[smyoung0521]

Hi,

This will be my first time taking any of the CPA exams. I have been studying for 2 weeks. I only get about 1.5 to 2 hours of study time a day though due to a new job and such. I am trying to decide whether it is best to schedule my first exam for the end of August and then if I fail take again in October, chalking up the first test to experience or should I schedule in October and then wait to see if I pass then either study for the next window or go to another subject.

Also, do you guys find it best to stick with one exam until you pass it or switch between them as to not waste valuable study time as you ait for scores and new test windows? Any thoughts? Thanks so much!

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[smyoung0521]

I do plan to increase my study time, especially on the weekends and I apologize for the spelling mistake. Trying to get this out there before I start the bedtime ritual for my 5 and 7 year old. The mommy job is on until they get into bed so trying to do a few too many things at once.

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[smyoung0521]

Just thought I would see if anyone wanted to share how they went about the exams. Do you prefer to take at the beginning or the end of a testing window. If you take at a beginning it seems like you have to wait much longer to get results, so during that time do you take a break or start studying a new section. I hope my questions make sense. I know that the ultimate goal is to pass the first time however, I also want to go in being realistic. Thanks.

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[Anonymous]

I always prefer to take my exams at the end of a testing window. I usually take 3 weeks for a final review, then take the last 3 days off from work to focus solely on the exam to get into the mode.

I like taking them at the end because you don't have to wait long for results. If you fail and need to retake you have the whole following blackout month to study.

[Anonymous]

I'd say give it a shot in August, because that will get your momentum going. 🙂 As you poke around the forums more, you'll see there's some people that don't work or have kids and just take 1 exam per testing window, and some who have kids, work full-time, etc., and take a couple per window. But, taking it the end of August gives you 2 months – I have no doubt you can be ready to give it a shot in August! The worst that happen is you fail (which puts you in the majority 😉 ) and then you've done it once and know what to expect. Best case scenario, you're in the minority that passes, and it gets you excited to take the next one! Anyone starting this exam series should anticipate failing at some point, so don't let the possibility of failing discourage you from trying!

Also, if you wait till October, you'll forget most of what you're studying right now, because it's too long for most people to remember well.

I'm pretty new to this process too, but my plan is to never take the same exam twice in a row unless it's my last one. So, I'm studying for FAR right now. When I'm done with it, I'll take a few days off study, then start studying for AUD…and after a couple weeks I'll get my score, and if I passed, sweet – if not, I'll still take AUD next to take a break from FAR, and then do FAR after AUD. My goal is 2 tests per testing window, about 6 weeks for each one, so that'd be 12 weeks between first taking an exam and a re-take. The way my mind works, I think that will be best for me, since I get a little break from the material and get to think about something else! But, I expect everyone has a different opinion on that. For the most part, everyone has to figure out how studying works best for them, and it'll be different for everyone! 😛

[mla1169]

People average about 120-150 hours per exam of study time. So if you're getting 2 hours a day on average x 7 days a week x 10 weeks give or take you're in the right range to sit at the end of August.

Start studying for your next section right after you sit in August, don't wait for your scores to come out before you decide. With a f/t job and 2 kids you don't have the luxury of time on your side 🙂

If you commute to and from work I highly recommend some audio study material to listen to and give yourself that little extra benefit. I put my audio on my ipod and listened while I was folding laundry, vacuuming, working in the garden…whatever I could do to increase my study time.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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