[joshdcho]

My girlfriend is planning on taking the exam soon but she is waiting for the 2012 books/exam reviews to be released. Right now she is studying using a review I got but it’s from a couple years back, 2009 or 2010 I believe?

I was just wondering, is there a lot of difference in terms of the things you need to know, material covered in the exam, knowledge you should know, etc. from year to year? Is it a waste of time for her to be studying the older versions because they are too outdated? How quick/drastic is the overturn and modification in laws/material that a CPA needs to know from year to year?

Sorry if my terms are a bit off, I’m a biology major just trying to help my girlfriend out. Thanks everyone!

[Anonymous]

It has changed a lot, especially REG (tax law) and FAR and AUD due to the IFRS. Why chance it, make an investment in yourself and get the best material available. This isn't like passing a drivers test. Hard work and good materials and maybe you have a chance. Less than 50% pass rate on each part is the historical record.

[See Pee A]

2011 CPA exam had some significant changes (some things were changed, others were removed/added). If she wants to get a head start before the 2012 books come out, I might recommend just taking some old materials (if she can borrow them from someone– don't buy them otherwise it's a complete waste of $$) and going through basic topics (i.e. depreciation–she'll know what this is) in her free time. Tell her to not spend too much time now though since she will definitely need to go through the new materials entirely once they arrive. If you call a few major test prep companies (Becker, Wiley, Yaeger, can search for more), then customer service may give her a better timeline on when the new ones come out. If she just hangs tight for a few weeks, I'm fairly certain they come out starting in December sometime.

As broadstreet mentioned, the pass rates go from low to high 40% range, so the changes are important. Would you take an MCAT with a book from 2005? Given less changes in science test prep are likely, but would you risk it? Wish her luck!

BEC 86 (08/30/11)
FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)

Exam prep - Becker self-study

[Anonymous]

I received my 2011 Becker materials in early December last year. I would guess that 2012 should be out in the next few weeks.

[Anonymous]

Being a year behind probably is not a big deal. Being two and three years behind and you're probably stretching it. With 2012 materials coming out, look for 2011 used price drops. Either should be fine, at least for the first quarter.

[Author]

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