[jrwfdt11]

Hello fellow soon-to-be CPAs,

I just want to introduce myself to the forums as I will most likely be on here a lot more often now that I am planning to study for the CPA exam. My name is Philip and I am a recent Accounting undergraduate from San Francisco State University and I plan to study for the FAR exam in California this summer.

I will be enrolling in the Becker review courses, but am still debating with either self-study or online review. Seems to me that the main difference between the two, is 1) Self-Study is taxed 2) The online course is strict on its schedule so qualifying for the Becker Promise is more difficult and 3) there is no online support group for the self-study.

I work part-time 20 hours right now, and plan to spend about 2-3 hours each day studying for the FAR exam. Are there any suggestions those that have successfully passed the FAR exam give?

Anyways, I’m glad to be a part of this board as the community here seems really supportive and well informed. Good luck and study hard!

Phil

[IwannaBaCPA]

Welcome! This forum was wonderful support for me in my journey. I am sure you will find lots of support here as you work through the challenges of this process as well.

As for Becker – I used the online version, but in all reality I pretty much just used self study. I stayed on track for the first two parts and got the Becker promise. I also passed these parts. Then when I failed the third part, I kind of just had to adjust the plan and get on my own schedule. I found this forum far more helpful than the online support you get with Becker. If there is a cost different, choose the cheaper option in my opinion. Also, my software ran out before I finished the final section and they granted me a free 90 day extension! This may be an option for you if it comes to that.

Again, welcome and good luck!! Stay focused and don't get discouraged if you run into some challenges. Most of us have been there and have made it through to finally pass all 4 exams. You can too!

BEC: 79 - April 2011
FAR: 78 - May 2011
AUD: 81 - May 2012
REG: 79 - October 2012
Ethics: Passed - March 2013
I am finally DONE!

[NC CPA]

Hey philip, I have the same situation as you have. I just graduated in may 2013 but the only difference is I already sat for far and aud have successfully passed them. I also worked part time 28 hours and now I am to reg. I did becker self study and it did went well with me. I have heard some horrible stories about the in class becker session in my state so I opted for the self study. I would advise you to watch the lectures first then make notes and then do mcqs if you are opting for self study

FAR: 90 MAY 6 2013
AUD: 99 MAY 29 2013
REG: 84 July 1 2013
BEC: 85 July 31 2013

[regulatoor]

Thanks for the input guys and gals. So after some research I will be going with the Beckers self study route. Since I will not be licensed before year end 2013, should I just purchase the 2013 review section I will be studying for separately and then purchase the 2014 complete review course? Only reason I don't want to buy the complete 2014 review course now is because it wont be released until Nov 2013..

I would call the Becker rep, but it is a Sunday and don't want to deal with their reps..

-Phil

[Author]

Replies