[GreekPrincezz]

Hi everyone,

I have decided to use Becker to study, after multiple failed attempts mostly due to not studying. Now that I’m ready to take the exam seriously, I was hoping to get some advice to those of you who have used Becker in the past.

I am looking at online course vs. self-study. What is your experience with these two forms of Becker, and which would you recommend and why? If you’ve taken both, please tell me which one you preferred and why?

I’m thinking to plan 3-4 weeks between finishing the videos and my exam to review all the material. Do you feel this is enough time? How much time would you recommend? Also, how much time would you recommend between one exam and beginning to study for the next?

Any and all advice appreciated.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Unless you will be studying every minute of every day, 3-4 weeks seems like a short window of study, especially for FAR. BEC and Audit could be done in that window if your dedicated, but I'd suggest 1-1.5 months depending on how uncomfortable you are with the material.

Personally, self-study is more than enough for me.

[Onmyway82]

I used the self-study too and it was very good. I allowed one week per chapter and then at least a week for review if not two weeks. But I know some people do two chapters a week, but I am working full time as well.

FAR- 70, 68, 90
AUD- 72, 85
REG- 74, 83
BEC- 81
ETHICS- 90

CA CPA
CMA

[DUMBCPA]

2+ chapters a week & leave 1-2 weeks for review.

B - 85 (4/2013)
A - 97 (5/2013)
F - 83 (7/2013)
R - 8/2013

Becker Self-Study

[Anonymous]

I did self study. One week per chapter then two final review weeks for each exam. With different number of chapters in each book, it will vary the weeks you study.

For example BEC was 6 chapters. I spent 8 weeks studying with about 20 hrs a week.

This seems to be consistent with my friends and coworkers as well

[IwannaBaCPA]

So the difference between self study and online is hardly anything (I did online class). All you get with online is structure (because there are some deadlines for completing things especially if you want Becker promise) and support (a Becker instructor and other people taking the class you can ask questions to). That's it. It is still up to you to watch the lectures and do the homework. I basically did the self study once I realized this. If there is a cost difference – just do the cheapest.

As for study time – it depends on many things. If you plan to watch the lectures for one section and do the homework as you go, then 3-4 weeks to review everything should be fine. But that of course depends how much time you spend in those weeks, how familiar you are with the material, how well you comprehend retain the info, etc.

Time inbetween exams – a few days. You need those days to reset your brain, but then get right back to it. Those 18 months go so much faster than you realize. Trust me!

Good luck!

BEC: 79 - April 2011
FAR: 78 - May 2011
AUD: 81 - May 2012
REG: 79 - October 2012
Ethics: Passed - March 2013
I am finally DONE!

[MrsBing]

If you're working full time I recommend 1 chapter a week and 2 weeks for final review. If you're working part time or not at all 2 chapters a week and 1-2 weeks for final review. After an exam you should take a weekend off or even a week then start studying for the next exam.

Becker, Wiley Test Bank, and Ninja 10 Point Combo!

FAR: 89
REG: 87
AUD: 92
BEC: 75
Ethics: 90

Licensed Arizona CPA

[Author]

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