[Anonymous]

The CPA finish line is in sight…and over the horizon I see a hurdle that reads “FAR”. I’ve only used the Wiley review books and Wiley test bank to study for all my prior exams, and I’ve passed them all the first time. But when I opened the Amazon package I was shocked to see how large the Wiley FAR review book is. My next exam is scheduled for August 30th due to expiration of my NTS. I haven’t even begun studying. I figured I’ll just go to the test and learn a little about the test with the expectation of failing it and re-testing in November. I have my work experience, so I once I pass FAR and ethics I’ll be a CPA, bureaucratic paperwork not-withstanding. I’m currently Self-employed and have a tiny, tiny tax business. My goal is to have my CPA before January so that when I send out tax organizers I can have the designation of CPA and my clients will know that I will be signing returns this year. I hope this will bring in some referral revenue. What are the negatives to failing a CPA section? If I plan on switching from SE to a salaried position, would an epic failing score on FAR really hurt my chances of acquiring a job elsewhere? I figure that since I’ll have my CPA and have a few years of tax experience that my level of competition while applying for a position would disregard the checking of exam scores. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

If one failing score makes a company look down on you then you probably don't want to work for them anyways.

Tip: Do non-stop MCQ the next 6 days.

[Anonymous]

Should have done FAR first 🙂 Never save the hardest for last.

[Whatdidyou]

^That would be REG bob.

I don't think 1 failing score matters at all – they've seen much worse. However, i think that if you're a new hire and you've already taken at least a couple sections and failed them all, that could hurt you.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Mikey89]

You guys are both wrong! AUD is the worst :'(

Reg 4/18/12 78
Far 7/30/12 74, 74, 75
Bec 11/11/12 74, 78
Aud TBD 51, 71, XX

[Anonymous]

Do employers even ask for the scores? Once you passed, I think all they care about is that you're a CPA.

[Whatdidyou]

No, I don't think they'd ask for the individual scores per say. BUT your co-workers/mentor/engagement team will likely ask you where in the process you are, and inquire further to see what's all happening.

You're good though, you've done well. I think they mainly want an indication that you are capable of passing, which you've definitely provided already.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Anonymous]

I'm curious how you are dealing with the work experience thing since you are self employed? I'm in the same boat and trying to figure out what to do. My previous boss got a total attitude when I put in my notice a couple of years ago and went a little crazy on me, and I am not sure if she will sign my work experience. I worked for her for many years and was promoted up several positions, but when I left she tried to tell me that I wasn't even qualified for the equivalent of a bookkeeper position (even though my reviews were glowing each year and I got promotions). I'm not sure what to do now for my work experience.

[Anonymous]

Okay, so I just pulled a no show. I figured that if an employer asked for my scores and saw a zero, they'd assume it was for a no show, and there are many justifications for not showing up to an exam.

FAR is a BEAST. The amount of materials is a killer.

@ ConstantWanderer – I left on good terms with the partners, and had them sign and date my work experience before I left. What state are you trying to get licensed in? You could maybe call the state board and say that your previous employer is not cooperating and provide proof of salary which could indicate your hours worked.

[zi007ad]

Never mind .. just take one step at a time and you will reach your destination 🙂

*COLORADO*
REG: 58,41,74,74,74,74,77
BEC: 67,76*,79
FAR: 62,68,60,75
AUD: 76*,64,66,81
* Expired

[Anonymous]

Not usually. Punishing a person for a failing score is a real dbag thing to do. That being said, it has been done. I have had a manager scold me for not scheduling my testing dates closely enough. She was like, if you take them more often, you will increase your chances of passing and decrease your chances of losing a score that you did pass.

I was like, “Gee thanks for the advice. Good thing taking the test is free. Because if we lived in a world where paying $200-300 to take one bloody test was the norm, I would have a problem with your strategy. But because taking a test is free, and we are notified of our score immediately, so rescheduling is almost instant, I will be able to take your advice.”

[Da Bears]

I've been filling out new hire information for big4 and they specifically ask what exams you've taken, scores, date, and number of attempts.

FAR- 8/14/12 91
AUD- 10/16/12 88
BEC- 11/07/12 92
REG- 01/05/13 86
NIU CPA Review

[Minimorty]

Love it!

[Anonymous]

Well that makes some of those Big 4 dbags

[Author]

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