[sonygal57]

I recently finished my bachelor’s degree (in accounting). My state allows for candidates to sit for the exam prior to receiving the 150 credits if they have a 4 yr. degree (though the 150 credits are still necessary for licensure). I have made this decision based on costs…I incurred some student loans acquiring my 4yr. and I have determined that the cost of review programs coupled with the time necessary to prep for the exams will allot me the time necessary to save for the additional credits.

Has anyone else taken the exam this way? Any tips, pros, cons, etc…

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[NC CPA]

Yup, I am the prime example except the fact that I have 131 credits. I graduated in May 2013. Already attempted two and about to give my third one tommorow.

FAR: 90 MAY 6 2013
AUD: 99 MAY 29 2013
REG: 84 July 1 2013
BEC: 85 July 31 2013

[Anonymous]

If you have the money, there's no reason not to start working on it now. If it's possible for you to work on the exam now, then do it. It's not something to put off if you don't have too. That's always my first tip to any new staff at work that ask about the exam – start it ASAP. You'll be happy you did once you're done.

[acamp]

I did Wiley Test Bank + Ninja notes for most of them (see below). I don't think a heavy handed $3k+ review course is necessary for recent grads–I mean if someone else is paying for it, by all means, but to shell out that much out of pocket after having just spent who knows how much in tuition…!!!

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[wizards8507]

Wiley Test Bank is probably the best *value* for recent grads, especially if your undergrad curriculum was strong. I took and passed all four sections while working full time and doing an online MAcc program all at the same time, so it can be done. I timed up my exams with when I was taking those “type” classes in the MAcc program, i.e. I took FAR last because I didn't want to take it before I had my Governmental and Not for Profit class.

NY CPA

[jelly]

Sort out exactly how you'll get the additional 30 credits for the license, i.e. Master's program, additional classes at a local college, online classes. Will you be working part-time or full-time while all of this is going on?

There can be a lot of challenges with finishing up those additional 30 credits. For instance, will your state accept those credits? Does the local college have classes at times you can actually attend? Is there an overcrowding enrollment problem where the specific class you need gets filled up every semester before you can register?

Couldn't pass again!

[sonygal57]

NC CPA, congrats on not only passing but with such high scores! Did you use a review course?

Acamp I used $1500 of my tax refund to buy the Yeager course, I chose it because it came with the Wiley material. I also paid for the first two exams (FAR first).

I am an EA (a tax junky really) and I receive salary (sucks during tax season, but rocks during the rest of the year). I have been putting in less than 30 hours a week at work and anywhere from 20-30 hours a week studying.

As far as the extra credits are concerned, I decided to do the exam first because I was afraid I would cheat myself out of a masters just to get the costs of the credits down (with community college classes and non-master degree specific courses through universities in order to meet the specific credit requirements). I hope I will be able to save up enough while studying for the exam that the costs will be less of an issue.

I was smart enough not to use student loans to pay for my entire bachelor's degree…but I did have to utilize them none-the-less. I paid for what I could out of pocket, but I doubled up on classes (before being able to afford them) so I could get the degree in 3 years.

I am glad I posted this because I was starting to doubt myself because I hadn't started a master's degree program yet; however, some of these comments are starting to give me confidence again!

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[Author]

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