[Anonymous]

Hello folks, I have just started my preparations for FAR exam in Feb 2012. I need a help from you guys on the recommended strategy to prepare for the exam in about 2 and half months’ time span. I am using Roger’s material with Wiley test bank and Wily MCQs and Sims. Do I need to watch all the lectures or reading the material would be a better approach?

In addition, approximately how many MCQs and Sims I need to do before sitting for the exam?

I would appreciate your advices.

Cheers,

[KasiaS]

Hi Ali & welcome!

My suggestion is to first watch the lectures and take notes/highlight as you go along. After finishing the lecture, read the chapter and then work any related quizzes/SIMs. Once you've done that, then start using the test bank to create random testlets containing questions from all topic areas. Use this to gague your weak areas and study these until you're consistently scoring above the mid-70s.

As for the number of MCQs and SIMs; it'll all depend on your comfort level. Some people can get away with just doing the chapter quizzes and pass while others need thousands of MCQs to prepare. I personally don't put much stock in practicing SIMs aside from working a few to get a feel for how they are formatted on the exam. Focus more on learning the concepts and doing MCQs until you're doing them even in your dreams, and then do some more!

In my case, I did somewhere in the area of 1,500-2,000 MCQs and 3 SIMs when I prepared for FAR. Best of luck to you!

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot dear KasiaS for the nice advice, but my only concern an challenge is the time!! I am not sure if I can do all this in about 2 months time span as I am a full time worker. I can hardly spend 2-3 hours a day and I think I am quite slow as I have forgotten most of the topics since I have done my graduation looong ago!! Don't know if you can advice me further!

Anyways, thanks once again buddy and wish you a good luck ahead 😛

[Megan]

I think 2.5 months should be plenty of time. I think any more and you'd just be wasting time! I took 8 weeks last time around while working full time and having small children at home, and it's totally doable. Take Kasia's advice and watch lectures, take notes, then do MCQ's.

BEC 52, 61, 74, 77
AUD 80
REG 75
FAR 50, 60, 70, 74, 83...DONE!!
..Texas.. Baby #2 born 4/11/11

[Anonymous]

Yeah I agree 2.5 moths should be sufficient! Hopefully I gain speed as I go deep with the studies.

[KasiaS]

No worries, I'm a full time employee as well and have family obligations outside of the office as well. Believe me, I know what that's like as do many others on this forum. First, 2 1/2 months should be plenty. I prepared in about 6 weeks for FAR.

My only advice is: bite the bullet and change your routines for the next few months. That means putting your social life on hold and sacrificing countless hours of sleep. I generally put in 3-5 hours Mon-Fri and anywhere from 6-12 on Sat & Sunday. The way I manage this is by waking up at 4:45AM to study before work, I also study on my commute to and from work (I use public transportation), I study during my lunch hour, and I study immediately after dinner untill about 10:30PM.

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[Anonymous]

KasiaS I am sure if I follow your study schedule I should be in a good shape on the exam day. Of course as it says “No pain No gain” I will definitely change my living style to achieve the target. I did CMA ( Certified Management Accountant) about 5 years ago and I devoted most of my time for my goal. The only thing is that Financial Accounting is a bit more challenging and needs more time from me.

Thanks dear..

[KasiaS]

You're very welcome! I'm sure you'll be fine. Once you get into a groove, you'll rock it out!

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[Author]

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