weekend since some people have to work Saturdays during tax season. Which is why I have put off my last exam until after tax season since I will be working late during the week and on Saturdays. So thank you for commenting on that because I was thinking maybe it is just me an I'm just an idiot. 🙂

B-Passed
A-Passed
R-Passed
F-Passed

[Happy]

“I have never heard anyone else talk about this, so maybe this will be new to you as well. As much as you might feel the urge to take a break, I highly recommend you wait and finish. You wont gain any momentum after taking a break, you will waster precious time and more importantly every break is documented. Just look at it from the examiners point of view, what would you think of a candidate constantly taking breaks? Going to check on notes? Make a phone call? You know what I’m getting at.”

Huh? Examiners point of view? So the underpaid dude working at Prometric decides what grade you get???

I've always taken 2 breaks to go to the bathroom, take a drink, and stretch my legs and come back refreshed and ready to press on. I'm not sure what you're getting at with the ‘examiners' point of view'. They only let you leave in between testlets so why would they even care if you talked on the phone or read a study book??

REG- 2/12 - 90 | AUD- 4/12 - 94 | BEC- 5/12- 85 | FAR- 8/12 - 82
DONE!!! I used Becker Self Study & Ninja Notes/Audio

[Anonymous]

Agree with all these points, and if I can add:

Find what works for you. The typical model of study is a total waste of time for me, and to be honest the further I get, I'm learning more than lectures are a waste of time (for me). They're reading the material to you, and going over a few problems… really? That's worth 40 hours of my time?

Everyone is different, don't be afraid to venture out of the typical cpa study paradigm.

[Keely]

I would rather study until I feel prepared instead of taking two tests per window. I think that's ridiculous. If you can do it, go for it. But it's not for me. I wasn't working for most of my exams, but I took one lecture per week, period. Nothing more. And I covered it until it was imprinted into my brain. Like the other person said, find what works for you. But I do agree with you to not get into the habit of postponing an exam. That's a very slippery slope. I have never stopped studying for more than a day or two for the past year. I just said I'm going to do it until it's done. I really hope it's done now…

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Whatdidyou]

1. You must want to pass

I concur!

2. You must take at least 2 sections every testing window/ Money is no object

bleh. I say at least 1 section every testing window (except for during busy season).

3. Never postpone an exam

I disagree. Postponing an exam for a week or two can be all the difference between a pass and a fail. Postponing an exam can be a wonderful life saver. But like anything good, it can be abused, so although I disagree with what you are saying, I understand what you are trying to say.

4. Know what is on your exam

Impossible.

5. Sleep

Once again debatable. Yes you need to sleep during the weeks that you are studying (your body can't sustain that), but I find it helpful to cut my sleep down to five hours or less the night before my exam.

6. Never take breaks (during exam)

I agree for the most part. Unless you are wildly ahead or about to piss your pants, I would not risk it.

7. The rest”

That schedule is tight for someone with a full-time job. BUT is perfect for an unemployed studier who does not want to puch him/herself too hard yet still block off enough time to prepare.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[MM_CPA]

on #6. No Breaks. I have to take breaks. And I did just fine. Just TRY to take as least breaks as possible. If you know your stuff really well, breaks should not be an issue.

Passed all 4 parts exam.

[FtheCPA]

Can anyone else out there in CPA anxiety land confirm that they have passed the FAR with only 4-5 weeks studying (and worked at least 40 hours per week?) I think the OP brings up some good points but I am about to take my first ever CPA exam on 2/12/13. I half assed studied for a month about 2 months ago and am now in full on study mode for 5 weeks straight until the exam. I have been out of school for 4.5 years, work full time and am wondering if I am giving myself enough prep time. I don't have much room in my schedule to move the exam around because of the stupid “last month of quarter no test rule” and because of work requirements.

I'm just curious if I stand a chance, assuming I bust my ass for the next 4 weeks.

[Noct]

@FtheCPA

Your situation sounds almost identical to mine. 4 years out of school, full time work, 5 weeks to prep, and I pulled it off.

Here's how I did it: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/my-study-strategy

FAR - 79 - 07/2012
AUD - 65, 78 - 11/2012
BEC - 76 - 11/2012
REG - 78 - 01/2013
ETH - 98 - 01/2013

Material: Wiley books

[mla1169]

Fth-I did FAR and passed (barely, but PASSED) in 6 weeks time. My study time was likely more limited than most because not only was I working 40 hours/week but I was also taking 2 grad classes and have 2 kids. Less the kids and school, 4-5 weeks would have been perfectly manageable for me.

For a working parent, particularly one in school as well, 2 exams per window is just not realistic. It may be just right for someone who has a full time job but no family. Everyone is different and there is absolutely no “one size fits all” advice when it comes to the exams.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[KiwiCPA]

I would have to agree with Timmy & the underlying theme appears to be disciplined.

For all the nay sayers who work full time, you can squeeze 1/2 hr at lunch plus at least an hour after work, add to that the weekend. So at the minimum you could do (1.5hrs * 4days) + (4hrs * 2 days) = 14hrs per week.

2 years ago I managed to take online masters and work tax season…..so it can be done.

Adding to other posts, there does appear to be a lot of self doubt on these boards and to that I say just study, ask questions , then move on.

I am taking Audit 2/16, working small business for a cpa firm (50+ hrs/week) and will study approximately 14 hrs per week. 4 hrs reading + taking notes and 10 hrs answering Wiley questions. I have taken Audit before (74) but am adopting the approach of starting all over again.

I believe that I will pass in Feb and will sacrifice all, to do so……

Reg 82; FAR 75; AUD 91; BEC 11/9/13; result due - 11/22/13

[KiwiCPA]

PS to resit one part costs me $307.35 – I do NOT want to pay again….

Reg 82; FAR 75; AUD 91; BEC 11/9/13; result due - 11/22/13

[Anonymous]

I disagree completely on 2, 3, and 6.

2 – This depends on the person but I have spread my exams out in order to not go crazy. I took one each testing period. This allows me a couple of weeks to sit back, relax, and take a deep breath. I cannot study for these exams in 4-5 weeks each. I simply don't have the time to do that. Between working and grad school my life would be nonexistent more than it already is if I only allowed myself a few weeks in between. My strategy is to actually use a week of studying per chapter plus one extra week of final review. Most people can finish more than a chapter a week and I have gotten to the point to where I usually have two weeks of final review after finishing all the chapters. This model is perfect for me.

3 – I postponed FAR because I knew I wouldn't be ready. Worked out great for me. If you are not ready for an exam there is no point in no postponing it unless it is the very end of the testing period.

6 – Just because you have this opinion, doesnt mean its correct. I took a bathroom break during an exam because if not I wouldn't have been able to concentrate another hour and a half to finish sims.

You are making strong assumptions based off of your experience. Guess what chief? Everyone is different. There are some valid points in here but I feel like you need to offer these are suggestions of what worked for you rather than “Passing the exam (for idiots)”. You make it seem like we are idiots if we don't do it your way. Seems extremely pompous and arrogant of you.

[timmycpa]

Ok, a lot to address here –

First off I am not calling anyone an idiot, just like you don’t get offended by any book that ends in “for dummies” (except for maybe the person who thought ‘examiner’ meant ‘prometric center employee’). As you might probably infer from my first statement, I also lump myself into the ‘idiot’ crowd. I am probably the least qualified person to call anyone an idiot. I wanted to share my experience to those who might currently feel as lost as I was. By no means am I putting down anyone taking the exam – my end game is to help others.

My post also assumes a few things-

First off, if you are capable of receiving a 99 on FAR, you should ignore my post entirely and keep doing what you’re doing. But then again, this post was never intended for you, only the people like me (regular joes) who are trying to get through this in one piece. Secondly, I stand behind all my opinions (yes, they are my opinions and never claimed them to be law of the land).

I don’t see how you can argue for taking 1 part per testing window. Lest we forget that were racing against an 18 month clock. As for passing each part, you definitely need to apply my quality review sessions. I cant stress the importance enough of quality vs quantity – coupled with really wanting to succeed led me to pass. My study suggestions are very doable because me and my colleagues have done it. You are only looking to pass and move on (I assume), shooting for the highest score is also a waste of time (to me anyway). I work 2 jobs, but that said, I always put my exam first – because that’s that was the only way I could do it. Some people need to hear the hard truth that they need to make sacrifices to succeed, just as I did.

If you have other tips, please share and help others.

[Author]

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