[Ruben]

Hello CPA examiners,

My name is Ruben and I am happy to join this community of CPA examiners. I will be taking the FAR exam this September after I complete the 150 credit hour rule. I will be taking FAR as my first exam in September. Since I have a lot of time from April till September, is there any advice that you can give me? I’m literally starting from the ground up. I am using Accounting Coach to brush up on the basics in accounting, but if anyone has any advice that they can share or sites that were helpful for someone that is a returning student, that will be great! Also, I am working full-time, so shout out to people who are taking the exam while working full-time :).

[jdub]

Hello!

I started my CPA journey 4 years after I graduated with my undergrad, so I'm in the same boat. Do you know what exam you're taking first, yet?

I was given advice to start with BEC because statistically you have the highest chance of passing it. So if you pass it on round 1 it's definitely a confidence boost. But I know a lot of people that started with the exam that they were most scared of / was most difficult for them. Had I done this, I would have started with REG personally because I know nothing about taxes and my tax courses were my biggest struggle in school – but it took me 4 times to pass REG and without the confidence of previous passes, who knows if I would have stuck with it.

Have you chosen a study program yet? I chose Becker and love it. I think it's worth the money. It was recommended to me – and I also work full time and thankfully my company fronted the money so it didn't cost me a dime which was also VERY appreciated and helpful.

I took BEC in August and started studying mid-May. Which was a long time to study for 1 test but I, like you, was working full time and it was my first exam so I didn't know what to expect so I wanted to have plenty of lead time to make sure I felt comfortable. So my main advice is – if you have the time, even a few hours each week, it's never too early to dive in and get your feet wet to get comfortable with the content and formats you are going to be seeing in the coming months.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't worry about brushing up on accounting-pick a review course that you like and go for it! A good review course will give you enough knowledge to pass the test. I think it's smart to take FAR first. I took it last and it was a tough one! I would also recommend Ninja to supplement your main review course-I couldn't have passed my tests without it!

[Ruben]

Hello I will be taking FAR as my first exam. For me it is what I remembered the most from Accounting school. I would like to get the hard part over with and done ASAP! I have not chosen a study course yet. I am planning on using Yaeger. Yes, you are right. It is never to early!! Thanks for your advice.

[Ruben]

Thank you Anayatuver! What review course did you take? I am thinking on Yaeger.

[Anonymous]

I used primarily Becker and supplemented with Ninja for all sections. Don't skimp on the review course and do what it asks you to do-consistency is key to success here!

[Becca]

I brain-dumped EVERYTHING from undergrad (graduated March 2016), and am currently pursuing my MAcc and CPA. Background: I’m 31, married, a mother, and I work full-time. Also, I’m only pursuing my CPA right now because my Masters program revolves around studying and taking the CPA exam. They’ve incorporated Becker Live classes as a course; if you pass 1 or more parts of the CPA exam, you pass the class.

My advice is to find a program that suits you. I’m using Becker because it’s part of my Masters program. I passed REG in February, so they’re doing something right. I loathed Tax classes and, as I stated previously, didn’t retain anything from undergrad, so this was the section I was most worried about. September is more than enough time to study FAR. In fact, try not to get burned out by looking at the same materials for so long. Due to school, I studied REG from August – February, and I got so sick and tired of studying it. I’ve been studying FAR since early March and will sit for it late May. I’m way behind on my Becker studies due to my Masters class and life happening. I actually expect to fail FAR in May, but I plan on continuing to study right after taking the exam and I’ll just take it again in Q3 if I don’t pass in May.

I refer to this site daily; I love the positivity and encouragement and reading others experiences and triumphs. If you don’t understand a concept, Google and YouTube it for better explanations, or even ask here. Also, “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons keeps me motivated 😉

Good luck to you!

[Author]

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