[Anonymous]

I know it’s normal to have to retake any section of the CPA exam, but I feel so defeated. I took FAR yesterday and walked out knowing there’s no way I could have passed. I took audit for a second time in January and BEC for the first time in February and I’ve failed both. I’ve tried mixing up my study strategy to find what I think works and obviously it’s not. I use both ninja and Wiley and I can’t seem to find a pattern that works best for me. I’ve skipped the lectures knowing I tune them out and only used ninja audio, flashcards, notes, and the Wiley questions and book when I thought I needed more guidance. I’ve done any combo of those in the last three tests and I can’t find anything that works. I just need some suggestions to try out.

[Mayo]

Don't be in such a rush. To me it sounds like you are taking these sections just to take them. The old adage of “if you get higher than a 75 it means you over studied” doesn't always apply. In your case, you should have this info down flat. Stop trying to move on to the next section before mastering the previous one.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

Definitely not just taking them to take them. First off, I'm rushing for personal/health reasons and second I know I learn and over drawn out periods (I.e., audit take two in 2-3 months) is not how I operate. I'm averaging 75-90% in all practice questions and haven't walked into a test with less than a 90% on the flashcards. I'm not spending 4-6 weeks on an exam only studying 2 hours a day. I study 2.5 before work each morning and 2.5 each night after work. Plus weekends. I just finished my masters in accounting in December, so I'm still in study mode and most of this material is pretty fresh.

For anyone who has gone full Ninja, what has been you're strategy and approach? I haven't been able to come up with a way to tie fhe lecture into the book like you can easily do with the notes.

[jonm857]

Notecards, notecards, notecards, and more notecards.

And then some more notecards.

When you're done with that, try making a few more notecards.

Then make 1,000 more notecards.

B - 81
A - 87
R - 73
F - July 5th

[Anonymous]

I failed three times before getting my first pass. My study process sounded like yours : ninja audio , notes , blitz and tons of MCQ's. I like Ninja MCQ more than Wiley test bank. 2,500-3,000 questions is what got me through each of the 4 exams. Stop skipping around , stick with one until you pass it. How many weeks are you studying for each exam ?

[Claudia408]

i didn't get a pass until my 5th attempt, passed another section, then failed another. my advice is study one section at time and try to take 2 sections in a testing window, but don't go to the next section til you've knocked one out. but even that might be over doing it. also, make sure you have the right review course for your learning style and just be honest with your study time and habits. most important is keep going!

BEC - 75 (3x)
AUD - 78 (3x)
REG - 67, 66, Aug 1
FAR - 54, Sept 8

[Missy]

Take one exam per testing window. All other explanations of why aside if the current stategy isn't working (which its not if you're frustrated) change the strategy.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[ragepsn29]

I failed four times (AUD) before passing my first section (BEC). I started passing when I implemented Ninja Book into my study. If you don't have Ninja Book, you should get it. Read the book and take notes. After each chapter, then do Ninja MQC only for that chapter. Ninja Notes are also helpful if you want to get them too. Good luck!

AUD - 65, 72, 70, 74, 81
FAR - 66, 71, 76
REG - 69
BEC - 80

[mtaylo24]

Take one per window unless you fail.

If you fail do a retake and a new section in the next window.

After failing REG, I am choosing to take BEC, then come back to REG, because I already have a foundation for REG and I know it takes me 50+ day of learning new material to feel comfortable.

Some people will tell you to jump right into a re-take, but to me that would just be re-taking because of pride…

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - 55 (2/16) 69 (5/16) Retake(8/16)
BEC - 71(5/16) Retake (9/16)
FAR - (8/16)

[Author]

Replies