[jakeeee]

Hello,

I live in California, and I was planning to start taking live Becker courses beginning on Oct. 10th (REG) to hopefully sit for an exam in both Nov (REG) and Dec (BUS). However, I’m still very early in the application process, as I’ve yet to even send my check and remittance form in the mail (I plan to do so this week; I sent my college resumes 2-3 weeks ago). I don’t want to pay for Becker tuition and then be unable to sit for any exams.

Do you think I’ll be able to receive my NTS in time and schedule my exam dates? Or should I just wait on taking courses? Unfortunately, I’m thinking the latter because by the time I even receive my NTS, all of the exam dates will probably be filled. And what if there are some complications with the application process along the way?

I really regret not doing all of this right after graduation in May. Instead, I wanted to gain work experience, so I found a job at a finance company and I’ve been working since. This current job did help me get hired at a CPA firm as a staff accountant in the tax department. The new job starts in January–which is why I wanted to start with REG, as it would help me review for tax. I also wanted to pass two sections of the CPA exam before I started work because I wouldn’t be able to study until busy season is over.

I’m still confused about the whole application process and what to do. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long post!

Thank you so much.

BEC - July 2014
REG - Aug 2014
FAR - January 2015
AUD - May 2014
Ethics - 3x...

[Minimorty]

If you havent completed and submitted your application, do that now. If you are confident you have met the requirements (bachelors, 24 units business, 24 units accounting) then go ahead and schedule your Becker review course. The application will take a number of weeks to process. I think you'll be able to fit in one exam by the end of November. There is no testing in December.

[Anonymous]

Id be really surprised if your application got processed in time to take any sections this window. It usually takes 3-4 months for the intial application to get approved, test paid, and NTS received.

But there's no harm in taking the Becker courses now so you can sit for REG in Jan.

The process is generally:

1. Send in application, transcripts, and application fee.

2. Wait several weeks for processessing, then you will receive an email asking you to select the sections to want to take.

3. Wait a few days for processessing, then receive a payment coupon.

4. Send payment, wait a few more days.

5. Receive NTS in email, go to prometric.com to schedule your exams.

In CA, the NTS is good for 9 months, so select the sections you plan on taking in the next 9 months. But if for some reason you dont end up taking all the sections, you will forfeit your exam fees. Typically, people select 2 sections so they only have to pay for two at a time, and they have more flexibility with the 9 month window. You can re-apply for a new NTS later and select the remaining sections (or any retakes).

[Minimorty]

Agree with process, but not timing. 6-7 weeks tops from start to finish.

[jakeeee]

Thank you both!

So say I select two sections for the first 9 month period, but only pass one of them. Would I have to re-take the section I passed?

BEC - July 2014
REG - Aug 2014
FAR - January 2015
AUD - May 2014
Ethics - 3x...

[Minimorty]

No. You would need a new NTS for the one you fail though. You have 18 months to pass all four (starting with your first pass).

[jakeeee]

Minimorty, since I'd be cutting it close, do you think there'll still be seats available for the end of November, or do they fill up pretty quickly?

If all else fails, I'll just sit for REG in January, like CalCPASoon said. But I'm hoping I can take it in November.

BEC - July 2014
REG - Aug 2014
FAR - January 2015
AUD - May 2014
Ethics - 3x...

[Minimorty]

Spots are always opening up. You may not get the closest center, but you shouldn't have to drive too far. I don't think you'll have any problems scheduling.

Did you submit your application yet?

[jakeeee]

Wow, I just received my payment coupon today! Some dates opened at the testing center nearest to me for the end of November, so hopefully I'm able to sit for REG then… although now I'm debating if I should just sit for REG in January anyways because the material isn't clicking with me so well.

BEC - July 2014
REG - Aug 2014
FAR - January 2015
AUD - May 2014
Ethics - 3x...

[Kitty200]

Just remember that tax thresholds and some tax items change from year to year. So what you study this year for Reg may not apply in the January window since its a new year and new tax laws.

[Author]

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