[Anonymous]

Is is worth it to do simulated exams? I’m thinking of doing a couple of simulated exams just to condition myself for the 3-hour stretch (like how a runner conditions himself or herself for a marathon), and was wondering if people find it helpful or is it just a waste of time?

[mla1169]

Well I wish I had the absolute luxury of being able to take a 4 hour simulated exam, but I didn't. I am mature, professional, yadda yadda all of those things that have been questioned above, and then some. I've been out in the working world longer than most people here have been alive and can assure you all that it is entirely possible to be well prepared, well versed and competent in accounting without a simulated CPA exam under your belt, if you so choose.

Since I have a license, I will say the simulated exams are absolutely not mandatory, but people have to find what works best for them, personally. M.O.D. I am glad you know exactly what works for you, and I am sure it will serve you well in these exams.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Well I wish I had the absolute luxury of being able to take a 4 hour simulated exam, but I didn't. I am mature, professional, yadda yadda all of those things that have been questioned above, and then some. I've been out in the working world longer than most people here have been alive and can assure you all that it is entirely possible to be well prepared, well versed and competent in accounting without a simulated CPA exam under your belt, if you so choose.

Since I have a license, I will say the simulated exams are absolutely not mandatory, but people have to find what works best for them, personally. M.O.D. I am glad you know exactly what works for you, and I am sure it will serve you well in these exams.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I have passed everytime I took the time to do the simulated practice exams in Becker the day before. Maybe it's just concidence, but I like to think it helps to see the questions presented in the actual format and worded a little differently.

[Anonymous]

I have passed everytime I took the time to do the simulated practice exams in Becker the day before. Maybe it's just concidence, but I like to think it helps to see the questions presented in the actual format and worded a little differently.

[Study Monk]

M.O.D

I actually like your test taking philosophy for the most part. I am curious what “certificates in CPA and EA” preparation is in your signature.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Study Monk]

M.O.D

I actually like your test taking philosophy for the most part. I am curious what “certificates in CPA and EA” preparation is in your signature.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[M.O.D.]

@ monk

See:

https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/accounting/degrees.asp

https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/accounting/cpa_prep.asp

Since these are traditionally upper-division courses, CA junior colleges are restricted from offering them in degrees, only “certificates.” This is because junior colleges are much more subsidized than 4 year colleges and would out-compete them for students given full permission.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[M.O.D.]

@ monk

See:

https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/accounting/degrees.asp

https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/accounting/cpa_prep.asp

Since these are traditionally upper-division courses, CA junior colleges are restricted from offering them in degrees, only “certificates.” This is because junior colleges are much more subsidized than 4 year colleges and would out-compete them for students given full permission.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[jeff]

Friends don't let friends take practice exams.

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-survival-guide/

[jeff]

Friends don't let friends take practice exams.

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-survival-guide/

[littlenumberrobot]

I'd just like to add everyone should take the sample exam on the AICPA website. It's 5 mcq's and 5 sims…. And very very much like the real exam.

I never took a practice exam but I know a71 friends who swore by them and it helped them. Everyone is different

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[littlenumberrobot]

I'd just like to add everyone should take the sample exam on the AICPA website. It's 5 mcq's and 5 sims…. And very very much like the real exam.

I never took a practice exam but I know a71 friends who swore by them and it helped them. Everyone is different

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[jennknee]

I'm personally a fan of the simulated exam if you have time.

I think a component of test performance is learn how to control your nerves and deal with anxiety. Doing practice tests can really help with that!

Different strokes for different folks, but if you have the time, why not. To me, it's not about the score you get at the end of the test, but the process of being prepared and simulating real exam conditions (don't know a question? don't panic and move on! etc)

AUD - 7/5/13 - 93
FAR - 8/24/13 - 91
BEC - 11/30/13 - 92
REG - 2/24/14 - 91! DONE!

CPAreviewforFREE, Wiley Test Bank, Becker, and NINJA FLASHCARDS. <3
Candidate from California

[jennknee]

I'm personally a fan of the simulated exam if you have time.

I think a component of test performance is learn how to control your nerves and deal with anxiety. Doing practice tests can really help with that!

Different strokes for different folks, but if you have the time, why not. To me, it's not about the score you get at the end of the test, but the process of being prepared and simulating real exam conditions (don't know a question? don't panic and move on! etc)

AUD - 7/5/13 - 93
FAR - 8/24/13 - 91
BEC - 11/30/13 - 92
REG - 2/24/14 - 91! DONE!

CPAreviewforFREE, Wiley Test Bank, Becker, and NINJA FLASHCARDS. <3
Candidate from California

[Anonymous]

Doubtful that you will get a SIM on the actual exam that you studied for, but they can be helpful to get the overall concepts down. I wouldn't waste my time doing them in a simulated exam. They are good for review.

I just do practice sets in WTB until I feel comfortable. I failed my first practice exam for AUD, and it can really hurt your confidence. IMO confidence is much more important for these exams than practice exams. Just my .02

[Author]

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