[jtcali]

I thought I’d share my cpa exam story here since i’ve seen others do the same. not sure if it will help motivate anyone but here it goes, my CPA Timeline:

Graduated college December 2006

Began UCLA Extension Certificate in Accounting Program March 2007

Got a job at a local CPA firm June 2008

Finished UCLA Ext. March 2009 and got my certificate in accounting/became eligible to sit

Slacked off for almost two years/had family problems

Took my first section REG November 2010 (83)

Didn’t take any exams Jan – June 2011 b/c of tax season

Took FAR July 2011 (73), BEC August 2011 (74) and AUD August 2011 (62), failed all three in the same window

Retook BEC Oct 2011 (77) and AUD Nov 2011 (84)

Retook FAR January 2012 (84)

Still working at the same firm.

As many on this forum, at some points in the journey i was miserable and felt like i was never going to overcome these exams. The first 4 exams i took i used solely Becker (1 pass plus 3 fails). The next 3 that I took/passed I used becker + ninja notes and on FAR I used becker+ninja notes+wiley online test bank. Thanks again Jeff for those great notes.

[Anonymous]

I feel miserable right now and I feel like I'll never pass these exams…but seeing stories of people like yourself motivates me that there is a light at the end of a tunnel.

Congrats in being all done! It's a great feeling.

[Anonymous]

I feel miserable right now and I feel like I'll never pass these exams…but seeing stories of people like yourself motivates me that there is a light at the end of a tunnel.

Congrats in being all done! It's a great feeling.

[RedRage00]

It's a great feeling to be done! Congrats!

Texas CPA
Licensed, March 2012

[Elaine]

Congrats!! I started UCLA extension classes 3 months after graduation too. I hope I can start taking exams before I am employed. What kind of work are you doing at your CPA firm?

[mena je twa]

RedRage,

I am also from Texas, was wondering how much time did it take get your license and attend the ceremony in Austin after you turned in your workexp package etc?

Also, on the work experience part, how detailed should it be? SHall i just copy and paste it from my resume?

Secondly, the code of professional conduct exam that comes with the package, is there any tricks involved or its straight forward?

Thanks

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[jtcali]

@CPA628 hang in there. failing 3 in the same window was the worst feeling ever. but you just have to pick yourself and continue on….

@Elaine I do mainly tax work, compilations, some bookkeeping, payroll tax, sales tax, etc. you name it we do it (except for audits)

[TexasGrad]

@Elaine what are extension classes? Are they the same thing as graduate classes?

[Elaine]

@TexasGrad, as far as I know, UCLA extension classes are not graduate classes, but they are taught by UCLA-approved professors, and I'm enrolled in a program called Certificate in Accounting. Here is a more-detailed description: https://www.uclaextension.edu/r/ProgramDetails.aspx?reg=CF028

[Author]

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