[thebigguy1992]

I graduate this May, so after that I will be eligible to sit. I just want to get a feel for what you guys think of my study schedule and if it is realistic or not. I graduate May 14th, and return home May 16th and will want to start studying then.

My firm gives me becker to study, but I am also going to purchase NINJA MCQ and then Ninja Audio to use whenever I’m driving or working out. Is this a bad plan? I plan to use becker to learn the material, use their tests, and then use Ninja MCQ after I know all material and just do those non-stop. Here’s what I’m thinking as for studying time-frames:

FAR:

May 16th – July 1: study for FAR 5x a week, 8-10 hours a day. This gives me about 7 weeks total, roughly 280~320 hours total. I want to be done studying by the 6th week, and use the last week for review with ninja MCQ, and then take the test July 1st (friday), and be done before the big july 4th weekend.

~~Take a 2 day break

AUD:

July 4 – Aug. 2: Study for AUD 5x a week, 8-10 hours a day. 4 weeks total, 224~250 hours total. I feel like Audit is a good corollary to FAR because some topics carry over. Plan to take Audit around August 2nd.

~~Take a 2 day break

BEC:

August 4-August 31, take the exam August 31. This gives me 3.5 weeks, study same amount of hours a day. I plan to use this window because BEC seems to have the smallest amount of content, and feel like maybe I can fit it in this last window.

REG:

Study for this from Sept. 2 – Oct/Nov. I start work full-time last week of September, so i plan to study all September, and then use weekends in October to study, and take the test some time late October or November (depending when I’m ready). And then finally done!

What do you guys think of this timeframe? I feel like its a little too aggressive. Also any thoughts on my plan to use becker/ninja mcq+audio?

[Marcus]

Its not too shabby, but the only thing I see is why rush 3 tests into one window and one in the last window. You might want to just do two/two dash. Thats usually most effective FAR 8 weeks start studying in blackout month then Aud at the end of the window. Then reg study blackout sept and most of oct and take oct and then take BEC end of Nov. But then again it all depends on what your strong areas are. You may want to take your strong areas first.

[thebigguy1992]

I just wanted to get the most possible in before I started working full-time, so thats why I'm pushing for 3 instead of 2. But you're right, if things seem rushed I might just move it to how you said. Anyone else have any thoughts?

[Hawkeye220]

That looks like a good plan to me. 3 tests in one window is definitely doable, and I would highly encourage you to stick to your schedule. It is actually pretty comparable to mine. I would check and make sure you leave your most confident test for last. If you are a good writer, BEC should be easy with the replacement of sims for writing. Your plan is also smart because it allows you to fail one of the first 3, and then retake it before the end of the year. I have heard that you will lose all testing progress at the end of the year when they make the switch, so I would definitely leave the buffer for one additional test if necessary in Nov.

The tests are really all about the hours. I took mine while working full time, 3-4 hours a day on weekdays, 5-6 hours a day on weekends.

Your schedule is actually pretty similar to what mine was.
FAR – 7/11/15 – 79
REG – 8/7/2015 – 83
BEC – 8/31/2015 – 89
AUD – 10/02/2015 – 84

FAR 7/11/15 - 79
REG 8/07/15 - 83
BEC 8/30/15 - 89
AUD 10/2/15 - 84

[Hawkeye220]

FAR 7/11/15 - 79
REG 8/07/15 - 83
BEC 8/30/15 - 89
AUD 10/2/15 - 84

[thebigguy1992]

“I have heard that you will lose all testing progress at the end of the year when they make the switch, so I would definitely leave the buffer for one additional test if necessary in Nov.”

Can anyone else confirm this?

Also any other thoughts on my schedule/anyone else have a similar schedule in place

[Hawkeye220]

I was mistaken. I had heard rumors around my firm that people wouldn't keep their scores. Per Becker, you will keep all passing scores.

FAR 7/11/15 - 79
REG 8/07/15 - 83
BEC 8/30/15 - 89
AUD 10/2/15 - 84

[mystical guy]

I would give enough time for AUD. It's tricky, but I suppose your performance in the MCQs will tell you where you are.

BEC, FAR are doable in your time frame, provided you're disciplined and have enough coverage in all areas.

For REG, I don't know about everyone else, but I found that to be a monster, despite taking two tax classes in college. Take as much time as needed on that, given that it can also be as tricky as AUD, maybe worse.

All in all, your plan fairly presents what the average successful candidate is expected to put in to be successful the first try.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Author]

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