I have wanted to be a CPA since high school. I graduated with a BA in Accounting in 2004. I knew I needed another 30 credits, so I began a MAcc Program in Jan-07. I graduated in Dec-09. I sent my application to sit for the CPA Exam to the FL Board in Feb-10. I was approved mid March, and immediately purchased Becker study materials.
I chose to take BEC first. It was the shortest and (at that time) contained no simulations or written communications. I thought an easy win would build up my confidence. I started studying 4/1/10. I watched all 5 lectures, answered ALL multiple choice questions numerous times (required and supplemental 3-5 times), and completed both Final Exams. I then skimmed the Becker book. In the final days leading up to the exam, I completed 3 or so Practice Tests. But I found that I had seen the questions so many times, I had many of the answers memorized. I took BEC 5/31. I felt fine when I left the testing center. Not elated, not defeated. I received my score (an 82) on 6/17.
I chose to take AUD next. It too was only five lectures, and I thought it would be the easiest of the remaining 3 sections. Ha ha. I began studying at the end of June 2010. I watched all 5 lectures and answered ALL multiple choice questions twice. I reviewed all Audit Simulations provided by Becker. I did not read the book. I did not complete the two Final Exams. But, I did complete close to 25 Practice Tests. I was receiving good scores (80 – 99) and was finishing them in about an hour (100 questions in an hour? should have been a sign). I took AUD 8/31. It was an awful experience. I was being asked easy questions that I simply did not know the answers to. I finished the multiple choice questions in less than two hours. I moved on to the simulations, completing both in full. As I drove home, I couldn't decide if I should cry or throw up – but felt like doing both simultaneously. I got home, and opened my book to search for the “easy” answers I didn't know during the exam. Each answer I found assured me that I had indeed chosen the wrong answer. I knew that I had failed, and only I was to blame. I hadn’t put in the necessary time and effort, and it showed. A few weeks later, the first batch of Wave 2 AUD scores was released – mine wasn't in it. A week later, a second batch of AUD scores came out. When my score (a 76) popped up, I dropped to my knees and thanked God. I could not believe that I passed. But it was a learning experience. I was not as well prepared as I should have been. I decided to change my study approach. Memorizing wasn't going to cut it. I had to truly understand the material.
REG was next on my agenda. I had no desire to tango with FAR after such a close encounter with AUD. I began studying mid September. I watched all 7 lectures and answered all multiple choice questions at least twice. I then read the entire Becker book. After reading each chapter, I answered all corresponding questions again. This really helped drill in the concepts and gave me a much richer understanding of the material. I also took both Final Exams. I briefly reviewed all REG simulations provided by Becker. In the final days leading up to the exam, I completed several Practice Tests. I reviewed the results of each test thoroughly. I wanted to make sure I knew why I got each question right or wrong. I sat for REG on 11/29. I felt fine when I left the testing center. No tears, no vomit. I knew that I was as well prepared as possible, and none of the material was a surprise. I received my score (a 90) on 12/16.
3 down – 1 to go
At this point, I had no choice – FAR was next, and it was time to finally face it. I began studying mid December. I watched all 9 lectures and answered the required multiple choice questions 2-3 times. Originally, I attempted the supplemental questions, but found them extremely time consuming. I decided to skip them. I read the entire Becker book, and completed the corresponding questions as I finished each chapter. I took notes (for the first time ever) and reviewed them several times a day. I reviewed a few of the FAR simulations provided by Becker. I completed one of the two Final Exams, and about 15 Practice Tests. I again reviewed each completed test – confirming my correct answers and learning from the incorrect ones. I sat for the exam on 2/28. I spent 3 hours on the MCQs, and had only an hour left for the TBS. I felt great about 3 of the tabs, so so on 2, but might as well have left the other 2 blank. When I left, I was pretty sure I'd have to take the exam again. While I felt fairly confident about the MCQs, I knew I had not performed well on the TBS – and with them now comprising 40% of the total score, it wasn't looking good. FAR scores were released Tuesday, March 22. When my score (an 82) popped up, I started screaming and jumping up and down. I was done!
I received my final score report from the State of FL a week later. I was disappointed, as I was also expecting the Initial Application for Licensure. No worries – I found the application on FL’s website, filled it out, and sent it in via overnight on 4/1. The Board received my application on 4/4, and approved it on 4/7. I am now a CPA!
I found everything I needed (Requirement, Application, Work Experience Certification) on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation at:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1030&clientCode=0101&XACT_DEFN_ID=2726
BEC (05/31/10) 82
AUD (08/31/10) 76
REG (11/29/10) 90
FAR (02/28/11) 82
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