[Anonymous]

Hello A71,

I’m a new face around here, and I’m really desperate for some help in passing the CPA exam. I passed BEC and REG last spring and have been putting the exam off because of full-time work. I recently decided to pick up and finish the exam, I spent last month studying AUD, took it, got 74 last week (major letdown honestly).

My BEC credit expires on Oct 31, REG expires on Nov 31.
I have scheduled AUD on Apr 8, and FAR on May 31 ( last day of test windows).
Becker is my main source of studying material and I cant really afford anything else right now (Gleim is way too expensive for me)
Realistically, I think I have 2 chances left before the other part expires instead of 3 like it would be ( thanks AICPA!)

Normally, I wouldn’t be this worried since I’m positive I can make it next time but with the new format rolling in and the ridiculous wait time for Q2, what are something I could do to better my chance?

I have about 2-3 hours a day to study, maybe 3-4 on weekend, would 45-day be enough for FAR ? I learned and tried FAR last year, so I think I can remember a bit here and there.

Thank you for all your help.

[Anonymous]

First, I would say to call you State CPA board, a number of states are offering extension due to this very dilemma caused by the AICPA.

You are very close to passing AUD, I would say to go back through and ensure you understand the minor details, they use words like may, should, must. I had previously failed with 70 and then passed with an 80. I also made sure during exam day I gave myself time for the SIMS.

Your best bet is to set a week aside to do MCQs at the review stage meaning do each section (becker has 6, I think Ninja has 6 and Wiley breaks it down the same way the AICPA does).

Best of luck

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much, I didn't know it's possible to ask for an extension. It would be really nice.

I have been taking the exam under Illinois board of examiners, what should I say when I ask for an extension?

Again, I really appreciate your advice.

[Mouzam Ali]

@CanPassAttitude running dry Just curious to know, generally how long is the extension that a state grants ? I lost my BEC credit last November and had re-pass it earlier this month.

BEC - 80 (6/9/15) - Roger+Becker
AUD - 69,61 - Roger
REG - 4/3/16
FAR - *****

Running out of 18 months soon.
Pursuing CPA since 2012. Started giving exams only in 2014 Q4.
Used Becker earlier now switched to Roger CPA Review.

[Spartans92]

@OP, no worries and dont need to email your state board because IL is the state that I know for sure is granting an extension. Now u have until 12/31. Best of luck

BEC- PASS

[Dudeabides]

45 days is enough to pass FAR. I luckily passed my first try and gave myself almost 2 months. I believe the key for me was cramming the last week I had left and did simulations and multiple choice over and over and over. Beckers worked for me, I also purchased Ninja MCQ but I felt that the questions had more of a Beckers format to them.

It can be done with the amount of study time you have available, I honestly feel that the few days prior to the exam are the most important days to cram in the material. If you wait too long you obviously can't retain all the information that is tested on for FAR.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the answer guys, I feel a lot more confident now.

@Dudeabides : I think cramming during the last week is also how I passed BEC and REG last year. Fresh memory and enough time to get all the materials in, thank you for your encouraging words.

[Wannafree]

@Simon , I saw you got 74 in AUD and that means you know the stuff.Let me suggest something to improve your score by 10 points.
Read the Audit standards ,Attestation standards ( AT 301,401 501) ,Review standards (AR 80 , 90 and 120 ).Please read and make your own notes.
be very clear on Audit,examination ,compilation and review ( there is nice table in Becker's).
Pay attention to Internal control ( chapter 4 in Becker's )-Do HW .
Understand Pro forma F/S Compilation ,Review and examinations..
Know the subtle difference between Projected and forecast.
Be clear on review of Interim reports , please note the word review whereas it is under (AU Section 722 ) – .
Read reports and make your own observation ,Becker's has good mnemonics.
Inherent Risk ,control risk and Audit Risk.They may ask a SIM where they will give a situation and will ask to select the impact on various Risk.Becker's is not good for this topic.You may refer Gleim's book or Roger's or read AU-332 thoroughly.
Last suggestion ,subscribe Ninja's MCQ and practice 30-40 questions daily.you may get good confidence from Ninja too.I used to get 80 in Ninja and actual score I got 79 so you can see how close they are testing your knowledge.
I bumped my score from 70 to 79 by doing the above mentioned steps.

[Author]

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