[goldenrenobs]

Hey Guys,

I was hoping to get some advice from people who failed and had to re-take tests. This summer I foolishly did Becker Fast-Pass and took all 4 parts within a two month window time frame. Definitely regretting not starting Becker while still in school, or going at a slower pace. My results were:

Audit (7/5)- 75%

BEC- (7/29)- 64%

FAR- (8/24)- 52%

REG- (8/31)- 50%

I start working for a Big 4 company on September 16th so my biggest fear of having to study while working came true. Because of the score release I restarted studying for BEC before REG and FAR came out so I was thinking I retake BEC on October 5th (a Saturday) then either REG or FAR at the end of October. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to tackle this or how to approach studying a different way? Because I’m in full-blown panic mode.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

@goldenrenobs

My advice would be to take BEC at the beginning of the next window like you have planned and then to take another section at the very end of the next window, 11/31. You'll have one left then for the first quarter window.

Chill out. You can do this but realize that it will take time and a lot of hard work over the next few months.

[Anonymous]

@goldenrenobs

My advice would be to take BEC at the beginning of the next window like you have planned and then to take another section at the very end of the next window, 11/31. You'll have one left then for the first quarter window.

Chill out. You can do this but realize that it will take time and a lot of hard work over the next few months.

[acamp]

Tone down your type-a attitude haha

I almost did a section during busy season because my type-a wanted the exam DONE! Thankfully, I can recognize and calm down my must conquer all attitude lol

You have a section done, that is more than some people in your start class. Take a section Mid October and another end of November. Or maybe even just one section this window. If a cram course without work didnt suite you, a full course with work likely wont be much better.

And then take the other two after busy season in say end of May and another in July.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

Tone down your type-a attitude haha

I almost did a section during busy season because my type-a wanted the exam DONE! Thankfully, I can recognize and calm down my must conquer all attitude lol

You have a section done, that is more than some people in your start class. Take a section Mid October and another end of November. Or maybe even just one section this window. If a cram course without work didnt suite you, a full course with work likely wont be much better.

And then take the other two after busy season in say end of May and another in July.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[samdiegoCPA]

I took all four not working and failed. Took AUD again first and passed. Got a job and took REG and just passed. So you CAN do it while working. I thought it would be impossible too because if I wasn't working and failing, how was I going to work and pass?! You have to find time and stop making excuses about it!

Thankfully, I can study in the mornings at work before my manager gets in, shhh, but I also work through my hour lunch so I don't feel bad about it. Study for 2-3 hours when I get home. Don't go out on the weekends or only 2-3 times a month. I was going out 2 to 4 times a week, so if I can stop doing that, anyone can!

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[samdiegoCPA]

I took all four not working and failed. Took AUD again first and passed. Got a job and took REG and just passed. So you CAN do it while working. I thought it would be impossible too because if I wasn't working and failing, how was I going to work and pass?! You have to find time and stop making excuses about it!

Thankfully, I can study in the mornings at work before my manager gets in, shhh, but I also work through my hour lunch so I don't feel bad about it. Study for 2-3 hours when I get home. Don't go out on the weekends or only 2-3 times a month. I was going out 2 to 4 times a week, so if I can stop doing that, anyone can!

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Tailwinds Brewing]

I agree with the posts above. No, it is no fun taking the CPA exam when you are working but a lot (most?) of people do exactly that. It's why we use A71 as a support group. 🙂 While it sucks that you failed three sections, you passed one and are on your way. I don't know of a single Big 4 firm that will expect you to take on an overwhelming amount of work on in your first few months. You're not auditing or doing GE's tax return on your own you know. Go in, learn your job, go home, study for BEC, and repeat daily. You'll be busy but it is certainly manageable. You will find that you are not the only new staff working on sections of the CPA exam. Calm down a peg and focus on kicking the crap out of BEC. Good luck!

Finally done!
FAR: 54, 51, 68, 76!
AUD: 64, 55, 59, 76!
BEC: 77 (Expired), 86
REG: 88 (Expired), 84

[Tailwinds Brewing]

I agree with the posts above. No, it is no fun taking the CPA exam when you are working but a lot (most?) of people do exactly that. It's why we use A71 as a support group. 🙂 While it sucks that you failed three sections, you passed one and are on your way. I don't know of a single Big 4 firm that will expect you to take on an overwhelming amount of work on in your first few months. You're not auditing or doing GE's tax return on your own you know. Go in, learn your job, go home, study for BEC, and repeat daily. You'll be busy but it is certainly manageable. You will find that you are not the only new staff working on sections of the CPA exam. Calm down a peg and focus on kicking the crap out of BEC. Good luck!

Finally done!
FAR: 54, 51, 68, 76!
AUD: 64, 55, 59, 76!
BEC: 77 (Expired), 86
REG: 88 (Expired), 84

[goldenrenobs]

@CPATaxed and @acamp

Thank you for your responses!

I like the idea of breaking the exams up by testing window. I think that's the way I'm going to try and tackle this.

@samdiego and @Tailwinds Thank you guys too! I'll be sure to keep myself in check when it comes to partying haha and then try and study on the train in addition to home once I figure out my work schedule.

What do you guys recommend on going through the BEC section again? Should I mainly focus on the homework? Re-watch some lecture or re-read sections?

[goldenrenobs]

@CPATaxed and @acamp

Thank you for your responses!

I like the idea of breaking the exams up by testing window. I think that's the way I'm going to try and tackle this.

@samdiego and @Tailwinds Thank you guys too! I'll be sure to keep myself in check when it comes to partying haha and then try and study on the train in addition to home once I figure out my work schedule.

What do you guys recommend on going through the BEC section again? Should I mainly focus on the homework? Re-watch some lecture or re-read sections?

[Anonymous]

Echoing what all others above me have posted, I would suggest that you slow it down a bit and really focus on one section at a time. Start BEC (and other sections) from the beginning as if you're taking it for the first time. Don't skim. Really try to understand the material and don't even think about the other sections until you walk out of prometric on exam day.

You have one section down. That's a good starting point, but you also have a long (but definitely achievable) journey ahead of you. Working and studying is going to be difficult, but it's not impossible. It'll take longer than you originally expected, but that's OK. Focus on doing it right rather than doing it quickly. Lot's of people on this forum study and work at the same time…you can do it too!!

Also, I know its difficult, but don't panic. Failure is an almost inevitable part of this grueling process. What's important now is how you move forward from the past! You can do it! Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Echoing what all others above me have posted, I would suggest that you slow it down a bit and really focus on one section at a time. Start BEC (and other sections) from the beginning as if you're taking it for the first time. Don't skim. Really try to understand the material and don't even think about the other sections until you walk out of prometric on exam day.

You have one section down. That's a good starting point, but you also have a long (but definitely achievable) journey ahead of you. Working and studying is going to be difficult, but it's not impossible. It'll take longer than you originally expected, but that's OK. Focus on doing it right rather than doing it quickly. Lot's of people on this forum study and work at the same time…you can do it too!!

Also, I know its difficult, but don't panic. Failure is an almost inevitable part of this grueling process. What's important now is how you move forward from the past! You can do it! Good luck!!

[goldenrenobs]

@chimichanga Thank you!!

[goldenrenobs]

@chimichanga Thank you!!

[Author]

Replies