[Anonymous]

My situation:

I literally am going through all units and understanding how to do the MCQ/SIMS only. I am making notes/formulas/flash cards. I am NOT practicing these problems though. Once I go through the entire book I plan on sitting down and practicing the problems full time for 5 weeks. I am not working right now as well. So I am sure I can put in 200 hours reviewing the problems and memorizing the flash cards. That should be enough, right?

[Recked]

Depends how long you have been out of school, and how efficient your study time is.
Also depends on age I would think.

I have noticed that once I hit 5 or 6 hours (usually on a weekend) I would hit the point of diminishing returns.
There are only so many hours in a day that your brain can stay focused and retain/learn new things.

Reading and learning are really only have the equation. The practice is what makes you efficient, and the practice is what will get you through the exam in the allotted 4 hours.

Memento Mori - Kingston NY CPA & EA (SUNY Albany 2002)

FAR-93 11/9/17 (10wks, 250 hrs, Roger 1800+ MCQs, Gleim TB 600+MCQs, SIMs)
AUD-88 12/7/17 (3 wks, 85 hrs, Roger 1000 MCQs no SIMs hail mary)
REG-96 1/18/18 (6 wks, 110 hrs, 1400 MCQs, no SIMs)
BEC-91 2/16/18 (4wks, 90 hrs, 1240 MCQs)

[Anonymous]

Well I've been out of school for 4 years. Okay 6 hours is a good number, I'v been doing that amount anyways right now. So let's say 180 hours then max in 5 weeks. I feel confident in understanding 90% of everything, and I am 70% complete with the book.

[aaronmo]

It wouldn't have been for me, but I agree with recked (I had weaker background than most, was a bit away from school…older…).

AUD - 96
BEC - 84
FAR - 89
REG - 86

Aaron and always remember, YMMV

I profit from your CPE frustration. You're welcome.

[Recked]

From my experience, reading the book or watching the videos, you always feel confident that you understand it A-Z.
But… once you start doing the questions, that's the real test of skill and understanding.

I was originally planning to do 3 months for each part, but was advised to not take more than 10 weeks on FAR, as you begin to forget.
I did not feel confident at all leading up to the exam, even though I was scoring well on my quizzes and practice exams.
I had 10 days for review and SIM work, and still did not feel ready at all.
I felt absolutely crushed after the exam and thought for sure I was retaking it.
Score below speaks. Don't put it on a pedestal.

What I'm saying is… don't be surprised if you don't feel “ready” when test day approaches.

Memento Mori - Kingston NY CPA & EA (SUNY Albany 2002)

FAR-93 11/9/17 (10wks, 250 hrs, Roger 1800+ MCQs, Gleim TB 600+MCQs, SIMs)
AUD-88 12/7/17 (3 wks, 85 hrs, Roger 1000 MCQs no SIMs hail mary)
REG-96 1/18/18 (6 wks, 110 hrs, 1400 MCQs, no SIMs)
BEC-91 2/16/18 (4wks, 90 hrs, 1240 MCQs)

[Anonymous]

I mean I understand how the problems work because I did dissect it, and even wrote down formulas for reference. The reason I did not practice it is because I felt like I would forget it anyways so wanted to save it towards the end. Oh well, I don't have any choice now..let's hope for the best. Thanks for input guys.

[Troys22]

@Recked You say you were advised to not take more than 10 weeks on FAR. That is interesting. I have been studying for FAR at a very slow pace. I started studying in early January and plan on sitting for the exam June 10. I initially planned on taking the exam earlier than that date but then though that since score release is delayed until end of June no matter when I take the exam, I should take it as late as possible to give myself more time to review. I planned on giving myself a solid month on review. My REG credit expires December 31, 2018 so I have three attempts at FAR if needed. I also work 60-70 hours a week during busy season so I don't want to burn out on studying and working if not in time crunch. I would like to hear opinions on what others would do regarding when to sit for exam given my situation.

AUD - 80
BEC - 79
FAR - 77
REG - 83

Troy

[Recked]

If I were you and started in Jan I would have tried to hit FAR by March 10th due to the score release delay. The score delay is the only reason I pushed both REG and BEC in before tax season.
A little late to push for Q1 sit date though, especially if you are working now.
I would do the same thing and test for June 10th ish.
If I failed BEC I plan to sit sometime between June 1st and 10th to limit that score wait time again.

Memento Mori - Kingston NY CPA & EA (SUNY Albany 2002)

FAR-93 11/9/17 (10wks, 250 hrs, Roger 1800+ MCQs, Gleim TB 600+MCQs, SIMs)
AUD-88 12/7/17 (3 wks, 85 hrs, Roger 1000 MCQs no SIMs hail mary)
REG-96 1/18/18 (6 wks, 110 hrs, 1400 MCQs, no SIMs)
BEC-91 2/16/18 (4wks, 90 hrs, 1240 MCQs)

[sunshineandstudying]

I took just about 5 weeks exactly to study for FAR. I don't get my results until March 9th, so I'm not sure how credible my input is, but I felt like it was more than enough time. I had about 2.5 weeks of pure review left after going through the material. However, I did 100% of Becker so I probably put in 50-60 hours a week. Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

@sunshineandstudying

funny username, i like it.

but okay cool, 50-60 a week huh? shoot, maybe i need to step up my game..impressive

[Troys22]

Yeah 50-60 a week isn't happening with this guy. Especially working so much and having 3 kids under 4 years old. If I studied that much in a week I half of that time would be ineffective anyway. However everybody's situation is different so whatever works I suppose.

AUD - 80
BEC - 79
FAR - 77
REG - 83

Troy

[Recked]

3 kids under 4? and doing the CPA exam?
you have my admiration good sir. WOW!

Memento Mori - Kingston NY CPA & EA (SUNY Albany 2002)

FAR-93 11/9/17 (10wks, 250 hrs, Roger 1800+ MCQs, Gleim TB 600+MCQs, SIMs)
AUD-88 12/7/17 (3 wks, 85 hrs, Roger 1000 MCQs no SIMs hail mary)
REG-96 1/18/18 (6 wks, 110 hrs, 1400 MCQs, no SIMs)
BEC-91 2/16/18 (4wks, 90 hrs, 1240 MCQs)

[2bigcpa]

I gave myself 8 weeks for FAR including 2 weeks for review and I do not feel ready. My exam is this Friday. I think it depends on how long you have been out of school, but doing MCQs help because it forces you to apply the material instead of memorizing it. Right now, I am ready to move on to the next section. Good luck!

AUD - 81
BEC - 77
FAR - 76
REG - 80

AUD - 81
BEC - 70, 77
FAR - 70, 70, 76
REG - 70, 80
(I used WileyCPA and Ninja-FAR only)

It took almost two years, but I am now finished with my CPA exams.

[JerseyJohn]

@Recked Would you mind sharing your review strategy? I'm 5 days away from my FAR retake. Last time, I failed with a 69. I think a lot had to do with the fact that I did not practice enough MCQs and SIMs because I passed my three other sections on the first try, and got complacent.

So far, I've gone through the entire Roger review course and MCQs. After completing Roger, I've gone through all of the Ninja MCQs by topic, but first reviewing my notes related to that area and then going through the MCQs. I think this has given me a good idea of my weak areas, but it would be great to hear how you tackled it.

Thank you very much in advance

[Adam]

5 weeks for FAR you will fail..

way to much material to cover..Imo unless youre some type of savan 3-4 months at a minimum..Dont just try and pass FAR really understand the material..it will help make all other sections easier

Rogers videos are great but MCQ terrible..you can get free trials for wiley for 2 weeks..and endless trials if you keep creating new emails…wileys MCQ are much better

[turo9992000]

3 to 4 months is too much. You'll forget what you first learned by the time you get to the end. From what I've seen, the sweet spot for FAR is 8 weeks.

AUD - 64, 80 Passed on 10/09/17

BEC - 75 Passed on 12/09/17

FAR - 69, 71, 73, 83 Passed on 06/10/18

REG - 81 Passed on 09/10/17

[Author]

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