[Anonymous]

I studied FAR using the Gleim book and their software. I thought their book was long and overly detailed. Gleim has great MCQ software but they charge you extra to get simulation problems so I switched to Wiley books and software. Wiley’s book is just as bad if not worse!

These books are so detailed and I don’t have a short video lecture to look through on the first go around. Any “good” books out there for an overview approach. Gleim and Wiley are very comprehensive and are great as a reference on a missed MCQ but seem to get lost in the details.

[LSNYC]

Every book i have ever used is like this, because this is how the exam is. You need to know these details to pass.

That being said NINJA notes are a great overview, but they are meant to be used as a supplement to one of the other programs you have mentioned.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[Tncincy]

@Akkula,

I agree with Mints, the book try to cover all the topics available on the exam. If you have time to do a lecture, try yaeger. After a while they are tedious too, but at least you can get an outline of the thing you need to know. Sure anything can be on the test, but the point is what do you need to know and follow that. there are some demos online or a link that can guide you on what lectures are good and affordable.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[wizards8507]

Just drill problems in the Wiley test bank. It really helps you hone in on your strengths and weaknesses. They break down the different categories within each exam so you can figure out where to focus. Once you realize “wow, I really know ‘A' but need a ton of work on ‘C'” then you can go back to the book and utilize the detailed content to brush up.

NY CPA

[zooyuka]

I tried the Gleim book. I found it silly that every subject is 20 units! Whats up with that? How can it be a clean 20 units for all four parts? I prefer Wiley's approach much better.

BEC 71,77
REG 65,85
FAR 7/1/13
AUD 8/24/13

[Anonymous]

@Wizards8507

I got the Wiley Focus notes along with their book. I have been using those notes to get a high level overview, then I skim the book to see what details I need to read in more depth, then I do MCQ questions and go back to the book once I find out what concepts I need to review in depth.

I think trying to force yourself to read every sentence of the book on the first time through may be a mistake. I am thinking of it as more of a reference than a cover to cover read.

[Anonymous]

I believe that Gleim Sim Wizard is worth every dollar they charge. Each sim is a section of 6 or 7 TBS and they are presented in the same format as the exam. You can really watch your time and gain confidence using the Sim Wizard. Gleim Online is different than the test bank and it comes with MCQs, true false and more sims and study outlines…detailed and concise.

[Anonymous]

If I have to end up re-taking FAR I will probably get their simulation wizard although I would be crusty with them since the reason I would have failed using their materials the first time is because they didn't have simulations as part of their software package. They should just put them together…

[StephAV]

I'm using Roger CPA review, he writes his own book that I like soooooo much more than the Wiley book. We also get the Wiley book just for the homework questions and Wiley software and test bank access. I despise the Wiley book. Really like the test bank and Roger's book though.

FAR - 7/13 - 72, 11/13- 74, 2/14- 82!!! Best score ever (for me)!!!
BEC - 1/14 - 75!!! Perfect score! First Pass! YAY!!!
AUD - 8/14 - 80!!!
REG - 5/14 - 72, 10/14 - 66, 1/15 - 78 - DONE FOREVER!!!
I did 5 of the UNA and CPAExcel classes to earn units.

[StephAV]

I'm using Roger CPA review, he writes his own book that I like soooooo much more than the Wiley book. We also get the Wiley book just for the homework questions and Wiley software and test bank access. I despise the Wiley book. Really like the test bank and Roger's book though.

FAR - 7/13 - 72, 11/13- 74, 2/14- 82!!! Best score ever (for me)!!!
BEC - 1/14 - 75!!! Perfect score! First Pass! YAY!!!
AUD - 8/14 - 80!!!
REG - 5/14 - 72, 10/14 - 66, 1/15 - 78 - DONE FOREVER!!!
I did 5 of the UNA and CPAExcel classes to earn units.

[mtaylo24]

I like Gleim. What helps me is when they tell you to stop and do the questions after the subunit, I do just that. The software is broken into subunits, unlike Wiley, which makes you test on the entire module. This definitely helps me grasp the concepts a little better.

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - 55 (2/16) 69 (5/16) Retake(8/16)
BEC - 71(5/16) Retake (9/16)
FAR - (8/16)

[SeattleAccountant]

Try Becker. To me it is mainly an overview not teaching course and that is great for those that remember stuff from school but not in detail. I find it concise and effective although I do look up/research areas of personal weak areas to enhance Becker.

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[wizards8507]

@SeattleAccountant, Becker is awfully expensive for “mainly an overview, not a teaching course.” If all you need is an overview, there are much more affordable options. I know several people including myself who passed with nothing but the Wiley Test Bank. If you need a $3,000 course, pay for a $3,000 course, but it seems like a waste of money if all you need is an overview.

NY CPA

[Mohammedt75]

Gleim is good, especially for the simulations. I have all the review materials but my favorite is Gleim.

[Kenada]

I like Rogers CPA too. His notes are well put together and it does comes with Wiley homework book and test bank. I also got Gleim test bank and SIM's. I find that both combined gives me a lot of material to practice on and i get to see questions in various ways.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[SeattleAccountant]

@wizards8507

I'm using Becker and happy about it. You can whine about it being expensive but does the job at least for me, no major complaints. Nobody forces anyone to buy more expensive stuff, but for those that are short on time, did well in school and want quick condensed review, I say Becker is worth it, IMHO.

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[Author]

Replies