[AndreA]

My exam in 2 weeks I failed before with 73 (weak on SIMs). I would appreciate any advice you have for me on how to prepare myself for SIMs (Topics I must know well or technics that helped you to succeed). I spent 3 weeks to restudy everything again + I answered all the questions in Wiley about 3,000 with average score 80 and about 90 SIMs with average score 68. My plan is to review everything again and focus on the main topics.

[thisismyname]

You must be me. I'm taking AUD for the first time in 2 weeks and just scored exactly 80 on my mock Becker exam today. I think you'll be fine if you're averaging in the 80s. From what I've read on here and other sites, I've gathered the following advice on SIMs:

-Brush up on FAR topics
-Contingent liability, when you need to disclose and when to accrue the liability
-Adjusting JEs
-Bond/pensions (saw posts on this from 2 years ago so I think this might be outdated)

-Be familiar with AICPA SIM examples

I have also begun to realize that a lot of the answers are in the AL. For example, a SIM that has you recreate an audit report by filling in the missing parts will have the exact same report in full as an illustrative guide/exhibit in the AL, word for word. The illustrative guide/exhibits are usually located in the last section of the standard. There was another practice SIM that had you choose if a situation violated AICPA's code of professional conduct, which is also in the AL if you forgot what the rules were. I've been trying to familiarize myself with the layout of the AL so I can quickly navigate to the appropriate section to look for examples. I remember that after the test they always ask you if you used the AL for anything other than the research SIMs, so I think you kind of expect you to use it for these types of questions. I hope this helps, best of luck to you.

[AndreA]

Thank you! Good luck to you as well!

[Author]

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