[whitepiglet]

Hi All, I work full time with family (2 seven yrs old kids) to take care. I will use 2011 Becker material. I read some info online where it’s advise to have a 20 hours / week study plan. How many week of study time for each paper FAR/BEC/AUD/REG would you plan? Do you go thru the material more than twice? Please advise. I need guidance on my study plan. Thanks!!

[T-rex]

I spent about 2.5 to 3 months on each of AUD, BEC, & REG. I'm spending about 5 months on FAR. I study about 30 hours per week using Becker. For AUD, BEC, & REG, I went through the material twice. For FAR, I'm going through it 3 times. FAR will likely take you the longest to prepare for due to the volume of material covered.

Keep in mind that I don't have an accounting degree and I've been out of school for quite some time, so my “review” has been more of a “learn it for the first time.”

I likely overstudy, but I'd rather put in extra time upfront than have to repeat a section. Plus, there will be negative repercussions at work if I fail any part, which I don't want to face.

I work full time at a job that requires that I read and write somewhat complex content all day, so I'm probably not the most effective studier after work. I have no kids or spouse.

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

[IwannaBaCPA]

Remember everyone is different. Also, quality of time is far more important than quantity…

For myself:

BEC – 111 hours, took and passed on 4-16

FAR – 159 hours, took and passed on 5-26

AUD – 103 hours, took on 7-26 and waiting on score

REG – planned 125 hours, scheduled 8-31

I know there are others that have put in much less or much more time than me…I work 35-40 hours a week, am married, but no kids.

Good luck to you! Make a plan that has some cushion room and then try your best to stick with it.

BEC: 79 - April 2011
FAR: 78 - May 2011
AUD: 81 - May 2012
REG: 79 - October 2012
Ethics: Passed - March 2013
I am finally DONE!

[Anonymous]

If you do something like Jeff's Early, Lunch, Late strategy, then it's not too difficult to get in 20 hrs a week. You'd be surprised how effecient you can be, and how much time you can fit in when you really commit to scheduled study times.

Early-Wake up 1 hr early, drink lots of coffee.

Lunch-Study 1 hr at lunch

Late-Study an 1 hr or 2 after dinner, and after family time when the kids have gone to bed.

3 hrs a day * 5 weekdays = 15 hrs.

It's easy enough to make another 2.5 hrs on Sat, and 2.5 hrs on Sun. Maybe do Early-Late where you do 1.5 hr in the morning, and 1.5 hrs in the evening.

Personally, I think 20 hrs is max for someone who is working full time with kids. I think 12-15 is probably more realistic, Its a slower pace, and you risk forgetting what you learned weeks ago when it comes time to take the test, but its still doable.

[whitepiglet]

Thank you all, the information is very helpful… Cross my fingers, I can get this over with!! I thinks Another 71 is very helpful and for sure I will hang on to this blog helping others like you all helping me today….

[Author]

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