[TIJC]

I have decided to take this test after many detours in life. I have heard people say, why bother, but I say why not? I don’t want to be discouraged. I just need a little bit of encouragement once in a while. I am trying to streamline my plan so that I can just get this done. I am interested to know of others like me who passed it and how they did it. It is different being 30 years out of school. I have been using Gleim and I just bought the Ninja subscription. I need to speed up the process. This is a difficult process that messes with my confidence. I appreciate anyone willing to share how they did it and how best to streamline so not to get too bogged down in one space. Thanks for listening.

[monikernc]

I switched to accounting from IT in my 50s and passed all 4 of the exams at 57. It was frustrating to get experience but I prevailed. I do estate and trust tax work for a law firm and switched from full time to part time this year when I landed a federal accounting job and work remote 4 days\week. Accounting is hot right now and positions are hard to fill with qualified and experienced people. Go for it! The work that I do for both jobs keeps me busy and engaged but not stressed. Great income and benefits and as health allows I will do this for the next several years while traveling a few weeks a year. Having the credential is essential for tax work and qualifies me for higher level GS jobs with feds. Good luck! 🍀 You should do this!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[monikernc]

I used Ninja book and mcq's and passed all 4 exams first try. I put the time in and studied, studied, studied, and little else in my free time while working full time. Set a goal; get it done!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[TIJC]

monikernc wrote:

I switched to accounting from IT in my 50s and passed all 4 of the exams at 57. It was frustrating to get experience but I prevailed. I do estate and trust tax work for a law firm and switched from full time to part time this year when I landed a federal accounting job and work remote 4 days\week. Accounting is hot right now and positions are hard to fill with qualified and experienced people. Go for it! The work that I do for both jobs keeps me busy and engaged but not stressed. Great income and benefits and as health allows I will do this for the next several years while traveling a few weeks a year. Having the credential is essential for tax work and qualifies me for higher level GS jobs with feds. Good luck! 🍀 You should do this!

I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I have solid accounting experience and just need to get this behind me. Sometimes I feel really stupid as I go through these questions and I get depressed, thinking it is too much. I will get back on it. I know I just need to do it, but the mental roadblocks are getting in my way. Thank you for your response!

[TIJC]

monikernc wrote:

I used Ninja book and mcq's and passed all 4 exams first try. I put the time in and studied, studied, studied, and little else in my free time while working full time. Set a goal; get it done!

This is great information. I have only been using Gleim but Ninja is refreshing. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[monikernc]

If this is something you really want quit letting doubt get in your way. The exams are challenging but doable. Create a schedule and commit. Don’t try to memorize and make learning your goal. Tackle concepts rather than try to rush through them. Celebrate your victories. My goal was no retakes so I studied to make 100 on every exam. When I passed I didn’t care about the score. But if you study to only make a 75 you will most likely fail. Raise the bar and get your head straight. Set yourself up to succeed. Positive self talk matters so start telling yourself you want this and you can do it! Then go get it!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Stew]

I am in the same position as you and my only advice is go for it and don't let anyone tell you different. I went back to school in early 40's after working in restaurants as a kitchen manager for my whole life and got my bachelor's in accounting. I did public accounting for three years and landed a job in accounting and finance at a large public bank for 8 years where I did my MBA in finance while I was there. I am now a VP of finance in a public company in Florida, so the only thing left to do is get my CPA license. You and I will have to work another 15 years before retirement and the license allows you to setup a side practice that you can do part time in retirement or sell. Get it done ASAP and enjoy the hard work that will set you apart from many other. Good luck!!!!

[monikernc]

Great advice Stew! Congrats on your success! Good luck 🍀 on the CPA!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[TIJC]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your response. Regardless, I will be working for a very long time. I have experience and the time worked under a CPA, I just need to pass the test. I don't know why I get so discouraged, so thank you for this.

[MJ]

You are not alone. I took the exam over 20 years ago and did not pass any parts. I am now in my 50's and decided to tackle this, again. I am determined to finish what I started many years ago. I have had a great career without the certification, so this is personal. We've got this!

[TIJC]

Thank you. I have been doing ok with work, but was a stay at home mom and returned to the accounting field in 2009. A tough marriage, a divorce, and several toxic work environments have made me feel defeated in many ways. I am now in a low paying position which is below my skill level, but the hours allow me time to study and still get enough sleep without a long commute. I can use all of the encouragement I can get. I appreciate your response. I struggle with the negative self doubt resulting from my bad work environments, but I have solid experience and am good at what I do. I really just need to get this thing done.

[monikernc]

I have experienced much the same with toxic environments. I think you will find that your CPA prep will happen in your head where the only negativity will be what you allow in. Do this and move on. It took me awhile but I found a good place to be. You will, too. I am about to start the CGFM – so we can all journey together.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[TIJC]

Thank you for this. I am fighting to keep the negativity out. It is truly a battle. I'm studying right now, taking a small break. Knowing that my situation is not unique helps. Congratulations on passing all parts. I am pushing myself today and fighting those negative thoughts.

[monikernc]

It is like eating an elephant – small bites. Relax and enjoy it. You have chosen to do this. I loved studying and taking the exams. Six years later, I still miss it. When you decided to do this I assure you it was not to make yourself miserable. It was to make your life better. Embrace that. Positive self talk matters. Do your affirmations. Let them sink in. Think about how wonderful it is to learn!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[TIJC]

Excellent advice! Thank you.

[Tom]

Well, I started in my late 50's and now the big 60 rolled over. I had my CMA but figured this is a great way to refresh, since a lot has changed in both the GAAP and tax worlds in the past 20 years or so.
I had to take a few masters courses online to meet the current exam requirements – sort of a waste; I'd rather match some classes to the exam sections while I'm studying.
I use Gleim. I used them on the CMA and kicked ass then – somewhere in a box I have a high-score award. I am happy with them for the CPA as well. 2 for 2 so far. Memory naturally isn't what it was when you were an undergrad, but put the time and repetition in and you'll get there.

[Author]

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