[sagittarian]

Here is my scenario:

I’m planning to start studying for FAR on April 1st. The test is scheduled for May 1st. I can put in *at least* 40 hours every week. I will be using Becker online.

I understand that there are several factors that have to be considered to understand if this is possible or not – like my ability to learn. But do you think this is doable?

I would really appreciate any tips/suggestions on how I can accomplish this.

[CPA2BEE]

For me – no chance in hell. No matter how many hours per day I studied, it just took me about 4 months to digest alllllll of that material enough to go in and pass. I work full-time and study 10-20 hrs per week depending on the week/time of year. But even if I had 40 hours I don't know if I would have processed that info any quicker. It just took a while for me to wrap my head around it.

Having said that, I don't know you at all and for all I know you might only need 2 weeks to study. I'm not sure if this is a question anyone can answer other than you. But if your anything like me, and a good amount of the people on this forum, FAR will probably take more than a month. Best of luck to you.

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[marqzho]

40hours a week for 4weeks. That's 160 hours study time. Of course it is doable.

REG 90
FAR 95
AUD 98
BEC 84

[Missy]

It's entirely doable but April 1 is two weeks away, I'd start now even if it's not as many hours as it will be then. No sense in waiting.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[DZagt]

Took me a good 7 1/2 weeks of studying at about 35 hours a week to get an 83. I didn't watch videos. If I had to do this I'd t buy NINJA notes and hammer out MCQs like a madman. There is just so much info in FAR so they have a lot to throw at you, but Im sure people have done it before. If you can start now, do so, and dont expect to have a life.

[taejeen]

I studied at least 2 months and barely scraped by. But, everyone's different, and you may be able to pull it off if you give it your all.

FAR 76 (8/1/2015)
AUD 83 (10/17/2015)
REG 85 (1/9/2016)
BEC 83 (2/27/2016) DONE!

[Jdn9201]

As others have said, you are the best judge at how much time you need. I passed FAR in 21 days – took the exam on 2/29 and began studying on 2/7. I only used Roger and estimate I studied about 80 hours. I had originally planned to take it in May but took a shot to get it over with. One thing that helped me is I listened to many of my lectures at work, while working of course. That allowed me to spend more time at home doing questions. There were topics I never mastered but I at least wanted to be able to take an MCQ about any topic and pick out the 2 best answers. Another tip I have is spend some time on the AL. There are points buried there for your SIMS but you have to know how to use the AL to find them. Are you working? If yes, 40 hrs per week may be too much. I tried to do most of my studying when I was alert and the most productive. If you are concerned about time, why can't you start studying now? Good luck with your studying.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[sagittarian]

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts! It really helps!

@marqzho is there a study plan you would recommend?

@mla11692 I'm an intern at the moment. And taking two classes. And have to take exams for some prerequisites for school. That's the reason i decided to start first week of April. But I see your point.. I'll try to start as soon as I could.

[sagittarian]

@jdn9201 thank you for the tips! Maybe this is a basic question – what's AL? And no, I will not be working in April. Just two online classes that will take me max 5 hours each week. That's it. No other commitments.

[sagittarian]

Ah! Authoritative Literature.

[marqzho]

sagittarian

a u going to use any review course?

REG 90
FAR 95
AUD 98
BEC 84

[sagittarian]

Becker's online version

[marqzho]

I'm old school 🙂 watch the lecture, do the MCQ, keep doing the MCQ, keep doing the MCQ until you are done.

REG 90
FAR 95
AUD 98
BEC 84

[Nessie]

This is a bit of a difficult question to answer not knowing much about your background. If you are strong in financial accounting, then it might be possible. If you are weak, meaning you will be learning things for the first time, then no, I don't think it is possible. Maybe have a look through the Becker FAR phonebook, or whatever material you are using and determine what you recognize. If it is all new to you, I think you should give yourself a bit more time.

All I can say is that FAR is taking a lot of time. AUD and REG were easy compared to this. Im not sure Becker is the way to go since they teach too much material.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Spartans92]

Hey Nessie, from your experience how long should I use a CRAM course before the exam. I just purchased Roger and will be done with Becker FAR next week. How long should the CRAM take typically? I hope to supplement Ninja for a week too and to redo some SIMS on Becker as well. I have 2 weeks to review and it seems like not enough time…

BEC- PASS

[Nessie]

Hi Spartanss, I definitely encourage a cram course. I had an “ahhh ha” moment during my AUD review and it was if all the stars aligned and I finally understood the cobweb of material.

I typically start a cram course 2 weeks before the exam. The Becker one's usually take 5-7days. Then after the cram course, I like to go over a chapter a day 1 week before and basically rest the day before the actual exam. That was how I did it for AUD and the material was spread over 6 chapters.

If you go 3 weeks out to is too far from the exam, and I feel the last week should be for memorization stuff, and attacking your areas of weakness and not necessarily what will be taught during review. I hope this helps 🙂

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Author]

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