[noleguy]

Without getting into details, can someone tell me the format of the SIMS, a strategy to approach them on the exam, and what study source everyone feels (in their opinion) is the best to prepare for them? No part of this exam is easy; however, I feel like if there is an achilles heel with me, it will probably be the SIM-type questions. Thanks…..

[M.O.D.]

From what I've seen, they are taken from the end of chapter exercises in your accounting books, sometimes verbatim.

So you should practice as many as possible, just like preparing for an accounting test.

Some here say that MCQs will prepare you for SIMS, but I think it is the other way around. SIMS are harder and test your knowledge more comprehensively than MCQS. This is why end of chapter problems are SIMS-like not MCQs.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[M.O.D.]

From what I've seen, they are taken from the end of chapter exercises in your accounting books, sometimes verbatim.

So you should practice as many as possible, just like preparing for an accounting test.

Some here say that MCQs will prepare you for SIMS, but I think it is the other way around. SIMS are harder and test your knowledge more comprehensively than MCQS. This is why end of chapter problems are SIMS-like not MCQs.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[noleguy]

M.O.D.:

When you say accounting books, I am guessing you mean accounting textbooks from college? If so, I'm sunk. I no longer have any of my ancient accounting books around. I am planning to use CPAExcel to study for the exam, along with Ninja Notes and Wiley TB; however, no longer do I have any of my accounting textbooks to refer.

[noleguy]

M.O.D.:

When you say accounting books, I am guessing you mean accounting textbooks from college? If so, I'm sunk. I no longer have any of my ancient accounting books around. I am planning to use CPAExcel to study for the exam, along with Ninja Notes and Wiley TB; however, no longer do I have any of my accounting textbooks to refer.

[mla1169]

Go to the AICPA website and you'll find a sample test which will give you a feel for a few of the formats for SIMS. Depending on your review material you'll find a few examples as well. I'd look at them but not invest tons of time. You may get lucky and see something familiar on exam day but likely not. Do know how to use the authoritative literature and most of all make sure you leave enough time on exam day.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Go to the AICPA website and you'll find a sample test which will give you a feel for a few of the formats for SIMS. Depending on your review material you'll find a few examples as well. I'd look at them but not invest tons of time. You may get lucky and see something familiar on exam day but likely not. Do know how to use the authoritative literature and most of all make sure you leave enough time on exam day.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[noleguy]

How do you use the AL? And how much time typically do you need to leave for SIMS?

[noleguy]

How do you use the AL? And how much time typically do you need to leave for SIMS?

[mystical guy]

I agree with @mla1169. That's the best source. They update every quarter or every year, something like that. And not to disclose but there's that possibility of getting the same MCQs in the actual exam. Those one or two questions you get, that are repeated word for word, can make the difference between 74 and 75

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[mystical guy]

I agree with @mla1169. That's the best source. They update every quarter or every year, something like that. And not to disclose but there's that possibility of getting the same MCQs in the actual exam. Those one or two questions you get, that are repeated word for word, can make the difference between 74 and 75

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Kenada]

If you have the WTB – you should have a number of SIM to practice from.

As the other posters mentioned the SIM's per the CPA review provider is guide to give you a feel of what the SIM's would look like or how they would be constructed to test your knowledge.

First and fore most you must do well in the MCQ's, you need to feel very comfortable with each chapter that no matter what question comes up – you can answer it. You know the concepts well.

The AL is available in each exam when you come to the SIM's – it is like a search engine. You can search for something if you are unsure.

Go for the research question first and get that out of the way.

How much time you need for the SIM's depends on which exam you are sitting.

REG – Recommendation is 1.5 Hours ( the more the better)

AUD – Recommendation is 1.75 Hours ( the more the better)

FAR – Recommendation is 1.75 Hours ( the more the better)

BEC – Recommendation is 45 mins to an hour.

CA Candidate. 05/27/2014 ~ 786/110
I am done!!

[Kenada]

If you have the WTB – you should have a number of SIM to practice from.

As the other posters mentioned the SIM's per the CPA review provider is guide to give you a feel of what the SIM's would look like or how they would be constructed to test your knowledge.

First and fore most you must do well in the MCQ's, you need to feel very comfortable with each chapter that no matter what question comes up – you can answer it. You know the concepts well.

The AL is available in each exam when you come to the SIM's – it is like a search engine. You can search for something if you are unsure.

Go for the research question first and get that out of the way.

How much time you need for the SIM's depends on which exam you are sitting.

REG – Recommendation is 1.5 Hours ( the more the better)

AUD – Recommendation is 1.75 Hours ( the more the better)

FAR – Recommendation is 1.75 Hours ( the more the better)

BEC – Recommendation is 45 mins to an hour.

CA Candidate. 05/27/2014 ~ 786/110
I am done!!

[fsugirl2005]

Hey noleguy, are you an FSU graduate? If so, hello there my friend. =)

AUD - 10/21/16 (75----07/2010 expired)
FAR - 10/28/16
BEC - 11/2016
REG - 01/2017

Using Gleim CPA Review, Ninja Audio, Ninja Book

[fsugirl2005]

Hey noleguy, are you an FSU graduate? If so, hello there my friend. =)

AUD - 10/21/16 (75----07/2010 expired)
FAR - 10/28/16
BEC - 11/2016
REG - 01/2017

Using Gleim CPA Review, Ninja Audio, Ninja Book

[M.O.D.]

@ noleguy

Go to your local college library. If they have an accounting program, they will have accounting textbooks in the stacks or in reference. They will also likely have CPA preparation books. Do the SIMS from there, if you can't find enough in your software/online.

I would do 5-6 SIMS for each chapter/subject. Keep doing them until you get them all correct, just like with MCQs.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[Author]

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