[linkman311]

Alright you guys, heard great things about this forum and need some help. Here’s my situation: I’m graduating in December and will be starting work in Jan (interviewed places, waiting on offers, etc). I’m hoping to knock the CPA out as quick as I can but don’t want to rush it too much and have to retake sections. I have a decent shot at working Big 4, and if I do I don’t know if I would have any time to study during tax season. I’ve heard to take FAR first, but if I don’t have much time to study during tax season (if any), maybe I should take an easier one and then try it July?

As far as scheduling the rest and what order to take them, I have no idea. What has worked for you? Pretty sure I’ll end up using Becker since almost everywhere I’ve interviewed will let you use it for free. If possible I would like to knock at least 3 out by the end of 2014.

Which ones did you take closely together and why?

Also, is the Ninja Audio worth it? Have any of you not passed a part using it?

Thanks!

Confidence is a prerequisite for success

FAR - 1/1
AUD - 1/1
BEC - 1/1
REG - Q4

Have Becker, wish I got Roger

[Anonymous]

Timing – You'll have to start studying to really see how that plays out for you…and start working to see how much time you'll have to study. I was working 35-40 hours a week and took them all between May and October (presuming I passed REG…then I passed them all in that time frame, too 😉 ). But, that was based on my study habits, my job, my life, etc., so who knows what will work for you? My best advice is to wait till you see how your studying will work out before you start scheduling (whether “for real” or in your head) your exams.

However, order-wise, the 3 with a real logical progression are FAR, AUD, and REG, in that order. The link between REG and the others isn't as strong, but I'd definitely do FAR and then AUD. As for BEC, that depends on your philosophy and background. For me, my degree was very heavy in business courses, so I anticipated that BEC would be the easiest for me…and I wanted to get a pass under my belt first-thing so that I'd have motivation to continue. So, I took BEC first, then did FAR, then AUD (AUD builds on FAR principles a lot), and then REG (which is business law and tax code…and taxes are very different from GAAP, so I think taking REG after FAR and AUD makes sense, so that you can clear your head of GAAP and start thinking IRC – I think that's the main reason that people recommend this order). However, some people would rather save the easiest one for last, and some find BEC to be really difficult, so the details of the best order vary from one person to another. The only ones that I think have a definite best-order and FAR followed by AUD.

Study material preferences vary, but at the end of the day, they all have sufficient information for people to pass – if they didn't, then the company would've gone bankrupt long ago! So, if you got a job with free access to Becker, then I'd definitely do Becker. Personally, I had nothing available for free and no reimbursements available, so I used Wiley – it was cheap and I was sure it could do the job, because like I said, these all must have the requisite information! However, if it's presented in a way that you can't understand it, then it's useless…so, you may find that Becker doesn't work well for you (since these programs aren't really one-size-fits-all), and if that happens, I'd suggest looking at samples of all the materials online before picking one.

As for NINJA Audio, it's a good summary material, but whether or not it's worth it for you depends on how much you'll be able to use it. If you anticipate having a long commute, or if you regularly engage in activities that are conducive to listening while your hands are busy elsewhere (vaccuuming, working out, gardening, etc), then you'd have lots of time that you could utilize for studying by having an audio review material. It almost seems like I've heard Becker includes some audio, but I don't know anything about its quality. I do, however, know that the Jeff did a good job of keeping the NINJA Audio somewhat entertaining despite the dry topics, so I suspect that the NINJA is about as good of an audio review as you're likely to find.

However, if you don't have many of those hands-are-busy-but-mind-is-free opportunities, then the audio might not be as helpful. It's a summary, not a comprehensive complete study program, so if you're going to sit down for an hour to study, you'll probably be more effective watching your lectures, reading the book, or doing practice questions.

So, the NINJA audio is a good audio source, but try to assess whether you have a place in your life for an audio review or not. If you do, then I'd definitely get it…but if you don't, then it might not be the best choice for you.

EDIT: P. S. And yes, people have failed after using NINJA Audio. It's not a 100% guarantee of passing. However, a lot of people have also passed using it. Given that it's a supplemental resource rather than a primary one, it's hard to evaluate it based on a pass-fail percentage, since the primary resource (as well as the student's studying) has more to do with their pass-fail than this specific piece. However, I think it'd be very safe to say that when people use it consistently, they at least gain a couple extra points from it!

[Anonymous]

Timing – You'll have to start studying to really see how that plays out for you…and start working to see how much time you'll have to study. I was working 35-40 hours a week and took them all between May and October (presuming I passed REG…then I passed them all in that time frame, too 😉 ). But, that was based on my study habits, my job, my life, etc., so who knows what will work for you? My best advice is to wait till you see how your studying will work out before you start scheduling (whether “for real” or in your head) your exams.

However, order-wise, the 3 with a real logical progression are FAR, AUD, and REG, in that order. The link between REG and the others isn't as strong, but I'd definitely do FAR and then AUD. As for BEC, that depends on your philosophy and background. For me, my degree was very heavy in business courses, so I anticipated that BEC would be the easiest for me…and I wanted to get a pass under my belt first-thing so that I'd have motivation to continue. So, I took BEC first, then did FAR, then AUD (AUD builds on FAR principles a lot), and then REG (which is business law and tax code…and taxes are very different from GAAP, so I think taking REG after FAR and AUD makes sense, so that you can clear your head of GAAP and start thinking IRC – I think that's the main reason that people recommend this order). However, some people would rather save the easiest one for last, and some find BEC to be really difficult, so the details of the best order vary from one person to another. The only ones that I think have a definite best-order and FAR followed by AUD.

Study material preferences vary, but at the end of the day, they all have sufficient information for people to pass – if they didn't, then the company would've gone bankrupt long ago! So, if you got a job with free access to Becker, then I'd definitely do Becker. Personally, I had nothing available for free and no reimbursements available, so I used Wiley – it was cheap and I was sure it could do the job, because like I said, these all must have the requisite information! However, if it's presented in a way that you can't understand it, then it's useless…so, you may find that Becker doesn't work well for you (since these programs aren't really one-size-fits-all), and if that happens, I'd suggest looking at samples of all the materials online before picking one.

As for NINJA Audio, it's a good summary material, but whether or not it's worth it for you depends on how much you'll be able to use it. If you anticipate having a long commute, or if you regularly engage in activities that are conducive to listening while your hands are busy elsewhere (vaccuuming, working out, gardening, etc), then you'd have lots of time that you could utilize for studying by having an audio review material. It almost seems like I've heard Becker includes some audio, but I don't know anything about its quality. I do, however, know that the Jeff did a good job of keeping the NINJA Audio somewhat entertaining despite the dry topics, so I suspect that the NINJA is about as good of an audio review as you're likely to find.

However, if you don't have many of those hands-are-busy-but-mind-is-free opportunities, then the audio might not be as helpful. It's a summary, not a comprehensive complete study program, so if you're going to sit down for an hour to study, you'll probably be more effective watching your lectures, reading the book, or doing practice questions.

So, the NINJA audio is a good audio source, but try to assess whether you have a place in your life for an audio review or not. If you do, then I'd definitely get it…but if you don't, then it might not be the best choice for you.

EDIT: P. S. And yes, people have failed after using NINJA Audio. It's not a 100% guarantee of passing. However, a lot of people have also passed using it. Given that it's a supplemental resource rather than a primary one, it's hard to evaluate it based on a pass-fail percentage, since the primary resource (as well as the student's studying) has more to do with their pass-fail than this specific piece. However, I think it'd be very safe to say that when people use it consistently, they at least gain a couple extra points from it!

[mmorf]

I don't have too much to add because Lilla has wrote an excellent post.

I originally had FAR scheduled, with the intent to do AUD, REG, and BEC. Recently my personal counselor with Gleim told me there is buzz in the air that the AICPA is making an effort to write more difficult BEC exams in the near future because the recent pass rates have been quite high.

I wasn't completely committed to taking BEC last so I just pushed it to the front of the to do list. Whether this is just a rumor or if they really are actively pursuing this strategy, I thought I'd get it out of the way ASAP. Guess I'm a little risk averse when it comes to these exams.

[mmorf]

I don't have too much to add because Lilla has wrote an excellent post.

I originally had FAR scheduled, with the intent to do AUD, REG, and BEC. Recently my personal counselor with Gleim told me there is buzz in the air that the AICPA is making an effort to write more difficult BEC exams in the near future because the recent pass rates have been quite high.

I wasn't completely committed to taking BEC last so I just pushed it to the front of the to do list. Whether this is just a rumor or if they really are actively pursuing this strategy, I thought I'd get it out of the way ASAP. Guess I'm a little risk averse when it comes to these exams.

[lleon]

I'd just add that it's going to take forever to get your application approved (45 days or so in AZ). So keep in mind that if you wanna take an exam on X day, you'll have to submit your application to your state board about 2 months before that date to be sure. Also, look into the fees for applying. You don't wanna do all the planning and then realize your application won't be approved in time or be surprised by the fees. Good luck!

Licensed in Arizona

[lleon]

I'd just add that it's going to take forever to get your application approved (45 days or so in AZ). So keep in mind that if you wanna take an exam on X day, you'll have to submit your application to your state board about 2 months before that date to be sure. Also, look into the fees for applying. You don't wanna do all the planning and then realize your application won't be approved in time or be surprised by the fees. Good luck!

Licensed in Arizona

[linkman311]

Wow, thanks everyone and Lilla for the very in-depth reply, couldn't have asked for a better answer. Thanks for the tips, somehow I've missed out on hearing about taking FAR right before AUD, but I plan on doing that now. As for NINJA, I appreciate the honesty. At this point I would really consider it if I failed a section to help reinforce the material in new ways, but idk if the $500 (or whatever exact amount it is) would be worth it otherwise.

My current dilemma is that I can't get approved to take the CPA unless I sign up for exam dates, which I don't know yet. Is there freedom in scheduling (ie does it give you the option to schedule 1 at a time or make you do several or all), or does that vary by state?

That's very interesting about BEC. Are there any online forums or articles written by professionals (AICPA, etc) about current trends or ideas or changes about the exam that you guys know about?

Confidence is a prerequisite for success

FAR - 1/1
AUD - 1/1
BEC - 1/1
REG - Q4

Have Becker, wish I got Roger

[linkman311]

Wow, thanks everyone and Lilla for the very in-depth reply, couldn't have asked for a better answer. Thanks for the tips, somehow I've missed out on hearing about taking FAR right before AUD, but I plan on doing that now. As for NINJA, I appreciate the honesty. At this point I would really consider it if I failed a section to help reinforce the material in new ways, but idk if the $500 (or whatever exact amount it is) would be worth it otherwise.

My current dilemma is that I can't get approved to take the CPA unless I sign up for exam dates, which I don't know yet. Is there freedom in scheduling (ie does it give you the option to schedule 1 at a time or make you do several or all), or does that vary by state?

That's very interesting about BEC. Are there any online forums or articles written by professionals (AICPA, etc) about current trends or ideas or changes about the exam that you guys know about?

Confidence is a prerequisite for success

FAR - 1/1
AUD - 1/1
BEC - 1/1
REG - Q4

Have Becker, wish I got Roger

[mla1169]

You need to be approved to sit for the CPA before you can choose exam dates. You apply for permission to take the cpa, and will be provided a NTS number. Only when you have that NTS number in hand will you be able to choose a date on the prometric website.

Yes,you can apply for one NTS at a time, although there is often a discount for choosing more than one. I don't think the discount is worth it especially when you're unsure what you're getting into. Apply for just one initially. Once you've been approved to sit the time frame to get your next NTS number will go by much quicker.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

You need to be approved to sit for the CPA before you can choose exam dates. You apply for permission to take the cpa, and will be provided a NTS number. Only when you have that NTS number in hand will you be able to choose a date on the prometric website.

Yes,you can apply for one NTS at a time, although there is often a discount for choosing more than one. I don't think the discount is worth it especially when you're unsure what you're getting into. Apply for just one initially. Once you've been approved to sit the time frame to get your next NTS number will go by much quicker.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

@Linkman – It's not quite $500 for the audio. It's actually more than I remembered, about $300, but there's coupon codes fairly often (like it was 14.92% off for Columbus Day), so if you're interested in getting it, it's not quite as bad as $500. 🙂 The $500 is if you get the Ten Point Combo, which is Wiley Test Bank, NINJA Audio, and NINJA Notes. That's what I got, and I would highly recommend it for the test bank alone, even if the rest wasn't included (though you can get the test bank alone elsewhere for less than $500, but I digress…). I know you've got Becker available to you for free, but if you feel ill-prepared with that, think about Wiley Test Bank. I've used them for all 4 CPA sections, as well as for the RTRP exam, and have felt with all that Wiley's test banks are GREAT preparation. I've never used Becker's, so not discounting it, just praising Wiley. 😉

However…I would also be prone to agree with your plan to use the free Becker for now and then worry about buying supplements if you fail a section and feel like you need more help. 🙂

[Anonymous]

@Linkman – It's not quite $500 for the audio. It's actually more than I remembered, about $300, but there's coupon codes fairly often (like it was 14.92% off for Columbus Day), so if you're interested in getting it, it's not quite as bad as $500. 🙂 The $500 is if you get the Ten Point Combo, which is Wiley Test Bank, NINJA Audio, and NINJA Notes. That's what I got, and I would highly recommend it for the test bank alone, even if the rest wasn't included (though you can get the test bank alone elsewhere for less than $500, but I digress…). I know you've got Becker available to you for free, but if you feel ill-prepared with that, think about Wiley Test Bank. I've used them for all 4 CPA sections, as well as for the RTRP exam, and have felt with all that Wiley's test banks are GREAT preparation. I've never used Becker's, so not discounting it, just praising Wiley. 😉

However…I would also be prone to agree with your plan to use the free Becker for now and then worry about buying supplements if you fail a section and feel like you need more help. 🙂

[jeff]

The full audio is $297 – https://www.another71.com/products-page/ninja-audio

The $500 package contains everything sold on the site as Lilla said.

Also – the WTB is sold here too: https://www.another71.com/products-page/wiley-software/

As always, the ninja materials can be tried for free: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-study-plan/

Jeff

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[jeff]

The full audio is $297 – https://www.another71.com/products-page/ninja-audio

The $500 package contains everything sold on the site as Lilla said.

Also – the WTB is sold here too: https://www.another71.com/products-page/wiley-software/

As always, the ninja materials can be tried for free: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-study-plan/

Jeff

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[Author]

Replies