[kabur]

First time poster here, long time reader. I am so frustrated and just about at the end of my ropes with this exam. I really don’t know what I’m doing wrong–or what I’m not doing. But I just can’t seem to pass any sections. I started studying in late 2010 using Becker. I took all 4 and didn’t pass any of them. I took about a year off and then started up again in March 2012. I again took all 4 of them from April – August 2012 using Yaeger lectures, Wiley text, Wiley testbank and NINJA notes and NINJA audio. Failed all 4 again (50s-60’s). In November 2012, I re-took FAR (64) and AUD (68). I scored higher than the time before, but still failed both. In January and February 2013 I re-took FAR (55) and AUD (65) again….and actually scored LOWER on both of them than when I sat in November.

I’ve tried stretching out my studying over 2-3 months but then I have a difficult time with a final review because I’ve already forgotten so much material. And then I’ve tried condensing it to only study for about 4-7 weeks so that I don’t forget the material…but then I always run out of time and feel under-prepared. (which obviously, I am). I feel like I know the material (at least on Audit)….I was scoring in the mid-70’s on my practice exams. Which obviously isn’t enough…but I don’t know if my problem is that I suck at test taking or if I really just don’t know the material. I am so exhausted and so sick of studying.

I would like to just give up and say that maybe I’m not cut out for this. Unfortunately, I just took a job in public accounting and now I feel like I’m stuck. I feel like I have chosen this career and I’m in too far to quit. I have spent SOOOO much $$$ on study material and exam fees. My husband is very supportive but I know with every failure, we both wonder if a pass will ever happen.

What am I missing?! What else can I possibly be doing? I have tried re-writing my notes….that method just doesn’t work for me. I found that I am better at retaining the information when I just continually re-read my notes. Over and over again. And then doing questions–but I have been doing the Wiley testbank questions and also the questions in the textbook–multiple times before each exam.

Please help!!

AUD - 59, 60, 68, 65, 77!
FAR - 56, 55, 64, 55, 69, 75!!
BEC - 60, 50, 70, 75!!!
REG - 67, 63, 66, 86!!!!

Used Becker, Yaeger, Wiley textbook, Wiley testbank, NINJA Notes, NINJA Blitz, & NINJA Audio.

[Anonymous]

I studied one test at a time. It appears from your post that maybe you are taking more than one test at a time? Also, when you are working your multiple choice questions do you understand why the answer is right and the other answers are wrong? Are you taking notes? Writing notes down in your own words and own handwriting really helps you to absorb the material. I have several binders full of notes that I took to help me remember the information. I also ‘blocked out the world' while I studied which means that my friendships were put on hold. The CPA exam is a mental test which requires dedication. You have to maintain your focus which means sitting in a room alone for a weekend(for me) to study. Stay focus and you will pass. Try focusing on one test at a time and other tips that I shared. I hope this helped.

[Anonymous]

Whatever you do, don't give up especially now that you are in the public accountant field!! Here is my suggestion try focusing at one exam at a time. Seems like your main challenge is FAR. I would focus all my effort on FAR. I used Becker because the company paid for it. You can ask your company to pay for your Becker and they will might even pay for the exam fees. This is how I used Becker.

1. Go to live class or watch the DVD lecture if you prefer, do all the HW and submit them to get FAR renewal if you need them in the future for free (you pay very minimal – just the cost of the book).

2. After you completed all the MCQ, try to do 30 random MCQ per chapter until you score 90 and above – its an indication that you are comfortable with the subject. Also take notes on the subject that you likely to forget, write down any formulas, concepts, or pneumonics to help you remember on a note cards.

3. After you are finish with the whole chapters then do progressive test, pick 100 random MCQs question and try to score 80 or better. Do this many many many times. If I am not mistaken, there are about 1,400 MCQ for FAR. So I would do sets of 20 if I have the time. It will take you 2-3 hours for each 100 progressive test so time yourself accordingly.

4. Time is the essence. On average human brain can retain information for 2 months after that they either forget or just remember partially. So your goal is to finish the FAR book in 6 weeks time and do the progressive test in a week then another week to prepare for the SIMULATIONS.

Good Luck Kabur!!!

[Anonymous]

Kabur- Please don't depend solely on Becker to prepare you. For real. Supplement Becker with Wiley or something else. A lot of people on this website use a variety of materials for one reason – they want to pass.

[henryv]

@beechrest I agree with this statement. I'm using cpareviewforfree as a supplement. I haven't tried the ninja/wiley since I just discovered this site 2 weeks ago when I was anxious of getting my scores!

Also, don't give up. It's starts there when you give up.

FAR - 92 02/2013
AUD - 90 05/2013
REG - 85 10/2013
BEC - 80 12/2013

I'M DONE. THANK YOU LORD!

[Anonymous]

If you arent re-writing the Ninja Notes I strongly suggest doing so. I had them but wasnt re-writing them, and when I did I finally passed FAR. I truly believe it does help.

[LSNYC]

How about trying a different study material? I had Becker and it didn't work for me, I switched it up and I've passed 3 part so far. Becker isn't the best for everyone it's just the most well-known. I'm not saying its bad but maybe you need new material? Yager, Rodger, Gleim, there are others out there too.

Then supplement with NINJA (noted and audio) and Wiley test bank.

You could go with either hardest for you first or something you feel more comfortable with to get your confidence up.

Good luck and do not give up!

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[Anonymous]

I totally agree with Cinderella. Focus on one section at a time. I would like to add one thing that may possibly help you. For all parts of the exam, I bought a small voice recorder and recorded all of my note cards, all mnemonics, lists of things Becker said to memorize. I also had the FAR NINJA audio that I listened to a gazillion times.

Good Luck to you!!

[wendywhite]

a. take 1 test at a time.

b. study 25 hours a week or more

c. use becker & wiley and take all the practice MCQ & sims you can fit in your time

d. study a lot. study in the morning, study (listen) while driving) study at lunch, study at night & do nothing but study on the weekends. really. that's what you do. give up life for a while.

e. WRITE notes… note cards, notebook – doesn't matter – but read it, write it, take test questions – write down again what you miss or aren't clear on… test some more – lather rinse repeat.

FAR 11/2012: 80
AUD 2/19/2013: 90
REG 5/14/2013: 76
BEC 11/2013: 85
Ethics: 100
Waiting on the packet....

[Anonymous]

The only way to fail is to quit! I”m proof of that today. Stop believing you are a number and start believing in yourself! 5 years. That's how long it has taken me. But today I am the luckiest, happiest person in the world!

[Katie_Choo]

I think Becker is highly overrated for the price and the amount of people who have failed using it that I know. Gleim is great and is $1000 for the ENTIRE course. Try switching it up and definitely focus one part at a time. Also, agreed – social life stops when you're studying. Audio reviews from Gleim have been a Godsend for me.

AUD - 86 - 11/19/12
FAR - 76 - 2/23/13
REG - 80 - 5/28/13
BEC - 84 - 7/18/13

[Maverick]

Many of us know the feeling of disappointment not passing, but don't give up. You will get there. There are a lot of testimonies in this site that should provide you with motivation. Lift yourself up and have faith.

F - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
B - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
A - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
R - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.

Ethics - 95

Licensed CPA

I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT MY LORD. THANK YOU.

"According to your faith will it be done to you." Matthew 9:29

[kabur]

Thank you everyone for the feedback…I really appreciate it.

AUD - 59, 60, 68, 65, 77!
FAR - 56, 55, 64, 55, 69, 75!!
BEC - 60, 50, 70, 75!!!
REG - 67, 63, 66, 86!!!!

Used Becker, Yaeger, Wiley textbook, Wiley testbank, NINJA Notes, NINJA Blitz, & NINJA Audio.

[Anonymous]

Don't give up. I spent 7 months studying for the exams. I passed all on my first try. In my case, I quit my job in july 2012 and studied 6-8 hours a day. I got done in Feb 2013. I trusted the Lord and He ordered my steps. Do you know you can use the Authoritative Literature to help you answer almost all the Simulations on the exam?

BEC-80

REG-78

AUD-78

FAR-77

Good luck

[MintsRGood]

DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOURSELF!!!!!!!! You've put in so much time, money, and effort and really you just need to regroup! I agree 100% with the other posters that you should try to focus on one part at a time.

You mentioned that you work in public accounting, right? Do you like tax? I realize that I am a weirdo for saying this but I LOVE tax and REG has been the most natural to me because of my strong tax background. If you spend your day to day in one area that ties in directly with an exam section, try focusing all of your attention to the section that is the most familiar to you!

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[Author]

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