[kpine1852]

Hi all,

I’m new to the forum & just started studying for the exam.. I’m super nervous to begin so I’m coming to you guys for guidance. What is the best order to take the exam in? The most interesting topic for me is tax so I went with REG first, thinking I could hopefully pass one and get motivated. I’m aiming to sit at the beginning of the Q3 window. I was thinking about doing BEC next – and also fit that in the Q3 window because of the score release dates are so far apart and since BEC is a shorter topic. Then AUD, then FAR. Mostly because I’m terrified for FAR.

Now I’m rethinking sitting for FAR last because of how hard it is and fear of losing passed sections. Anyone have an suggestions or similar situations?

[M123]

Everyone is different. Maybe a good analogy is dating. Some guys need a “confidence builder” – others want to go for the gold.

I am half through but I decided to start with Reg (due to tax background), followed by FAR (hardest) followed by Aud (some concepts related to FAR) and BEC – rather the wildcard.

I can say that in studying currently for BEC there are quite a few concepts that are easier because of having done FAR/AUD/REG so I think my perfect order is in fact REG/FAR/AUD/BEC.

Reg is a good “confidence builder” for FAR because it's hard but not insanely hard.

Business before pleasure and “big rocks/little rocks” philosophies say get those satanic exams out of the way first.

[Anonymous]

Since you haven't taken any exams yet, the general consensus would be to take FAR first. I think if you take FAR by the beginning of Q3, you still have time to do either BEC and AUD in Q3 since both are rather short. AUD might be better to follow after FAR since there are many FAR related topics in Audit. However, I know some people who did not take FAR first and did just fine. Your mileage may vary of course, but don't feel obligated to do what everyone else does. Some take the hardest first, others take the easiest first. I would say that since you are most terrified for FAR, you should take it sooner rather than later. Procrastination won't make it any less scary.

[Anonymous]

I am half way through and decided to go the route of taking FAR last. I just couldn't start with the beast that is FAR. Maybe the decision will come to haunt me, but for now the order is BEC (passed), Audit (score release 8/17), REG-tentatively mid July, FAR -tentatively mid November. I will still have until July of 2018 to re-take any section I don't pass…

[IcecreamF]

Save the hardest for last, because if you take it first, it will run out first coming up to 18 months. Taking BEC two times isnt a big deal, taking FAR two times? better grab some lube.

[kpine1852]

Thanks for the replies! I think I'm going to save FAR for last and hope for the best like you @anyatver. Hopefully by the end I'll get the momentum going. And the knowledge from the other exams will help with FAR. If I pass my first one in July, then I have until December 2018 to get the rest.

Hahaha I completely agree with you @IcecreamF. I couldn't imagine having to put myself through it again.

[SaveBandit]

Take FAR first. It's almost like 2 tests. If you take FAR last you'll have depression.

4 for 4

FAR 85
AUD 94
BEC 86
REG 90

[TommyTheCat]

i did the same as you are thinking….took REG first since it's my strongest suit, and then BEC next since my degree was in economics/accounting combined. My rationale was as follows:

– First time taking the exams, so wanted to start with a topic I was most comfortable with to get a feel for the process. Nothing sounded worse than having first exam jitters AND taking the juggernaut that is FAR
– Wanted to take parts I thought I would have the most success in first, so that I could have a few exams passed to bake in further motivation to study for FAR and AUD….use it or lose it is a big motivator to me personally
– Lastly, wanted to take parts first that if I did lose credit for I could re-take them with minimal to no follow-up studying needed. REG is that for me.

Everyone will have different advice, so the best advice is come up with a strategy that works for you and stick to it.

[ipadminihalf]

Your plan and reasoning are similar to what I was thinking when I first started, and I took the exams in the same order as you have listed. If I had to do it again, I'd probably take FAR 1st or 3rd. I was also scared of FAR, and mid REG study (around 1/16), I found out the exam was changing 4/17, so it got me worried and I wanted to get REG, BEC and AUD out of the way quickly, so I could have 5-6 attempts at FAR before REG expired.

I think the issue with this strategy is that it leaves the exam with the most study material for the end. Not to scare you, but you will likely become tired of studying at some point during your journey. As an example, I studied REG for 11-12 weeks, BEC 4-5 weeks, AUD 7 weeks, FAR 13 weeks and 10 weeks (1st and 2nd attempt) over 1 year. I would have much rather had BEC or AUD at the end, because even if I failed them, I would not have to go back and study as much as FAR.

Regardless though, if you follow what your review course tells you to do (likely watch lectures, read chapters, take notes, do questions 2-3 times) and put in the time, and are honest with yourself, you should be able to pass the exams 1-2 tries.

REG - 2/19/16 - 77!
BEC - 4/16/16 - 79!!
AUD - 6/04/16 - 84!!!
FAR - 8/31/16

[Jj]

If you take and pass FAR, you're basically a CPA already.

[Anonymous]

@Beantown23 ^

No offense, but I Hate when candidates say that about FAR because I fell into that kind of thinking. I passed FAR on my first try, but will be retaking AUD for my 3rd time. I found the MCQ for FAR to be much easier and straight forward than AUD. And, my AUD Sims were basically FAR sims. In short, do not fall into the trap of thinking “I passed FAR, so I am basically a CPA already.” This thinking is so NOT true because there are 3 more challenging exams remaining. Take it from someone who fell into that ignorant way of thinking!!! 🤓

Goodluck!

[Jj]

@cpa4928- I wouldn't call it an ignorant way of thinking, I would call it strategy. The general consensus is that Far is the hardest exam, and also the longest exam. If you pass far it gives you more time to pass the remaining based on study time alone. AUD and Bec are literally half the material. I've passed AUD and BEC, but just failed FAR and having trouble remembering all the materials.

[Author]

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