[Small4]

preparation can help ease some of the anxiety. however, it never eliminates it. with that said, think of it as an important milestone in your life thst is worth every sacrifice. it took me a decade. so youre good.

cpa is about to study effectively. not all cpas knnow all topics, we just got good at applying it short term in a test. if u ask me about sox now i wouldnt know anything since i wassnt an accounting major off the bat and im in tax… but just applied a general spproach to it

best of luck…who knows youll prob be my future boss someday 🙂

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

also want to add, treat it like practice. getting a job sometimes includes failing…so treat it like honing your self-selling skills

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

cant hurt. networking and doesnt hurt.

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

the book is all you need tbh.

Also, CPA is much more known than EA. I feel like those with EAs are the ones who actually become tax preparers for boutique firms that they create. CPA firms typically dont mind their staff having EAs only with the expectation of getting the CPA soon after. If i were you, have BOTH of them active.

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

Been in your shoes. The fact that you are on this site means that CPA license will probably always knock on you. I say it doesnt matter what the age is, if its something you truly aspire to be, go for it now vs always regretting/putting it away. We are in the accounting field so the CPA will always be useful. If you tell me you were a nurse but you just wanted to have one, then i would hesitate a little more.

I failed A LOT…like extra failed, like super low score failed even when i tried (i was studying wrong). What kept me going was the idea that “who am i kidding”, it always was a little torn in my head to know that its doable so i might was well keep trying. Also, whats the worse that can happen? You fail? There's re-take..my wife made it simple for me when i was super stressed about it, i said:

Me: “omg im so stressed i will lose all my credits if i fail…”
Her: “oh so if u fail, you cant take it anymore ever?”
Me: “No, you can retake them, it costs money but you dont lose the ability to take it again..”
Her: “oh then just take it again if you fail. Here fold the clothes”

Meaning, to US it sounds like a big burden that we fail and fail but to our love ones, they dont see the barriers cuz to them we can always retake it. Life is always there. No one will fire us at our current job if we fail. Your kids wont love you less. You worked on the most important part i think which is having a life, the CPA will just be icing on the cake. Lots of people (including my self early on) burden themselves too much on work but truthfully life on this earth is short to super mega stress about a test that can be retaken over and over. I'm probably over simplifying it but take the hard journey as part of life rather than a burden.

Time and effort is really whats lost since there is sacrifice but man it will mean even more once you passed it.

You are very lucky to have 4 kids and a job while you do this journey

Good luck and im rooting for you!!

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

I got a 29 my very first time taking an exam. I was fresh out of college and i thought my college experience from accounting and tax classes would translate. I realize now that NONE of the college materials matter since the CPA is actually tailored for people who truly focus on memorizing concepts (not answers) and doing tons of multiple choices but looking at every single answer (what's right and what's wrong). It took me a long time to adapt to learning “how” to pass.

I say, you should probably switch up your study habits. Maybe something that worked before isnt working for this particular exam. It doesnt mean the CPA is not for u, its just a different type of studying you have to approach. What worked best was to truly study concepts and do focus questions related to those concepts over and over until you actually feel in your gut that youre comfortable. Usually a low score means you think you know the material but the way its tested, it just is hard to get thru the questions and feel comfortable.

I say keep trying and you will stasrt to get closer. I got low scores too and i kept trying and trying so the great thing about these exams is you can keep taking them. Good luck!

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

The fact that you went here to see if theres any way you can help your hubby, that it itself is great. I was in the similar situation too like your husband. My wife was very supportive but i usually am just very hard on myself especially the amount of times i failed this exam/added pressure of having a family etc.. The works, basically the same as you guys. What i feel like what helped me the most is, the times when i feel really burned out, my wife used to just remind me that whatever happens, everything is going to be fine. Its a re-take-able test. Life goes on after. Everything will be ok. Although sometimes i go “yeah, but im still stressed the hell out”…but there are times when it lifted some of the pressure away from that exam. Sure, alot is weighing on it..but at the end of the day, ITS JUST A TEST. Its not brain surgery where if you fail, someone dies. We can re-take it over and over…

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

Is there anybody who switched over to public accounting from industries?
-I didn't do this BUT i do have 6> years experience in both (so 12 total) but i went public to private midway. My opinion is, if you want management type positions in private, often times a lengthy experience in public is very good in a resume. Unless you are on of those lucky folks where there's a clear path upwards in private, switching company to company usually gets u an edge if you have public experience.

If so, do you regret or you feel like you made a right choice?
-I look at it as “what do you want to get out of public experience? If you have a clear goal: “make manager/director in public” or “i'm leaving after year X so i can do XYZ” then you will never regret it. If you go to public with no expectations/set goals, it could be a rough time since there's definitely 60-70 hr weeks in there where it aint nice at all, especially with a spouse.

And what career level would I fit in (associates vs. senior)?
-I say associate if Big4 but senior if its a small/mid tier public accounting firm. I only say that because i believe even private managers usually come in as seniors in big4 since they usually have to prove themselves first. Unless you are a super seasoned manager.

What's the average salary increase in public accounting (I got 2% increase last year in the current company).
– This is where public accounting trumps private. I recall getting 8-12% each year where in private its 1%-4% if youre lucky. So the key though is if you do decide to move to public accounting again: 1) have clear expectations where you want to be after X amount of years. 2) if will benefit you immensely if you leave public accounting (after 8-12% raises) and have a larger base salary whenever you switch to private again so you can be ok with small raises moving forward.

With that said, good luck with your journey!

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

Updated.
Sent application late Oct '18.
Received pre-approval letter around end of Nov '18.
Didn't pay it/mail that till first week of Jan '19.
Licensed mid Feb '19

Decade long journey (well half due to sorta lost my way midway) over.

To those currently in the process of just waiting, we did it! And to those who are in the process of passing the exams, you WILL do it!

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

update, called CA and i guess they are currently processing those that paid their pre-approval checks at 1/8/19….so its 1/30 now. It will take another 3-4 weeks to actually issue the license after that. I say best bet for CA, it takes 6 weeks after paying the $120 to get the license .

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

@gieseoff man i wish my turnaround was that fast. I sent my application 10/23/18………received my request for $120 (well $60) saying i was pre-approved around late November but it sat on my inbox till 1/5/19. I sent a money order with that payment, i know they received my letter with check the following week…its 1/30 and still no word.

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

my two cents only: in accounting, CPA designation is essentially golden. Master is nice tho if you are working towards accounting unit requirements and you stumble on a program that knocks two birds with one stone (get masters + eligible for the license), then that would be great. I say work with your future school to lay out this foundation. So i say eye on the prize is that CPA since even after you get in a state job, the CPA designation goes a long way after even if you decide to go private industry. So in short, if your goal is to get a masters, i say tailor that and make sure by the end of your educational journey that you have a license as well. I've worked in accounting/tax over a decade and one thing is constant = CPA is essentially a must to really go far. the Masters helps when you are at management level or whether people are deciding if you are worthy of a candidate to be promtoed to management. But usually for state, i would think CPA would be more than enough. For industry since its extra competitive, experience and CPA wins out……..the masters in my opinion is a nice bonus. Without CPA is where it starts to be limiting.

Good luck!!!!!!!

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

Ana, you read my mind, I too was worried since i paid $60. I realize i received a pre-approval letter back in end of Nov '18 and sat in my inbox for a while arghh. Anyways, the initial license fee for mine states if postmarked on or before 3/31/2019, its $60……..so i just paid that via money order. Now waiting. Then i got worried if i misunderstood it so i'm glad i wasnt the only one wondering.

So long story short…i submitted my CA application 10/23. It took 11/29 to get the pre-approval letter. The CA person i talked to wasn't lying that they have sped up their review time, this was only a month wait. User error on my end for not seeing the pre-approval letter till now but i presume that takes about a month too. So i say 2-3 months is the “faster” approval rate…

Hoping to END this journey soon…..passed these exams late 2016 (after a decade of failing and giving up and pushing it aside on and off), then two years essentially of making up units i lacked and ethics exam…..to arrive to this.

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

I think youre right, as the person suggest above, sit INSIDE, I wouldn't even dare to take the exam the day of your expiration. Hopefully you can get a slot to take it still. Just know your experience is exactly like mine, passed 3 first, then failed FAR 2x before getting a passing score finally with about a month left pre expiration. Good luck!

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Small4]

also like the one guy here pointed out, all i see is one determined person.

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 82
REG - 77

-Becker (do all mcq, period),
-Buy NINJA mcq (68% trend), and
-PRINT trouble topics.

-Also Used WTB mcq (68% trend).
-Do 40-50 SIMs and read answers/try to learn from solutions like its a book example.
-Lastly, when having trouble with same topic, go big picture and watch trouble lecture

BEC - 68,70,72,75 5/15
AUD - 78(expired), 77 8/15
REG - 29,58,65,77 1/16
FAR - 56,68,73 - retake October hopefully (last shot)

Been doing this since 2007 on and off...

[Author]

Replies