[GregW]

Hi, I’m looking to start preparing for the CPA exam. I figure it may take me 2-3 months at the very least to prepare for the exam.

I was wondering, should I apply and get permission and timeline of the exams first or should I prepare until I feel more confident?

[Anonymous]

FYI

If it were me :

Submit your information for the application process – it may take awhile.

Start your study plan now. FAR and AUD add IFRS in 2011. If possible take these exams this year.

By the time yo are approved you won't have wasted valuable time.

Good luck!

[Jamie]

Apply first. It could take up to 8 weeks to get your notice to schedule (NTS). From the time you get your NTS, you have 6 months to sit for the exams you signed up for. If you sign up for all four exams when you apply and cant take all four in the given 6 months, then you forfeit your cash, so only sign up for the exams you will be able to take in 6 months. If you crank out the exams on your NTS in less than 6 months, you can apply for the other exams and the new NTS takes less than 2 weeks to get back…at least that was the case for me.

AUD 93 (1/12); DAUGHTER (BORN 1/27); FAR 79 (2/27); REG 85 (5/26); BEC 80 (7/1)

[Anonymous]

GregW – You really need to look at your state's application process and how long an NTS is good for. Some states are only 90 days and others are longer. I wouldn't want you to apply for all four exams and your NTS is only good for 90 days or even 6 months. In this exam, you will quickly learn there are no set rules, the states sets there own eligibilty, score release process and license requirements for example. Just a tip, when asking questions on this forum it would serve everyone if you list the state you are from. Undoubtedly, there is almost always someone from your state that actively reads this forum that probably can answer your question. The variations between the states are such unless you are talking to someone from your state always be skeptical of their responses. I would scour your states Board of Accouantancy website for as much information and even call them with your questions if necessary. For the most part from what I have read on this forum, the state boards are pretty good.

There is one good thing is that you have found this website and their is a tremendous amount of knowledge and support that you cannot get anywhere else. Take full advantage of the others on this website, they are more than willing to assist in the good and bad times. As you can see from my username, I am from Indiana. Good Luck on your CPA journey.

[Vern]

Start studying now. I just went through this process a couple months ago. I was afraid something was going to go wrong and I wasn't eligible for the exam. I was studying with about 35% effort before my NTS came. This was a month of wasted time. With the 2011 exam changes coming, there is no time for procrastination. It cannot hurt to put 100% effort in right now. My first NTS only took 4 weeks. I'm from Indiana

Audit Passed
FAR Passed
REG Passed
BEC ??

[Anonymous]

Greg,

Pretty much do both at the same time. Submit the application and while you are waiting on approval start studying.

Are you a recent grad? Do you have all the hours and an approved ethics class? If so, by the time the process is completed and you are approved you will be well on your way to be being prepared to take an exam.

[Anonymous]

Apply! I am new to this & just started studying for REG but if you want to finish before 2010 (big goal, I know) then your NTS will be good for the rest of the year. I sent mine in about 6 weeks ago & still haven't got anything back…..it takes a while. But cpa journey is right – start both & get the ball rolling. Good Luck!

[GregW]

Thanks very much for the advice everyone! I've started the transcript request process and the CA application. According to the website, it seems I have 9 months, so I'm lucky there.

[Author]

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