[Bear-Bear]

So it begins. I will commence studying for my first section this week. I need to get all the paperwork squared away with the board, but I am targeting a test date of mid-late February. I have decided to tame the beast (FAR) first, and am definitely a bit nervous.Yesterday I purchased Wiley CPAExcel, and I will be getting ninja MCQs this week.

Any advice you guys can provide on study methods? How many total hours did you study for FAR? I have always done well in school and on standardized tests, but i wont lie, im very nervous. I feel like I’m about to pick a fight with Mike Tyson! Any feedback is much appreciated.

Bear-Bear

[wombataholic]

140 hours for FAR using a videoless, bookless NINJA method. So, really it's the INJA method. It worked for me, but I'm also really in tune with my learning style.

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

[Delawhere]

I started studying in mid august, took the exam in mid october, so roughly 2 months. I used becker self study, I really liked their program (I'm using it for all 4 exams).

I walked out thinking I failed (like everyone), and ended up with a 76. I feel like I got really lucky because there were hardly any not-for-profit questions or governmental accounting questions, it's really just luck of the draw.

I'd say just make sure you cover every section as thoroughly as you can. How much time you put in doesn't matter, it's all on how well you understand and know the topics.

Personally, I'd watch the videos, re-read the book, then do MCQ's until I understood materials. Didn't spend much time re-reading after the first time, for review I just went back and did more MCQ's.

BEC - TBD
AUD - TBD
REG - TBD
FAR - 76 (10/19/2015)

[Anonymous]

I think you made a good choice with CPA Excel. I use only CPA Excel and have done well on the two tests I've taken so far. The bite-sized lessons help to build momentum during a study session. It took me about 14 weeks for FAR studying 2-3 hours 6 days a week after work and on the weekends. For FAR, I watched the videos and did tons on multiple choice without looking at the book. For AUD, I read the book and did tons of multiple choice without looking at the videos. I used the condensed study-note booklets during my review period. With FAR material being computation based and AUD being concept based, I changed my study style accordingly.

For me, the hardest part of studying for these exams is not the material. The hardest part is the discipline and perseverance needed to consistently put in QUALITY study hours every day.

Stay motivated and focused and you'll get through them. Good luck!

[Author]

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