[Anonymous]

Hi everyone. I need some advice…I’m in a bit of a crappy situation. Because of bad timing on my part (and an update to the freaking candidate database system migration), I will not receive my first ever NTS until sometime in March during the dead period. I did not plan for this at all. I have completed all of Becker for FAR (excluding review and mock exams), and was hoping to take it at the end of Q1. Now I have to wait until April to take it.

My dilemma is this: Do I continue to study/review for FAR and sit for it as soon as Q2 opens up, OR do I begin studying for BEC (the exam I planned on taking after FAR) now through all of March, sit for BEC as soon as Q2 opens, and then review FAR for 2-3 weeks and take it sometime in late April? I’m worried that once I begin studying for another exam I will forget everything I learned during my studying for FAR. On the other hand, I’m worried studying even longer for FAR is a waste of my time and will set me back significantly in my study goals.

Note: I am a grad student taking 9 hours this semester so I can study the recommended 25-30 hours per week that Becker recommends. I also have all summer before I begin working (Aug/Sept) to take the exams, and hope to pass all 4 parts before my first busy season.

[Recked]

A lot of times slots will open towards the end of the test window from people postponing or canceling.
I'd suggest you keep on FAR, and hopefully receive your NTS on March 5th, and then schedule your exam by March 10th.

Have you already applied and been approved? If everything is a go except the NTS, I would hope to receive it on March 5th and find an open slot.
Have you used the prometric seat availability tool to see what's open in your area those last few days before March 10th?

[Anonymous]

@ReckedRacing yes I've already applied and been approved. I applied for NTS on Feb 11 and they closed NTS on Feb 14. Only issue here is I've booked a spring break trip that leaves March 9th at 6am, meaning I'd have to take the exam 5th-8th. Not sure I could handle it but worth a shot. There are a few spots available at different testing centers in my city. Can't lock in anything until I have my NTS though 🙁

[Recked]

Read up on the NTS timing/scheduling.
There may be a rule that you cannot schedule to sit for an exam inside a 5 day window.
ie: Make sure if you get your NTS on March 5th, and find a spot open on the 8th, make sure you would be allowed to take that spot.

[Recked]

Bad news…
https://nasba.org/app/uploads/2018/01/Candidate-Bulletin-2017-Final-122117.pdf

Page 30 –
No appointments may be made for any section of the examination fewer than five days in advance of the desired test date.
For example if you call or go online on Monday to schedule an appointment the first available date will be Saturday of the same week.

Looks like its back to the drawing board.

On that note: FAR is the hardest exam with the lowest pass rate. I would clear that hurdle first, but given the delay you are facing, it might be most practical to move on to the next section, and then revisit and review for FAR by the end of Q2 2018.
The score holds for 2018 are going to have an adverse impact on your studies.

[Parthamis]

Definitely keep on FAR!

That is the hardest of them all, so its beneficial to put everything into that exam and then not worry about, whereas starting with BEC will create a higher risk of failing FAR.

[Allsheneededwassome]

They might let you schedule…idk worth a shot even if it's within 5 days bs the delay is being caused due to their (NASBA) site migration

I'd definitely take FAR while it's all fresh and assuming you feel prepared instead of going on a spring break and getting distracted etc. any gaps and I don't do well because I lose the rhythm. Good luck

[Anonymous]

If you absolutely must take BEC next quarter, then I would allow at least 4 weeks at the very minimum to re-review FAR. I think you'll find that you've forgotten quite a bit.

[Author]

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