[newguy22]

Quick background on myself… graduated in May, started at Big4 in September. This summer went through the initial application process of getting signed up for the CPA.

NTS delivered on September 9th and took FAR October 4th. Started studying for BEC soon after. Get the news I passed FAR (78, very efficient). Few days before I take BEC while I’m looking at scheduling Audit for late March, when my busy season will slow down, I realize I’ve made a huge mistake… I scheduled all 4 exams on the same NTS.

No refund, no cancellation, no nothing. Stuck with the exams and the fees because I didn’t read the fine print. Thank goodness my firm pays for the first round of tests but I have now put myself in a crunch to try and pass all four exams in 6 months, or it comes out of my pocket. Just got news yesterday I passed BEC (84) after a week of hard studying (was a management major also in college, helped a ton with the ratios and economics) on January 7th, and now I have Audit Feb 11, and Reg March 6th.

Obviously should be studying but wanted to see if anybody else has made this mistake? How did you handle it? Did you have success? And any tips for the Auditing exam as I have to take some shortcuts and won’t be able to spend the time and energy as I did on FAR.

Thanks!

[Missy]

some states but not all will give a one time no questions asked extension to an NTS. Call your state board, worst they can say is no but you might catch a break!

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

[newguy22]

Yeah looked and called, Ohio only allows if you get sick or death in the family with proof of both. So unless we have a doctor in the forum willing to fake a note for me I'm pretty much S.O.L.

[Trele6]

How is this a fine print mistake? You booked all four sections at one time and paid for them. No fine print there.

First go at the CPA! Only using Becker
Reg / Nov 2015 - 87
Far / Apr 2016 - 79
Bec / May 2016 - 80
Aud / Aug 2016

[Goingallin]

Seems like you're young and fast learner. You have more than enough time to study for AUD and REG. You should easily be able to do both without cutting too many corners. Took me 2 weeks to get a grasp on both and an extra week to feel confident. I'm an older candidate with a toddler so if I could get the subject down within those time frames, it'll be a ride in the park for you. Havent taken REg yet but it's half the material in comparison to FAR. I have the exam schedule for March 7th. Stretching my exam date to last available slot bc this will be my last exam and I'm not taking any chances. Putting in as much hours as I can possible squeeze in regardless of how well I think I know the subject.

If your company is paying than I'm sure you're using Becker. Skip the book and just do homework questions.

[Anonymous]

yep, did the same thing. Its not matter of missing fine print, in my case it was simply not understanding how things worked. Since I dont work at a firm or really even know any CPA's and Im 25 years out of school, I just had no one to even ask. I passed all of them except FAR. I had FAR scheduled within the NTS but I wasnt remotely ready. I sat for it just because there was no reason NOT to do so but of course I didnt pass. I truly dont even count that one – it was more like practice! Do what you can!

[GiniC]

I did it too – it's not as uncommon as you would think. The others are right- you've already passed the “bear” exam, FAR. AUD and REG shouldn't be too bad for you. Just accept that you have NO LIFE until the exams are over. Have the study apps on your phone and use every minute you aren't working to work questions/problems, listen to lectures on areas where you aren't confident while you're driving. You've got this!

@Allegra, I'm in the exact same position – Career changer with decades since my original degree and almost no contacts in the CPA world, I had no idea what I was getting myself into with all four exams on one NTS. I “bit the bullet” and let the FAR NTS expire to allow myself time to do well on the other three. I'm hoping I get through FAR this quarter so I can be DONE.

[Tncincy]

Passing all four is a good problem to have…..lol

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Want2BeCPAsoBad]

I almost made the same mistake. Thank God for my manager who shared his story over one of our lunches. Then I realized busy seasons would get on the way of finishing all in 9 months (CA). But yeah it has happened to couple of people in our firm. So don't feel bad. Congrats in passing 2. 2 down 2 to go. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

@GiniC , you can do it! Its a marathon though, not a sprint. Sounds like you have the end in sight!

[Author]

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