[SOX with sandals]

Hi Everyone,

Quick debrief: I have two exams complete, AUD and BEC. My first score expires 01/31/2019. I have failed FAR twice now, once with a 66 and a second time with a 69 (Very frustrating, but my fault nonetheless). That being said, I’m looking to retake (and pass) FAR before even considering moving onto REG. Is it doable to retake FAR during busy season? I’m looking at a February 9, 2018 or so sit date, which would provide me 8 weeks study time, since I’ve already restarted. Ideally, I’ll have FAR out of the way, will finish busy season, and have that experience under my belt moving onto REG.

Generally I’m pretty frustrated in not passing FAR. I worry that in taking all of busy season off from studying, I’m only left with 9 months to finish my last remaining (and more difficult) sections. I’ve been using Wiley thus far with luck.

Any thoughts or insight about my situation in general or how to study during busy season would be appreciated!

Regards,
SOXWithSandals

[jenpen]

I think your plan sounds good. Get FAR knocked out, work through busy season, and then tackle REG. I have found on my journey that I cannot study and work the necessary hours during tax time, so I take that time off from studying. I'm retaking BEC towards the end of January to hopefully be done, but if I'm not I won't worry about it again until May or so. Good luck!

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[SOX with sandals]

@Jennifer, thank you so much for your insight. Best luck to you with BEC in January!

[TommyTheCat]

SOX – assuming you are referring to the upcoming tax busy season. If so then yes I think your plan is great, as the busy season really wont be starting to pick up until mid to late feb assuming you are doing mostly individual returns with a little entity work mixed in. If your firm does many pass through entity and individual returns then I can see the busy season starting to kick off in late Jan possibly. Either way I think you should have enough time between now and 2/9 to review the FAR materials thoroughly, maybe by a cram course or extra MCQ package to add to what you studied previously.

[SOX with sandals]

TommyTheCat – I'm in audit. I'll be at a client for YE work end of January through the first week of March or so.

[r00shine]

Since you've taken FAR twice and I assumed studied the material twice, I think it would be wise to study and try to pass some time in January before busy season really kicks into gear

[SOX with sandals]

r00shine, I agree. My concern is that while I have come close, within 6 points based on my most recent attempt, what does 6 points represent? Conceptually, it would seem that I have some holes in my understanding of FAR, and have a ways to go yet.

[r00shine]

Depending on your financial situation, it might be worth it to spend $300 and give it a shot in January. It couldnt hurt in my opinion, besides the NTS fee of course. On the other hand, your score doesnt expire for quite some time so waiting shouldnt be the worst thing in the world either.

[TommyTheCat]

ah got it, im going to bow out then i dont think i have anything of value to add. good luck to you whichever way you decide.

[jeff]

This may help: https://www.another71.com/study-for-cpa-exam-tax-season/

[Author]

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