[jberrier]

Since many others have shared their experiences with this brutal exam, I thought I would go ahead and share mine, as well.

Yesterday, January 19, I took my first section of the CPA exam, FAR. This was the first time I had sat for any of the exams, so I was obviously pretty nervous. I had already read so many of the experiences—good and bad—from my fellow students here at Another71, so I can’t say that anything I encountered was particularly unique or unexpected, but I wanted to share anyway.

I had been studying for this section since early October, using the full RogerCPA exam course, supplemented by the Ninja MCQ test bank. By Monday morning, I had a bit under 70 hours of study time just from the Ninja test bank—trending at either 83% or 85%. This doesn’t include the 44 hours from Roger’s FAR videos, the 15 hours or so of the Roger Cram Course, or the time spent using Roger’s MCQ test bank, which, while lacking, is still decent in terms of quantity of questions and explanations, in my opinion. So, clearly time spent studying was not an issue with me—I would estimate that I spent at least two hours (sometimes three or more) nearly every day studying, in some way. What I was more worried about was whether or not I had studied efficiently, which I guess I will find out in a couple of weeks.

I thought I had a decent start with the exam, but tried not to get dismayed at some of the questions I wasn’t sure about in the first testlet. By the third testlet, it did seem to get noticeably harder. Time was not much of an issue, but in order to leave a full 1 hour and 45 minutes for the sims, I had to guess on several of the questions in the last testlet. I really started noticing the effects of pressure by this point. There seemed to be so many questions that, while I probably knew how to answer them, they threw in some variable that I didn’t know how to handle, or the pressure of the exam just kept my mind from functioning properly. My brain seemed to just freeze at several points by then, and I just couldn’t seem to focus—I just wanted to get out of there. Making this even more nerve-wrecking was the guy behind me who wouldn’t stop shaking his leg the whole time, producing a clicking noise from his chair with each shaking of his leg. So, I put on the ear muffs and tried to ignore it.

When I submitted the third testlet and opened the sims, I nearly went into a complete panic. It just seemed so overwhelming and I felt like giving up and began honestly questioning my abilities to pass this thing. So, I ended up doing the two research sims and then picked what seemed to be the next “easiest” sim. By the time I completed this third one, I had calmed down and was able to focus much better, though I was still stymied by several of the sims. I was able to use the research tab for one of the problems I had (for a journal entry), but I should point out that the research tab does no good if you get a governmental or IFRS sim problem.

I just did my best to complete the sims, but I had very little confidence when I was done. I think I had about 15 minutes or less to spare by the time I was done. Like many others have experienced, I felt pretty sure that I failed it upon walking out of the testing center. I felt fairly confident going in, but this exam can truly crush that confidence. The pressure of the actual exam can easily get the best of even the most confident student. This was probably the hardest part of the entire exam process. It feels like so much of what you study becomes useless during the actual exam (although I know that’s not actually the case). There were several problems that I probably could have figured out in the comfort of my own home, but for which I just couldn’t focus on during the exam. The pressure is immense!

Although I still feel uneasy about my overall performance, I calmed down after a bit and thought that maybe I didn’t do too awful. I’ve read about many people who left two seems completely blank and still did well. One thing I probably wouldn’t recommend is researching problem questions after the exam. I did this for a few problems that I remembered, and if you find out that you did it incorrectly afterwards, it just further crushes your confidence. It’s basically useless to do so, since you’ve already completed the test.

One thing I will say is that I actually like the on-screen calculator. You can use the ten-key and having the on-screen tape saves some writing on scratch “paper.” That brings up another point, though: I absolutely hate those stupid markers and the laminated paper! They don’t work well most of the time, dry up, and smear. It’s also a pain to remember to put the cap back on after every time you use it. I find that this whole thing with the markers actually discourages the generous use of scratch paper, creating another unnecessary discomfort. I just cannot understand the logic behind this. Apparently this is not an issue with Prometric, but with the AICPA, as others seemed to be using pencil and paper for various other exams.

For now, I will just have to wait until February 04 to retrieve my score. I thought that I would just be relieved that the exam was over (especially since it was the first one), and that the scoring is now out of my control, but I have to admit that this period of waiting is like walking around with a constant cloud over my head. I just keep thinking about it.

My biggest piece of advice (other than to study hard, of course—especially govt. and NFP accounting) would be to not let the pressure and anxiety of the test get the best of you. I knew this coming in, but it was even a bigger issue than I thought it would be. While I’m sure it did affect my overall performance, it could have been much worse if I let those intrusive, negative thoughts overwhelm. I seriously felt like walking out after the third testlet, and even questioned why I was even wasting my time with this—thinking that maybe I’m not cut out to be a CPA. But somehow, I was able to regain my focus and complete the exam, including all sims. In my opinion, this exam is at least as much a test of endurance, and will power as it is a test of knowledge.

Now, it’s onto BEC on February 29!!

[MaLoTu]

I just took FAR on Friday and I am now moving on to BEC. I think that if you did good on he MCQ you have a really good shot at passing. My sims were not even that hard (compared to the first time I took it) and I still don't think I passed. Just focus on BEC and hopefully you will get good news 2/4 🙂

[hasy]

So FAR was not my first exam, BEC was. I chose this exam first because I wanted an easy first pass. It's not easy. I think roughly, I studied diligently for 5-6 weeks, like everyday. Weekends longer, but weekdays, varies from 30 minutes to 3 hours. I do work full-time. But I tried to make sure that I did questions everyday. I am using Roger and I do believe his IPQ are decent. They don't kick you like NINJA does. Just give an idea, I did close or more 2000 MCQs since I used WTB, Roger's, AND NINJA.

At the end of my first testlet, I was already resigned into retaking it. So, really, it REALLY seemed that you probably did enough to pass. Also, As I'm learning from studying for FAR, studying for BEC is a LOT easier. I can see how people consider it as the easiest. There's so much information for FAR….. So good luck.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

-

BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Andyred04]

@jberrier I really appreciate your input. I, too, am taking FAR as my first exam on 2/12 and seriously all the insight I can get on the test day procedures, both physically and mentally, helps settle my nerves a bit.

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[debitcash]

@jberrier

Keep at it!

FAR is a beast, take a week off and get back into the grind. Don't get fooled by people saying some exams are harder than others, they are ALL hard. Important to understand this and keep a focused mind. Good luck to you.

FAR:75!
AUD:69, 63, 73, TBD
BEC:76!
REG:71, TBD

BECKER + NINJA PRODUCTS

keep your cool

[jberrier]

Thanks for the input, everyone!

@debitcash

I will try not to underestimate any of them–especially BEC. I've taken a sneak peak at the material and it does look like it has some very hard material. Looks like a lot of formulas and calculations–and cost accounting!! I think the thing that makes me a little bit more at ease about it, though, is just that the scope of topics is much smaller. Some of FAR is not too complicated, it's just a HUGE amount of information to remember.

I am actually somewhat worried about AUD. I have some tax accounting experience, so this might make portions of REG slightly easier. Audit is just so dry and boring, which makes it harder for me to study.

@Andyred04

Stay focused and do your best! Expect to have some anxiety, just don't let it take over. I think that by the time one gets through the MCQ, the mere sight of 7 big sim problems can just be overwhelming. But it seemed doable once I calmed down after doing the first one. A little anxiety might actually be beneficial, but it's when it paralyzes that it's a problem. I've read that a little bit of anxiety can actually enhance concentration. I'm hoping that now that I've at least taken one section, that my anxiety won't be as bad for other tests. That's my hope. I was actually surprised that the on-screen clock didn't distract me, though I knew it was ticking :).

[stozzo88]

I can definitely sympathize with how you are feeling. You basically summed up my FAR experience that occurred on Monday. This was also my first CPA exam, which was daunting at first but when I sat down in front of that computer I was in the zone. Its hard to tell how the MCQ went. Part of me thinks ok, but another side says no bueno. There were a few that I had no idea and some that were pretty good educated guesses. I'm not sure if they got harder. They could have been but maybe I just knew them? not sure if I am that lucky. A lot of the MCQ for me were conceptual. (Id say half were either gov't or NFP). The sims were pretty much out of left field. I just put as much as possible down to maximize my chance for partial credit. Pretty sure I got the research one right, small victories!

I am also moving on to BEC on 2/22 so its on to another topic (with the giant cloud over my head). I gave my self yesterday and maybe tonight to recharge the its back at it. I pretty much accepted the fact that i will have to retake FAR, the question is when. I already paid for all four, throwing FAR in again will pretty much cut the study time for REG and AUD in half. That is only if I want to get it in before July.

FAR- 1-18-2016- 82
BEC- 2-22-2016- 81
REG- 4-11-2016- 84
AUD- 5-17-2016- 86

[Me!]

Hi Ninja's, I do not comment very often but thought I would mention my FAR re-take from yesterday. I felt that it covered all the major topics evenly and 6 of Sims were all journal entries with one research sim(not an easy one but did find it after 15 minutes). I didn't feel that it became more difficult but I know from previous attempts I can never be sure until score release…Good luck everyone!

[Anonymous]

FAR retake on Jan 20! Yesterday I faced FAR for the second time. I felt MC was challenging as it was the first time, but sims were not so bad. I could relate to the experience above, for I felt like giving up halfway through during testlet 2. I managed to keep it together and finished MC with an 1 hour and 45 mins for sims. The sims were not that bad. I manage to complete them all with 45 mins remaining. Now the wait begins. I made a 73 the first time. Hopefully I have done enough to receive a passing score. Today I will begin with studying REG! Feb 4th couldn't come fast enough! Stay focus!

[jberrier]

Just out of curiosity, what would be the recommended approach if I didn't pass this exam? I went ahead and scheduled BEC since one can't retake in the same window, so I do plan on taking BEC in February regardless. But what I'm wondering is if I should get back to FAR right afterwards, if I don't pass. I already have REG scheduled for 04/20, but I was thinking that it might be best to reschedule that and study for FAR again if it turns out that I didn't pass.

I'm guessing that taking five weeks off and studying for BEC won't cause too much of my FAR knowledge to seep out of my memory, but I wouldn't want to keep away from it any longer than that.

Also, if I do this, what is the recommended approach? I can't imagine watching 44 hours of FAR videos again, so I was hoping that just reading trouble sections and hitting Ninja MCQ and sims like crazy for about three weeks would be sufficient.

I'm not assuming that I failed for sure, but I certainly want to make contingencies (accounting pun intended) should I need to do so.

[iamstrong]

Hi everyone. FAR is my first exam. I thought 6 weeks would be enough and I'm scheduled to sit on 2/29. I'm going to do the best I can and then continue on. It's so much material! WOW!

[RE2PECT]

I'm taking FAR on 2/29 as well (first exam). Just finished all the Roger videos yesterday. Now it's time to go back and start hammering out mcq's and sims. Trying out the ninja method and didn't do many mcq's to start and ditched them completely around section 10. Hopefully I gave myself enough time to go back and start reviewing everything. My wife giving birth any day is going to slow me down a little going forward, but I'm excited for the amazing changes to my life this year and look forward to the challenge!

FAR: 75 Roger & Ninja (notes/flashcards/audio/MCQ)
AUD: 73, 81
BEC: 71, retake 8/29
REG:

[stozzo88]

@jberrier I am trying to figure out the same. If I only had one test instead of two scheduled for the 2nd window, I would take FAR again the first week of April. That way it is some what fresh. Doing so, would give you over a month and a half to study REG (depending when your NTS expires). I am unsure of your schedule. Unfortunately, my NTS expires May 17th and I think squeezing REG and AUD after a FAR retake the first of April might be a little much. Hopefully I don't forget all of FAR by July! (really not optimistic about my FAR score)

FAR- 1-18-2016- 82
BEC- 2-22-2016- 81
REG- 4-11-2016- 84
AUD- 5-17-2016- 86

[gobigblue]

I just finished taking FAR today (my first exam.)

It was brutal. I thought the first testlet went great. I flew through it. The 2nd was WAY harder and the 3rd was mixed with some really tough and some quite easy questions.

The SIMS were ugly. Got SIMS I was not expecting for sure. After reading all of the posts from other topics I thought for sure I would see certain ones but of course my luck none of them came up.

And to make it even better since I took it today I get to wait 4 weeks for my score!! If I would have taken it yesterday I would get it in a couple weeks.

I have zero faith in my score being above 75. I have read other posts with people saying the same thing only to get their score as a passing one so I have that hope but not much confidence.

I am scheduled for BEC on Feb 29th but I don't even want to begin that right now.

Going to be a long way until Feb 23rd.

[K.K.]

Took my FAR retake yesterday and it was brutal. My second tesltet was majority computation questions. My third testlet started out with computation but ended with multiple choice that were a mix of very very easy to somewhat difficult. My MCQs took me so long that I only had an hour left for SIMS. Man I couldn't believe how hard they were. I'm praying for a pass on this one. Of course my test covered most major topics and heavy on the govt and nfp. I don't know what to expect. Now Just waiting for Feb 23rd.

FAR-58,65,70,75!!!!!!

[Herd1101]

In hindsight, would you all change anything in your preparation? I'm in the last 9 days here before FAR for me. Would really dedicating more time to the SIMS help? I have Roger and NINJA at my disposal which is about 150 SIMS total. Most of them I generally do pretty well on but then I end up making stupid mistakes frequently too. Thanks for sharing your unique experiences…

FAR: 80 Feb-16
AUD: 81 April-16
BEC: 81 June-16
REG: Sept-16

[Author]

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