[refocused]

Hello Everyone,

I have some questions that I hope I can get answers from some of you. Some quick basics on my past CPA exam history:

I have studied for all 4 sections. Unfortunately, upon receiving my AUD score of 74 last October, I had a major relapse (several other things triggered my relapse). I promptly checked myself into rehab for alcoholism. I almost have my first full year sober complete! And it’s taken me this long to get my life back on track, and emotionaly stable again.

I lost everything, my wife has filed for divorce and took the kids to a long ways away. We just began speaking again everyday and are approaching the divorce amicably with the kids best interest as the main focus. Very refreshing, we are getting along better now than we ever did married, weird 🙂

Due to the emotional wreck I was in due to my soon to be ex-wife taking the kids had on me, and not letting me talk to her or the kids, let alone see my kids, my job performance suffered significantly. And there was no way I could focus on ANYTHING. About a month ago, I was forced into a resignation (lay off). I am now collecting unemployment benefits. My job was non-accounting related, I was in management. Somehow, this triggered my return to emotional stability, the whole closure effect or something.

I was so close to finishing. But now I’m back, and emotionally ready to tackle this. And I just re-applied with my state’s board to finsih the beast. So here’s where I am at:

-Credit for REG expires 2/28/13. I intend to finish the other three by then. I passed REG with a 83 drunk (pint of Vodka).

-Lost credit for BEC (took it in 2010 with Becker Material)

-Received a 74 on AUD (so it will be a review — but I was studying drunk, I probably should’ve taken it drunk too!)

-Studied for 25% of FAR

Study Materials:

-FAR (Yaeger/Wiley Book/Wiley Flash Cards) 2012 Versions

-BEC (Yaeger/Wiley Book) 2012 Versions

-AUD (Yaeger/Wiley Book) 2011 Versions

-Wiley Test Bank 2011 Version

So, to complicate things even more. I am relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada (to be closer to ex-wife and kids). I leave November 6th for two weeks of interviews, and house hunting. I have to be in Colorado in early December for divorce proceedings. But, we aren’t going after each other, we are approaching it very amicably. Huge releif factor there.

I know to get the schedule right I have to sit for an exam by end of November. So here’s my main questions, now that you know my story:

1) Can I take the exam at any Prometric in any state? Even though my exam application resides in another state?

2) I should’ve taken FAR before AUD. But, with the 2011 version of AUD, should I take this one at end of November?

3) Will my 2012 versions be OK to use for Jan and Feb 2013 window? I imagine they should be sufficient, any thoughts?

4) Should I get the 2012 Wiley Test Bank? And if so, where is the cheapest place to get it?

Ironically, I live in the state with the lowest unemplyment rate in the nation, but due to five major universities here pumping out Accounting Grads, I have huge competition. And every employer here wants a CPA designation. There is simply an over supply of CPA’s where I reside and have to compete with. And I’d be looking at a 30% pay cut even as a CPA here compared to what I was making.

And then there’s Nevada…Tons of Finance/Accounting positions available, in the state with one of the highest unemployment rates. Due to being hit so hard by the housing debacle, I can find a nice two bedroom town house for around $800/mnth. I’m debating to go into an accoutning firm, or into finacnce/accounting for one of the Casino’s. Very few of the job postings I find require anything more than a BA in Accounting. I know the CPA will set me apart.

And if you think I am going into the ‘Devil’s Den’ with my past addiction history…I already have the list of the AA meetings there. I can’t say I won’t ever drink again, but I know I won’t today. Alcohol has ruined half my life, the next half without it is going to be highly productive and I have gained my freedom back.

So thoughts, on my questions please?

~refocused

[Anonymous]

First, Congratulations on realizing you have a problem and tackling it head on. I admire that! It's not easy but your kids will thank you in ways you can't imagine. My ex is an alcoholic and refuses to get help, so consequently, my son has nothing to do with him. Son is 15 and can make up his own mind and I respect that.

Second, An amicable divorce is always best for the kids. You may secretly despise your ex, but don't ever let your kids see it. No matter what she does or says about you, never say an unkind word about her. Once again, your kids will think more of you as a person later on for that.

Third, on to your questions:

1) Can I take the exam at any Prometric in any state? Even though my exam application resides in another state?

Yes, you can take the exam in any state but you can only be a candidate in one state. I'm a Louisiana candidate but I've tested in Texas a couple of times. No big deal. In fact I've passed more in Texas than I have in Louisiana. I think that's a fluke though.

2) I should've taken FAR before AUD. But, with the 2011 version of AUD, should I take this one at end of November?

FAR is a beast no matter when you take it! Audit is going to change in 2013, not drastically from what I've read, but you may want to look at the new Content outline to see what kind of changes there are and decide if you are going to have difficulty.

3) Will my 2012 versions be OK to use for Jan and Feb 2013 window? I imagine they should be sufficient, any thoughts?

Usually a 2012 version will be alright in the first window of 2013, but be careful that things don't change and make your review worthless. Jeff's Ninja Notes and audio are as up to date as any review out there. I recommend getting them just to supplement what you have. They are reasonably priced and you have Jeff right here if you need help.

4) Should I get the 2012 Wiley Test Bank? And if so, where is the cheapest place to get it?

Definitely get the Wiley Test Bank. Jeff also has the best price. I think he's an authorized dealer and he has sales quite frequently.

Good Luck to you and keep us posted. And even though I'm not in your shoes, I did go to AA meetings to try to help my ex-husband. It didn't work because he thought I was the one with the problem, not him. If you need to send me an e-mail, feel free. I will do what I can to help you. kricket0513@gmail.com

[Author]

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