[Anonymous]

This coming Fall will be my last quarter for school, then I graduate. So I’m starting to plan for the CPA exam. I’ve read that I should probably take FAR first since it may be the hardest. I’ve only started to think about my career plans recently and this is the first time I’ve been looking at information for CPA exam. I would like to take my 1st section in January, so my question is when should I begin my study? Should I try to studying for a section in November even though I’ll still be going to school full time then?

Thanks for any advice. I really appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

I guess it all depends on your schooling. If you are getting the 150 hours required (assuming you live in a 150 hour state) and are simply taking straightforward undergraduate classes I would recommend getting started. If you are taking masters degree/MBA classes which require more energy and effort, I would wait until you graduate or have enough time to begin the process.

Make sure you are eligible first. As a current student you will have to take an extra couple of steps to get you Notice To Schedule from NASBA (NTS). I know this because I had to jump through a couple more burning hoops a few months ago. It all depends on your state.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice. It's been a little overwhelming. In the past, I never really looked beyond graduating from school. But now that it's coming near, I'm only coming to realize there's so much to prepare for. From researching and meeting firms to apply for position, getting documents for graduation, to planning for the CPA exam. I'm glad I found this forum.

[hilaryh_88]

dualmatrix

I personally would not attempt trying to study for one of these exams while still going to college unless you are a senior winding down and not taking many credits.

AUD - 82 Becker
BEC - 75 Becker
REG - 71, 82 Becker
FAR - 66,61,71,74,70 and #6 80!!!! FINALLY DONE!!! 9/20/12
Yaeger and Yaeger CRAM for the final battle!

[T-rex]

I agree 100% with hilaryh_88. These exams are a beast and require intense focus.

AUD - 95, BEC - 85
REG - 85, Rawrrrrrr FAR - 88
Used Becker for all sections.
CA candidate not residing in CA

[Anonymous]

I agree with Hillary. Do you have your 150 hours? Maybe you live in a non 150 hour state?

[SusanStudies]

FAR contains an immense amount of material and I would not recommend studying for it while you're still in school full-time. If you have not already done so, I would highly recommend you check with your state to verify you have met all the specific CPA criteria. I've known people who think they are done with school but find out they do not meet the CPA licensure requirements in their state.

AUD: 07/11/11 - Passed
BEC: 08/27/11 - Passed
FAR: 01/17/12 - Passed
REG: 04/30/12; Re-take 7/16/12 - Passed

FINISHED!!!!!!!!

[IwannaBaCPA]

I would also agree to wait to start studying until after you graduate…your last semester usually has the highest level courses that will demand a lot of your time as well as tough finals. I know I couldn't have studied effectively in my last semester…

You really should check your state's requirements for both sitting and for certification so that you can plan ahead. You don't want any surprise that could be avoided when it comes to this whole process…

BEC: 79 - April 2011
FAR: 78 - May 2011
AUD: 81 - May 2012
REG: 79 - October 2012
Ethics: Passed - March 2013
I am finally DONE!

[Anonymous]

I live in California, so I qualify for to take the exam since I have over 120 semester units. To get a license, I also need 2 years of accounting experience. I'm afraid that I may not get those 2 years until after 2014. By then, I think I may have to get my 150 hours to get my license. Also, if I want to practice in another state, I will need to get that 150 hours…….which will mean I will have to go to school for another 2 quarters.

As far as studying for the exam during my final quarter, I'm only taking 2 classes. I'm hoping those two classes should not take too much of my time since I finished my most difficult classes already. Since my finals end 1st week of December, I'm guessing I will have 5 weeks that I can study where I don't have to worry about school. I think the reason I want to take the exam to quick after graduation is because I've been beginning to apply for entry-level audit positions and I want to show them that I have initiative and is focused on my career. I will consider everyone's advice, and I really appreciate it.

[rknight21]

i hate to be that person but i would have to disagree with a few other posters. it is never too early to start studying. once you have decided you want to take the exam i would suggest you study every free period you have. it is perfectly safe. i am working full time and going to grad school(3 classes last spring), no accounting experience and i still studied everyday with any free time i got. i took my first exam a few weeks before spring finals…. now i am taking BEC next month and i have been studying everyday while taking a summer grad class.

i'll be taking FAr in january and so far i have registered for 3 classes and i am even considering adding one more.. i doubt this tho unless i can find a super easy elective class.

in retrospect i do consider the masters program easier than undergrad and couldnt see my self studying for the cpa while doing 5 classes per semester during my undegrad

[Author]

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