[This_is_torture]

I have only finished the first 4 chapters of the Becker review book and have the last 5 chapters to go. I’m scheduled to take the exam on Tuesday, November 30. I work full-time and can only take off the day before the exam. Thanksgiving day is shot but I do have Friday off. What’s your advice? Take the exam or reschedule?

AUD - 85
BEC - 81
REG - 67, 75!!!! (simulations killed me both times but 2nd time around, MC saved me)
FAR - October 14, 2011

[Manderz]

Truthfully, in my opinion I would probably re-schedule… You have about 10 days to cover 5 chapters… that's only 2 days for each chapter, which 2 of the chapters being newer material & pretty tough (also heavy on the exam: ch 8 & 9). Not to mention, you would have no time to review everything either. Unless you have tons of money to blow, I would seriously consider pushing it back so you have time to cover all the material.

Another thing to think about it the new 2011 materials, you want to make sure you have time for them to ship and then study before your next test, so if you have an NTS expiring soon you should be careful so you don't lose the test!! I just had to push back my test from 11/22 to 1/4 because I am only on Chapter 8 & I didn't think that was enough time… if you push it back now, they will only charge you $35, but if you wait much longer and then decide you want to push it back, you could see charges for $65 and up!

Good luck in your decision!!

[2003z06]

What is your background or experience with financial reporting? I think this has alot to do with how much you will need to study to get a 75.

I did not use Becker. I studied MC questions and simulations. I put in the most time in the last 10 days. I like the pressure. Good luck.

BEC 10/05/10 84
FAR 11/02/10 80
AUD 11/30/10 90
REG 02/28/11 78

[Prometric_CPA_Exam]

I agree with 2003z06 that it depends on your background and/or experience with financial reporting, but remember that if you choose to reschedule you will be taking a different version of the test.

[TheNeverEndingStory]

@ Prometric – Are you working in an official role for Prometric? If so every time I put on those headphones my ears start to pop. Can something be done to stop this?

BEC-Passed, Reg-Passed, Aud-Passed, FAR- Nov 30, 2010 -PASSED

[peteymit]

I was in the exact same position you are. I abandoned the non-profit and governmental sections hoping they were going be minimal parts of the exam. NOPE. They sunk me. Above average in the difficult stuff, just below average on the easy stuff because it had been so long since I studied it and GOT KILLED on the NP and governmental stuff. Failed by three points. Of course one of my simulations was almost completely about a topic I skipped, to boot. RE-SCHEDULE, you do not have time to learn what you must without having any days off.

[Anonymous]

FAR isn't something to mess with, but as others have said, if you have experience with it, you may grasp it faster than others. If you graduated recently, or have been working in the field, and the $300 for the exam won't be missed, I would shoot for it. You're really going to have to buckle down and hope for the best.

The way I see it, you have a chance (even if it's slight) to pass. If you do, you just saved yourself a huge burden when they add the new materials next year. If you don't, you will have already sat for it (so next time won't be as bad hopefully), you will have already studied as much as you did up to that point, and there is no consequence for failing (besides the fee to get the NTS).

Many people have walked out of exams swearing they failed and end up being surprised when they pass.

[Anonymous]

Kind of agree with CPAMEPLZ. It's worth a shot and with the 2011 IFRS changes, do you really want to have to learn yet another section. I would jump ahead to F8 and F9 and make sure you understand those before F6 (pensions and income taxes). You might even be able to skip through F7 (Stockerholders Equity, EPS, Stmt $ flows) but be careful and make sure you understand how to calculate Net Income from Ops Indirect Method. It will be asked. I'd give it a shot.

[Author]

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