[A1lessio]

Hello Everyone,

I start work at Grant Thornton in June and graduate with my 150 credits 10 days before in May. My question is how likely is it to pass the exam in 10-11 months while working full-time? I want to finish before the changes in April 2017. I assume that during busy season(s) for tax it will also be very difficult to study. I hope that as an associate I won’t be put on as many engagements and have more time to study.

Also, I was talking to someone today and he said in April 2017 the passing score will change to 85%. He spooked me at first (hence the post), but after doing some research I couldn’t find any information in reference to changes in the passing score. Does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks,

AUD (08/02/2016)

[wombataholic]

If you're willing to put in quality study time and, you can pass all 4 sections by then. I may or may not have knocked out all 4 in 2 windows, depending on how my REG score comes back, while working full time.

The passing score isn't going up to 85, but the exams themselves are supposed to get a bit harder in 2017.

Licensed CPA
Passed each section on the first try with Ninja Notes/MCQ/Audio

[Missy]

Yes, it can be done. It's not easy, and there are some sacrifices to be made but it's very short term.

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

[Son]

Yep, totally possible. I've finished my exams in slightly less than 11 months while working full-time for one of the Big4s, that includes a 4 months break during the summer when I was really busy with work and didn't study. I should probably caveat that by saying I've passed all of them on the first try, would have taken longer if I had to re-study.

You're right in saying that most staffs are not quite as busy during their first year, so you want to take care of your exam asap. It may seem like they throw a lot at you, but trust me it's only going to get harder next year. Also, talk to your supervisors about studying during your downtime and lunch hour at work – my group was very understanding and supportive this way.

Lastly, I would consider knocking off one of the exams during one of the breaks if possible, for instance BEC. You truly need 2 or so weeks of full study time to get ready, so if you're willing to make that sacrifice you may thank yourself later.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[spikesrd]

Absolutely. It just depends on how much you're willing to sacrifice to get it done. There's an awful lot of us here that are doing it, or have done it, while working full-time, in grad school, and having families. I'm doing all 3 right now. Not fun but it's necessary to get where I want to get in my career, imo.

“The reward for work well-done is more work.”

BEC - 05/26/2015 77
AUD - 07/27/2015 88
FAR - 08/31/2015 80
REG - 11/30/2015 73, 04/18/2016 80 Done!!!

[OlintoJr]

Yes its very do-able. You will need to buckle down but you will be fine. I would save the easier sections like BEC & AUD for busy season. That is what I did.

I would encourage you to start your CPA journey now, however. I took my first 3 sections while working, and it was tough but doable.. I am now studying for REG full-time (I took a new job and have a month off between jobs so I decided to leave my old position a bit early and get some-full time studying in).. and let me tell you taking these exams without working full-time is 100x easier. I feel so much more prepared going into this exam than I have on any other section and have studied for less then half the amount of time. You would be doing yourself a disservice by waiting until you start working.

FAR - 11/30/14 -79
AUD - 2/19/15 -86
BEC - 4/09/15 -86
REG - 11/30/15 -87

I'M DONE! ITS OVER! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[Zaxx21]

It's possible, but it'll take a little more time. You have to be very disciplined and study hard any free time you have. I'll recommend you take at least one section before you start though (probably FAR or REG bc this take more time to study).

[monikernc]

Dpending on your state you may be able to start exams before graduating since you already have 120 hours. Honedtly, you could knock out one or two before you start job. May be easier to do with school workload rather than job workload. Ck your state board and consider all your options.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[A1lessio]

Thank you for all the advice!

AUD (08/02/2016)

[A1lessio]

Zaxx21- A friend will lend me the FAR book and online access for Becker. Hopefully during the spring semester I can also study for the exam and then sit for it in July. I need to graduate before being eligible for sit for the exam. Once I start at the company I can get the study material from them, but if I don't pass in 18 months I own them the cost of the Becker review course.

Monikernc- I am a second degree student. I will not have all the required classes to sit for the exam until graduation.

AUD (08/02/2016)

[monikernc]

still check with your board they may let you sit while the remaining credits are in progress.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[mystical guy]

It's doable with discipline. I would get home after a long day, and long drive, and just study for an hour or two. During lunch I would go over my notes. I was able to knock out an exam within a month.

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

[Author]

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