@Vandammage – True, I don't think it's a NINJA only thing, I think ALL the review courses are probably a bit outdated and still working on catching up to the new formats. I'm not sure what goes on behind the scenes or what it takes to incorporate DRS practice SIMs into a review course, but I do know that the bit of Becker I did get to sample is very close to what you see on the actual exam. And from what I've seen Becker does an excellent job at taking extremely comprehensive material and converting it into a very cut and dry to-the-point review.
@Jeff – It's just my experience. I don't mean to come across as demeaning or bitter toward NINJA, but considering I've passed two sections within two months on the old format and took FAR and felt okay with it using NINJA only, REG is the only section I've experienced this. Also, I admit I don't take the prescribed methodology for studying for these exams so my trending scores won't properly reflect my ability, however I have put in less time on previous sections using the same methodology and passed. REG has been the only anomaly.
@Wanna – LOL, I am just honest and straightforward. Sometimes that comes off as rude or confrontational, especially on the internet, but I just wanted to share my honest experience because I think it will help others one way or another.
@Shawn – The Becker REG free trial only gives you access to individual taxation. But that is probably one of the most important sections you MUST know on the new format…considering it makes for great testable material especially for SIMs. No doubt, if I have to retake REG yet again, if I bought full access to Becker REG, and had even just one more week to study, I would be highly confident that I'd pass REG very easily. It's just unfortunately true though that NINJA (and likely many of the other review courses) just don't cut it on this new format.
I had just over 2:15 left after finishing the MCQ (took longer than expected) and had about 1:30 left when I took the official break after the first SIM testlet. I was able to fill in all the SIMs and even used the AL quite a bit to look up as much information as possible, though I wish I had more time on the last testlet. Altogether I had about 3 complex DRS, 1 pretty easy research SIM, 2 other SIMs from out of left field, and 2 that were “doable” but I probably screwed up anyway 😛
I think pacing yourself @ 0:45 minutes per testlet is a good benchmark. Also I don't want to get into disclosure territory, but all my SIMs were calculations. MCQ in my opinion is luck of the draw and there's really no way of preparing for them other than STUDY EVERYTHING.
@Curlygirl – Interesting. When I signed up for the Becker free trial, it was like a breath of fresh air! I took the exam before and when I saw the detailed nature of the material, the videos, and explanations, it was EXACTLY what I have been searching for to help for this exam. I made several posts in the past about my experience the first time taking REG and asked if anyone could recommend a course that would address the concerns I had (I was mainly looking for a supplemental course to help practice the SIMs). No one even recommended Becker, but when I finally decided to check out the free trial it gives you access to only the individual taxation but it hit the nail on the head and was exactly what I was looking for.
Anywho, good luck everyone. I will follow up on the 19th with an update. If I failed or barely passed, then there's really not much more I can do with NINJA. If I scored in the 80s though then NINJA is basically like bare minimum for this section. I'm sure the course will be updated eventually, but I hope my experience is a word of caution for anyone who isn't very confident in their abilities for this section…Becker was a breath of fresh air for me and very closely reflected the actual content on the exam.
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