[jc510]

58 in may 2016. 72 in dec 2016. 73 in mar 2017.

I first used wiley cpa excel on my first go around. I switched to becker for the last two attempts. I just can’t seem to get over the hump. I’ve done every MC Q’s and SIMS multiple times. Does anyone have any recommendation? Should I know add NINJA? I know my weaknesses are I/C and Analytical Procedures. I felt like every SIM i’ve had from the exam is not covered well in Becker or Wiley CPA. Please let me know what you think. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Also, AUD is my last test before FAR expires. I have the full Q2 to take the test. Since the release score is not until 08/2017, is there any benefit from taking it early around May or June- why not wait until July or Aug so I can go through the material multiple times? Some of the material may be fresh in my head as of today, but I want to make sure the next time I head to prometric, I’ll get that 75! Thanks future CPA’s – looking forward to your advice!

[shawn in VA]

JC- I can see your frustration. wow you have 3 down and 1 is keeping you from being done. I am interested in hearing peoples feedback to your question. I took AUD twice and got 64 and 69. I need a pass in Q2.

I have just used ROGER both times and NINJA Notes as supplement the 2nd time. At this pace I should hit 74/75 next time. I actually thought I passed the 2nd go around.

[NeedsA75]

Alright, I just got a 96 on AUD and I'm gonna let you know how I did it.

Buy the becker book. Get it used on Ebay or whatever…buy the Gleim and Ninja test banks..

Step 1: Read Becker book cover to cover taking detailed notes
Step 2: Work Ninja MCQ's every morning for 1-2 hours
Step 3: Work the Gleim sims and mcq test bank after work
Step 4: Re-read the Becker book cover to cover and retake notes on your weak areas. (you should still be doing MCQ every day, see steps 2 and 3)
Step 5: Go over the Becker text a third time a week before your exam (you should still be doing MCQ every day, see steps 2 and 3)

At this point, the exam will feel relatively easy and you will have a tough time determining if you got a difficult or medium testlet because you know the material so well and it all seems easy..

[Anonymous]

@NeedsA75 wow those are impressive scores! What areas do you think are best to spend time studying? I am taking my AUD test on 4/7. Currently buttoning everything up by doing Ninja MCQ as I re-read sections of Becker book that I am weak on after the first pass-through. I have been taking notes/making flashcards as I go. Currently averaging 80s in Becker Progress Tests, and 75% average in Ninja with 400 or so more questions to go. I have also been doing SIMS in Ninja-those are anywhere from 66, 75, 80 or 100 percent but I don't find them too difficult…How do those compare to the actual exam in your estimation. I have real-life experience with audit (on the client side) so a lot of things are familiar to me generally.

[NeedsA75]

What I focused in on was SSARS, Attest engagements, Independence Rules, Assertions, Internal Control, how an unmodified report changes with a modified opinion/disclaimer, and your engagement/management rep letter

The Gleim sims I thought actually did a REALLY GOOD JOB preparing me for the actual exam sims. I didn't think the exam sims were that bad at all (which worried me honestly) but I guess I was just really prepared.

Having AUD work experience will definitely help. Good luck!!

[Dwill2nd]

I Honestly believe Becker is 90% of what you need for Audit. For Audit you have to understand Professional Skepticism and be able to think like that during the exam. Most of Audit is based on a few key concepts which builds upon itself and shows itself through out the audit materials. Understand the Key aspects of Audit and engagements… What is it and what are the objectives? If you understand the objectives of the audits and what you are testing then everything else will fit into place.

As you are going through the lecture really understand the why. If you understand the why then all the MCQ's and everything else will become extremely easy I promise.

Bec, 6/8/2016 - 84!
Far, 7/12/2016
Reg,
Aud,

[Dwill2nd]

Not long ago I was helping a friend with AUD (Who now has also passed). Sometimes being able to talk things through with someone else and understanding their approach to a topic could also help. I believe it helped him out to talk through some issues. You are so close so every point helps and any topic you get better clarity over will only increase your score!

You got this.

Bec, 6/8/2016 - 84!
Far, 7/12/2016
Reg,
Aud,

[jc510]

@needsa75 and @dwill2nd – I felt pretty good about the different type of reports and everything. I nailed the MC's (stronger) but my SIMS were weaker. I know I nailed two SIMS (one was completely off AL). the other two that I thought I did ok was the FAR JE's. I know my weakness is still with analytical procedures and the reasons for formulas going increasing/decreasing. I read the Becker book at least twice and I don't feel confident in those topics still. They barely go through those parts IMO. Any recommendations?

[Dwill2nd]

You could have a point in that Becker does not go into extreme details on Analytics. I saw these formulas and BEC & FAR so by this point I really understood the formulas.

For Audit the Key is to understand what the formulas are saying. I would recommend going through each formula and making sure you understand the reasoning for the formula (Don't waste time just memorizing the formulas). Once you know the meaning and what the results mean you can then apply it to Audit questions. If ratio XYZ increases what should that mean for blah blah blah expense account. Until you understand the formulas it will be hard to apply them confidently.

When you go through each formula stop and research any formula you are not comfortable with. Ask on here for advice and thoughts on those specific formulas. I think that should help your weak area.

But I would not only concentrate there. With a 73 there are subjects and MC questions you are good/okay with but no reason not to try and increase your scoring there.

Bec, 6/8/2016 - 84!
Far, 7/12/2016
Reg,
Aud,

[Dwill2nd]

Another suggestion would be as you do sim formula questions (increasing/decreasing) on the exam write it out and use real examples.

If they say (Or present) that Current assets increased how does it impact the Current Ratio from CY to PY ect.

Use make up numbers. Start with 800/500 for the PY then apply whatever the problem asked you to do. Calculate the ratio after the adjustments. What are the results compared to to the results from your original calculation. These are small steps that can also help you out during the exam.

Bec, 6/8/2016 - 84!
Far, 7/12/2016
Reg,
Aud,

[krstnam]

I really liked the NINJA notes and audios (that's for FAR though). I think adding those two items to my study helped me go from a 54 to a 73. Still not passing but I think a 19 point increase has to count for something. Listening to the audios seems to make the whole process like immersion studies and I know for sure that they helped me get at least two MCQs correct – probably more.

Good luck!

[jc510]

Thanks everyone! I greatly appreciate all your advice!

[Author]

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