For some reason when I first started taking the exam I decided I wouldn't post anything on these board until I had passed the exam. That was five years ago.
I am the poster child of what not to do when tackling the CPA exam; I was 3 for 3 within a month after of my December graduation. I had my job with a big four firm lined up long in advance of graduation as well and my start date wasn't until August 31 of that year following my graduation. Then I did the unthinkable and let credit for all three sections expire. I did fail an exam in there…turns out REG is difficult to pass without studying. After leaving public accounting I guess I convinced myself having my CPA certification wasn't necessary. Changed my mind about a year ago and decided I'd be a “finisher” after all.
Went 4 for 4 this year and am officially DONE.
A note regarding FAR, which I took November 26th. Let me preface by saying that in the end I went 7 for 8 in passing the exam. Walking out of this most recent test I was 100% convinced there was ZERO percent chance I had passed. I felt like I made, at best, an educated guess on probably 40% of my MC questions, and I was in no way convinced I had gotten the other question right for sure by any means. Also, two of my sims were on material that my Becker materials didn't even mention. Test was much heavier on IFRS and gov/non-profit than I had expected. Again, absolutely certain I had failed…got an 86. So if you take FAR and don't feel so great about it, don't overreact.
Studied for all parts with Becker CPA Exam review. Watched every video lecture in entirety and worked every MC question until answered correctly. Did no progress tests or practice sims (but I had passed all parts other than REG prior to taking them this last year).
First time through in 2009/2010 (BEC 84, FAR 78, AUD 89, REG Fail)
REG 12/4/13 – 82
BEC 2/28/14 – 81
AUD 5/30/14 – 87
FAR 11/26/14 – 86
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