[Ny1105]

Wiley Question –

Hello.

I’m using this to study for Far and realized that there is quite a lot of information outside of the books I’ve been using, especially for Government accounting.

Anyone have past experience using this software and if all this information is necessary?

[maj1028]

Hi,

I used Wiley and supplemented it with audio notes, but I think Wiley provides you with necessary information you need in order to pass. Of course, it is not a guarantee that you'll see it in your exam but it's good to have a general understanding of the concepts. Ad they say, the CPA exam is ocean wide and river deep. General understanding the concepts is most critical.

[Ny1105]

Thanks maj for the reply.

I am using this as a supplement as well, however, a lot of information in the cpaexcel is nowhere to be read in my primary source of information…

[CoachEmUp]

Generally speaking Wiley is thought of as “giving too much” info, but I've always enjoyed being over prepared. While some systems like Roger are just trying you to get a 75, I would much prefer to aim for 100 and have a bigger margin for error. There were plenty of topics Wiley covered that didn't show up on test day, but that doesn't mean that they couldn't have. It is random what you'll actually see on test day so better off being fully prepared IMO.

[Bourne]

Be VERY VERY cautious/consider not purchasing Wiley. There has been major problems over the past week (smaller problems before) that are causing people to reschedule their exams and consider buying a different review course. Just an FYI.

[Ny1105]

@bourne

Actually, that sounds like me right now. I just started using CPAexcel a week ago to supplement my studying, however, there was so much information that I didnt know…..

As a result, I pushed my exam date a week or so later.

[Bourne]

It's not that there's so much info. At least for the audit section, the DRS's do not show the correct answers, they show all of your answers wrong, and some DRS's are even missing documents that you must look at in order to complete the question. These problems began last week after an update and according to Wiley's “customer service” the problems have been fixed as of the beginning of this week (clearly not true).

It's very frustrating to people that have spent thousands of dollars on their review course and need to rely on it to study. Luckily, my exam is a little less than a months away. But people have rescheduled their exam due to these problems.

[CS]

@ NY1105 – I felt the same way at first, as I would peruse YouTube videos to get a deeper understanding, but honestly after the fact, I felt Wiley prepared me for the Gov't/NFP portions, and I have no background in either. I would recommend knowing the topics at a high/broad level. I know in sections there are lines upon lines of specific information. I tried to digest it but seemed impossible given I was 3 days out from the exam, and took the video instructor's advice of knowing everything at a high level and that seemed to work out.

That's disheartening to hear regarding Wiley. I used Wiley for FAR which I took on August 31, but do remember changes and updates happening which would reset my lessons. That was frustrating because there was a purpose to the order, then everything went out of wack, although I understand it was re-ordered as according to the new format, but still, it felt like I randomly jumped back and forth between sections.

I also remember the software acting up towards the end of my course just before the exam. I was able to make it work eventually, downloading new browsers etc. but I know the frustrations. I'll keep myself updated on this forum as I was thinking of going back to Wiley for BEC, but if the software is malfunctioning to the point that candidates are postponing their tests I think I'll pass.

[Ny1105]

Thanks guys for the feedback. I think i just need to suck it up a little more.

Also, i had times the software just didn't work for hours as well! Seems odd such an expensive program consistently having problems.

[Author]

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