[Tcohle]

FAR is my first CPA exam I’ve studied for. My first test will be May 11th. I was decent in AUD in college, not so much Tax. Does anyone have a comparison in the way you’ve studied, difficulty, any kind of experience etc. when going from FAR to other subjects or other subjects to FAR?

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Rocky123]

FAR was actually my last section. I knew it would be my most difficult section (and it was) so my hope was that after I tackled the first 3 sections, I would have knowledge to carry over to FAR (and I did).

Everyone is different. But going from easiest section to hardest section worked for me.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

AUD-PASS
BEC-PASS
REG-PASS
FAR-PASS

Rocky123, CPA

[Mamabear]

I had more weak areas with FAR and REG because there was so much material in comparison to BEC and AUD. I found myself having to go back and relearn things more with those two for the same reason. I tried to pass FAR with the same level of studying I did for BEC and AUD and it wasn't cutting it. I had to up my game for those last two tests.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[jschrei2]

I've only taken FAR and REG so far, but I have passed both. I am getting ready to take AUD tomorrow morning. I don't keep track of my study hours exactly, but I will say I spent more time on FAR then REG, and more time on REG then AUD. I have a few friends that are getting ready to graduate in May, and will be studying for the exam this summer. My advice to them was if you put in the time and effort, the CPA exam is manageable. I started studying for the exam in November 2014 and have basically done nothing except work full-time and study (with a few breaks thrown in here and there so I don't go completely crazy). But, I also don't have kids, or other responsibilities dividing my time so that definitely helps too.

I think the amount of time you need to study is really unique to each person. Once you get in the middle of studying each section, I think it will be pretty obvious how much you need to be studying.

FAR- 88
REG- 88
AUD- 93
BEC-86

[aj2013]

I took FAR first as well, just for sheer amount of material. I spent about 6 months studying for it (long story). Your first is the one where you have the most time flexibility, so I tried to get the one out of the way that would take the longest. My plan was then to work hardest to easiest (for me). I failed REG twice, so that was a bust. Took AUD and felt pretty confident. Should be wrapping up with BEC (supposedly the easiest). However, I'll have to go back to REG. Hopefully, the break from the material and the ability to recall from previous studying should make it pass-able.

Anyways, to sum up, my advice is FAR-REG-AUD-BEC (depending on your strengths and timetable)

B - 80
A - 80
R - 71, 59, 74, 80 FINALLY!
F - 77

Used Kaplan for FAR, BEC, AUD, and the first 2 REG attempts. I started using NINJA about 2 weeks before my 3rd REG attempt. I believe it's why I was so close to passing and why I passed the 4th time. USE IT FROM THE BEGINNING.

[Maddie P]

I saved FAR for last (big mistake!) and it is by FAR (ha ha) the hardest. I've failed FAR 3 times (score for try #4 is pending), and the other sections I passed either the first time or the second time I took it.

If you can pass FAR, the other sections are a cakewalk.

B-passed! (4/2013). Lost Credit. Passed again (3/2015)
A-passed! (2/2014)
R-passed! (8/2013). Lost Credit. Passed again (6/2015)
F-Passed! (4/2015)

The Great Lakes State
Using Wiley/CPAExcel

[Anonymous]

I also saved FAR for last because I had to take an advanced accounting course to even know about consolidations, foreign currency accounting, partnerships and governmental. FAR has taken me/will take me was more time to study for than the other three. I basically studied for one intensive month for all the other ones – FAR has been a slog for the past month and I have another month to go.

[Zuly]

I found that with FAR three things are really essential:

1. Do J/Es and/or T-accounts with all of your MCQs, if possible. This will really help you understand the concepts by knowing the accounts that are affected, then in turn knowing where these accounts show up in the financial statements. I've said it on a few posts here that a lot of answers can be found straight out of the J/E. Also, you'll need to know the J/Es for SIMS.

2. Constantly review previous sections. The best way to do this is by doing 1-2 sessions of cumulative MCQs of 30 questions from previous sections. You don't have to do this every day but at least a few times a week to keep it fresh. Also, read notes/flashcards, etc. If you wait to review everything at the end you'll be overwhelmed by all the material.

3. Don't move on to the next section until you really understand a concept…doesn't have to be a perfect understanding but don't just say I'll leave it for review because you'll see that it will hurt you…I know because that is what I did on my first go at FAR. My second time around I made sure I really understand a concept before moving on to the next one. Helped tremendously!

I'm sure there are more things but those three things are what helped me get a passing score on my second try.

FAR - (11/01/14) 71 (02/07/15) 79
AUD - (04/30/15) 86
BEC - (07/21/15) 73 (10/01/15) 75
REG - (11/30/15) 55 (05/19/16) 74

[Author]

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