[Jmacjr23]

I just found out I passed BEC which gives me a total of two passed (Audit & BEC) and I am a little confused about how I should tackle studying for FAR and REG.

My question is how should I spread out these tests? I was thinking of starting to study for REG now and taking it the next testing window. I’m unsure if I should take REG mid-July and then try and take FAR end of August or if I should only take REG this upcoming testing window.

One of my major concerns is diminishing returns, like is 2.5 months too long to study for one exam? Another worry I have is I take REG mid-July and fail, I would hate to start FAR and not at least be able to leverage the studying I had done in the past for REG.

I work at a big 4 accounting firm but my summer isn’t looking awful and I should be able to put in 20-25 hours per week studying. Also, my Audit expires January 2015.

Was anyone in a similar position? Would love some advice/studying tips. Thank you!

[Kimboroni]

This is tricky, because both FAR and AUD have a lot of material, so if you haven't already started studying for one of them, I'm not sure if you have enough time to cover everything and still time things to take both tests next window. Unless you feel more comfortable with the material already for one of them due to using them now/recently in work or school? If so, I would go with that one first, and then maybe you can fit them both in during July/Aug.

If you don't feel especially comfortable with either one, it's probably best to just tackle one next window and the other one the window after that to give the best chance of passing.

Have you worked out an effective study method for yourself on the other tests?

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Anonymous]

I would say 2.5 months is a good amount of time to study for FAR, especially if you're working full time. What's your strongest suit? For me, FAR was the hardest because I'm better at tax. I would do the section that you think will be the hardest for you next and leave the easier one for last.

[Jmacjr23]

@Kimboroni Not super comfortable with the topics in REG or FAR and based on my other tests you're probably right about only doing one per window. That January Expiration date is creeping up faster than I would like! But the last thing I want to do is rush studying.

@Amanda_1988 Great point! REG is for sure my weaker topic of the two so I think I'll make that one my next priority.

Thank you guys!

[lalap]

Hi Jmac!

IMHO, If money is not an issue I think you should try to squeeze both REG and FAR this window. So if (worse case) you fail one of them, you still have another testing window (Oct-Nov) as a back up.

Passed

[Jmacjr23]

@lalap right right… haha worst case though is I fail both and lose all the leverage I had studying for the first one because I start a whole new part…

[Kimboroni]

Once you get into retake territory, you can try taking 2 per window to get them done if you need to. It sounds like you have 3 windows left (July/Aug, Oct/Nov, and at least part of Jan) to pass these 2 sections– you can do it!

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Tux]

“Is 2.5 months too long to study for one exam?” – Heck no! Depends on your schedule and available time to study.

But, if these are BOTH retakes for you, I'm guessing it might not take you that long. (But, again, it depends on your schedule).

Start with the harder one – you already said that was REG.

Do tons and tons of MCQ's so you can drill the rules into your head. Just stay focused!

IMO, I wouldn't have jumped around to various sections, like it seems that you did. But, now that you only have 2 left, you can manage it.

I would be concerned about FAR only because of the amount of material that you'll have to cover. I hope this is a retake for you and you're not starting from scratch!

Just start working on REG and don't schedule yet. See how much progress you make in the next 2-3 weeks. You may be able to schedule for July. Or it may be best to wait till Aug

Sounds like it's too soon to know that right now, so just don't make a decision yet.

OR, go ahead and schedule it, but be prepared to reschedule it if you're just not ready. (The fee to make the change will be worth it, considering that you're getting closer to your January expiration date.)

Good luck!

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Author]

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