[rshaf]

I thought that I would share some of my experiences and lessons learned during my CPA review process. I purchased a ton of different CPA exam prep materials (CPA Excel, ROGER, Yeager, Gleim, Becker, Jeff’s NINJA Notes) and thought I would share my insights.

1.) Reviewing the previously released AICPA questions was extremely helpful in my success for this exam. I would print out 4-5 years worth of the multiple choice questions, three-hole punch them and put them in a binder. Then I would do sets of 50 M/C’s over lunch. I thought they were especially helpful for the AUD portion of the exam. You get to understand how they ask the questions, which I believe is key for AUD.

2.) Find the right CPA program for you. For me, Becker didn’t do it, but Yeager and ROGER did. Don’t be afraid to mix and match programs based on their strengths. ROGER is awesome for AUD and Yeager was awesome for REG.

3.) If you have to re-study, consider buying a CRAM course. It may cost some additional money, but your time is valuable and it costs about as much as an exam fee. Think about it this way, if you fail again, it will cost you another exam fee, so the savings is nulified.

4.) Jeff’s NINJA notes are awesome. Use them as an outline and build off of his notes to include your own. I never re-wrote them in their entirety, but did build off of them. Take advantage of his sales events and buy ahead of time for modules that you will study for in the future. He is a stand up guy and will give you updated versions upon request.

5.) Practice Task Based SIMs. Do not just skip over the study guide ones because you couldn’t possibly have the same one on your exam. Part of the exam success is understanding how they are going to question you on the exam. I really thought Wiley’s Task Based SIMs helped me for REG & FAR.

6.) Do multiple choice questions non stop, as Jeff suggests. I used the Gleim software, which I found to be inexpensive and really comprehensive. Additionally, I focused on the questions that had a “CPA” tag on them versus Publisher Adapted questions. I preferred Gleim over the Wiley multiple choice software.

7.) Practice using the research tool. I believe if you go to the NASBA/AICPA website, as long as you have a current NTS number, you will get 6 months access to the tool. Just getting comfortable with the tool really helped me on exam day.

8.) Have the right support system around you. This is an extremely grueling process. You need to find a friend, spouse, co-worker to vent to or to encourage you.

9.) Find the study plan that works for you. I would study a lot in the mornings and over lunch. Only about 1-2 hours at night due to having young kids.

10.) You need to really want it and studying like never before. In my experience, almost everything else in my life had to be placed on the back burner while I was studying for a particular part. I definitely know it’s a struggle, but crossing the finish line was a great feeling. Believe in yourself, you can do this!

Good luck!!

BEC- 76 (08/10)- PASS
AUD- 85 (11/10)- PASS
REG- 71 (02/11), 81 (04/11)- PASS
FAR- 73 (05/11), 74 (08/11), 79 (11/11)- PASS