[Want2BeCPAsoBad]

If so, Do you have access to locker, food or meds?

[Mike J]

I never took a break, but I finished my exams just before the exam format changed.

Even if I was given a break, I'd much rather keep going. I believe in momentum.

That said, have you checked the notice to sit for instructions? You could try going to the AICPA FAQs or thiswaytoacpa.com.

[tvpaul]

Yes I have! Had access to locker and food. Didn't have meds so not sure about that but my guess is you'll be fine. Just no notes and cell phone. They're really strict about that.

[Skynet]

Never!

15 minutes is like a lifetime when you are taking FAR and every minute counts.

There were times where i had to go tinkle, but rather hold it then lose 10-15 minutes.

[Mike J]

@skynet,

I depreciate your candor here.

[Want2BeCPAsoBad]

@skynet. No under the new test the standard break is 15 minutes halfway through test doesn't eat up your time. That's why I asked. Under the old format I wouldn't even consider it.

@Mike. I also believe in momentum, but I'm considering the break only if I get anxious. Sometimes I perform better by removing myself from the situation chewing on something or just taking something to ease the nerves. But if I believe I'm at a good pace and nerves are manageable I will just keep going.

@tvpaul. I don't even take my cell phone or notes. I leave those in the car. I had friend disqualify because it came to her as second nature to glance at her phone. I promise I would never take mine to prometrics.

Wish me luck…

[Mike J]

Whatever works for you.

When I've gotten nervous on exam day, I sat up in my seat, counted to ten slowly, with deep breaths and reminded myself that I would pass because I put in the work.

Insert Stewart Smalley reference here

[tmacpa]

I've taken it twice in my two tests with the new format.

Four hours sitting in a chair not moving at all, idk about everyone else but I get tired and probably lose a little focus/sharpness. Taking a break just to breathe go to the bathroom whatever is a great thing since it doesn't count against you.

[Accountingbeans]

I'm assuming that if you take the break, you don't HAVE to take it for the full 15 minutes, right? I'm sure I'll take it but would only want to take like 5 minutes to keep the momentum going

Newbie
BEC- August 31

[cmcook]

I took it and was thankful I did. Everyone is different: my momentum didn't suffer, and my brain and body benefited from stretching to get the blood flowing, and eating a pb&j.

[abanhiqbal]

Yes, I even took a break that counted against my time because I was feeling dehydrated.

[smoothiezguy]

yes, I took the standard 15 min break. I usually go to the bathroom, drink some water, and do pushups/squats to keep the blood flow going. It's amazing how a little break can keep the brain from going into slump mode.

CMA - 430
BEC - 83
FAR - ?
AUD -
REG -

[smoothiezguy]

Funny story:

When I took REG, I was doing squats in the bathroom and on squat 96 or so, I heard a loud rip. I turned around and saw a two inch rip in the back of my pants! LOL. Didn't have any extras along, so just had to keep wearing them.

CMA - 430
BEC - 83
FAR - ?
AUD -
REG -

[Anonymous]

@smoothiezguy,

How was your audit experience? Do you think you have a good chance at passing?

[Holly]

I took the break, just not the entire 15 minutes. I went outside and ate a protein bar after going to the bathroom. Went back in and talked just a minute or two to the prometric people and got back after it. I loved the break.

BEC - 79
REG - 85
AUD - 5/27/16

[CPAIN2K17]

I took the break in my last exam and went and walked around outside because it freezing in the testing center and I needed to warm up. In hindsight, I am surprised they let us go outside because what if someone had notes in their car? Anyway, I enjoyed the break and plan to do the same thing for my next test.

[Author]

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