[Anonymous]

Hey guys,

I was curious if any of you who are currently studying for the FAR exam or have already taken the FAR exam can enlighten me on your study method?

I am currently using the Becker material supplemented with WTB and Ninja Notes. I should note that I obtained a copy of the Becker program and it is not an actual “active” program. For instance, I have PDF files for the eBook (which include all author notes, highlights, and mnemonics), PDF for the Becker MQ’s, and the videos. I just don’t have the option to go into an active multiple choice question session – just copies of the questions, correct answers and explanations of everything.

Anyhow, I am finding that getting through F1 videos alone are going to take me over week (I’m working full time as well). At that pace, there will be no way I will get through all the material in time for my exam in April. I guess what I’m asking is if there are certain parts I should pay more attention to than others. My plan was to watch the videos, rewrite ALL the information the teacher pointed out in the lectures (which is a significant amount) and take the multiple choice questions. Should I just watch the lectures and gain as much knowledge as I can without taking too many notes, and then take the multiple choice questions and keep moving forward? I just don’t want to rush though this and get to the end and feel like I didn’t retain as much as I should have – although this may be inevitable! 🙂

Any information on how you guys studied would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!!

[F15hy]

I'm working full time (at CPA firm), plus I'm an active member on a board AND I have other responsibilities that take up at least 2 hours of my day. Working full time is NO excuse for not having enough time, so change your thinking on that. Are you a morning person? Well you are now! Basically, what I did was wake up at about 4:30 every morning during the week and then after I got home from work and other stuff, I forced myself to study for at least two hours. On the weekends, I studied for at least 8 hours a day, weekend before the exam, I studied 12-14 hours per day. In about 3 weeks, I got through 6 of the 10 lectures, and did about 55% of Becker's MCQs (twice). I read through the NINJA notes once and re-wrote them once. I also implemented NINJA audio where ever I drove and the Becker Final Review program. It's quality, not quantity. If you can master about 70-80% of the material, you'll be good. I just looked up my Becker stats. I watched 78.2% of the lectures and did 884 of the 1,596 MCQs (twice). Doing all that was good enough to get me a 77. You just have to dedicate yourself to it and you will succeed.

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[F15hy]

I'm working full time (at CPA firm), plus I'm an active member on a board AND I have other responsibilities that take up at least 2 hours of my day. Working full time is NO excuse for not having enough time, so change your thinking on that. Are you a morning person? Well you are now! Basically, what I did was wake up at about 4:30 every morning during the week and then after I got home from work and other stuff, I forced myself to study for at least two hours. On the weekends, I studied for at least 8 hours a day, weekend before the exam, I studied 12-14 hours per day. In about 3 weeks, I got through 6 of the 10 lectures, and did about 55% of Becker's MCQs (twice). I read through the NINJA notes once and re-wrote them once. I also implemented NINJA audio where ever I drove and the Becker Final Review program. It's quality, not quantity. If you can master about 70-80% of the material, you'll be good. I just looked up my Becker stats. I watched 78.2% of the lectures and did 884 of the 1,596 MCQs (twice). Doing all that was good enough to get me a 77. You just have to dedicate yourself to it and you will succeed.

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[SpartanCPA]

Like what @F15hy said, there is enough time in a day to make time for studying.

I just started studying for FAR a couple days ago, granted, I have a couple days off from work this week plus the weekend, I was able to knock out F1 within a couple days and working on F2 now.

I have come to realize that there is no cookie-cutter way of studying for any of these exams as it depends on the person's situation and schedule.

My basic routine when I studied for AUD using Becker was:

1.) Watch the videos

2.) Read the section

3.) Answer the MCQs for that particular section

4.) Repeat steps 1-3 until the chapter is complete

5.) If applicable, I would take progress tests when they are available (usually 3-5 30 questions tests)

I was able to pass AUD on the first attempt using this method. However, now that I am studying FAR, I may occasionally write notes on the concepts I feel are hard to grasp/stick.

My plan is to take FAR mid April and I hope that the study method I use continue to help me pass these exams.

AUD - 01/18/14 - 81
BEC - 05/29/14 - 85
FAR - 07/18/14 - 81
REG - 11/18/14 - 80

Becker CPA Review
NINJA Audio
Michigan State University

[SpartanCPA]

Like what @F15hy said, there is enough time in a day to make time for studying.

I just started studying for FAR a couple days ago, granted, I have a couple days off from work this week plus the weekend, I was able to knock out F1 within a couple days and working on F2 now.

I have come to realize that there is no cookie-cutter way of studying for any of these exams as it depends on the person's situation and schedule.

My basic routine when I studied for AUD using Becker was:

1.) Watch the videos

2.) Read the section

3.) Answer the MCQs for that particular section

4.) Repeat steps 1-3 until the chapter is complete

5.) If applicable, I would take progress tests when they are available (usually 3-5 30 questions tests)

I was able to pass AUD on the first attempt using this method. However, now that I am studying FAR, I may occasionally write notes on the concepts I feel are hard to grasp/stick.

My plan is to take FAR mid April and I hope that the study method I use continue to help me pass these exams.

AUD - 01/18/14 - 81
BEC - 05/29/14 - 85
FAR - 07/18/14 - 81
REG - 11/18/14 - 80

Becker CPA Review
NINJA Audio
Michigan State University

[Amay]

I'm studying for FAR and struggling like you because I realized the lecture-watching/note taking part is taking longer than expected. However, since I am less than 20 days away from my test, I have to think smart and “sacrifice” some of the lecture watching. I personally am planning on skipping lectures F6, F7, and F10 and just work MCQs for those and rewrite NINJA notes (during my final review). This is a personal choice. You have to decide which are the chapters you must watch and make sure you get those out of the way early. For me, it's leases, bonds, govt. and NFP accounting.

Like mentioned above, it's quality not quantity. I know I don't have much time, so I am not about to start doing all of the MCQs in each section. There simply isn't time. I will know if I am ready if during my final review I am scoring in the 70's/80's in MCQs and that will be good enough for me. So far, it has worked on both BEC (second time, when I actually applied the NINJA method from beg. to end) and AUD. Good luck!

BEC: 73, 81
AUD: 85
FAR: 71, 77
REG: 74, 75...finally DONE! 😀

*This is my 2nd attempt at the CPA exam. For all of you who have failed this exam many times, given up on it, or taken a break like me, remember that it is still possible to finish what you started...failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently 🙂

[Amay]

I'm studying for FAR and struggling like you because I realized the lecture-watching/note taking part is taking longer than expected. However, since I am less than 20 days away from my test, I have to think smart and “sacrifice” some of the lecture watching. I personally am planning on skipping lectures F6, F7, and F10 and just work MCQs for those and rewrite NINJA notes (during my final review). This is a personal choice. You have to decide which are the chapters you must watch and make sure you get those out of the way early. For me, it's leases, bonds, govt. and NFP accounting.

Like mentioned above, it's quality not quantity. I know I don't have much time, so I am not about to start doing all of the MCQs in each section. There simply isn't time. I will know if I am ready if during my final review I am scoring in the 70's/80's in MCQs and that will be good enough for me. So far, it has worked on both BEC (second time, when I actually applied the NINJA method from beg. to end) and AUD. Good luck!

BEC: 73, 81
AUD: 85
FAR: 71, 77
REG: 74, 75...finally DONE! 😀

*This is my 2nd attempt at the CPA exam. For all of you who have failed this exam many times, given up on it, or taken a break like me, remember that it is still possible to finish what you started...failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently 🙂

[mla1169]

I did FAR in 7 weeks. I had time to study with a 50 hour a week job, a part time weekend job, 2 kids, a Girl Scout troop and taking a class per semester for my Masters. Even with that I got in 1-2 hours every weekday and another 6 -8 hours on the weekend.

You have to want this more than you want sleep and make the sacrifices both time and money required to pass. It's not easy but with the right mindset it can be done.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I did FAR in 7 weeks. I had time to study with a 50 hour a week job, a part time weekend job, 2 kids, a Girl Scout troop and taking a class per semester for my Masters. Even with that I got in 1-2 hours every weekday and another 6 -8 hours on the weekend.

You have to want this more than you want sleep and make the sacrifices both time and money required to pass. It's not easy but with the right mindset it can be done.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like I have the right idea, just need to sacrifice more! 🙂

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like I have the right idea, just need to sacrifice more! 🙂

[GoingToBeCPA87]

Great to read post like this. I have one child, full time job and CANNOT allow that to be an excuse. I mean @MLA1169 did it with so much on her plate maybe I can do this.

FAR: April or May 2014
AUD:
REG:
BEC:
Scared: 100

FAR first and only attempt: 2014 Wiley textbook, 10 Pt Combo, and WTB

I only get one try to have to give it my all and try to get 75 on my first go around.

-The only thing that stands between you and what you want out of life is the will to try and the faith to believe it's possible.

[GoingToBeCPA87]

Great to read post like this. I have one child, full time job and CANNOT allow that to be an excuse. I mean @MLA1169 did it with so much on her plate maybe I can do this.

FAR: April or May 2014
AUD:
REG:
BEC:
Scared: 100

FAR first and only attempt: 2014 Wiley textbook, 10 Pt Combo, and WTB

I only get one try to have to give it my all and try to get 75 on my first go around.

-The only thing that stands between you and what you want out of life is the will to try and the faith to believe it's possible.

[mla1169]

I used the audio heavily (even while I was at work because we were allowed radio at our desk) and when other people might check their FB or personal email at work I'd try to get online and do a handful of MCQ. I used my lunch break to study and if I had to bring my youngest to cheer practice or a game I'd sit in my car and study until she was done. I'd do homework from 9-10 most nights then study for the exams until midnight. I fell asleep every night listening to Wiley audio, and if I was doing laundry or walking the dogs I listened to audio. When I took my kids to Disney I'd sit on a bench and study while they stood in line for Space Mountain (they were 10 and 17 at the time). Always offered to take the kids to the dr or dentist because those waiting rooms were prime study time.

It's really more a matter of finding opportunities in things that could be obstacles.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I used the audio heavily (even while I was at work because we were allowed radio at our desk) and when other people might check their FB or personal email at work I'd try to get online and do a handful of MCQ. I used my lunch break to study and if I had to bring my youngest to cheer practice or a game I'd sit in my car and study until she was done. I'd do homework from 9-10 most nights then study for the exams until midnight. I fell asleep every night listening to Wiley audio, and if I was doing laundry or walking the dogs I listened to audio. When I took my kids to Disney I'd sit on a bench and study while they stood in line for Space Mountain (they were 10 and 17 at the time). Always offered to take the kids to the dr or dentist because those waiting rooms were prime study time.

It's really more a matter of finding opportunities in things that could be obstacles.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Guti]

Mla, I don't know how you were able to manage sleeping 4 hours per night and then function at work. I wouldn't be able to retain information with just 4 to 5 hrs of sleep. That is only 2 or 3 REMs per night. I know you did FAR in 7 weeks but how long did it take you to complete all 4 parts?

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[Author]

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