[Lumber Jill]

I’ll be done with school in a few weeks and will begin working on my next two goals…getting a job and passing the CPA exam. I will be heavily involved with on campus recruiting so I’m not too stressed about the job search (at least I have a plan). My question is about the exam side of things.

From what I can gather, the state should approve me to test by some time in mid to late November. I want to take full advantage of the next few months of unemployed study time. I’m motivated to pass as much as I can before I start working so that I can focus on performing on the job. On the other hand, I don’t want to be overly ambitious and dilute my chances of passing the sections that I take.

So, what would you do if you had 2 1/2 months to study 40 + hours per week? Do you think that it’s realistic to plan on taking 2 tests within a week or two of each other?…3 tests?…all 4?

[mla1169]

People have taken 2 tests within a week of each other, but for me that would never work. It really depends on the person. For me I'd rather take one in October (you might be surprised by getting your ok to sit sooner) and one in November so that I didn't have to try study two topics at once. But thats specifically for me. Your mileage may vary 🙂

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Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[yankeeaccountant]

@ Lumber Jill,

I have to agree with mia, I couldn't do it. For some reason, I need information to marinate in my head. I have a post here that might help you in deciding:

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/need-to-pass-aud-bec-by-august-31-please-help

KB24 was successful in passing all 4 exams in one window, this above post gives some info on how she did it. I know that she posted more in great detail on this subject, but I didn't dig long enough to find it.

Good luck with your decision….and graduating.

[Anonymous]

If you are just graduating, it could take longer before you get approved to sit for the exam because your degree has to post to official transcripts, then transcripts and application get sent to the state Board, then it takes like two months or more before they approve the application, then you select the sections you want to take, then you get a payment coupon to pay, they process payment, and THEN they send you the NTS and you can actually schedule with prometric!!

Just warning you that sometimes the lengthy processessing can mess up study and test taking plans.

I think before you decide what sections to take or how much study time you might need, go to the local book store and thumb through the Wiley books. It will give you an idea of the material covered, what the questions are like, which one might be hardest for you, etc.

I always recommend taking the hardest section first (varies by person, so whatever you think will be the most difficult section for you.) But that way even if you dont pass the first time, your 18 month window hasnt started yet, so you are risking losing any credit for sections already passed.

Length of time to study varies greatly depending on how familiar you are with the material (like if you just graduated or have been out of school for awhile), and are you the kind of person that can effectively study for 12 hrs a day for two months?

[Author]

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