[MJ44]

Took FAR on Monday and feeling like the Sims were brutal. This could be my last exam or I lose REG. First Testlet wasn’t bad, 2nd Testlet was definitely more difficult. 4 out of the 8 sims I felt were doable, the other 4 I just tried to get points in where I could. There just isn’t enough time to dive into all the exhibits they throw at you.

[ezakipocky]

I am so proud to say I've tried 7 times

AUD 7/3
BCE 81
REG 7/15
FAR 8/18

[Mercenary]

Yes.

I prepared more for FAR than the other exams by a fair bit though. I was quite accustomed to examining lots of exhibits from DRS practice sims. Having done those helped me be able to go through those kind of sims more quickly. The area I found most challenging on the first exam was easily the first MCQ testlet, I remember walking out thinking for sure that I failed.

[Otis]

I took FAR in February, and still clearly remember the test and overall experience. It was my first test and I studied my tail off for it… probably upwards of 175-200 hours total.

Walked out of it literally wanting to cry. Second testlet felt the same, sims were brutal, the research question was absurd, and I finished with seconds to spare. Could hardly look my wife and children in the eye when I got home I felt so ashamed I failed. Imagine my surprise when I got an 85!

My money says if you feel like crap after, but put in an honest effort, it’s almost a sure sign you passed.

Been this way for me for REG and BEC too. Hoping I feel like garbage after I take AUD in Q1!!!

Best of luck to you!

[OnmywaytoCPA]

Yes, I passed FAR and AUD on the first try. I was working in public accounting and I was doing most of the things tested on the exam on a daily basis so it was easier to absorb the material. I took BEC twice and REG three times.

REG - 74, Retook 6/10/16, scored a 72 (Hate this exam)
BEC - 69, 79, 8/1/15
AUD - 83, 4/4/15
FAR - 77, 2/27/16

[Cruz818]

Don't give up hope! I felt absolutely defeated after taking FAR. Aside from indirect cash flow method (which I would use/recreate daily as a credit analyst at a bank), all the other concepts were pretty much new to me (I graduated undergrad in 2005 so it had been several years since I took accounting courses). Pretty sure I left two SIMs entirely blank (or just 0's), messed up the research SIM, and still snuck by with a 77 on FAR. You never know!
It was my first test and I was so defeated. Would have bet a decent sum of money that I had failed. Glad I'm not a gambling man 😛

[Biff Tannen]

Just found out I passed with a 79 on my first try. Used Becker, Gleim Testbank, and Ninja audio. I did MCQs and saved the simulations until final review week. Make sure to master NFP and governmental accounting. These topics are heavy on the exam

[aaronmo]

Passed all on first try…without a degree in accounting, never worked in accounting, and classes taken at community colleges and online.

It takes a mixture of ability and work to pass the exams…if you do a little less of one, you'd better have a LOT of the other.

[Recked]

Also passed on first try. Was my first exam, studied way too much for it.
Felt like I completely bombed, ran out of time even. Keep the hope alive! Good luck!

[12tang]

Passed FAR on my first try after I graduated college with an 82. Never got my CPA and started again in 2018. Fell slightly short on my hours for FAR and failed. Took AUD and then back to FAR (this time hitting my hours) and passed FAR with a 77. FAR is doable, but it just requires you to be honest with yourself. You usually know if you're weak in too many areas. When I first passed FAR, I thought I failed. When I passed it again, I thought I killed it for a > 85. Haha, you just never know…

Using Becker self-study
FAR: (82) 175 hours - 1st attempt
BEC: (XX)
AUD: (69) 45hrs of study - 1st attempt
REG: (XX)

[aaronmo]

I know that this isn't a popular sentiment, but not everyone is supposed to be able to be a CPA…it's supposed to be a hard test, and it's designed to filter some out. This isn't because NASBA is mean…we aren't glorified bookkeepers, we're the guardians of the financial system, like calculator jedis, and there need to be standards for being in the order. Look at how much damage has been done by corrupt and/or inept CPAs…financial crash of 02′ was in large part an accounting failure, Bernie Madoff was enabled by a CPA (who was barely even punished for his role), Crazy Eddie…it goes on and on. Being a CPA is a big deal.

[Lindsey_p87]

“Calculator jedis”. That's going on my new business cards after I get licensed.

FAR - PASSED 11/14
AUD - TBD
BEC - TBD
REG - First take 2/16

[aaronmo]

Sith = CFPs

[Jimmy Dugan]

Many people have walked out of that exam thinking they got killed only to find out they passed on the first try. I went 2 for 2 on it; passed it the first time with an 89 when I studied way, way too much, then lost that score when I messed around and didn't take another one for over a year. I passed it again with an 84 after studying maybe a month. Both times I thought I had failed it and that's how most people feel after taking all of these things. Don't count yourself out just on the basis of how you FEEL about your performance. Fact is, you just don't know until you see that score report.

[Author]

Replies