[Anonymous]

I would like to try and pass another one during or right after busy season (would probably take it in April at some point). I have 1 year of tax experience and 3 in audit, if that helps. Any suggestions? I just passed BEC on my first try, using Becker, with only 4 weeks of studying.

Thanks!

[KasiaS]

Since there is a lot of overlap, I'd recommend taking Aud next followed by far and finish with REG.

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[kaaCPA]

Are you using Becker Self Study? I would go with a longer one next (REG (7 wks) or FAR (9 wks)). Then do a shorter one (AUD – 5 weeks), followed by your last remaining test.

AUD | 85
REG | 77
FAR | 76
BEC | 83
========
ETH | 93
State Board Application pending!

[See Pee A]

I agree with kaacpa. I would go for FAR next and then AUD (since there are some sims on AUD that seem to draw on FAR topics) and then round it out with REG at the end.

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]

Yes, I'm using Becker self study. Ya sure AUD next wouldn't be the best order? I ask because it seems more realistic to get enough studying in for AUD during busy season compared to FAR or REG, based on the weeks you posted. However, if it definitely helps with knowing the material, I'll take your word on it!

[Anonymous]

How busy is your busy season? AUD is shorter compared to REG and FAR, so if you feel you will have very limited amount of time to study, I would say take AUD. However, April is in 4 months, so if you feel that you can devote enough time to REG or FAR, then you could do either of those…Only you know realistically how much time you can give during tax season.

[makinthemagic]

do far then audit. finish up with reg.

Bec 4/11/11 91
Aud 7/11/11 75
Reg 8/31/11 80
Far 5/24/11 86
Ethics - 98
California Licensed CPA
Illinois Registered CPA

[misanthrope87]

You could take a test during busy season. Maybe audit? That's what I did. But I was pretty lucky and haven't had to work ridiculous hours.

B 2/12 87
A 11/11 90
R 8/11 86
F 5/12 88

[Anonymous]

I (work in a small Accounting firm and) took an exam during tax season.

I think a lot depends on how busy you anticipate it will be in your office and how much time you can devote to quality studying…

[Anonymous]

I work 6 days per week, approx. 65 hours from Jan-April, in an audit department. Looks like I'll do FAR next. I'll probably schedule it for the end of the month.

[kaaCPA]

Becker recommends alternating between the shorter and longer sections. So, that's why I suggested doing it that way.

You want to be careful that you don't get stuck doing the two longest sections at the end. That could be brutal!

AUD | 85
REG | 77
FAR | 76
BEC | 83
========
ETH | 93
State Board Application pending!

[Anonymous]

Time to register and I'm still undecided! Seems like most of you are suggesting that I take FAR next, though that one looks to require the most study time. I plan to take my next test in Late April/early May. I plan to begin studying late Feb/early March. What do you think? I'll have 2-3 hours daily during the week and Saturdays to study, and probably most of the day on Sundays. Thanks for any advice!

[katiekanton]

Definitely FAR. You WILL have FAR sims on your AUD test, so get it done first. You don't want to be taking REG at that time. That's when all the tax specialists will be taking it and they'll ruin the “curve”.

AUD - 88
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC - 88

[jjm1181]

I was in the same exact position. Passed BEC first, then was advised by the folks here to go with FAR then AUD. I would definitely recommend this order since AUD has FAR-ish SIMS. But, with only 4 weeks, it may be difficult to get fully prepared. It may also be difficult to get FAR and REG into one window. That's a whole lot of information.

B 79
A 75
R 78
F 85

[Zaya]

I'm in a similar situation. However, I'm only a part-time tax intern + I'm in my last semester of MAcc (taking 12 hours). I was thinking about taking one part of the CPA before the June blackout.

1. Given my situation, is it a good idea to try to study for and take one part of the exam in either April or May?

2. If so, which section should I take?? I don't think I want to take the BEC since it's considered the easiest… But I'd love any advice I can get!

[Anonymous]

I know Becker recommends 9 weeks for FAR. Is it realistic to think I could cram for it in maybe 5-6 weeks? I'd only be able to study about 2-3 hours per day on average, with some more time on the weekend.

[Author]

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