[msquared17]

Hello,
I got my degree 20 years ago and haven’t worked in accounting in 10 years. Which section should I start with? I was thinking FAR but would like to get advice.

Thanks

[Trele6]

FAR is a good one to start with. I did REG, FAR, BEC and AUD. To me AUD is best last as it has a bit of all the other tests embedded in it (BEC ratios, FAR Journal Entries, REG ethics, etc).

Plus since you have been out of school/accounting for a while, if you need extra time on any exam it would probably be FAR. Taking first doesn't start your clock against you until you pass it and will allow you to experience what the test will be like for the other sections and knowing the study material is less for the other three is nice too!

First go at the CPA! Only using Becker
Reg / Nov 2015 - 87
Far / Apr 2016 - 79
Bec / May 2016 - 80
Aud / Aug 2016

[Anonymous]

@msquared17 If it were me I'd do REG>BEC>AUD>FAR but that's only because I'm weaker with taxes and stronger with financial acct & the general ledger.

If you have your materials, take a gander at the book or do some randomized 30-50 question MCQs for each section to see what you want to do first.

Many people struggle with the “easy” exams. Treat each one with great importance and focus on your weaknesses.

Good luck!

[Holly]

hmmm I think I would do FAR first but only because it is so much studying. Get that out of the way and leave the “smaller” tests for when you're burnt out. Yay you for doing this after so long!

BEC - 79
REG - 85
AUD - 5/27/16

[bhunt815]

I hadn't seen a classroom in over 20 years when I started the process. I wanted to get the 2 that I assumed would be hardest out of the way. I took AUD/FAR/BEC/REG. All 4 sucked but FAR and REG were hardest for me.

Definitely worth it though. I landed a MUCH better job within a few months of passing. I wouldn't have even been considered for this job without the CPA license.

FAR 04/11/2016 - 84
AUD 05/12/2016 - 79
BEC 07/06/2016 - 81
REG 08/29/2016

[HamsterEat]

Hello @Bhunt815– if you don't mind me asking, when you said you landed a much better job after passing all four sections, did you mean getting the actual license, or simply stated passing the exams on your resume when you were looking? Any comments would be appreciated! Thanks 🙂

[bhunt815]

@Hamster – I didn't start looking until I had the license #. I assume a potential employer would be impressed by the fact that we passed the exams but having the certificate to hang in the office is important to many employers.

FAR 04/11/2016 - 84
AUD 05/12/2016 - 79
BEC 07/06/2016 - 81
REG 08/29/2016

[CPA8675309]

I'd say either FAR or BEC (or whichever section you feel plays best to your strengths). I'd lean toward FAR though. Although, I don't normally think FAR is terribly difficult, if you have been out of school for a while and have not worked in accounting, I could see it being the most difficult of the four. On top of that, it takes the longest to review, so I think it's best to start your 18 month clock after passing FAR.

However, if you feel like you'll benefit from passing the easiest test for you (different for many, but the majority would say BEC is easiest I think) and that will give you the confidence to go on, then start with that test.

Ditto the congratulations and good luck! May four 99's be in your future!

[rhayder]

After 15 years working in IT I'm taking this order: BEC, REG, AUD, FAR

[Skynet]

Find a Delorean to go back in time 10 years and Take FAR. The new exams are BRUTAL I heard.

[maxb]

I would take far before audit

[msquared17]

Thanks for all valuable input. I'm heavily leaning towards FAR first. I like the idea of doing a few MC questions from each section first.

@wholelifeworks – I've been working in IT for the past 7 years. I considered bec or reg first. I have a passion for tax. Which review course are you using? Your scores are impressive.

[Author]

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