[muohiobk]

I got a 71 in November and am about to get back to the grind of trying to defeat FAR.

Does anyone think it is worth re-watching the lectures for the 2011 becker discs? Or to you think it is better to just read the differences of 2010 vs 2011 in the book and hit the MCQ’s hard?

If anyone is in the same predicament with having to restudy for 2011 and has a study plan they have already started let me know as it would be nice to have someone to suffer along with me!

[Herbieherb]

If you have the time of course redo everything. Otherwise work on your weak areas, review your strong areas and learn all about the changes. Good luck!

NEW YORK- DONE

[lastgCPA]

Just found out that I made a 74 today in FAR so pissed it is unbelievable. Anyone know how to appeal a score or if it is worth trying? I have passed all the other sections this is the first one that I have not so I would appreciate any advice!

[joshua.grammer]

I am in the same situation as muohiobk and lastgCPA above. I found out I made a 74 on FAR, which would have been my last section.

1) Any advice on if it's worth appealing a score?

2) I only have Becker 2010 and not 2011, any advice on how to get up to speed on the chages to the 2011 FAR exam as compared to 2010?

thanks

[OnMyWayToBeCPA]

@joshua and lastg – i heard that the “appeal” process is not worth it. it's more expensive than retaking the exam and you have a less chance of getting that extra 1 point – so when i hear people talking about it, they usually end up just retaking the exam =( but then again, that's just what i heard. not sure if they updated/changed the appeal process.

@muohiobk – i have the becker 2011 book and bought the wiley 2011 book. i think the wiley book is better if you're looking to just see what the IFRS changes are. at the end of each chapter, wiley summarizes what IFRS requires; whereas becker has them scattered throughout the book as those “pass key” type boxes.

i just started “reviewing” last week and i am scheduled to take the exam towards the end of january. my new study strategy is to practice as many questions as possible and read through the IFRS stuff. i just want to be donne alreadyyy >.<

good luck, everyone!!

[Words-O-Wisdom]

@joshua.grammer

I have the 2010 and 2011 Becker Software and 2011 Becker Final Review.

I would say the differences between the 2010 and 2011 material are nominal. To supplement the 2010 Material, you may consider purchasing the Becker Final Review for 2011. It's around $300, but includes a decent breakdown of some of a major differences in each chapter. It's your call (and hard earned money).

-- Formerly known as 'PeterOlinto' --

AUD - 82 (Expires 1/31/11); REG - 79 (Expires 5/31/12)
BEC - 85 (Expires 5/31/12); FAR - 85 (Sat 1/4/11) DONE!!!!

[Anonymous]

In the 2011 Becker book there is an appendix after each chapter that shows the difference between GAAP and IFRS. It's a nice review tool.

[2010Please]

There are also some items added or emphasized since 2010, such as info on SEC filings and more emphasis on ratios, just from my first glance (which I was surprised wasn't more heavily tested in 2010 anyway).

It is hard to know, since this is a new format, with new questions, etc. We are all taking our chances. I'll be glad to hear the first reports coming from folks taking in January. I'm not sure when I plan to retake…I have a little over 12 months to get ‘er done. I do plan to take my time and let it marinate more this time. I was completely exhausted and sick when I took it in November…and it was a nasty little beast.

Hint: Make sure you get through the exam. I didn't even open my last testlet…is probably why I missed the mark in 2010…I think I let it intimidate me too much once I began working all the calculation problems in the first three testlets(and the pure exhaustion from taking all four sections in about five months, while working full time and managing a family, didn't help in that area either 🙂

I'm glad the AICPA plans to have all the TBS on one testlet this time, but I am concerned about how they plan to score the exam at this point. Simulations in the past seem to be a blur for just about anyone who has taken it (either passing with a high score or failing), and WC seem to have been the saving grace. Since WC are no longer included, I'm curious about how outrageous the TBS will be too, and whether the WC being removed but time limits being left in place will help any. I'm trying to keep an open mind here, but there are enough changes from the old format and content to make it difficult to guess what it will be like.

AUD 92, REG 85, BEC 90, FAR 85
Ethics 100
Obtained License 7/11/11 🙂

[Anonymous]

joshua.grammer

The Becker upgrade from 2010 to 2011 is $20 if you want the textbook in hardcopy. They als included the Final Review if you purchased it the first time. If you want it shipped quickly that adds a small sum to the price. Becker 2010 is activated for an 18 month period – so you will most likey qualify for the upgrade.

Becker 2011 FAR has the IFRS information in the normal part of the chapter and and summaries at the end of the chapter. Another good feature is the electronic textbook already has the instructor's notes and highlights added. It is worth it to get the updated material IMO.

Good luck!

[Words-O-Wisdom]

@2010Please

I'm sitting for FAR the first day the new exam is offered (1/4/11). I'm planning on posting a detailed review (within the AICPA guidelines, of course) covering the overall experience. I will only cover testing format and general content, NOT specific material related to questions on the exam.

And sadly, even though this is my last section I plan on continuing to study for FAR before I receive my results in March. i.e. I'm not counting on >75. My gut tells me the new exam is going to be trickier than the old format; it's not going to let you get away with as much guessing. For now my basis is little more than a hunch; stay tuned.

-- Formerly known as 'PeterOlinto' --

AUD - 82 (Expires 1/31/11); REG - 79 (Expires 5/31/12)
BEC - 85 (Expires 5/31/12); FAR - 85 (Sat 1/4/11) DONE!!!!

[2010Please]

@Words-o-Wisdom

Way to be a pioneer…treading the unchartered waters on Day 1! Best of luck; I look forward to your report.

I do plan to take it either at the end of the first testing window or the beginning of the second testing window, before some other IFRS changes are open for testing. I have to be out of town for almost a month in the first testing window, so I'm not sure how that will fall. I'm still waiting on my new NTS right now. I've never had an IFRS class, so I'm hoping my study material gives me what I need in that regard.

I hope you have good things to report, especially on the time allotment and TBSs. Good luck, brave soldier! 🙂

AUD 92, REG 85, BEC 90, FAR 85
Ethics 100
Obtained License 7/11/11 🙂

[Anonymous]

@Words-o-Wisdom

Thanks for doing that. I am really interested to see how different the new format is. One thing im worried about is that the multiple choice is only 60%. This means you really have to get comfortable for the simulations. Im planning to retaking FAR in Feb so we'll see what people say about the new format.

[GatorB8]

muohiobk,

I also took FAR in Nov. and unfortunately scored a fat 64. Consider that grade without even opening the last simulation and I soley used Gleim test prep software questions as a review. Since then I have had a two month lay-over as I waited until the 2011 Yaeger Cram material was ready. I want to start fresh. Today I received Wiley book and Yaeger FAR Cram DVD. Additionally I will have Gleim test prep 2011 to boot! Tomorrow I will be booking the exam for the last week in February. This will allow for about a month and a half. This should be enough time to be reacquainted. :- o

FAR - Passed May 2012
AUD - Passed July 2012
BEC - Passed August 2012
REG - Passed March 2013 I'm outta here. CPA Bound for State of Florida.

[Author]

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