[Jay]

So i passed REG a while back and have failed AUD and BEC since then for multiple reasons: Some people can focus on one thing and do just that for weeks/months/whatever and I have always had a wandering mind if you will.. lots of things interest me so I will constantly find myself reading up about solar panels or the universe or stocks, etc…, work gets me pretty tired and I can’t study effectively when I get Home, I wasn’t AS motivated as I was when I was studying for REG, and I was working 5 days a week as opposed to 4 days when I was studying for REG.

So I’m thinking, after tax season to take a couple months off and focus on passing hopefully at least 2 exams.

Ideas/thoughts or similar experiences are welcomed. Do you think it’s a good idea?

I should add that i only studied 3 weeks for REG but I also work in tax so I was familiar with a decent amount of material.

REG 82 (08/08/15)

[Andyred04]

If you are financially stable enough to support yourself for 2 months without pay and your employer will allow it, I think that's a great idea. I would love to be a full-time studier but neither of those things apply to me.

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[Jdn9201]

I assume if you are considering this, then you can financially support yourself for 2 months. If you know 100% that you will dedicate yourself to your exams, then yes I'd consider it if I were you. I read stories of people who try to do this while having a family and working in public, and I don't know how they do it. But, in order for it to work for you, you have to make these exams your job. That's the only way taking the time off from work is going to be worth it. Otherwise, you're better off rexamining why you are taking the exams, and if you are motivated enough at this point.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Missy]

I think its a mistake, plenty of people take time off work for the reasons you listed and find themselves unemployed and having no sections passed. Lets be 100% honest, lack of time isn't your issue, lack of focus is. I contend if the only thing you have to do is study you'll have even less focus than you do now.

3 weeks is very rarely enough time for REG, even if you've been in tax for decades you were exceptionally fortunate to pass. For the other three sections, why not just try the more typical way, study QUALITY 20-30 hours per week while you're working for 6-8 weeks. See how that goes.

If you are honestly “too tired” to study after working, get a physical and a full workup. You may have a medical issue going on. If its not fatigue, but you just don't WANT to study after working all day, push yourself a bit. Its not forever and people get 20-30 hours a week with much more on their plate than just a job.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Jay]

I already told my boss I was thinking about it but didn't come to a final decision but he did say he was okay with it. I'm at a small office and he needs at least one person with a CPA besides himself. I don't think I have the endurance to study for 6-8 weeks.. with that being said, I tried cramming BEC in one week and that went terribly.

@ mla – I don't know that I would have less focus studying full-time. What makes you think that?

REG 82 (08/08/15)

[Gabe]

I found when I had less time to study, I was more focused. If you're studying “full time,” you can always push it off for different reasons. Maybe 6-8 weeks is too long for you, and 1 week is too short. Maybe try 4 weeks and see where that gets you. Just make sure it is quality study time. Good luck.

CPA, CFE
CISA- Experience will be completed by August 2016

[Missy]

The reason I say you'd be less focused is my experience and the experience of absolutely everyone I've ever met.

Have you ever had a week off and a list of things you believe you must accomplish during that week? For example; I had a 4 day weekend last week and intended to do bunches of housework as well as a project I've wanted to do once the weather got cold. I probably had a list of 35 things to do over 4 days. You know how many I actually got done? About 6. Its just human nature to think ‘I've got plenty of time, I'll binge on making a murderer, meet a friend for lunch, browse amazon a bit……”

If your boss is ok with it, no harm no foul. But honestly I think too many people perceive it as “too much” to work while taking the exams and its really not.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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