[Tcohle]

Is this normal? I passed FAR on my first try. Just took AUD and failed with a 63 :(. I JUST started a new job at a cpa firm, and am taking BEC on the 31st so I really want to pass this one and make a good impression. I was shocked at my score since I was trending high and doing well on the practice tests. I got killed on the SIMS.

Anyone have words of wisdom? Now I’m worrying about the deadline for my FAR expiration (Nov 2016).

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[PamG]

I passed Reg first shot, didn't pass BEC with a 73. I wanted so badly to move on to something else but retook it asap and passed second time around.

My advice:

1) I bet you probably knew walking out what you fell short on, what you could've studied more, something…etc?

2) I'd suggest retaking it next after BEC.

3) Restudy it ALL from the beginning. Focus on what you think you fell short on, but also restudy and master again what you mastered before! (Even a few weeks off, you've lost a lot of short term memory, so you really need to run through it all again)

4) My one difference between my pass and fail was the number of mcq. Make sure you get those numbers maxed out

5) Recognize that very few of us pass all four parts our first shot. I HATED the feeling. I am determined to do what I need to not fail again. After three exams, I am clearer on what to expect and how to prepare.

Good luck! You can do this. Use that horrible feeling of failing as motivation to take that thing only once more!

REG (11/14) 81 Pass
BEC (01/15) 73
(04/15) 80 Pass
FAR (8/15) 73
Rematch (10/15) 71 ugh
Third time is the charm! (2/16) 78
AUD (11/15) 77 Pass

[Anonymous]

I know everyone comes into this exam thinking, “Fail? That won't happen to me.” I know that's what I thought. (chuckle)

But it happens. Forget your high IQs. Forget your fabulous GPAs. Forget how you've done on every other test in your life. These exams aren't like anything else you've ever done, so don't keep beating yourself up over it. These tests are designed to fail 50% of people, give or take. You were in the bottom 50% this time, and that's okay. Change up your study strategy and keep at it.

Good luck.

[Tcohle]

Thanks everyone! I'm worried I might lose my credit for FAR next Nov. I just gotta crush these tests, starting with BEC. I think I know my weak areas (although I did tons and tons of mcqs). Have to have short term memory with this fail! Hopefully my new firm understands sometimes people fail.

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Anonymous]

Don't panic… yet. Realistically, you have 15 months to pass just three exams. I'm not saying take your sweet time, because time can get away from you very easily. But you do have a generous amount of time still at your disposal, so make it count. Don't half ass it and pray for a miracle. I did that several times with zero positive results. Get serious and push yourself and you'll do fine. Get involved in the study groups on here. They're very helpful.

And PS… losing a part isn't the end of the world, anyway. Losing TWO parts isn't the end of the world, though I have to admit it sucks. Stay the course. You can do this.

[Anonymous]

Ha not trying to be mean but it made me laugh a lot that you said your worried about the deadline (Nov 2016). I lost credit for Aud and when I retook it I needed to pass or I would have lost credit for Both FAR and BEC. If you have a full year you have PLENTY of time.

As far as making a good impression. If you are at a public firm people around you know that people fail these exams all the time. I don't think anyone will look at you negatively for failing.

[shanek327]

I failed my first two and felt like I was dead in the water…like becker was going to expire before I got one, like there was no point, like my books should be listed on ebay, like I would never make it happen, like I would never make the big bucks, like there was no point to continue to try,

then…

I passed two in a row…hang in there

FAR - 75
AUD - 78
BEC - 82
REG - 77

2 Corinthians 5:21

Our value does not come from our skills and abilities, as good as they may be; it does not come from our GPA, our job, a promotion from that job to a better job, our success on the CPA exam, or anything of the like; but our value comes from the fact that we have a Creator who loves us, cares for us, and desires to help us navigate the rough waters of this life in a way that provides security, hope, and true, everlasting joy while we anticipate the life to come, with Him.

[TNCPA16]

The CPA exam brings out some crazy emotions. I'm not much of a crier. But I cried the first time I failed FAR. And then I really cried the second time I failed FAR (I was sooooo close!) And then I really, REALLY cried when I finally passed FAR, because I was so relieved.

All you can do is pick yourself back up and start the process over again. I wouldn't worry too much about time right now, because you still have plenty of time to pass the rest. Even with my fails, I still have 5 months (and 2 attempts) to pass REG before I start losing credits.

I'm sure the people at your firm will understand. More likely than not, some of them failed some parts too. You have one pass under your belt, so that at least shows them that you can do this!

[golfball7773]

I only read the original post, but here is my thought.

I failed many times ( I don't count anymore) and I lose REG in December (technically november then) and we are moving at the end of the month. So I am starting over. However, my new boss wants me to pass and my wife keeps telling me that it isn't about the money but about my goals and our future.

Therefore:

Just keep swimming (I am as well)

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[roughcpalife]

I just want to say you have a lot of willpower and mental fortitude to continue on golfball. Thank you for giving me some inspiration and also indirect encouragement as I try to knock these down. These exams are truly unlike anything I have ever done.

To the OP, keep going. I failed my first test, and I am really in a depressed mood. I've never failed when it mattered before, so this one stung painfully. You are in a good spot, and you most definitely have the ability to pass this. It comes down to willpower and mental fortitude. I'm learning that failing is teaching me so much about myself and weak mentality. Learning to overcome them now.

[Anonymous]

Like you, I passed FAR and failed AUD. My strategy was to continue on my original schedule, and then do any retakes. I was able to pass the next two, came back to AUD and passed. I have a friend who took immediately retook a failed section, passed and moved on.

You should follow what you think will work best for you, but I would move on, come back to it later, and just treat it like you've never taken it before.

[Tcohle]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to do BEC on the 31st then try AUD again.

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Author]

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