[ineedthiscpa45]

Hello all I’m awaiting my results on BEC and can’t seem to get in the rotation of studying for my next exam Audit. I’m hopeful that my first passing score will give me the boost i need to study and pass for these other 3 exams. My question is what were you guys reaction to your first passing score? Did it help intensify your studying? Or just highlight the fact that you had to go through this at least 3 more times?

[Kodiak]

It was not the shot in the arm I thought it would be. It was really hard to start studying for the second test. Third one was even worse. And after you pass your first one, you've got a ticking time bomb. You know then you've got that 18 month window to get the other three finished.

[ineedthiscpa45]

@kodiak thanks, so did it take longer for you to take your second and third as oppose to your first? Cause it literally took me 4-6 months to take the first. I'm hoping my next couple exams are half that time

[Radez]

My first attempt was significantly delayed, but once I really thought about the timelines involved, (and the impending expiration of my prep course subscription) I had to pick up the pace. I did not wait to see what the result was before proceeding to study for the next session. 18 months is not such a long time that you can afford to wait. At 4 months per exam, you are basically assuming that you will pass each exam on the first try. Even taking one per quarter only allows you two extra attempts. My cadence was around 2-2.5 months per. One in January, one in May (delayed due to emergency surgery), one in July and one in August, accelerated the last one to get results in Q3 with the opportunity to react in Q4.

[MattLorenz]

I might be an exception here it seems because I took REG on 5/31 and had to wait until 8/17 to get that score, but once I saw that first passing score, it gave me hope that I do have the potential to become a CPA. I took FAR a week later and once I got that passing score back, it again gave me even more hope that I am smart enough to pass this exam. It gave me a renewed sense of drive and determination to get these bastards done. I took AUD on 10/25 and BEC on 12/6, and it was tough studying for BEC because I didn't have a score release in there this time. Also, I didn't give myself a single day off between AUD and BEC, and there was a holiday in there, so it was a battle of mental endurance and burnout, and trying to not spend too much time dwelling on AUD since that exam was so dang subjective and you really have no idea how you did when you walk out.

Long story short, getting a passing score reassured me that I am capable of continuing down the path of becoming a CPA, which in turn made me more determined and driven to give it my all to these exams.

[Kodiak]

@ineedthiscpa45 I did the first two on schedule, which I was giving myself 8 weeks per exam. But I moved and wound up not getting to do that for FAR so I rescheduled. I knew about the move and was actually packing and fixing the house up to sell while studying for REG but the actual move, unpacking and then all my family wanted to constantly do things before I started work…ugh. I should've told them later but I rescheduled and then learned what busy season means and rescheduled again so there's a huge gap for me between 2nd and 3rd exam.

If I passed FAR I'm jumping into AUD. If I didn't pass FAR I'll give myself probably 4 weeks to prep and see if I can squeeze it and AUD in quarter 1, with AUD being a lot less material to get through. Then I'll have Q2 and 3 for any retakes before BEC expires.

If I hadn't passed two of the four I might've have just said forget it and let it go for a while. Busy season was tough, but I know it's only going to be worse next year so I'm trying to get through them before next fall.

[atrain531]

I remember taking FAR first because I knew it would be the hardest. While waiting for the score I moved onto auditing. I didn't really study that hard; i wasn't too serious at the time. After auditing I then started studying for BEC. I remember getting my first passing score in audit shortly before my birthday. It was then that I thought I would someday be a CPA. The thought of it gave me chills. almost two years later, I'm almost there! It definitely intensified my studying. Look at my last two attempts. I did NOT want to lose that auditing credit… So much that I crammed and took the FAR (my first exam attempt ever) and REG in one week!

[hasy]

Complete and total shock. Since during the exam, I was so resigned into retaking that passing it was even an option. Also, I was laid off 5 days after taking the exam. The score release was a month later and I had found another position by then. However, seeing my passing score, I was like, fine, the clock started so I have to too.

Honestly, I didn't even think I'd continue this path if I didn't pass that portion.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Skynet]

I woke up in bed the next morning trying to remember the Prometric girl's name.

[HoldMyBeerCPA]

My initial reaction to passing FAR: “OHHHH!!! F**K YEAH!”

I studied my butt off for FAR over the course of 7 weeks and got a 93. After I took the exam, I had a really good feeling that I passed. I just didn’t expect to do that well.

[hopingtogetFAR]

I screamed. Ran to my mom's room and started jumping up and down in her bed while she was sleeping (she understood though). It was my first pass, and there was so much that happened during my time studying. I didn't finish 1.5 sims, had to rush through them. I didn't know if I could pass even though I felt great about the rest.

[Clockwork]

I was surprised that I passed FAR on my first try, especially since I heard from everybody that it was considered the hardest test (although, having taken REG now, I can say that is not the case…). Since I passed with a 76, I figured I needed to tweak my study routine a little bit since I kind of barely passed and wanted to ensure I passed the next three. Turns out, that might not have been the best idea since I ended up failing my next one, but who knows. I feel like I might have relaxed a little after I passed my first one and got a little over confident so didn't put as much effort into studying as I could have (cuz if I passed FAR, I could pass the others pretty easily, right? No.).

So my advice, if any, would be you can let your first pass boost your confidence a little, but don't get too confident. Put the same effort into each one and you can “relax” after you get your fourth passing score and not your first.

[lurking_CPA]

I was so used to failing multiple sections it was a total shock to me. I passed with a 76, after 3 attempts on FAR. I could finally see myself as a CPA. I passed REG shortly after with a 75. I'm waiting on my scores for the last 2 now…. it could be all over finally.

[MattLorenz]

@lurking_CPA — I'm waiting on AUD and BEC tonight as well. The odds aren't in my favor quite as much as they are for you since very few people pass them all on their first attempt! Hope your persistence pays off!

[IwannabeaCPA2017]

@lurking, how did you overcome FAR? I ask because I keep failing this particular section and because of it I could potentially lose all my passing scores. I really need some help!!

[Author]

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