[Otolliver]

I graduated from college (hard to believe now) 7 years ago now. I know I should have taken the exam forever ago, and I did sit in 2008 and 2009 for AUDx2 and BEC, failed both. I realize now that I hadn’t made the decision mentally to commit to taking the exam, I really half-assed it. I didnt believe i could do it honestly, I have always thought of myself as not being book smart and a terrible test taker. I’m over that. NOW…. i’m back! Ideally, i want to obtain my CPA during 2015. I work at a small firm with a lot of down time during the off season months. I have two major decisions to make though that I am struggling with.

1. What study materials do I use? I used Kaplan the first go around and i don’t want to this time. I’m seriously considering Wiley or Yaeger, and then possibly the NINJA 10 point combo. But i could be easily persuaded to look into something else. Becker is not in my budget, i’m paying for it myself and not expected to receive any raise, reimbursement etc once i pass. But i also understand its a waste if the materials you do buy arent helpful….

2. What order do I sit for the exams in? Or how do i decide an order? Does it matter?

I’m not planning on studying until April, after tax season, but i’m mentally trying to get prepared and motivated. I’m already 28, its time to quit pretending I’m not going to take them! Any advice is welcome 🙂

[Otolliver]

PS I also have the 2011 Wiley text books and lectures (I was guessing they were too old to still use though?? even with an additional supplement?)

[Mamabear]

Here are some helpful suggestions about study materials.

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/best-cpa-exam-prep-curriculum-for-someone-out-of-college-7-years

I suggest sitting for whichever exam would be your toughest one that would require the most studying. That way you don't take up as much of your 18 month window by passing the hardest one first. I did BEC, AUD, FAR, REG and I regret it. My idea was that I needed to build up my confidence and pick the one I thought would be my easiest (Business major). By the time I got to FAR and REG I was already burnt out. I wish I had taken REG first, then FAR, then AUD, then BEC or alternated the ones with more material (FAR and REG) with the ones with less material (BEC and AUD) to split it up a bit. I suggest you keeping FAR and AUD back to back because there is overlap between the two. In FAR you learn how to make the financials and in AUD you learn how to audit them. There is also a little bit of overlap between AUD and BEC.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Mamabear]

I wouldn't use the 2011 book for REG or AUD because there have been a lot of changes, but you could probably get away with them for BEC and FAR. If you get an updated test bank you could use the information links for each question to learn the updates. I would definitely suggest Ninja because you get the updates for free until you pass. I don't use lectures, but it depends on what type of learner you are.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Skynet]

Gleim is a good option. Very affordable and great test bank too. Helped me pass BEC and REG so far.

[Author]

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