[jdagna]

I am going to start studying for the exam in January. I have Becker (it came discounted with my degree). I am wondering what the best method of studying is. Go with the Ninja method of reading/videos/notes and then do multiple choice when you are done with everything? Or do a set amount of multiple choice throughout? I work full time and have a family so I need to maximize my time.

Any advice from anyone…suggestions for the best way to study? Ideas? Especially if you used Becker..any advice?

[Namstut]

@jdagna I use Becker and I think it does a good job preparing you for the exam. I followed the recommended study method by listening to the lectures, then reading the chapter, taking some notes, doing all of the homework MCQs and most of the SIMs. After I am done with the chapter I tackle review questions.

I do not have the best auditory perception so to me it was almost a waste of time but I still followed the method because I am afraid to miss out on some of the “off the book” explanations in the video lectures.

It all depends on what works best for you, everyone's learning abilities are different so there is no one way/right way to study. I would start and see what works for you. You will figure it out after a couple of chapters.

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[.]

Set amount of multiple choice throughout.

It makes no sense to not practice what you have just learned. Through active practice you learn and remember the material. Reading and watching videos is too passive. By the time you get to the MCQs you will have forgotten 90% of what you read if you wait until you've read the whole book.

If you want to save time skip the videos and take minimal notes.

FAR - June 2016 - 88
REG - July 2016 - 89
AUD - Aug 2016 - review phase currently
BEC - Sep 2016 -

Wiley CPA Excel & Ninja MCQ

[jdagna]

Awesome thanks! @namstut how much study time on average does it take for each chapter with completing everything like you said?

[Namstut]

@jdanga I work full time and have a family so my study time is limited to late nights and weekends. Lectures are 3-4 hours. If you feel that you grasped the concept you can skip to MCQs and depending on which part are planning on studying first and the amount of time you can dedicate it can take you anywhere from 2 to 3 days to go through each chapter.

It is reasonable to assume that you can complete 2 chapters a week. BEC definitely took longer with a ton of computations and 172 MCQs in one of the chapters. 🙂

If you commute to and from work I would recommend Ninja audio. It covers main concepts and it's a lot shorter than Becker lectures. I used it for REG. I did listen to Becker while commuting when I was studying for Audit and I am planning on adding Ninja audio when I start studying for FAR.

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[Tom]

The best advice I can give you is to follow the Becker study plan as closely as possible. Try not to overcomplicate it.

Watch each lecture and follow along with the instructor (highlighting, underlining, etc.).

After each lecture, master the homework problems for that lecture. Do not watch another lecture until you have completed the homework 100% for the lecture you just watched. You may be tempted to watch multiple lectures in a row, but trust me, it's important to practice the concepts while they are fresh in your mind.

Finally, complete the simulations. You will find a lot of people who say that the simulations are not helpful or not necessary. But I disagree.
The simulations will help solidify your understanding of the concepts from the chapter in a way that multiple choice questions can not.

The key piece of advice that anyone will give you is practice, practice, practice (did I say practice?) MCQs!

This is more helpful than any other advice I could possibly give you.

Good luck! You got this!

[Goingallin]

I passed both BEC and FAR with Beckers only. I didn't listen to the lectures for those two sections. I just did the homework questions over and over until the exam date. For AUD, I am viewing the lectures n find it to be helpful bc all topics are interrelated.

I agree with Tomsmall in regards to the practice SIM bc it definitely helped me understand the topics better. For those who think its a waste of time, either they have a strong gasp on the material or they were expecting the same exact questions on the exam.

[SiNGjAi]

For BEC, I listened to the lectures and read after one chapter at a time. Did MCQ after finishing each chapter. I take notes on what I feel is necessary on flashcards so I have them on the go where ever I'm at.

I'm skipping the lectures for AUD since I'm on a time crunch but reading seems to be doing the job fine for this section since I feel I am grasping concepts after completing the MCQ. Not sure how that will pan out though..!

[Author]

Replies