[Michael]

My wife and I got married last year and we’ve been living in South Korea for a year and a half because of my current job (English Teacher). Originally my plan was to study and finish all the exams before my wife and I permanently return to the states in June 2012. During my time here in Korea, I had an opportunity to go back to the states (free of charge) to take my AUD exam which I failed and now I have one more opportunity in early February (2012) to go to Guam to take BEC and AUD. However, due to Guam testing fees, the cost of the flight ticket, hotel, and transportation it’ll cost about $1750 to take both exams in Guam. I want to save that money and just take the exams in America but my wife wants me to take the exams in Guam because she is afraid that without passing any of the exams it’ll be next to impossible to find a job in America. What do you think? Spend $1750 and go to Guam or save the money and take the exams once I go back to America?

Also, I’m not too confident that I’m going to be ready to take both exams. Since we are expecting are first baby in 3 weeks and I’m expecting a lot of things that are going to happen that’ll make it really hard to be ready by February.

AUD: 72, 68
BEC: 64
REG: TBD
FAR: TBD

Using Roger CPA Review

[Anonymous]

I just thought there are other testing sites opened in Asia this year. I am in America, so I don't know how does it work for people to take CPA over seas. You should look into that if that is an option for you …

[Michael]

@ CPA Genie – You are correct. I can take the exams in Japan but it is ridiculously expensive. On top of the normal testing fees, there is an international fee which adds another $350 to each exam. I looked into my options and Guam is the cheapest place to take it.

AUD: 72, 68
BEC: 64
REG: TBD
FAR: TBD

Using Roger CPA Review

[Anonymous]

@ loanotherlevel,

I am not sure if $1,750 is a lot of money for you, but it is a lot of financial commitment for most people. Do you feel you can perform well under that kind of stress and travel long distance for your two exams? Make a feasible study plan first and try for two weeks to see if you can follow your plan under your current life style and daily schedule before you book the fly and hotel. Will take the exam in Hawaii be another option? It is seems like your AUD score is pretty high on the first try; maybe you should focus on re-take that part to gain more confidence.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I had to fly up to 18 hrs for each one of my tests. Took 4 exams and fortunately passed all 4.

1. It is worth it.

2. Make sure you leave yourself some 2-3 days from landing time to exam date.

3. You may experience jet lag, factor it into your exam time, and date.

4. Stay in an hotel (its 2 nights), you don't need the “burden” of being nice to friends and family the night before your test.

Good luck 🙂

[RedRage00]

That's a lot of money and then you still have to pass on top of that. I wouldn't do it.

Texas CPA
Licensed, March 2012

[kandisjoy]

I would just wait to get to the states to take the tests… Especially with a new baby on the way. Having two tests passed isn't much better than having zero tests passed to an employer. A CPA candidate is a CPA candidate. Just expressing your intent to pass the exams and that you are already studying is usually enough. Definitely not worth almost two grand… Save that money for diapers!

FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85

CA Licensed 11/2011

[Author]

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