[Vern]

I’m totally baffled how some get this test done within a few weeks. I work 9-5 probably like most others, but I know there is no way I could pass any section without a month or two of studying. I know Yaeger says anywhere from 100-200hrs per section, but some get through all four parts in a month or two. Even if I was unemployed with 10hrs a day studying, I don’t think I could pull that off….Kudos to who pulled it off in such a short time, but how??

Audit Passed
FAR Passed
REG Passed
BEC ??

[T-rex]

I think I could possibly pull that off if I didn't have a job or any other responsibilities, but there's no way in hell I could do it with my job and commute. I've been at this for over a year so, and I'm still not done. I did, however, take breaks between sections, including while waiting for my scores. I'm spending many months on FAR because it's such a beast.

AUD - 95, BEC - 85
REG - 85, Rawrrrrrr FAR - 88
Used Becker for all sections.
CA candidate not residing in CA

[Vern]

I did the same thing T-Rex, but now have two shots to pass BEC or sections will start expiring. I did the same thing, by waiting for my scores before studying again and now I'm starting to freak out. The CPA has caused a major burden on my life (afraid to take on extra work after hours bc I feel guilty I'm not studying). The 18 month expires faster than you would think. Every time I get discouraged I take a look at one of the sections I passed and cringe thinking about retaking the exam already passed. I just can't wait to have my life back without having to worry about another section

Audit Passed
FAR Passed
REG Passed
BEC ??

[Minimorty]

I'm confident that if I were not working and didn't have any kids that I would be able to knock out the exam in a couple months. It is just so hard to find large chunks of time with all of my other responsibilities. There is a ton of material, but nothing is covered in a lot of detail. It's a mile wide and an inch deep.

[T-rex]

I know what you mean, Vern. I've got three shots at FAR before I begin losing credit, but I hope I won't need more than one. I can't imagine having to restudy for a section I already passed. That would suck big time.

I chose not to study while waiting for my score because I didn't want to cloud my brain with new material in case I had to repeat a section. I'm not sure that was the wisest approach due to the 18-month limit, but time will tell.

I, too, can't wait to have my life back. Many things have suffered because of my commitment to this exam. There's no way I would have been able to do this though without making the sacrifices I have made.

I'm determined to pass FAR on 8/29! I so want this to be over with forever! Every moment of preparing for this exam has been sheer misery.

When do you take BEC?

AUD - 95, BEC - 85
REG - 85, Rawrrrrrr FAR - 88
Used Becker for all sections.
CA candidate not residing in CA

[Vern]

August 27th and I'm just starting to get kind of familiar with the materiel. Three weeks tomorrow and summer hurts, but I just shut down any plans before Labor Day. I can't even imagine coming home from work and just randomly surfing though channels to relax. When it's all said and done this exam has taken me about 3 years. Taking extra night classes after work to get me to 150 hours plus all the lectures, practice questions/simulations is very tiring. I just pray I get this done, bc I don't know if I have the energy to start retaking parts

Audit Passed
FAR Passed
REG Passed
BEC ??

[T-rex]

Alright, the 27th is right around the corner. Just bust your @ss from now until then so that you can be done with this forever. You can do it!

Best of luck with BEC!

AUD - 95, BEC - 85
REG - 85, Rawrrrrrr FAR - 88
Used Becker for all sections.
CA candidate not residing in CA

[Anonymous]

Seriously, every time I see a post by kb24 I collapse onto my desk, sobbing about how I was born an idiot.

[Sportiegrl13]

@ Club Card: I noticed that kb24 passed them so quickly…how is that even possible? Day in and day out studying, no sleep, no work, no nothing? I have the hardest time studying for BEC in a month…granted I am planning a wedding [test is 8/11…wedding is 8/26] but I still feel like I could study longer and not have covered the material fully. It is probably my study material though. I NEED to switch it up!!

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." - Norman Vincent Peale

Starting the CPA journey, again after taking a couple year hiatus!
AUD - 68, retake 7/23/13!
FAR - Early October
REG -
BEC -

[Peanut]

@sportie what are you using for materials?

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[Sportiegrl13]

Wiley…I go through the book once then I use the software. So I pretty much go through the material twice before the exam but I don't retain even 1/2 of what I am studying, or so it feels. :-/ I am thinking of switching to Lambers or Becker….can't decide. I need a more guided, teaching style…one that I don't have to come straight home from work and study until it is time for bed and do it all over again. I need to have a social life or I will never pass this test and eventually throw in the towel. I have taken FAR once and failed, REG twice failed the first time and not sure about the second I haven't received my scores back, and I am about to take BEC for the second time. This is overwhelming. I study for HOURS….I should have kept track of how many hours I have spent studying in the last year and I feel like I haven't learned anything.

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." - Norman Vincent Peale

Starting the CPA journey, again after taking a couple year hiatus!
AUD - 68, retake 7/23/13!
FAR - Early October
REG -
BEC -

[Peanut]

@Sportie If you could afford Becker that might be a good choice. I haven't seen a lot of feedback on Lambers so I'm not sure how their review material is. I can completely relate to you, I've failed BEC, REG twice, and I just took FAR but definitely failed. I put in an insane amount of hours but have yet to pass a single section. I think now I have the swing of things and I understand my study habits a little better and will hopefully start to see some passing scores. Good luck to you! Try switching up the material it might just be what you need!

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[mla1169]

I think passing all 4 sections in one window is like climbing Mt. Everest. No IDEA how people can do it, but my hat's certainly off to those who do.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I just finished taking the last part the other day and started my review program mid-May. I took two parts in May, one in July and one at the beginning of August. I imagine most people who knock out the exam in a few months are like me and just graduated from school and don't start their full-time job until the Fall. I still devoted 100+ hours of studying to each section, I just studied 8+ hours a day.

[WhyMe23]

Peter Olinto just recommended not taking FAR right after REG which is exactly what I'm doing….oh well! I think passing them all quickly together is easier when you are fresh out of school and obviously have no job. I am just hoping for 3/4 at least on the first try and see where I stand. Anything less than that seems like a waste of my summer.

B - 85 (5/31/11)
A - 93 (7/1/11)
R - 87 (7/29/11)
F - 77 (8/31/11)

[tulip]

It depends on the situation, I think. Some jobs are so much more stressful than others, and some people have fairly demanding personal lives.

When I was working about 50 hours a week with no management responsibility (also a husband and no kids) back in 2007, I was on pace where I likely could have knocked out 2 per window.

When I was working 60-80 hours a week with management responsibility, I couldn't even think about the CPA. That's ultimately a big reason I quit my job.

I think 4 in one window takes a no-job situation (or a job where you can study at work – a lot).

BEC - 10/18/2010 - 79
FAR - 10/28/2010 - 82
AUD - 11/04/2010 - 73; 02/18/2011 - 86 - IT'S OVER!!!!!!
REG - 11/21/2010 - 83

[Author]

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