[Joetse]

I just took Audit on June 2. It was the hardest AUD exam I’ve ever taken. Ever since they switched over to the new software (orange and blue font) with DRS and newer type sims, the sims have gotten more tricker, more varied, and about half of them longer. Many of the M/C questions are all new. Good thing is, Becker’s mock exams, end of module sims and m/c questions are representative of the new questions and sims you’ll find on exam day. However, this also means you’ll have to do A LOT more practice in the sims and m/c than ever before.
Before, for review, I could just do a few past AICPA exams, and do fine and pass AUD. Now, if you try that, you won’t pass. The questions aren’t even the same as questions you’ve seen in the past, not even from 2017 AICPA’s released questions or sims. The sims are mostly different now, in what they are asking you to answer and even the setup of the question and supporting documents. You’ll have to know what specific test of control procedure, audit procedure or follow up procedure to apply to a found material misstatement or control deficiency. You’ll have to have a very good understanding of how analytical procedures are used to pick which ratios to look at and segregation of duties in live situations very well.
For sure, know modifications of ALL reports like the back of your hand. Every possible conceived combination of when you should apply an other-matter, emphasis of matter, disclaimer, qualified, or unmodified with only disclosure, or no disclosure and unmodified, comparative F/S, and what language should go with each non-standard situation, for EACH of audits, reviews, and compilations, etc, since the rules are different for each type of engagement. My advice is do at least 1 to 2 simulations from each section, as well as both mock exams from Becker before taking the exam. That is the MINIMUM. It doesn’t feel like one could pass without doing at least that. Anyone else pass without doing this much work or have the same feeling? I did only 1 mock exam at the end, didn’t have time to look thru the other one fully, just scanned the sims, and didn’t have time to do any sims from the back of each chapter. I feel like I got in the low 70s, so crossing my fingers. The wait is killing me.
To summarize, this is new exam structure is about 30% harder than what AUD exams used to be, the sims take much more time than before (I had to skip one entire sim just to finish on time, and I had 2 hours and 10 mins for all 8 sims). I’d say the new exams are about 7 points harder than the old exams. So if you used to get an 82, now you’ll only get a 75. That’s my advice.

[MIsconnie]

Just took it today. Honestly didn’t feel the simulations we’re all that bad. There were several FAR concepts in it, but they didn’t appear unreasonable. The MCQ’s were a breeze. Feeling good, but we all know that doesn’t really mean anything.

[Yahmon]

Took it today after losing credit. MCQs were pretty straight forward especially on the first testlet. Still have to know the concepts but man Gleim (previous Becker) prepares you well for these tests. I'm sure I made a few dumb mistakes but overall I feel very good about the MCQs

The SIMS were actually ok with me. research I found. First two were pretty straight forward if you know the concepts. There was one SIM where the date was wrong but what they were asking for didn't have anything to do with the date (way to go AICPA with the tricks hahaha!!). One of the SIMS I was not sure exactly what they were asking but I picked the best answers. Another was hard and came straight from my review program lol.

I would be surprised if I didn't get a 75 but its not impossible

FAR 8/20/15 - Passed 77
AUD 10/10/15 -
BEC TBD
REG TBD

[GoVPI]

I’m positive if you’ve taken FAR then the SIMS were probably rather easy. For those of us who have not, it way probably a little bit of a shock.

BEC 8/14/14 - Passed
Graduated from college 12/13/14
AUD 8/31/15 - 74. Retake - Passed
REG
FAR

[Anonymous]

Took it Yesterday. Agree with @yahmon and @misconnie. Didn't think it was bad. SIMs weren't really complicated at all. I think Gleim does a good job. The AICPA practice test is a fair representation of what you can expect. I found this to be true for FAR as well.

[FK122]

this is an awesome thread, thank you everybody for chiming in. I'm preparing to take AUD Saturday morning. Gonna power through today and tomorrow, and Friday to put it all on paper Saturday. Just a quick question, I'm seeing Analytical Procedures is an area that will likely show up in SIMS. What is meant by that, or in other words, how does one study and prepare for AP? Are we focusing in on the different ratios and the formulas? Clarification would be super helpful. Again thank you everybody and HOPE EVERYONE PASSES JUNE 28!

[Joetse]

FK122 – If you have Becker, just do every single AP simulation – module 3 or 4 I think. As well, the 3 mock exams may have 6 more AP sims to practice. Know all of those very well, you may get a sim with a similar twisted way of wording questions that they have. Some deal with developing an expectation, some don't. If you get a really hard AP question, it will probably test knowing when to use AP (timing, nature, insignificant component, alternative procedures if primary evidence is insufficient), and what accounts should they be or required to be used on (planning = revenue, income accounts, interest and dividends are more relevant to AP than meals & entertainment expense for example because they are more predictable and less management subjectivity involved.) And also, they could test multiple topics with AP, like controls or audit procedures + AP at the same time, so you never know. The formulas are given so no need to memorize those. It's mostly about math (fractions) and reading comprehension.

[Author]

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