I am an old US CPA candidate. I believe, you only harvest what you put in anything you do, that includes passing the CPA exam.
Not recommended, but I did a shortcut to learn what's in 2017 Q1 & 2017 Q3 by taking 2 sets of 4 sections. I didn't do much of studying in these 2 sets, and didn't do much research on the newer testings, so my Q1/Q3 exams were in a mess. It's expected. If I pass one section for Q3, I'm happy.
Taking these Q1/Q3 exams are costly and tedious. However, it gives me a ‘peace of mind'. Though the new CPA exam format is tougher, but it is doable if you're willing to put the work.
Most of CPA review materials are fine. Depending on your budget for review materials, other related costs, and basic accounting foundation, you might just need CPA review materials that fit your style of studying.
If you're on a budget, just trying it out, check the following links:
– https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/ninja-mcq-simulations-complete-topic-list-by-sim/
– https://www.another71.com/ninja-cpa-review/
– https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_8_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=cpa+exam+review
– related info: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWu1tVBhdmMeAI-pkJeaGjQ/playlists
– https://www.aicpa.org/BecomeACPA/CPAExam/ForCandidates/TutorialandSampleTest/Pages/default.aspx
I hardly used my undergrad/professional accounting program textbooks. I always like Becker textbooks (my apology to @jeff and other great CPA textbooks out there).
Four years of out-of-school is not that bad. Most CPA review courses are adaptable to new students/candidates.
The sooner you take the CPA exam the better. Good luck.
AUD - 49
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - 55
Passed: AUD (75%'08/77%'17), REG (76%'09) & BLaw(77%'99); highest on FAR (63%'11/'15) & BEC (63%'11). Credit Hours: USA(PH)-BCom'85(4yr-grandfathered); UBC-(DAP'02/'19); DC-(BBA-Acctg.'22-4th yr)=over 150 hrs credits