[Riyaad]

I think we can all agree that the FAR multiple choice questions are fair, straightforward, even though two certain areas make up more than their blueprint percentage.. lol

However, the sims on FAR are very difficult, there are a lot of documents, and some of these questions I’ve never seen asked in my Becker review course. The Becker sims are a breeze compared to the ones on the exam.

For those who passed FAR, how can I better prepare for the sims? Because going through the sims for my review course did not prepare me at all. I understand the concept, but the way the question is asked gave me hard time to apply what I know.

[lfranc8]

Totally Agree!!! Felt great on MC. I got destroyed on the SIMS! Took the MC in two hours and then had to leave a SIM blank! I used only Wiley. So I am going to do the 7 week ninja plan but any advice on the sims would be great!!

[SuperAccountingGod]

Most people from what I've read follow the blue prints and do more MCQ on those SIM topics and do the AICPA sample test SIMS.

[ea]

Strangely enough, I found the MC and sims about equal in difficulty (I used Becker as well). Sims can be daunting, but I'll add some tips that will hopefully help!
1. Give yourself enough time. I gave myself 45 minutes each for the MC testlets and not a minute more. You need to be sure to have as much time possible for the sims. I finished my test with about 20 minutes left after completely finishing my final testlet. I made sure to have an hour each for testlets 4 and 5. MCs can be done quickly, but sims can take a lot of time even if you know the material.
2. Don't panic. It's easy to quickly read through the question and think “I have no clue what's going on!!”. Take a deep breath and read through it slowly. Write down the call of the question. What is it asking you for. Think of the topic it applies to and how those skills are usually applied. Read through the documents given if there are any before answering questions. This can help you get started.
3. PRACTICE!! So many people on this site say don't waste time practicing sims, but then complain when the sims are too hard. Yes, they are going to be different than the ones on the exam, but it helps you get used to applying your knowledge in a different way. Of course, know the concepts first and MCs help the most with that, but go thorough sims every now and then to get practice in.
4. Take the AICPA practice test. The sims on there more closely model what will be on the test. Go through it once for the practice.
5. For REG the authoritative literature helped me tremendously on sims where I had no clue what was going on. Unfortunately, with FAR it wasn't super helpful, but maybe you'll have better luck than me.
6. It sucks. I had a few FAR sims too where I just had to do my best because I had never practiced that topic in that way. There are other people out there too who probably felt the same way for those questions. So, may the curve be ever in your favor!

[Biff Tannen]

If you have extra $$$ to invest in your CPA studies, I would probably add the Gleim test bank to your review studies. I'm using Becker to study for the exam right now, but I have studied for FAR using Gleim, and the sims are definitely close to what you should expect on the actual. But take this statement with a grain of salt, as I have yet to actually sit for FAR.

[turo9992000]

Sims are easier if you know how to research. All the answers are in the authoritative literature. Study MCQs and the little details you forget you can look up during the exam.

[Jame]

Do the Skills Practice sections on Becker. I found they helped me think more holistically about concepts/problems which is exactly what the SIMs on the exam will do. One SIM will often combine several topics – there's often one or two wrenches thrown in the problem which can make or break your answer to an entire SIM. Make sure you are asking yourself after learning each topic – “How does this niche area affect the financial statements overall?” “Would a change or mistake in applying this concept affect any other account which I may not be directly dealing with at the moment?”

I know this is broad and general advice but if you honestly try to answer these questions after each module and review the skills practice (I ignored them and regretted it) you will be well prepared for FAR.

Best of luck – you've got this!

[NoName]

I think the answer is simply two things:

1. Understand the concepts
2. Be familiar with how the SIMS are structured (research sims, filling in boxes, etc)

When I do MCQ I take time to read the explanation (even if I get it right first try). I also flag questions where I don't feel 100% comfortable or somewhat unclear. In a way this is like reading the book plus doing MCQ questions (two birds with one stone).

I like to attempt the MCQ cold turkey before I have ever read the book.

[A_Rish]

The AICPAs practice exam is a very good example of what you might see, document review SIM-wise…definitely check that out…Of course, there were a couple on the actual exam that were more intricate than those on the practice test. Honestly my approach was to take the SIM, one document at time. After reading the directions…I opened each doc, reading the details and making notes and possible journal entries on my scratch pad. All the while, I would fill in answers as I went through them. Once I finished reviewing and entering the answers I had gathered, I would review the direction again to make sure I entered the answers properly. This seems to be important as sometimes the directions are ambiguous in my experience.

[Raynaldo.Ortiz93]

I would skip them. I do the sims for becker and “review” them before the exam.
MCQS are the way to pass all the exams.
Here is how I passed far, or how I think I did. (:
https://youtu.be/ORVzsNJF4AY

[sarah-caldwell]

I finally started passing exams once I stopped trying to do practice SIMS and focused more effort into MCQs and really understanding the concepts. If you know the concepts and read carefully, you'll know how to answer the SIMS. However, I do think practicing how to research the Authoritative Literature is helpful.

[HamsterEat]

Agreed. I used the same approach and focused on understanding the concept in each area instead of trying to prepare for SIMs.

[Author]

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