[rjbini2]

This exam has been hanging over my head since I graduated in the summer of 2008. I did not take studying seriously at the time when I was leaving school because I was so glad not to be in class any longer after 5 long years. I figured I would take some time off and then start studying for the exam once my first busy season was over.

At the beginning of September 2008 I started employment with a mid sized local tax firm. I should have known from the very start that things were not going well. It was a terrible experience. The firm had hired too many of us for the year and there was not enough work to go around. It was exhausting constantly having to ask for work and never getting anything. Needless to say this was a red flag, and the firm reduced their staff and I was laid off in December of 2008 with out getting any busy season experience under my belt. At that point I had no desire to study for the exam and felt beat down by everything.

I was able to find full time work a couple of months after that, but it was doing an easy Accounts Payable job while all of my other class mates were in the middle of busy season in Big 4 accounting. This should have motivated me more to pass the exam, however it had the opposite effect. After a year in the Accounts Payable job I found my motivation to study for the exam once more after obtaining a position in financial reporting for a Fortune 100 company, which I am still at nearly 4 years later. The summer of 2010 I studied for REG and failed the first time with a 72. I then retook the exam and passed with an 85. After delaying the next section of the exam a full testing window I did not take Audit until May of 2011, and I miraculously passed with an 80.

That’s when I hit yet another wall while studying for FAR. No matter how much time I spent preparing and drilling over multiple choice questions, the closer my exam date got the more I freaked out and ended up rescheduling it several times. I could never commit out of fear and I ended up losing my REG score. At this point, I only had credit for one exam, my Becker materials were expiring and I did not have the drive to study for FAR as I felt it was pointless.

Now flash to August of 2013. I have been out of school for 5 years, still without my certification. I am really wanting to try to get back into public accounting or possibly into internal auditing, and I know not having this certificate is holding me back. I have committed to Becker self study once again and I am starting out with Auditing and BEC during the Oct-Nov testing window to try to knock these out quickly.

This is extremely difficult for me because now none of my friends or colleagues are studying for the exam. It is weird to say, but in a way it feels so lonely to be so far removed from the hustle of everyone trying to complete the exam, but yet i still have not. I feel like a loser in a way because of all of my procrastination and laziness. I know I can do it, I just have had to finally commit myself 100%.

I am hoping that this board will be a good resource for me and that it will help remove the feeling of isolation that I have from being the only person in my social circle that is taking on this monster of an exam.

CPA, Kentucky

REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
AUD- 80(expired), 83
FAR- 86
BEC- 82

All with Becker self study

[MM]

I'm also trying to get back in the swing of things. I felt so overwhelmed with the exam that I just completely gave up for a while. I took AUD, REG and FAR back in 2011/2012 and failed miserably. I felt so stupid, I gave up. I have started studying for AUD again and going through the MCQs, I feel the same way. I go through the chapter and feel like I know it, and take the quizzes and it's like I completely blank out. I have had so many breakdowns, I feel so discourage sometimes. I will pass, I keep telling myself that.

Thank you, glad to know I am not the only one going through all this!

[rjbini2]

I wanted to bump this post I made a little over a year ago. I had found excuse after excuse for putting off taking these exams, and I finally got frustrated and dove right back into studying last September,

Today, I received my final passing score for REG. This site has been a great resource, and I am nearly certain Jeff's audio notes are a big reason I was able to cram during the final days for FAR and finally get that miserable section behind me.

I finally committed 100% to studying. There many moments of frustration, self-doubt, and even anger (mostly towards myself for not having done this sooner). I had to sacrifice most of my free time over the past year, and it was the biggest relief to finally see that passing score this morning.

I'm not one who is big on motivational speeches or inspirational quotes, but it is amazing what can be done when you finally decide to rip the band aid off and just do something, and give it your best effort. If you're doubting yourself and your abilities, that is completely normal and definitely part of this process. However, do not let it stop you or give you an excuse to procrastinate. It took me 6 years to really understand that in regards to the exam, and I've finally been rewarded. The way I feel today was worth the sacrifice! KEEP AT IT!

CPA, Kentucky

REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
AUD- 80(expired), 83
FAR- 86
BEC- 82

All with Becker self study

[jeff]

^ time to update your sig? 🙂

AUD - 79
BEC - 80
FAR - 76
REG - 92

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE | Another71

[Author]

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