[Hut-Hut]

I have two cousins that graduated May 2011. Before starting EY in Sep 2011, they sat for 3 exams in August, passed all 3, and took the 4th in Nov and passed. I couldn’t be happier. But man, my freakin’ parents lol. I hoped they wouldn’t find out but they recently did. First thing they said: “They passed all 4 tests within 6 months, and you’ve passed 3 in…. what has it been? Almost 2 years now?” They don’t want to say it, but you can definitely tell from the looks on their faces that they’re thinking “Jeez son, are you an idiot?” Then the questions begin. “How were they able to finish that fast? Isn’t this supposed to be a hard test? Why is it taking you so long?” ugghh so frustrating. It took a lot of energy not to spit on them lol.

They’re normally supportive of my work/study schedule, but what caught them off guard and triggered these questions were my cousins taking and passing 3 tests in August. I tell them that it’s not unheard of when you don’t go to school and have nothing else to do (sure, it’s still tough but not impossible). The best part was when they asked, “Is it possible they cheated?” I almost lost it. I had to explain to them literally for an hour (an hour that I could’ve been studying) that they did not cheat (it is possible to some degree, but a serious CPA candidate is not going to risk it). Their attitude is basically insulting my intelligence and the certification process. I know that’s not their intention, but it’s still annoying. My main purpose of passing now is to shut them up lol.

So yeah, please share some annoying/frustrating stories of your support system lol. I’d love to hear what you guys go through. If someone is not a CPA candidate, he/she will never truly understand what we go through, which is why this site is awesome.

BEC - 67, 79 - (expires 5/24)
REG - 74, 72, 77 - Key to Passing: RTFQ
FAR - 77 - Chance favors the prepared mind.
AUD - 64, (5/14) - FREEDOM!! (i hope)

[Anonymous]

Don't let them get you down! I think everyone has a story about a relative who passed some test or another in record time. My mother asked me why I hadn't passed the CPA exam when my sister “passed that insurance test so quickly”. “Um, mom, while I don't want to diminish her accomplishments, she did not take the exam to be an insurance agent. To sit for that exam you have to have a college degree. She doesn't have a college degree. She has a license to sign off on insurance policies in the state of Louisiana and she had to sit for the exam 10 times.” Kind of like comparing apples to ballistic missiles! You will get there, just remember everyone here is going to support you. Some are kinder and gentler than others, but those that have been called “harsh” and “cruel” are the ones you really need sometimes. There is no substitute for a slap in the face with a reality stick. Good Luck!

[mla1169]

Not annoying but funny when my mil said this was JUST LIKE the cna exam. Sure I felt like I was changing adult diapers from time to time, but if she studied 400+ hours to be a nurses aide she needs a life.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

Okay, I'm also a CNA (did it during my senior in high school) and it's nothing compared to the CPA exams. I don't wanna diminish her license, but that's an unfair comparison.

To the OP, I'm in a similar position except it's with a friend…it sucks, and wish people understood that everyone is different. Not everyone can pass it as fast as some people do.

Don't let it get to you, it's hard not too…but forget them, and just focus on being done!!!

[Hut-Hut]

hahaa gotta love these comparisons to the insurance tests and the cna exam. And yeah, I don't let it get to me but it's still annoying to have to listen to these comments. If they're giving me study tips or getting on my case for slacking off, that's different; I accept those lectures. But when it's just outright negativity, there's no benefit to stay and listen, which is why I just walk out.

oh great, I just remembered we're having dinner tomorrow night for Easter. Yayy! Another chance for the whole family to gang up on me. Better stock up on alcohol tonight.

BEC - 67, 79 - (expires 5/24)
REG - 74, 72, 77 - Key to Passing: RTFQ
FAR - 77 - Chance favors the prepared mind.
AUD - 64, (5/14) - FREEDOM!! (i hope)

[kandisjoy]

Uh… yeah… I had my insurance license in California and I passed on the first try with barely any studying. It's very easy. I'm guessing that the tests are different in every state, but California tends to be more difficult rather than less difficult when it comes to state exams (since we have so many ridiculous laws/regulation here) so… yeah. Tell your Mom to shove it!! lol

FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85

CA Licensed 11/2011

[Anonymous]

I know that feel, bro. My aunt used to be a partner at a Big 4 firm and my whole family thinks I'm an idiot because I haven't passed my first try like she did. 🙁

[Anonymous]

my brother took his real estate test and passed, and now he kept comparing his tests to mine…and this is classic. he said something like…I know exactly how you feel about the tests. When I walked out from the testing center, I felt I was going to fail, but I passed. All tests in America are not difficult…they just made you think you are going to fail, but they let you all pass after all.”

[latenight]

Hut-Hut, I know what you mean by “the looks on their faces” comment. I passed AUD and BEC on the first try, but failed REG once. I'm trying FAR for the first time this testing window and repeating REG in the following testing window.

My wife's family is wondering why I didn't pass. Also, they keep asking how many times I'm going to attempt the exam before I move on and find a regular job. I think to myself, I didn't go to college and come this far to give up – and I'm like, what the hell do you mean by regular job. Also, I'm like, what, you think I can't do this? Of course, I don't say that out loud, but I'm just like wtf.

Btw, their education is limited to high school and they have only worked jobs where you just show up and perform well, and everything goes according to plan. None of that requires studying for any exams. Before anybody gets up in arms about defending high school grads, you must admit that unless you've studied for four years and attempted these exams, you don't know what it's like, period. So, there's a total lack of appreciation of just how hard it is to pass these exams.

You mention that somebody passed 3 tests in August. From the people I hang out with at work, this is totally an exception, rather than the rule. So, don't sweat it. Most take 1 exam per window, 2 max. Our department has about 35 people. So, it's razor sharp focus on one section of the exam per window. Then move on.

AUD - 87
BEC - 76
FAR - 96
REG - 94

[makinthemagic]

F them all. I still laugh at the irony of what I learned from my supposed friends/family. My family, all upper/middle class, everyone is a professional w/ graduate degree, didn't understand when I said I needed to miss family bdays or cut short other celebrations due to studying. However, I have some friends who have GED's or less education yet they understood “I can't go out I have to study” better than my very educated family.

Bec 4/11/11 91
Aud 7/11/11 75
Reg 8/31/11 80
Far 5/24/11 86
Ethics - 98
California Licensed CPA
Illinois Registered CPA

[jomarie]

Was a little annoyed at Easter Dinner tonight and pretty much with every big family meals lately. Everyone keeps saying “So if you don't pass this exam?” Are you kidding me?? I WILL PASS THIS EXAM!!!!

The only ones, in my family, who have been completely supportive to me and my husband throughout this process is my husband's oldest sister and our brother-in-law (her husband). My BIL keeps saying to me just push through this hard time in your life, you'll get through it!! While everyone else keeps asking me when I'm going to give up. Well newsflash everyone, I”M NOT!!!!!

At work, everyone's has been completely supportive. I work for a very small office and they are mainly all family. My boss has seen, besides himself, his daughter and son-in-law go through this process. I work with his other two daughters and they keep saying, YOU'LL DO IT!!

Sorry to vent, but tonight's dinner topic with my Dad kind of ticked me off!!

Started sitting in May 2002, on and off. But since 2008 I've been nonstop and my scores are....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73, 80 (Passed again in May 2012) Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70, 76!!!! I AM DONE!!! - Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
After 10 long years of studying, I AM DONE!!!! Finally a Licensed CPA in the State of New York!!

[See Pee A]

All I can say is wow. Without a doubt I would have quit long ago if I were you. I definitely wish more of my colleagues had even a quarter of the drive you seem to have. Keep at it, make what seem to be your children in your picture proud! Best wishes to you, you definitely deserve it.

BEC 86 (08/30/11)
FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)

Exam prep - Becker self-study

[jomarie]

Thank you See Pee. I've had this dream of becoming a CPA since I decided to become an accountant back in high school, yes you read that right, high school. I've gone to far to give up now!! I even have a HUGE promotion facing me at work once I pass. Like I said I've gone to far.

Started sitting in May 2002, on and off. But since 2008 I've been nonstop and my scores are....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73, 80 (Passed again in May 2012) Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70, 76!!!! I AM DONE!!! - Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
After 10 long years of studying, I AM DONE!!!! Finally a Licensed CPA in the State of New York!!

[Anonymous]

That's awesome @Jomarie! I can't wait for you to pass them all. May I ask you what has been your biggest struggle throughout the process? Lack of time to study? Having to tend to your family? Etc

[jomarie]

Lack of motivation and under estimating my studying big time in the beginning. Since 2008, I would have to say lack of time, with taking care of the girls and hubby doesn't come home till late on the weekdays. Now he's been helping me a lot more with household chores. We ate both working hard towards this goal.

Started sitting in May 2002, on and off. But since 2008 I've been nonstop and my scores are....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011) Becker, NINJA, & Wiley
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73, 80 (Passed again in May 2012) Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70, 76!!!! I AM DONE!!! - Roger, NINJA, & Wiley
After 10 long years of studying, I AM DONE!!!! Finally a Licensed CPA in the State of New York!!

[Princesskimber]

I had a friend who said “Seriously, Do you really think you are going pass the exams?” She followed it up with “you are better off just looking for another job.” WTF!

Needless to say, she is no longer a friend!

[Author]

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