[Tux]

So, I’ve read several times on this forum that we should allow about 45-50 minutes per MCQ testlet and 1.5 hours for SIMS.

I know that you have to do the testlets first, then do the SIMS.

So what if 50 minutes have passed and you’re not finished with a testlet?

Is it suggested to zoom through the remainder and answer anything for the remaining questions, in order to move on?

In other words, should we sacrifice some MCQ’s to allow enough time for SIMS?

That sounds dangerous, but it also sounds dangerous to be rushed through the SIMS.

What’s the best way to manage time?

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Minimorty]

I think most people run into time problems because they mark half of their answers and go back and review everything. You dont have time for that and it is usually unnecessary because, on a net basis, you arent gaining much. I say net basis because of the 5-10 answers you change, half will be changed from right to wrong and half will be changed from wrong to right.

Read through the question and answer it. If you have no idea, pick an answer and move on. If you think you can figure it out, spend a couple minutes on it and then pick your best guess. Do not spend more than 4 minutes on any question ever. You are going to get the biggest bang for your buck, in terms of points, on the SIMS.

Timing is more of an issue on REG and FAR. If you cant finish Audit in under 4 hours, you may want to practice your reading skills. On BEC, 85% of the test is MCQ, so you should spend a little bit more time on the multiple choice. Save enough time on the SIMS to throw down a few paragraphs, but focus your energy on the MCQ for BEC.

[oneFREAKINGpoint]

Just note whether a question is taking you too long to answer. If it's because you don't know it, just guess and move on. No use spinning your wheels over topics you won't remember. As long as you're mindful of your time throughout the test, you shouldn't run into that problem.

[tbstew]

That's some solid advice from Mini, as usual.

Every value you fill in on the SIMs tends to be worth more than a MCQ, and you have the authoritative literature available to help, if needed. And the SIMs are 40% of the exam (aside from BEC anyway).

Experience has taught me that if I don't know the answer within 1 minute, all the nervous nail-biting and hair-pulling in the world will not help me figure it out. Just eliminate the two dumbest options, and guess between the best two and move the heck on.

AUD - 79
BEC - 88
REG - 87
FAR - 86 - Woot, all done!
Ethics - 100

[ROACH]

Yeah I went full retard on BEC marking up the first testlet. Had almost 20 questions marked up but I knew I had 4 in the bag.. I think.

BEC: 66 | 69 | 7/23/2013
AUD: 8/28/2013
REG:
FAR:

[makinthemagic]

Time management is very important. I'd leave about an hour for sims, split the mcq's up equally after that. I think I averaged about 25-30 mins to finish an mcq section, 5-10 mins to review. Sometimes I lingered on a section to use all allocated time, sometimes I moved on and saved it for another section if I needed it. The only time I felt rushed was on my first exam, BEC, I didn't allocated enough time for sims. It was ok as I knew I had the mcq's nailed.

Bec 4/11/11 91
Aud 7/11/11 75
Reg 8/31/11 80
Far 5/24/11 86
Ethics - 98
California Licensed CPA
Illinois Registered CPA

[Anonymous]

Based on the multiple times I have sat with FAR I think 40 – 45 mnutes per testlet which puts you at 1.75 – 2 hours on sims is where you really want to be at. 1.5 hours would be the absolute minimum…

[Anonymous]

Time Management for MCQ Testlets

If you have a MCQ that covers a topic area you are completely stumped on; just guess and move on. Do not flag to review for later.

If you have a MCQ where you are between two answers, follow your instincts and move on. Do NOT flag, do NOT go back.

If you have a MCQ on a topic you understand, can't get the answer, and find yourself spending too much time on, don't answer and flag it. (I usually only have this happen once or twice per testlet). After I finish last MCQ of testlet, these are the only ones I go back to.

DO NOT REVIEW/DOUBLE CHECK any others.

[MChro12]

The only test that I really had to worry about time on was FAR. I've gotten the vibe, from myself and others that the first testlet should take you less than 40 minutes. After that, is when the fun begins and the questions get wordy assuming you did well. I had about an hour and 45 minutes for the sims and that was just about right. You'll likely have a sim that you might not know exactly what the examiners are asking for, and in a calculation heavy test, that can be tough.

There aren't as many questions in Reg, plus the sims are more straightforward, since you'll likely have to fill out a tax form, or something like that.

BEC and Audit aren't that calc heavy. If you can read, you shouldn't have trouble with time. I left Audit with about 2 hours left. BEC I left with 30 seconds left, but I triple checked my writing.

Reg 77 (Aug 11)
Aud 80 (Nov 11)
BEC 79 (Jan 12)
FAR 80 (April 12)

[Author]

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