[Pistol Pete]

I’m diving back into the CPA exam after a 4 year hiatus. A little background: I started taking the exam during my accounting masters and quickly passed AUD and FAR. Then I started life in public accounting and my dedication to the CPA went south fast. 1.5 years and multiple attempts at REG and BEC later (couldn’t dedicate myself to study), my credits started falling off. I decided to put it away since I was tired of throwing money away for something my head wasn’t in. I have since left public accounting and my current role is 8 to 5 every day and very consistent. So now I’m ready to revisit the exam. A couple of questions:

1. I currently live in PA and my prior NASBA jurisdiction was TN. I’m probably going to be leaving PA in 3ish years once my wife finishes residency. Likely back to the south, but maybe not TN. Would it be dumb just to leave my jurisdiction as TN and take the test? My job doesn’t require a CPA so I wouldn’t necessarily need to be licensed in PA.
2. Becker vs Roger: My old firm paid for Becker and I can’t get it back (stupid Becker promise expired) so I need to pay for new study materials. I can though get a 50% discount on Becker since I was a former student. Becker would be about 1,600 and Roger would be about 1,500 with their current 25% off. I’m leaning towards Becker since that’s what I’m familiar with. If I had actually finished every chapter of Becker, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here today. I also think I had purchased a hodge dodge of NINJA notes and MCQ, not sure if they are still applicable though.
3. Any big changes I should know about in my 4 year hiatus? it looks like they have lengthier windows now. Has any of the sections drastically changed?
4. Any advice from anyone that was in a similar situation as me?

Thanks!

BEC - 4/26
AUD - 75
REG - 64, retake 5/29
FAR - 75

[jules1268]

Similar situation. Took sections after grad school and passed some but not others. Went to work for Big 4 and a few years later tried again. Passed 3 but could not pass REG to save my life. Ended up losing the 3 and going to industry. Now it's 5 years later and I've started again, mostly because it's a big black cloud hanging over my head and I have a certain goal I'm working for that will be a lot easier with a CPA.

I started with REG in May and just waiting for my score tomorrow. I used Becker before but this time just did Ninja MCQs because of my learning style and the material. I have kids now and don't have time to watch videos or study like they recommend. I spent 4 months studying REG at my own pace and I'm hoping for a pass. Moved on to AUD (which is what I did at Big 4) so also going with MCQs and Notes to clear the cobwebs. Not sure about my strategy for the other sections yet.

I recommend reading the AICPA Blueprints to see how the test is now. Lots of changes from when we first started taking it. If you like Becker, stick with it. Not much of a price difference. I decided not to buy again as I have my old books and decided to skip over parts they removed from the test and use Ninja for updated rules/standards.

I have no idea about what you should put in your jurisdiction. You can look up reciprocity rules the states have and see if there is a difference or any additional requirements for one state vs another.

All that to say I'm in the same boat you are. Good luck!

[JCVFUTURECPA]

Similar situation. I graduated in 2011 and passing the CPA exams is more important to my now since I have a family. I bought Becker last month at 50% discount and I love it. I listen to the lectures, do MCQS. No shortcuts. It takes forever to get through a module, but I didnt put the time in a few years ago, therefore, I failed.

[Author]

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