[Ijustwanttobefree]

Hello everyone, I’ve passed 3 exams and took FAR the last week of March, but missed it by a couple of points.

I have busy season coming up for my public client (most of April and half of May). I would like to retake FAR end of May, but don’t think I will have time to study during busy season, considering they worked Saturday’s and most Sunday’s during YE in prior year.

I wouldn’t mind waiting until Q3 to take the exam, but my first exam will expire the first week of October, so I would like to take it in the last two remaining windows just in case.

Scores for Q2 will not be released until August, so it seems like I will be pressed for time if I don’t pass in Q2, which is likely since I’ll be in busy season and my manager hates people talking about their exams.

I guess I’m asking for advice on how to study in Q2…or should I just wait and risk taking it in Q3 only, and hope I pass before it expires?

I also have Becker and Becker final review. Becker expires in July. Considering using only final review during busy season if that is more manageable with the hours at work. The material from the normal Becker course is still somewhat fresh.

Any tips/suggestions how to proceed? I really don’t want to lose credit for the first exam I passed as I was weaker in SIMS and that is now most of the exam.

Thanks!

[Jdn9201]

When exactly does your busy season end in May, and what day does your previous exam expire in October? The way I see it, you could possibly give yourself 3 attempts at FAR before the exam expires –

1. Q2 – take end of May (May 31 if you can)
2. Q3 – end of August (Aug 31 if you can)
3. Q4 – Oct 1 (or pick another day before whenever your exam expires).

Even though you are close, you have to treat each attempt almost like you're starting from scratch. I think it's going to be very frustrating to try and study during busy season because you are going to be so exhausted. Whatever time you can spend probably won't be productive..and if its chunks here and there, you're going to have a hard time retaining whatever you do learn. My advice to you is if you can dedicate 2 1/2 or 3 weeks in May (let's say May 10-30th) then sign up for an end of May test date, and don't start until your busy season is over. Maybe you could even leverage MM day by taking that whole week off? That'd give you more time to study. 3 weeks especially with a long holiday weekend might be enough – I did FAR from start to finish in 19 days with a full time job, and i'm sure I'm not the only one who has done it. 🙂

I'm not sure how your finances are, but if you're allowed, I'd go ahead and get an NTS to sign up for August – so that way, you've got a backup date in case you don't pass in May. Chances are by the time you find out your score in August, it will be too late to secure an August test date. Finally, if you do have to take it in August, sign up for an Oct 1 test date in early Aug, so that way that's in your back pocket. In the end, you might waste $300 or so on an NTS and test fees should you pass in May, but you at least give yourself the most chances to pass. Good luck!

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Ijustwanttobefree]

Thanks for the advice jdn9201!

I don't know if I'm mistaken, but my understanding was that I can only sign up for one NTS per exam at a time…so I wouldn't be able to sign up for both May and August. I would have to wait to get my scores in August then reapply to CA Board and wait for NTS after they approve. I'm still waiting for CA Board to approve me to apply for my NTS after I found I didn't pass.

Is that just a CA thing or am I missing something? I haven't been in this situation before so I may have missed something regarding the NTS.

I will be done with busy season May 12th. I was planning on taking vacation to get it done if possible, and shoot for the last day of May if any spots are left.

As far as the finances, at this point I'm willing to possibly waste the fees…Just want to be done with this

[Anonymous]

I took AUD on 3/6 after I had BEC on 1/3. It was my highest score by a small leap. I had a lot of life events (1st home) and billed some 70 hour weeks in that 2 month window.

I think sometimes you just need to be a little busy to get stuff done. It's backwards, but a full commitment to work can really enable you.

I bet you could pass it. Just make a choice and stick to it.

[Author]

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