2017 CPA exam changes: Is it harder or is it a ploy by review courses to rip us?

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  • October 25, 2016 at 8:19 am #1305427
    Reverie
    Participant

    I know many here believe that the CPA is going to be “harder” the next year. However, Roger said its going to be “different not harder!” So what is going on here? Becker encourages you to pass the exam by April 17. Is it a scare tactic to make naive future accountants to churn out $$$ for these greedy corporations? What do you think?

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  • October 25, 2016 at 8:32 am #1305439
    Missy
    Participant

    Well its the AICPA who makes the changes and of course the review programs need to tout the change and follow suit. I don't think the reviews have anything to do with it except overemphasizing the effect. Bottom line is the material is the same but more of the test is about your ability to apply the knowledge vs regurgitate information. For some people I expect the changes will make it easier, and for others it won't be good enough to be able to just play back what they read.

    Now when IFRS was incorporated into the exam about 4 years ago THAT was scary LOL. Very few who had already graduated had ever been exposed to IFRS.

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

    October 25, 2016 at 8:42 am #1305445
    RE2PECT
    Participant

    The new changes may make it a little easier for those who already have work experience and know how to apply many of the concepts. For people like me who have no work experience, it might be more difficult since I'm only going off what I learned in school and from my review course.

    FAR: 75 Roger & Ninja (notes/flashcards/audio/MCQ)
    AUD: 73, 81
    BEC: 71, retake 8/29
    REG:

    October 25, 2016 at 8:43 am #1305447
    Trele6
    Participant

    Based on the way BEC is changing, I think it will be much harder and will drop the high pass rate for it.

    First go at the CPA! Only using Becker
    Reg / Nov 2015 - 87
    Far / Apr 2016 - 79
    Bec / May 2016 - 80
    Aud / Aug 2016

    October 25, 2016 at 8:46 am #1305448
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    My guess is that for people who struggle a lot with sims it is going to be much harder because of the heavier emphasis on applying concepts, and for people who struggle more with MCQs but do well on sims it might make it a little bit easier.

    I don't see how encouraging you to pass by April is greedy corporations trying to churn out money…you have to pay for a review course and pass eventually, might as well do it before the changes.

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