[cpagoal]

Am taking FAR in a month and have completed about 30% of Becker (most of F1, 2, 3 and some of 4). Started studying two months ago, work got busy and did not study as had planned. Becker estimate for each unit is fifteen hours but it has taken me many more hours. I have read some people say FAR can take 200 – 300 hours minimum depending on ability. I am wondering what chance, if any, I have to earn credit if I get serious and commit myself to studying as many hours as possible (practically maybe thirty hours a week). I want to earn credit since work has given me time to study and if I do not pass it will not look good (am new to the firm and accounting), especially with there being several new hires.

Pros – been about a year since in school (although took three intermediate accounting classes in two quarters in an accelerated program so not sure what retained), may have some time at work to study

Cons – not the greatest test taker, need to work on study skills (have taken very little notes, made no flashcards), no history of cramming for an exam like this, need to work on self-discipline, not much work experience in FAR topics

Since I will not have time to go through another six Becker units completely (have been listening to lectures), the plan is to focus on blueprint SIM areas & MCQ from the units I have mostly completed (F1, 2, 3, 4), while working through the rest of the material. I would like to do a two week review, but that would only give me about 15 days to complete F 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. I know 9 and 10 are government, but that is 5% – 15% of the test so am thinking would need to spend three days on government, then would have 12 days for F 5, 6, 7, 8 – not sure how practical it is to think can get through a unit in three days. Am considering getting NINJA audio to listen to at work if possible, but not sure if at this point I can take on any more review material when I still completing F4 – would appreciate any ideas.

[Recked]

Anything is possible if you apply yourself.
I ended up spending 250 hours on FAR. 4 weeks x 30 hours = 120 additional hours and you are already through 30%.
You can do it, good luck!

[El]

I wish I had 30 hours a week to study…

I have been averaging 60-70% on all my quizzes so I think I am going to postpone my Q4 FAR exam date to Q1 but I have been thinking about the best way to cram just in case I decide to wing it for Q4. I am going to concentrate on nailing the SIMs and all the obvious JEs. Once I am confident with all the SIMs, JEs, and other obvious equations to memorize like operating income, COGS, pension expense, dep expense methods, OCI, financial statement analysis equations (EPS, quick ratio, etc.), and on and on and on then I will hit the MCQs and lectures if I get stumped on something.

It's like building a car but not knowing why all the pieces go together the way they do. A solid strategy to get through a college final, not the CPA exam (which is not kind to crammers IMO) but miracles happen. Good luck!

[RoseMarie]

I am not familiar with the Becker program but either way I think you can do it. Focusing on how you learn best is the key. For me I get very little from reading and taking notes but video and audio help me tremendously so if I was that short on time I would skip the book and notes, go through all the videos, and then just do MCQ and SIMS like crazy giving myself at least a week for review. I might supplement my weakest areas by skimming the book but more likely I would find a different video (I used both NINJA and Roger video for Government, NFP, and Pensions). If you learn more from reading and taking notes, ditch the videos and just go that way. From what I have heard (and saw in the free trial) most of the videos in Becker seemed to be them reading to you and telling you what to highlight anyway which seemed stupid to me. Good luck 😀

[skeemin]

Hey Recked, also located in NY and also have a CBR Honda haha. do you have linkedin or another platform to connect? had a couple questions about exams and could use a fellow Newyorkin's opinion. cheers

[glitterb]

going to give you a hint: focus on gov't and nonprofit and the cash flow statement. i know everyone says this but it's true. also aicpa and maybe your review course will say gov't & NFP is about 15-20% of the exam. expect a higher %.

[Madhav]

As Glitterb said, Focus on Non Profit and Govt. accounting. Destroy these two topics, you stand a good chance of passing with other topics knowing in average. I passed FAR easily because I was good at Non profit and govt. accounting. Strangely I enjoyed those topics despite it being the first time learning for me. GOOD LUCK.

[steven.meditz]

Easily possible. I studied 2 hours a night for about 35 days. Got an 81. Granted it was my 4th time taking it, but I also took BEC right before it. This was also during extension season.
Gov't and Not-for-Profit will test your will so KNOW IT.

Other than that. Kick the test square in the nads and get it done!

[steven.meditz]

Also, ditch the videos and slides. Do questions A LOT of questions. Go through each question once. Mark the ones you get wrong and read why they are wrong. Reset your test bank and do the same thing again.
You want to memorize the material not the question.

[Author]

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