[Jobless2CPA]

I noticed that many of you who have passed the exams with flying colors said that I should allocate a good portion of that 4 hour in tackling the 7 Task Based questions. So, how much time should I spend on each MCQ? How much time did you all spend on the Task Based questions?

CPAs please help. Thanks.

[MrsB]

I budgeted 1 1/2 minutes for Far MC and 1 minute 45 seconds for BEC. I did not budget any time on Audit because I knew that most people have a lot of time left over and I have always been a fast test taker. I ended up only spending 1 minute per question on AUD. I have not decided on what I will budget for Reg yet. I did run out of time on my last sim for FAR but I still passed.

F 80
A 86
B October
R November

[Jobless2CPA]

Thank you MrsB. I am also budgeting 1 1/2 minutes for each FAR MCQ, but I feel Iike I need about 1 min 45 seconds to 2 minute for some LONG questions.

[momto5]

For FAR I also averaged 1 1/2 min per MCQ, but some take longer and some are quicker. Gave myself 45-50 minutes per testlet. That left me about 90 minutes for the SIMS. I also did not finish the last one but still passed.

AUD and BEC were not quite so demanding as far as the time factor. I am afraid REG will be a challenge in that respect.

FAR - 92 (4/27/12)
AUD - 96 (7/17/12)
BEC - 92 (8/30/12)
REG - 91 (11/12/12)

[Jobless2CPA]

thank you momto5

[Rukus]

I understand wanting to know the time budget per question, but some questions in FAR you spend 20 seconds on and some more like 2-3 minutes. The goal is to give yourself enough time for the sims. For FAR the common amount of time quoted is 90 min., which should be enough. That leaves you exactly 50 min per testlet. I finished the first testlet for FAR in about 35-40 min, but the next testlet was much more difficult with lots of long calculation problems and I spent about an hour on it which was fine because I still had 50 min for my last testlet, and was able to start the sims with exactly 90 min (I finished with 18 min left so I had plenty of time).

Just be aware and take a practice test so you know the pace you need to maintain. Also, go to the bathroom right before, so you can make it through the exam without a break if you are needing extra minutes.

FAR - 81 (8/31/12)
AUD - 93 (10/19/12)
BEC - 79 (11/27/12)
REG - 92 (2/8/13) DONE! All 1st attempt!

[Anonymous]

I would echo what everyone else has said so far. I haven't worried much about the per question allocation of my time, but I left myself about 1:45 minutes for the sims and that was more than enough.

My theory on the MCQ's has been to go with my first instinct/gut reaction and to stay away from 2nd guessing myself. Some people may not agree or feel comfortable doing that, but if you are prepared for the exam I think it's the best way to conserve time and make sure you finish the whole exam. Crossing my fingers that it worked for FAR.

[Author]

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