CPA Review | CPA Exam Review | Another71.com

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1. Yen: I’ve taken BEC and REG but didn’t pass either exam. I want to start studying again but my work schedule is hectic, working 10 to 12 hour days. On top of that, my commute is two hours every day. Do you have any suggestions for studying?
2. Dibyendra: I currently have a 2011 review course, and I am not willing to spend money on buying 2012. Would it be sufficient to buy your NINJA Study Notes for 2012 which will track all the changes in 2012?
3. Jennifer: I have not earned my BA yet. But I was wondering if it is too soon to start preparing for the CPA Exam? One of my professors told me not to because I might get overwhelmed.
4. Marquita: What are the main topics you should focus on for the BEC portion of the exam?
5. Eric: I have my masters in accountancy and have worked in the private sector for 6 years. I am finally ready to start preparing for the CPA exam. I would like advice on where to start.
6. Irina: What do you mean by “fact nuggets”? Can you give an example?
7. Augustine: When you state in your “NINJA” study methods Intense Notes and Just Rewrite it, do you mean your review notes that you have on your website and add in specific examples to expand them? Then Distill those down and re-write again?
8. Reshma: Am I missing out on anything by using my 2011 AUD notes?
9. Andrew: Do you know where I can get a Study Calendar for REG or AUD?
10. Todd: When you say watch all videos at once, say there is 8 chapters to FAR, watch all the chapter one videos first then notes?

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1. Brian: Can I use your NINJA notes to replace huge textbooks from other CPA review courses? Have you seen success from people using your notes only? For me, less is more, and I’m trying to avoid information overload to put myself on the right track with the CPA Exam.
2. Avi: Is partial credit given on the task based simulations?
3. Sunnie: With tax season, do I even have time to pass REG and AUD before April? The last time I took REG, I scored a 70. How can I prepare myself for the simulations?
4. Emily: I am sitting for FAR on February 25. I like the idea of copying my notes a second time like you suggested, but I have a photographic memory. How would your NINJA Study Notes help me?
5. Brad: I’ve been flirting with the idea of going back into public accounting. Do you have any idea what salary a Big 4 would start an auditor with nine years of experience? Do you think it would be worth plunging back into public or trying to land something with a larger company for more money?
6. Sheree: I am new immigrant from Philippines with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. I have no accounting work experience and want to take the CPA Exam to land a better job here. I met the requirements to sit in California. Do you think I should enroll in a community college for an accounting certificate to get the taste of U.S. accounting? Or should I just study using review materials and then take the exam when I’m ready?
7. Todd: Are statistics a big part of the Audit exam? How do I study for statistics?
8. Mike: I am studying for REG, and when I practice MCQs, I score around 50% the first time and around 60% the second. My scores improve as I start to understand the questions. Do you think my studying technique is right?
9. Craig: Can you walk me through your NINJA program from the time I purchase the product to when I take the exam?

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Special Edition of CPA Reviewed: The Rules of the CPA Exam Part 1

A71 Forum: The Rules of the CPA Exam

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1. Ken: Does the CPA Exam spreadsheet at the testing center work just like Excel?
2. David: I still have Wiley books from 2011 along with my review course for 2011. Do you think I could get by in 2012 with 2011 material?
3. Randy: I recently bought the 2012 Wiley textbooks. Should I also get the Wiley software and NINJA ASSASSIN Notes?
4. Julie: I just took FAR today, and when I was done with all the testlets I pressed “quit the exam.” I did not get the Prometrics survey and am worried that my answers did not save because the computer went straight to a Prometrics screen. I have called Prometric and NASBA, but neither can give me an answer. Will my exam still be graded?
5. Vinal: I took Regulation on January 7. It appears my score will be released on February 3. If I don’t pass, will I have time to schedule and take REG again before I lose FAR credit on February 7?
6. Aliza: I took Audit in October and received a 74. I was extremely shocked and disappointed at my failing mark because I felt really confident while I was taking the exam. After this disappointment, how do I get back into study mode?
7. Salman: I am an Enrolled Agent in Virginia and want to pursue my CPA. Unfortunately, both my BBA and MBA were not in Accounting, so I need 4 more accounting classes in order to qualify in Virginia. Is there a way that I can get credit for my Enrolled Agent exams or my 3 years of experience in taxation?
8. Carrie: I passed the CPA examination in Wisconsin in May 1989. How do I can get the results from Wisconsin sent to Illinois?
9. John: Basically my research into a good study method and review material has left my head spinning. As someone that is married with kids, what method did you use to pass the CPA Exam?
10. Andrew: My NTS expires on March 30, 2012. Do you think I have enough time after it expires to submit another application, get my new NTS, and schedule an exam for the beginning of April 2012?
11. Subomi: I have 23 days to study for REG and I am feeling a little overwhelmed because I think the time might be inadequate. Any thoughts for a study plan?
12. Ian: I blame my review course for not passing FAR and REG because I don’t think it is adequately preparing me for simulations. I’ve done every single practice question provided by my review course, and I do have the FAR ASSASSIN. What suggestions can you give me to help me pass?

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CPA Reviewed Podcast #15 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

1. Bob: If the SEC hasn’t approved IFRS, why is it on the CPA Exam?
2. Maritza: I am struggling with BEC. I have taken it four times and failed, but I have passed every other section. My first credit expires in August 2012. I plan on taking BEC again in the January/February 2012 testing window. I’m not sure my review course is doing enough to prepare me for BEC.

   Can you please give me some guidance for BEC? Do you think I should I purchase a different review course? Can you recommend which one to purchase? Thank you very much for your input.

3. Laurie: I started studying for the exam earlier this year using a combination of a review course and your NINJA Notes (love them by the way). I have passed FAR and AUD. My original plan was to study for REG next.

   I just looked and discovered that my review course has not yet released the 2012 study materials. Would studying with 2011 materials hurt me? Would it be better to take BEC next?

4. Jason: I’ve heard you mention that the actual CPA exam at the testing center is a little easier in level of difficulty than the test bank software questions. Did I understand you correctly? Also, is it just me or do the Wiley Text Book questions seem a lot more difficult than the Wiley Test Bank software questions?
5. Bob: I have the Wiley test bank of 2006-2007 for all four parts. Is it advisable to go through the questions in there for problem solving as regards the Audit section?
6. Howard: For FAR, I know that you do one module at a time and then progress to the next module after you get between a 70-80% on a sample test of 20 multiple choice questions. But there is so much time and information that you learn between the first module & the last module. How do you prevent yourself from forgetting information before you reach the end of the last module?
7. Melissa: I am sitting for REG on January 9, 2012. Will I be OK to study with the 2011 materials? I am also using the Wiley test bank and your NINJA notes. Should I consider supplementing with another test bank?
8. Emily: I took a review course for FAR and studied for 6 months. I did everything that the review course said, completed all of the of MCQ’s, did all simulations, reread the textbook, and completed the final exam and mock exams. I was scoring a 69% on the mock exam, so I should not be surprised that I did not pass on my first attempt. I think there may be a better review course for my next try.

   Do you recommend switching review courses? And should I move on and take BEC before trying FAR again?

9. Jennifer: I just got my score on REG passed! Now, I am not sure what to take next. My job is already getting busy with year-end projection, and I am a single mom. I scheduled FAR for the beginning of February. I am not sure if that will give me enough time to study all of the material for FAR. Do you think two months is enough?
10. Eric: For the first quarter of 2012, which sections of the CPA Exam are OK to use 2011 review videos, assuming you have the latest updates already from your 2011 review videos? Are any 2011 review videos are OK for the first 6 months of 2012, assuming you have the latest updated for 2011?
11. Rachel: I have passed three parts of the exam, but I am stuck on Audit. I took it in November 2010 and got a 74. I got a 64 on my retake in July 2011 and another 64 in November 2011. I don’t think priorities or motivation are my problem, so I think I need to switch review courses.

    I bought the NINJA notes and am interested in the Wiley test bank. I was wondering if the test bank you are selling is the 2012 edition.
    I have 2 more testing windows before I lose credit for FAR. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

12. Tom: I passed FAR, BEC and AUD and took REG in the 4th Quarter of 2011 and failed with a 68. I have two more shots at REG before I lose my first credit on May 31, 2012. I used the 2011 Wiley book + REG NINJA Guide to prepare for the exam.

    I think I wasted a lot of time on Business Law during my studying didn’t devote enough time to Taxes. Any tips to put me over the 75 mark? I was thinking a cram course to supplement. I am going to give myself until late February to study.

13. Mark: Do you know what the actual procedure is for a snail mail state?
14. Brian: I have taken Audit twice, and both times my report said I was either stronger or comparable in all areas EXCEPT for Task Based Simulations. I think I have the multiple choice down really well. However, the TBS are killing me. What advice, if any, can you offer?
15. Jen: I have been working as an auditing staff in a non-big 4 international firm for a year and a half and am one section away from passing the CPA exam. I have been toying with the idea of becoming a tax practitioner once I’m licensed, but I’m not sure how to make the switch.

    I don’t exactly want to start over with going back to school and doing the whole internship thing. I already have an MBA and MSA. What do you suggest?

16. Bill: If the FAR exam has 90 multiple choice questions and 7 Sims, how many of the multiple choice and how many of the sims will be trial questions that don’t count toward your score? Is there any way to tell if a question is a trial question?
17. Nicky: I’m planning to take FAR first in May 2012. I know in January and February I will get very little studying done due to year-end workload and a transition to a new team at work. Do you think studying for four and a half months is overkill for one part? Will taking FAR first help build a foundation for the concepts in the other sections? What order should I take the remaining sections?
18. Nia: My plan is to finish all four tests in 1 year. How much do I have to study per day with a full-time job? Which order should I take the exams?
19. Abe: After failing REG with a 64, my performance report showed I was weaker in all of the tax areas and stronger in business law. What should I do this time around so that I come out stronger in both?
20. Anetta: During the actual exam, how much time can I spend before the timer starts for me to write down all of the Mnemonics and formulas that I have memorized in my head? Does the four-hour clock start when I sit down at the computer, or can I write down my mnemonics before it starts?
21. Marie: I currently have 2011study materials, and unfortunately I didn’t finish the exam this year. My study material license is still valid until next year. Is there much difference between 2011 and 2012 materials? Do I need to get 2012 materials?
22. Anthony: I took AUD back on November 30th for the third time and scored a 58 for the second time. I had the same weaknesses and strengths as when I scored a 58 the first time. I really felt that the third time I took AUD that I “knocked the ball out of the park.” Is it possible to have identical scores and weaknesses? Did the CPA exam make a mistake with my score?
23. Lola: I am concerned about tackling the Research Sims on the FAR exam. I practice with the Wiley Test Bank and it takes forever sometimes to find the correct answer. What technique did you use when you took the FAR exam?
24. Pranav: My state board has refused an extension on my credit for Audit even though the need for an extension is beyond my control. The state coordinator also will not help me in my case. Is there anything I can do to make the board rethink their decision?
25. Rakesh: Can you guide me how to use the research item in the simulations and how to get into the FASB codification?
26. Victoria: I’m married and have 2 kids, a 4 year old and a 9 month old. I graduated with a bachelor’s this year and have been working for a few months as a tax accountant. I am planning to sit for 2 exams in the summer and 2 next November.

    I am extremely nervous as I hear more bad than good about the exam. What advice do you have for me to successfully pass? I am really scared that I will have to keep retaking it because I miss my kids and work full time.

27. Bobby: What are the score release dates for the first quarter of 2012? Is there any truth to sitting in the first window and having higher passing results?
28. Angela: I recently finished the last of my four exams. Now I am trying to get my CPA license in Massachusetts, but I need an experience letter from PwC showing I worked the 1000 hours to get a full license. When I called PwC they said there is a form that I need to send to them requesting the information and that the form is available at the Massachusetts Board of Accountancy website, but I cannot find such a form. Have you heard of this form before, and do you have any advice for cutting through the red tape?

You can (1) Call the NINJA Hotline at (323) 834-9132and leave a question (your voice will be in the podcast so by calling, you’re giving me permission to air it) or (2) Write Ask Jeff and it will get answered in a future podcast.

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1. Daniel: I have FAR remaining, but my BEC expires February 12, 2012. Do I have to sit for the exam before that date or do I have to be certified by that date? What about the ethics exam? Does that have to be finished before February 12, 2012?
2. Saman: I failed my first exam, FAR, with a 70. I studied for six months with my review course and the Wiley Test Bank. I thought I did pretty well. I really don’t know where I went wrong. They told me I’m weaker in specific transaction events and comparable for the rest of them. Do you know what specific transaction events are? I plan on buying the NINJA Notes for FAR.
3. Sonia: I currently have the Wiley 2011 Regulations Exam Review book. Will I be OK to study with this book or should I purchase the 2012 version of Regulations Exam Review?
4. Fredrick: BEC is my last exam, which I took recently and got a 68. I’m running out of options, and my audit credit will expire on March 31,2011. Please help!
5. Juanita: I took intermediate accounting 2 and passed with a D. It was my last semester in college and at that point a person could graduate with a D in that course. I believe it has changed since 2008. Do you think I would struggle with the CPA exam if my background in this course is weak?
6. Yared: I am now asking friends and acquaintances to write to me a character/reference letter for my license, and I am not sure what they should include on the letter. Do you have a sample or template? I would really appreciate your usual support and advice.
7. Zehra: I have only passed FAR, and the credit expires May 24, 2012. I don’t have much time left to pass the other sections, and I certainly don’t want to take FAR again. I want to take all of them in January – February window so that in case I don’t pass a section, I can retake in the April – May window. Could you please suggest a game plan on how I should tackle the rest of the sections of the exams?
8. Sandra: I have taken REG for the second time and I think I failed again even with putting in a lot of study time. While waiting on my REG score, I have been studying for FAR. I know I need help to pass the exam, but I don’t know what to do. I speak English as a second language, which I have never let stop me, but I feel that I am a failure. I am working from 8:30am to 7:00pm every day and have no choice but to stay with this job. In 2010 I earned my bachelors in accounting, and this year I earned my masters degree. I am finally working on my CPA, and I will never give up, but I need to study smart. How can I study differently and be prepared for the exams?
9. Chris: I just finished up my MBA last week, and now I need to conquer the exam. I need to really be done in May/June time frame. I have only passed Regulation so far. What are your study suggestions for me? What should I start with?
10. Courtney: I took AUD in November and scored a 67. I took BEC in August and failed with a 71. My NTS for REG expires in early February, and I have scheduled REG for February 4th. I am not sure if I should go through with taking REG in February or retake AUD. Any advice on which test to take? When should I retake AUD?
11. Ken: I have to disagree with you on not bothering to do full practice (mock) exams that demonstrate the real exam experience. Yes, I see your point about just focusing your mind on one module at a time and gathering little fact nuggets that build onto each other as you’re progressing through the questions. But I believe that you should experience as close as possible the real testing center environment and practice questions in random order from one topic to a completely different topic. Do you agree with anything that I mention here?
12. Gary: I have passed 3 parts of the CPA exam and I just found out I failed REG with a 74. I am really upset and just a bit troubled on how to begin again. I know I must have done badly in the sims and was wondering if you knew if I could purchase sims to practice or sims and MCQ questions together. I have online access to Wiley already.
13. Anonymous: I have taken BEC twice and failed. The first time I used a review course, and the second time I used the Wiley software. I need some advice on what to do. Should I stick with BEC until I pass or should I switch to a different test and save BEC for the end? I am afraid if I keep failing BEC that I will want to quit taking the test.
14. Wini: I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to update you and let you know that I passed FAR with an 86. I took your advice and read the notes through several times. There were a handful of instances on the exam where something I read the night before was key to answering a question. I’ve so greatly appreciated Another71.com and your commitment to seeing candidates through this exam. Many times throughout this process, when I was tired of studying or need encouragement that my family just couldn’t give me, I went to the site and read story after story of other candidates resiliency towards this exam. There are many candidates who find themselves in some really hard conditions to take this exam. I am fortunate to have a great support group of friends and family who saw me through this test.
15. Tara: I am waiting for my BEC score. Once I pass BEC, should I take FAR or Audit? I previously took Audit and passed but lost my credit. Should I take it before I forget a lot of the material? I was an auditor for 5 years and left that job a year ago, so I am still pretty familiar with some of the Audit material.
16. John: I just found out I failed Audit with a 61. This was my first attempt at taking the CPA exam. I took a CPA review class and was putting in 2 to 3 hours a day of study on most days. I thought I would be fine. Do you think it’s possible to recover from a 61 and pass the next time? Or should I accept the fact that maybe I’m not cut out to be a CPA?
17. Suzie: I have passed BEC and REG and just found out that I failed AUD. I am waiting on my REG score that I re-took in November. I am not sure where to start. I have even gone to the final reviews with my review course. My BEC drops off April 30th, so I really feel I need to pass before then. Please let me know what you suggest.
18. Eric: I just got my score for AUD, and it was horrible. I am using Wiley test bank along with my review course. I am going to retake AUD in January, and then I need to pass FAR before April 9, 2012, or I loose BEC. How much more time should I spend studying for AUD and how should I go about it? Would the NINJA Notes and Flashcards be helpful? If I pass AUD in January, how should I go about studying for FAR during the busy season?
19. Kanok: When you say you need at least 6-8 weeks at 20 hours per week to study for AUD, is this for someone who is working in an audit firm? How about someone who has never audited in their life? How many hours do you think that person needs? Also, how many hours of studying are necessary for someone who has never worked in accounting for FAR, BEC and REG? Thank you!

Have a question for CPA Reviewed?

You can (1) Call the NINJA Hotline at (323) 834-9132and leave a question (your voice will be in the podcast so by calling, you’re giving me permission to air it) or (2) Write Ask Jeff and it will get answered in a future podcast.

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1. Ann: I just recently figured out that my study materials expire in March. When I ordered them, I didn’t know they had an expiration date. At this point, I haven’t passed any of the exams, and I’m starting to get very frustrated. My main question I guess is, do you have any recommendation on what study materials are good, but not too expensive?
2. Micah: I graduated in 2005 with a BS in Accountancy in a University in the Philippines. I need to get my transcripts evaluated by an accreditation organization, then they will forward the evaluation to the Board. I am choosing California because that’s where I live. I also understand that it takes 6-8 weeks before they are done with the evaluation. How will I know that they have forwarded the evaluation? Is that when I apply for the test?
3. Josh: I have two DUIs from 2001 that were taken care of. I have passed the exam, completed the experience requirement, and have had no trouble since those incidents. I received a notification from NASBA that my file was under review. Is this going to slow down obtaining my license, or are they likely to deny my application?
4. Nishisksi: How do I use the NINJA Notes?
5. Gunther: I graduated with my MS in Accounting in May 2010. I want to pass all 4 parts as fast as I can. I have a full time job of 45 hours a week and a very tight budget. I need to know what materials to buy, how many hours to put in each section, which order to take them in, and when to study.
6. Katherine: I passed all four sections of the CPA Exam. I was wondering if the Ethics Exam also had to be taken in the 18 month time window? I was considering waiting 2 years to take the ethics exam since I am working on the 3 years of governmental auditing needed to be licensed in Alaska.
7. Ariadne: I failed FAR with a 63. MCQs were comparable, and I bombed simulations. I just finished going through my review course again and still don’t feel ready. I’ve considered changing review courses. In your opinion, how should I tackle this material? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This exam is challenging me in every way possible, and I feel very overwhelmed.
8. Jeff: During my FAR exam, my computer shut down. After it was restarted, I was assured by the employee at the test center that none of my test would be lost. I felt very confident about the exam. I received my score of 69 today, which was a shock because I felt I knew most of the material. Do you think there is a possibility the computer outage had anything to do with my failing score?
9. Jonathan: I just failed FAR a second time. I scored a 70 in May 2011 and 69 in November 2011. I’m not too concerned about my ability to pass it, but curious as to what route you would take from here. I qualified for the my review course’s update, so I can get the 2012 software and book for FAR at a reduced rate. Do you recommend getting the new materials, or using the 2011 material to knock out MCQs for 2 months straight to try and pass in Q1? My current software doesn’t expire until May 2012. Thanks!
10. Mike: I took all 4 sections of the exam between July 1, 2011, and September 31, 2011. I passed FAR, REG, and BEC. I failed AUD with a 72. I studied hard again and felt more prepared than the first time around. I took full advantage of Wiley’s Test Bank and hit roughly 75% on 5 or 6 full length practice tests. I got my score today: another 72. I’ve targeted January/February 2012 to retake AUD. Where do I go from here? Should I be OK using 2011 materials in the first window of 2012 for AUD?
11. Ozzie: I passed my last section, Audit, with an 86 with the help of your NINJA Study Notes. What now? How or when do I get that nice big certificate that I can post on my wall?
12. Amber: I started studying for the CPA exam in May 2009 and have failed all four sections multiple times. I just found out I got a 69 on Audit, and I can’t get myself together. I know i need to buckle down and just get it done, but I don’t know what to do. I have used the same review program throughout this process, but my second round of it expires in a few weeks. I postponed my FAR test to January 3. Should I try a different study material or do I just need to buck up?
13. Tom: I want to try to pass the CPA exam before I start my job about 20 months from now. I am in the process of getting my approval to sit from California but am also in the midst of my first year of a full time MBA. I know its ambitious to want to do this concurrently, but that’s why I’m writing. Is it a decent strategy to start to study for REG, then study and take BEC? If I pass REG, go on to FAR, and if not take REG again, then take Audit last? My reasoning is that if worst case comes around, I would lose my REG credit due to time, which isn’t as bad as losing FAR.
14. Carrie: I just received my NTS for FAR last week. My original plan was to take the exam the end of May. Now that seems so far away, and I am wondering if it is possible to successfully take the exam at the end of February instead. I just don’t know if it is realistic to find enough study hours. I work full time at a small CPA firm and prepare taxes. I am married with 2 children ages 7 and 4. My goal is to have all 4 sections passed before the holidays next year. What would you do?
15. Happy: I’m struggling on whether I should use the 2012 study materials. I just took BEC and applied to take REG, FAR, & AUD in 2012. Currently I have 2010 study materials for all parts. I’m wondering if it is better to buy the 2012 material or if it is OK to use the 2010 material for the 2012 exams. With all the law changes, I am not sure if my material is up to date. What do you think?
16. Jimmy: Assuming you had the full month of December to study full-time for BEC & AUD and that you had to take these two tests in January, how would you go about preparing for both at the same time? Would you suggest studying all of BEC first and then moving to AUD or studying both simultaneously? How many hours of studying would you devote to each test?
17. Divya: I failed Audit two times with 73 and 74. The last time I sat for Audit, I rewrote my notes and practiced all the MCQs and Simulations again. I scored an 80 and 85 on the mock exam. I don’t know what to do differently this time. I have been weaker in simulations both times. I have until April 30, 2012, to pass BEC and AUD, after which my FAR will expire. I passed BEC in 2010, so I did not have any written communications on the exam that time. How should I schedule both the exams within this time period, which one should I take first, and what can I do differently for the Audit exam?

You can (1) Call the NINJA Hotline at (323) 834-9132and leave a question (your voice will be in the podcast so by calling, you’re giving me permission to air it) or (2) Write Ask Jeff and it will get answered in a future podcast.

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1. June: I need your advice. I don’t have kids and studying for CPA is now my full time job. I thought I would be able to sit for all 4 tests within one month. I have taken two tests already and will have to take two more. I study about 8-10 hours per day but I don’t think it is enough. I know that I did not do well on my first two exams, and I don’t think I will be ready for the last 2. I feel very overwhelmed and need direction and new study strategies. I am waiting for my results, and if I don’t pass it, I would take them again in January or February. Can you suggest any study strategies that could help me?
2. Calvin: My review course is suggesting that I study all 4 sections at the same time to get a better grasp of whole accounting system. While I’m sure these people know what they are doing, I can’t agree with it since that would be too much information and I would forget what I’ve learned. Would you suggest to work on one subject then move to another or study all 4 courses at the same time as suggested?
3. Maso: I have passed Regulation, took BEC in October (awaiting result), and I am taking FAR at the end of November. I plan to take Audit in January or February 2012. I can’t decide whether I should buy Audit material this year or wait for the new 2012 materials. Do you have any information whether there are changes in 2012 Audit material?
4. Jason: I took audit today, and I think I did well on the multiple choice questions, but the simulations were extremely tough. Are the scores coming out faster now? I think instead of starting to study for the next section I should wait and see if I failed so I can just study for Audit more and take it again in January. What are your thoughts?
5. Prashanthi: I cleared the BEC section, and the credit expires on Feb 29, 2012. I have the other three sections to pass. I have a one-year-old kid and all the household work to take care of. I am hardly finding time to study. I started preparing for AUD as I planned to sit for one exam by the end of this month. I haven’t covered majority of material as of now. Can you please suggest what I can do in this situation to pass 3 sections in such a short period of time?
6. Anonymous: I have been out of school for 2 years and have no accounting related experience. I have been working as loan processor and TBH, and I am tired of this position. I applied and was approved to sit for the CPA exams, but the fact that I have no work experience and that it has been a while since my last accounting class is stressing me out. I am thinking about buying the Wiley review materials. I also decided to study full time (No work, No school). Can I pass if I put in 6-8 hours a day and spend 3-4 weeks for each section? Please let me know what you think.
7. Brian: I messed up and waited too long to reserve my time slot to take my exam section. I live in Georgia, have taken and passed my 3 previous exam sections in Georgia, and plan on being licensed in Georgia. The only slot Prometric has to take the exam that fits my schedule is located in Alabama. I’m willing to drive to take the exam there, but I’m wondering if there are any issues taking an exam section in another state. Do I have to transfer the score? Will the score still count? I know it is called the “Uniform CPA Exam” so I wouldn’t think there would be an issue, but I wanted to check with you and see your thoughts/experiences with the matter.
8. Andrew: For someone who hasn’t passed any parts yet, do you think it’s better to keep taking one part until you pass that part, or should you just take all four parts in a row and see how you do? Your thoughts are appreciated.
9. Vipul: I passed all 4 sections in September 2010 through the New Hampshire State Board. Since then, I have been trying to find an opportunity in the United States where I can get my license. I need your advice as to how can I get a license in the United States and how should I apply since I only have a tourist visa for the U.S. and not a work visa, which isn’t easy to get.
10. Katherine: I have taken the CPA exam twice and failed then took a year off. I am ready to gear up and take it again next year but get serious and pass this time. Do you have any advice on which part to take first? I have been out of school for five years and currently work only in tax.
11. Erik: I am trying to find information on getting a new NTS to reschedule REG which I am scheduled to take in 10 days. My NTS ends 12/27/2011. Is it possible to get a new NTS without having to pay another $211? Thank you for the help!
12. Lisa: I am a CPA candidate looking to sit for all four sections in 2012. Can I get 18 months of access to the Wiley test bank? Can you tell me more about Wiley?

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1. Daniel: I was recently accepted at a firm as an advisory associate that will be starting in Fall 2012. I’m currently working full time at a non-profit as a staff accountant while completing my MS in Accounting part time in the evenings. Since I plan to get my CPA license before I start working, what should be my plan of attack in terms of studying for the exam? I think after I graduate in May 2012 I should just quit my job and study full time from May to Sep/Oct. Do you think that will be enough hours? My professor advised me to study for two sections at a time and then take two sections one month after another. I don’t know if that’s too much or not. What is your take on how I should handle my study schedule to ensure that I can pass by Sep/Oct 2012?
2. Joyce: On the simulation portion of the Regulation exam, do I need to type my work into the cells? Would the work get reviewed for grading at all or is the final answer all that matters? I was wondering if partial credit would be given.
3. Travis: I noticed that the 2012 Wiley CPA exam review does not come out until December. I already have the 2011 material. I saw someone post on your site that the First Quarter 2012 exam will be based on 2011 material. Can you confirm this? I’m not sure how someone would study for FAR in early JAN 2012 if they don’t have the updated material until December.
4. Sara: I just got my FAR score back this morning at failed with a 66. The review course I am using has been helpful in passing AUD and BEC and seems to be going well for REG, which I take November 30. I didn’t feel as if I was retaining anything for FAR. I watched all the lectures but kept getting distracted and couldn’t remember much after completing them. FAR has never been my best subject and maybe I just didn’t give myself enough time to pass, roughly 6 weeks. I really need to pass both REG and FAR before tax season this spring.

   I was wondering what you would recommend as far as re-watching FAR lectures and reworking problems with my review course or switching to different materials. I have a photographic memory and tend to remember the correct answer choice if I’ve seen it before. Therefore, I probably need different multiple choice questions to work. Do you think NINJA notes and Wiley test banks for both REG and FAR would be a good idea? I don’t want to fail REG too and everyone on the forum says that I definitely need to supplement my review course. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

5. Marta: I’m really down on myself right now. One of my friends emailed me an article you wrote on “How to Pass a Section of the CPA Exam in 20 Days” and I have a question for you. Is it truly possible to take the CPA exam as a single mom with kids starving for mom time, a full-time job and in a relationship? I feel like I’m being pulled in so many directions. I really want to pass the exam but I’m so frustrated with the material, with the timing and effort I need to invest which I don’t have in the first place.

   I find myself hearing the review lectures and understanding what is being explained but not remembering a thing the next day! To make matters worse I passed REG last year and I’ve gotten several reminders from the Texas State Board letting me know that my credit will expire in February 2012. I’ve taken BEC 3 times and failed! I just took Audit and got my results Monday and also failed!

   I have FAR scheduled for the 29th of November, which I’ve never taken before. I don’t have much time off left at work and feel like I know nothing regarding financial!

6. Allie: First off, I want to thank you so much for all that you’ve unknowingly done for me going through this process. I have FAR left on November 23rd and will hopefully be done after that. My question is about the statement of cash flows. Is there a certain order the activities in each section need to be presented in or is it as long as the bottom line is correct that matters? For instance, for operating activities, does it matter if I have the increase in accounts receivable before the increase in inventory or vice versa? Also for journal entries, do the debit accounts have to be in any specific order and the credits? Thanks!
7. Maria: I have taken and failed three parts of the exam (FAR/AUD/REG) since May 2011. I have BEC at the end of this month, and I was hoping to salvage what has been, to date, a dismal performance. I have been using Wiley to supplement my review course. I have done every homework problem, supplemental question, simulation, final exam and progress test. Now I have decided to stop doing MCQs and simulations. I decided to focus on the material and basic formulas. Do you think that is a better strategy?
8. Myungae: You mentioned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. Compared to the CPA exam, the CMA seems to have fewer options such as study material, exam practice tests, the provider’s reputation, and so on. Since I really trust your honest recommendation or input, could you share your experience or reference which material is good for me to study the CMA? One more thing. Could you also recommend the CIA study material? Thank you so much for your help in advance.
9. W: I passed my New Jersey CPA exams and got my certification in 1995. Subsequently I was unemployed for a number of years and neglected to renew my certification. Since then my certification lapsed. What would I need to do to renew my certification?
10. Megan: I have taken AUD three times and got around 65 each time. I already passed the other three sections, but because I failed AUD, now I have to take BEC again. Do you have any advice for studying AUD? I’m thinking maybe I need some face-to-face AUD classes or a CPA tutor. What do you think?

    Also, do you think I should take both AUD and BEC at the same time or take one by one? Thank you so much for your help! I like your NINJA notes. They are really helpful!

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1. Lisa: I’ve taken Audit 3 times and got a 74, 69, 73. Every time, on my score report, I get a “stronger” for multiple choice and “weaker” for simulations and I was wondering if you had any advice for the simulations part of the audit exam? I purchased the Wiley Online Test Bank. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2. Yvonne: I am struggling with FAR studying. I passed AUD (77) over the summer and now I am studying for FAR. I scheduled exam for Nov 15th but I am not scoring high enough on my diagnostics. Should I postpone and study for REG instead? I took REG earlier in year and scored (70). I obtained the WILEY problems and solutions book because it seems to explain concepts. My confidence is fading and it is affecting my ability to concentrate!!
3. Mannie: I just need to pass in audit. This is my 3rd attempt and I am scheduled to take it on the 13th of November. On previous exams, my scores were 60 and 64. On both I was weak in Simulations. How much time do you recommend to spend on simulations? I remember last time I didn’t have time to answer one tab. Does time determine the scoring process?
4. Abe: I’m scheduled to take my final exam (Regulation) in the end of November. Since this is my last section, and I don’t have anything left to study, should I assume I failed and keep studying while waiting for my score or be optimistic and assume I passed? I have a wife and kid and I would like to avoid 3 weeks of unnecessary studying if possible. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
5. Anonymous: Aside from the difference of being able to sign on financial statements, are there any other differences in the CPA license with a “General” designation versus “Attestation” experience designation? Does the “General” have less clout or respect than the “Attestation” license? I work in private industry and am not sure how I would go from a G to an A license within private industry without any public attestation experience.
6. Ji: I have a question about how to schedule the exam in this window. I have failed AUD two times. Do you think I need to retake AUD or BEC this test window? I have passed BEC, but lost credit because of 18 month rule. I am struggling with which one I need to take first. In addition, do you think BEC and AUD will change a lot?
7. Meryl: Do you have any tips for studying on your way to/from work? I commute anywhere between 1-2 hours per day and was just wondering if there was any way I could study while driving.
8. Tony: I am taking auditing for the third time. In the past, I have scored a 55 and a 73. Before the last attempt, I went through over 5500 MCQs. I have taken your advice from previous podcasts and started from the beginning by watching the videos and reading the book. When I began the MCQs for the current exam, I found myself missing questions that I know the answers. I believe I am not taking the time to read the questions or skimming over them. With just over a month before exam day, November 21, I want to correct my bad habits and pass my last exam. Any advise you could provide would be great.
9. Matt: I am finishing up my Accounting degree, and the school I attend offers an Accounting Master’s Program. I understand that I would be much more prepared to take the CPA exam after the Master’s program, but am I ill prepared to start taking the exam right after I graduate with the Bachelor’s? I will have the necessary 150 credits when I graduate with the Bachelor’s.
10. Eran: I know that this question varies for each but I wanted to get your opinion. I work six days a week from 9 to 5, and I’m married with one child. How much time should I give myself to study for each part of the CPA test if I’m planning to study three to four hours a day (most likely three hours a day)?
11. Stephen: Do you know when Wiley is coming out with a Test Bank app for Android? I’ve noticed that it is already out for the iPhone and am looking forward to the Android app.
12. Lindsey: What changes can I expect in the 2012 versions of REG and FAR?
13. Denise: Do you know the specifics about how the test is scored? For example, are some questions worth less than one point, more than one point, etc?
14. Olga: I got my NTS in the last two weeks and scheduled my review classes starting January.
    When I filed my application with the board I only paid for FAR, which will be the first class I’ll take.

    Do you suggest that I pay for the other three exams? I know you save money by paying for them all together, but saving money for me isn’t an issue. I do plan on studying a minimum of 20-25 hours a week and knowing myself I will go beyond those hours. I am however nervous about losing all that money in case something comes up, like a family emergency.

    I was also looking at testing availability for AUD in April in my area and saw only 4-5 days left. Is that really possible?! I would have to really force myself to take the exam before my ideal date. Is it possible that all the dates are booked 6 months in advance?

15. David: What is the best way to tackle the FAR part of the CPA exam? I really don’t know which review course to use. What do you recommend?
16. Benny: My question is about AUD. There are some rules and requirements have been changed. Have online exam questions been updated or changed?
17. Ben: I have been studying to take REG at the end of November, but work is really busy right now and I have decided to push it off until January 2012. I have been studying from 2011 software. Do I need to study with new software or will that suffice?
18. Joe: I just received my Audit Exam score, 74! I was wondering if you knew how to get the score reviewed and if its even worth doing?

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