[noleguy]

Hey everyone:

New to the forum as a poster, but have been a “lurker” for a while now. I see many informative tips, past experiences, etc., which I believe will be vital in my attempt to pass this “monster”. After such time as I had ordered CPAExcel to study for this exam in 2011, I made the determination to pursue my CIA instead, due to working for government and already possessing my Certified Governmental Auditing Professional (CGAP) certification. Soon I will be taking the CFE, which pertains to my current role as Senior Internal Auditor. Having said all of this, I have a few questions about my pursuit of the CPA:

1) I already applied with my State Board in Florida (paid my fee also), and received approval to take the exam, back in 2008. Do I have a certain amount of time to get things going, before I have to re-apply and do this all over again;

2) I have ordered the NINJA complete package with Wiley Test Bank, to supplement CPAExcel. Is there anything else you folks would recommend to study for SIMS?;

3) And I know I will probably get mixed results on this, but I have been told to take FAR first, due to the 180 day clock not starting until my first section is actually passed. What does everyone recommend?; and

4) If I do begin by studying FAR, approximately how much time would everyone recommend for study, being that I have been out of school longer than 10 years (realizing everyone learns at a different pace too)?

Thanks everyone for your assistance….

[mystical guy]

-For Question 1, probably should contact your State Board.

FAR study, give it 2 solid months, I'd say. I believe it has the most volume. But you can adjust the time depending on how you're doing on the tests after a few weeks. Aim for 90s for each practice test.

I took FAR first so that it sets the tone for me. Ideally I would have taken AUD next, REG, then BEC. When you study the stuff you'll see why.

Best medicine for SIMS is to know the content for the MCQs and, of course, to learn how to use the Authoritative Literature(s) for the sections.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[mystical guy]

-For Question 1, probably should contact your State Board.

FAR study, give it 2 solid months, I'd say. I believe it has the most volume. But you can adjust the time depending on how you're doing on the tests after a few weeks. Aim for 90s for each practice test.

I took FAR first so that it sets the tone for me. Ideally I would have taken AUD next, REG, then BEC. When you study the stuff you'll see why.

Best medicine for SIMS is to know the content for the MCQs and, of course, to learn how to use the Authoritative Literature(s) for the sections.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[noleguy]

Thanks Mystical, for the good advice.

[noleguy]

Thanks Mystical, for the good advice.

[Gatorbates]

Even though you're a Nole, I'll give you my two cents 🙂

I think you should be ok application wise with the State of FL (99% sure), but you may want to double check, just to be certain.

As far as which to take first, there are different theories. I personally took REG first, since I'm a tax guy, and I thought it would be the easiest for me. I wanted to pass the first one to give me momentum and confidence (which happened). FAR is a beast, but they say it's a mile wide and an inch deep. Don't get psyched out by what everyone says about it. It's doable. So you'll have to choose which one you want … do you want to take the one you deem the easiest, just to get the ball rolling? Or do you want to get the beast out of the way to start the clock ticking, even if it causes a failure or two?

And time wise … it depends on what you're schedule is like. If you work full time, I'd devote no less than 20-25 hrs a week for 8 weeks or so, and scale back accordingly for the others. Family? I'd say the same thing. Work AND family, same thing. There's lots of sacrifices that have to be made.

BTW, I did it with a family, full time job, and 13 years out of college, so it is doable. Good luck and congrats on the National Championship (I didn't just say that … my split personality did).

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Gatorbates]

Even though you're a Nole, I'll give you my two cents 🙂

I think you should be ok application wise with the State of FL (99% sure), but you may want to double check, just to be certain.

As far as which to take first, there are different theories. I personally took REG first, since I'm a tax guy, and I thought it would be the easiest for me. I wanted to pass the first one to give me momentum and confidence (which happened). FAR is a beast, but they say it's a mile wide and an inch deep. Don't get psyched out by what everyone says about it. It's doable. So you'll have to choose which one you want … do you want to take the one you deem the easiest, just to get the ball rolling? Or do you want to get the beast out of the way to start the clock ticking, even if it causes a failure or two?

And time wise … it depends on what you're schedule is like. If you work full time, I'd devote no less than 20-25 hrs a week for 8 weeks or so, and scale back accordingly for the others. Family? I'd say the same thing. Work AND family, same thing. There's lots of sacrifices that have to be made.

BTW, I did it with a family, full time job, and 13 years out of college, so it is doable. Good luck and congrats on the National Championship (I didn't just say that … my split personality did).

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[noleguy]

Gator:

I know it pains you to congratulate us Noles, so cudos on the effort. 🙂

Football aside, thank you for the sage advice. I have been told by 2 individuals who took the exam and didn't start with FAR, that they wished they had (due to the 180 day clock). I may go that route strictly because if I pass another section or two first, only to take FAR later and perhaps not pass on several attempts, it very well may destroy my psyche to lose sections (hate being negative, but I have to consider it).

[noleguy]

Gator:

I know it pains you to congratulate us Noles, so cudos on the effort. 🙂

Football aside, thank you for the sage advice. I have been told by 2 individuals who took the exam and didn't start with FAR, that they wished they had (due to the 180 day clock). I may go that route strictly because if I pass another section or two first, only to take FAR later and perhaps not pass on several attempts, it very well may destroy my psyche to lose sections (hate being negative, but I have to consider it).

[Gatorbates]

That's actually how I lost my REG credit. I got two 74's on FAR, shortening my window. And I'm sure it's just a typo, but in case it's not, it's an 18 month clock, not a 180 day clock. Big difference 🙂

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Gatorbates]

That's actually how I lost my REG credit. I got two 74's on FAR, shortening my window. And I'm sure it's just a typo, but in case it's not, it's an 18 month clock, not a 180 day clock. Big difference 🙂

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[noleguy]

Gator:

Wow, you are so right!!! I knew better, but still typed 180 day time limit. I guess it just feels like it. (lol)

[noleguy]

Gator:

Wow, you are so right!!! I knew better, but still typed 180 day time limit. I guess it just feels like it. (lol)

[Author]

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