[revan]

Hi Guys,

Thanks in advance for your advice. I am 42, with an accounting degree (from 20 years ago) and an MBA. I’ve been working in accounting/finance for the past 20 years. I’ve never worked in public but have been in VC backed startups for most of that time and have sat on the other side of the audit table for the past 20 years. Since the qualification change and introduction of the limited license I’ve been contemplating a run at the exams.

How hard is it going to be given I have no experience or fresh exposure in government accounting, tax, audit-side work? Can I reasonably expect to work through Yaeger’s Homestudy and pass? I’m at the VP level now and think having the certification would help me jump into a CFO role.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, the CPA exam is a book exam. Anyone can pass it. Now keep in mind by me saying that that I am not a random troll exclaiming about how easy the exam is….because it is not easy. My point is that it is a difficult exam based upon a book – not practice or experience. The only way people seem to pass it is by giving up their personal life and just focusing 110% on the exam (which means a LOT of studying).

So, to answer your question yes I think you could make an excellent run at passing the exam if you're willing to put your personal life on hold until you are done with the exam, and willing to put time into the exam.

[Anonymous]

I'm 42 as well and attempting to pass it. It was hard to get back into study-mode after all these years, but I eventually found a style of studying to fit my needs. You have to really dedicate yourself to passing because it is a vast amount of material to learn, and some of it will be your first exposure to it. There are excellent study materials to help you pass. It can be done, just be prepared to develop a study plan and stick to it.

[whitesoxfancpa]

I have taken just one part so far (AUD) and I only had a grand total of 8 weeks of Auditing at 3 hours per night in my entire life.

I passed with a 96.

It's a very academic, book-focused exam. If you put in the time and effort, you have just as good a shot at passing as a brainiac college accounting major with the material fresh in his mind.

AUD 96 FAR 95 REG 94 BEC 88

[revan]

Thanks Everyone – The biggest challenge is going to be “getting back in study mode”. After nearly 10 years away from any type of studying, putting aside the wants of my family to devote time is the number one issue. I'm motivated – if only as an accomplishment and validation of my career; I know my family are behind me too.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agree you can do it if you put your mind to it. These exams require alot of dedication. I'm also 42, with an MBA, 3 kiddos and a very supportive husband.

[Anonymous]

Reven

Yes, you can do iit. Another good thing is that once you pass it will be something that says you passed the benchmark. No one is ging to ask when you passed or what your score were. The tests are difficult but passable with the right study materials and a appropriate amount of time and is put into passing the exam.

We all have our ups and downs – but in the end it will be worth it. Good luck!

[suzzette1]

I am 46 years old and I got my CPA license in another country where I graduated 26 years ago. I am currently studying for Auditing which is my 3rd section of the exam. I hope I am not the oldest in this journey :). I am taking this exam to challenge myself that age does not matter as long I have determination to succeed. It entails a lot of sacrifices and support from my husband and family to achieve my dream.

BEC 2/8/10 - 75 (studied hard & prayed less)
REG 5/15/10 - 88 (studied less but prayed hard)
AUDITING 8/9/10 - 79 (studied hard and prayed hard)
FAR 11/30/10 - 79 (studied hard and prayed hard) Thanks GOD! I'm DONE

[Anonymous]

Definitely, do-able. This is coming from a (way) over 40-year-old, engineering undergrad with a MBA working for most of my career in IT and then some work overseeing the Finance and Accounting folks. Purchased and started studying GLEIM last August while I was unemployed. Took REG in October, two weeks into a new job. So unfortunately, I lost my focus just before the test when I should have been doing the last review. Unfortunately, I shouldn't have taken the 5 minute break either… got a 74 ( I could kick myself for that one). So between then and May 27th of this year I wrapped up all four sections. Just trying to wrap up Ethics now and move on with life.

Married, with a 12 year-old kid and a new job (in a completely new field), but just made myself study about 10-12 hours per week and usually took one day off from work before each test to review. I did the worst on the test that I had too much time to study for. For me about 6-8 weeks was about right. As you get into it you'll find that there is tons of overlap in the concepts so keeping the test tight and rolling into the next one helped me.

Good luck!

Someday is getting closer and closer…

[Anonymous]

Suzzette1 – you are not the oldest. This exam is about perserverance and commitment. I finished my last exam just last

Feb at age 49, working fulltime with 6 kids. This was a second career for me, I took the exam to help with promotion potential. I work as a Government accountant. It does take a lot of determination and support. I Thank my wife everytime I think about my CPA journey.

Good Luck you are half way there.

[75 CPA]

I am 64 years old. I am a life time learner.

[Anonymous]

I am 44 years old, got my BS in accounting 17 years ago and got my MS Accountancy seven years ago. I am a grant accountant and married for twelve years. I got anxiety problem during my last year of graduate study and delay my graduation for one year. Since then, I stop my CPA exam study due to periodic panic attack problem. Now it seems the panic attack is gone and I always feel that I am missing something in my life, which is the CPA exams. I am wondering if I am still able to focus on my CPA review class and pass the exam after all these years because I feel shame if somebody ask me if I am a CPA.

[Anonymous]

Dude, I am in the same boat. In fact, I thought that maybe I had written the post! 😀

42 here with a 9 year old and a 13 year old. It's a challenge, that much I can tell you…..add a demanding job to boot and it's creating its share of silver hair.

The best thing I've found is to give the wife and kids a definitive time where they get my undivided attention. I eat dinner with the kids. I spend a certain amount of uninterrupted time with the kids each night. Then I shut it down at 10 to ensure I spend time with my wife. I get up early to study before work and study at lunch.

You can't study 100% of the free time. So make a schedule that gives everyone focused time and go for it. I have two parts down and I will hopefully nail my retake of REG next week. And I have a full time + job and run a side business.

[Anonymous]

Honey, those are grey hairs, they are silver highlights!!!

[Anonymous]

I'm over 40 and passed the exam. Looking for work. Some IT jobs I've applied for, the CPA seems to be a “wow, that's impressive” angle and have gotten some interviews based that. It also helps I have a PMP too 🙂

[GreggK]

I graduated 20 years ago with a management and business degree. Over the years I self taught myself accounting and have been a Director of Finance for the last 5 years (accounting, hr, payroll). I am 43 years old and desire to take the cpa challenge. Is a 24 credit certificate to sit in for the CPA exam (needed to get required 150 credits) with study guides enough to get me prepared? I would not technically have an accounting degree.

[Author]

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