[Anonymous]

Okay I know this is a common question, but my situation is somewhat unique. Isn’t everyone’s?

Okay for starters I have passed AUD and BEC on my first attempt (doesn’t mean much I know). I have until November 2014 until I lose my AUD credit. I took FAR in the extended window and have not yet received my score. I feel pretty good about the exam, but who knows with this exam.

Work is really picking up as we near year end so I am left with little time to study, however I will be off from the Dec 23-Jan 1, but I know a portion of this time will be with family. During year end close Jan 2-Jan 17 I will not be able to study much at all. After Jan 17 work slows back down and I will have more time to study. My goal is to take my last exam at the end of the next testing window (Feb 28).

My question is. Should I take a break from studying at least until I get my FAR score because if I failed I want to retake it before I take REG? Or should I assume I passed and go ahead and get started on REG giving me an extra week to study? I just feel like if I have to switch back to FAR, the time spent on REG will be wasted. Also I don’t know how long it usually takes to grasp REG.

[tough_kitty]

Sounds like you are leaning toward taking a break… you convinced me it makes more sense 😉

I usually didn't take a break because I was 90% sure I'd get at least a 75. So it's really up to you. A compromise – you can at least take it slow and cover the chapters on individual taxation because I'm sure you are already familiar with most of the material if you do your own taxes.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Sounds like you are leaning toward taking a break… you convinced me it makes more sense 😉

I usually didn't take a break because I was 90% sure I'd get at least a 75. So it's really up to you. A compromise – you can at least take it slow and cover the chapters on individual taxation because I'm sure you are already familiar with most of the material if you do your own taxes.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Anonymous]

@tough-kitty Thanks! I think your compromise is a really good idea. How long would you say I should give myself to study REG? I've been out of college tax and blaw classes for about 4 years. Is it more comparable to BEC/AUD or closer to FAR as far as study time goes?

[Anonymous]

@tough-kitty Thanks! I think your compromise is a really good idea. How long would you say I should give myself to study REG? I've been out of college tax and blaw classes for about 4 years. Is it more comparable to BEC/AUD or closer to FAR as far as study time goes?

[tough_kitty]

What study materials do you use?

I used Roger CPA review with WTB and spent about 130 hrs studying for REG, including watching lectures, taking notes, reading textbook, and practicing MCQs x 3-4 each topic separately until I got 80% and up at least twice on each topic – to make sure it wasn't just pure luck.

I took federal and state individual taxation course so this topic was easy for me. But I guess REG is the second exam after FAR requiring more study time. It has a lot of smaller topics on business law so you can easily do some of them within a few hours and then go back and practice MCQs. But definitely a lot of memorization as far as business law.

For tax topics you really have to understand the material and be able to link the concepts – passive income/loss, etc.

Judging by your scores, you should be ok 😉

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

What study materials do you use?

I used Roger CPA review with WTB and spent about 130 hrs studying for REG, including watching lectures, taking notes, reading textbook, and practicing MCQs x 3-4 each topic separately until I got 80% and up at least twice on each topic – to make sure it wasn't just pure luck.

I took federal and state individual taxation course so this topic was easy for me. But I guess REG is the second exam after FAR requiring more study time. It has a lot of smaller topics on business law so you can easily do some of them within a few hours and then go back and practice MCQs. But definitely a lot of memorization as far as business law.

For tax topics you really have to understand the material and be able to link the concepts – passive income/loss, etc.

Judging by your scores, you should be ok 😉

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Anonymous]

I use CPAexcel w/ WTB, and review with NINJA notes (my notes usually suck). I think I'm going to take a break; refresh on Individual taxation, and hope that my FAR results give me the extra motivation I need to buckle down and take out REG before the end of Feb. I can't wait for this to be over.

Thanks for you help!

[Anonymous]

I use CPAexcel w/ WTB, and review with NINJA notes (my notes usually suck). I think I'm going to take a break; refresh on Individual taxation, and hope that my FAR results give me the extra motivation I need to buckle down and take out REG before the end of Feb. I can't wait for this to be over.

Thanks for you help!

[Author]

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