[Lindsey_p87]

So, I fully admit that I’ve been lazy and haven’t been proactive in getting the rest of the CPA exam done. I passed FAR a little over a year ago, and so far that’s all the progress I’ve made. I took AUD and BEC in the spring and failed both due to hating my study materials and just plain not putting in the time. So yes, my fault. However, now I’m down to the wire with 3 tests left to pass by the end of May 2016 if I want to keep my FAR credit.

I just started a new job as a staff accountant in the healthcare industry, which means our busy time is coming up in January for year end. Studying in January is going to be really difficult. So here is my plan of attack:

Take REG at the end of February – studying throughout Dec., mostly reviewing in Jan., and finish up studying in Feb.

Take BEC and AUD in the April-May testing window – basically studying for each one for a month

Any advice on this plan? It basically means I’ll have to pass all 3 on the “first” try. Would it be better to try to leave myself more time if i need to retake one? Also, I currently own CPAExcel and I despise the lectures and the MCQ’s. I don’t mind the books but they are very dry and seem to include too much information. My plan with REG at least is to use the NINJA 10 pt. combo and maybe the CPAExcel book. Is that enough study material for REG particularly? I enjoy tax so I’m anticipating this one being easier for me than AUD was.

Any advise you can think of would be awesome.

FAR - PASSED 11/14
AUD - TBD
BEC - TBD
REG - First take 2/16

[Missy]

I'd try to take 2 exams in Q1 that way if you miss one you have another chance in Q2. Yes, year end will be busy but there's no reason you can't get in 25h/week of studying all the same. Its not ideal but its the situation you find yourself in.

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

[saemandr]

studying during a busy time at work isn't that bad (i just did it with my audit busy season in public and studying for AUD)… you just have to force yourself to do it. I agree with @mla…

it's only a month.. just make yourself study during busy season and take 2 exams in Q1, that way you have a cushion in Q2 to retake if needed.

You can probably study hard hard in Dec and review hard the first 2 weeks of Jan for REG and then take AUD or BEC (which ever you are the least comfortable with) the end of Feb. That way you have a cushion for REG, which you've never taken before, and the 1 that you are the least comfortable with out of the 2 that you've already taken before.

REG - 73, 69 ugh
AUD - 11/21/2015
BEC - Jan 2015
FAR - April 2015

Becker Self Study/NINJA Audio/NINJA Flashcards

[wombataholic]

I agree with mla on trying to get in 2 tests in each quarter. If I needed to pass 3 sections by the end of May to avoid losing credit for FAR, I think I'd schedule things like this:

Mid-January (6ish weeks from now): 2nd weakest section between AUD/REG/BEC. The holidays will eat up study time, no matter how dedicated you are.
Late February: Weakest section between the three.
Mid-April: Strongest section
Late May: Keep open in event of failure of either of 2 weakest sections.

This schedule gives you about 6 weeks per section to study, but it still takes dedication to rise and grind out 20+ hours a week studying on top of a full time job.

As far as materials go, I've only used Ninja Notes/Audio/MCQ because I don't think that watching lectures is an efficient use of time.

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

[Author]

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