[mperez102204]

So, I am hoping for an AUD pass in the next few days. So, with a “pass” I have to decide what to take in the first quarter of the year. I wanted to take FAR and BEC, but I don’t know if that is manageable to do while working full-time. At least I don’t think it is. Now, I have the ten point combo for FAR and BEC. What should I take, FAR because I was able to get a 67? or BEC since there are so many changes coming in the 2nd quarter?

Need advice 🙂 thanks!

[ryanistheryan]

mew too tinlker berry

[Anonymous]

Don't worry about two tests. Just worry about the section you're going to take next. ONE TEST AT A TIME!!!
Once you get your first pass, it's easy to figure out what section to pursue next.

Since CPA test format is changing very soon, go for BEC!
Becker experts cannot emphasize enough about getting BEC out of the way.

[mperez102204]

So, do BEC even though I was close with FAR?

[Trele6]

I agree with taking BEC next. BEC currently has the highest pass rate of the four tests but based on the changes proposed for it I can see the success rate for that test coming down quickly. It is a hard test as is even though it is the supposed “easiest”… It is only going to get harder and longer so I would try to bank it while you can under the old version.

Granted FAR will have a few changes also, but it won't be earth shattering.

I see the BEC test changes as being a statement from the AICPA that it is too easy. Take it while it's still “easy” 🙂

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

[mperez102204]

Good point. I think that is what I am going to go with. While the q2 is not an option for me to take a test. I am going to study far the whole time and pass it. Then on to Reg, which I dread.

[Yolonge]

mperez102204 – You may be underestimating the exam, given the previous scores (I am assuming audit is a retake).

One advice I have, from previous experience is take your time. In early 2016, I was rushing tests (4 tests in between Jan-April working full time) and ended up with FAR:83 AUD:74 REG:70 BEC:87. in order taken. You may think score of 67 is close, but in reality it is very far from passing and if you were to restudy, there will be very negligible study time save as you will have to restudy everything again.

Those few miserly points, combined with work and some delays kept me long from finishing the exam since then. I did gamble, but unless you have good reason take your time and make sure to pass everything with no more fails. If I had one more week for AUD/REG back then when I was studying, I would probably finished but time was short. Do not make same mistakes and fully prepare for the test to pass with good margin from 75.

Since BEC is so low volume, I would make sure to finish AUD/BEC by end of 2017 Q1. If you are aggressive, you can aim for FAR in 2017 Q1 as well.

Good luck with your audit score, I am waiting on my reg and hope it works out well.

As long as audit is passed, make sure to get rid of BEC as it will change the most. Since BEC study time is less than half of FAR, it is very reasonable to take the test and pass it in 2017 Q1, with possibility of taking FAR in March if you are serious about finishing.

Materials: Wiley book + Ninja MCQ

FAR - 83 (Jan 2016)
Study time: 6 weeks
BEC - 87 (April 2016)
Study time: 2 weeks
AUD - 92 (July 2016), (74 Feb 2016), (72 May 2016)
Study time: 4 (Feb) + 2 (May) + 3 (July) = 9 weeks total
REG - (70 April 2016)
Study time: 3 weeks

[mperez102204]

Yeah, I see your point. It has also been over 2 months since I last looked at the material. I am thinking I would need 5-6 weeks for BEC since I work full-time. Although with the holidays, I can not put serious time in until the end of December. That leaves me taking it mid February. Then only a month for Far retake? I don't think I can do that realistically.

[Trele6]

Is the testing window extended into the first 10 days of March for Q1 2017?

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

[Yolonge]

mperez102204 – I was editing my comment, so you probably saw the old one.

I agree with Far. realistically, if you fail BEC in 2017 Q1, you simply cannot take it again even if you test in January. Therefore you cannot afford to gamble and must be confident passing the exam.

There will be 2 potential scenarios:

1. You fail audit on 12/6 release: Study as much as you can, and since material is somewhat fresh in your head, as long as you can utilize holidays you can retake audit in January and probably of passing will be much higher. Than study for BEC, take it either late Feb or early March so you have 1.5+ month of study time. Given the content of BEC with lowest volumne, time period looks very reasonable.

2. You pass audit on 12/6 release: It will give you more headroom. You can take BEC in Q1 with good margin, and probably start restudying far in the mean time.

Your clock is not ticking. Take your time and prepare well.

Materials: Wiley book + Ninja MCQ

FAR - 83 (Jan 2016)
Study time: 6 weeks
BEC - 87 (April 2016)
Study time: 2 weeks
AUD - 92 (July 2016), (74 Feb 2016), (72 May 2016)
Study time: 4 (Feb) + 2 (May) + 3 (July) = 9 weeks total
REG - (70 April 2016)
Study time: 3 weeks

[EZ_Sims_4_me_Pls]

yes, you can take a test on march 10th

[mperez102204]

Mhei816 – This is my first time with AUD and I tried a different approach since my old “college” way was not working, obviously.

You're 100% right. I rushed my second round with FAR because I was pressed against time because the NTS for AUD was going to expire. I love that your are really honest. Sometimes I feel like people around me say, “You had high honors while working full time and completed your masters program in half the time. Psh, you should have no issue.” The life of talking to people that think this is a typical exam. :-/ lol

I am thinking I am going to over study for BEC. IF I pass AUD, I will give myself the breathing time over the holidays (never really took any time since I started to study for FAR). Then when I come back home after the holidays in late December I am going to study the hell out of BEC. Most likely take it the end of February, since the beginning of the March is very busy within my company.

Again, thank you for honesty!

[Yolonge]

mperez102204 – Was not sure because of your signature (10/9/16 date).

The fact is most people will fail at least once so I do not think failing is not an issue. Given the pass rate, people fail 4-5 times on average so failing is nothing new. However from my previous experience I realized that while failing a section does not make you less of a person, it does make you waste time. And it may affect your morale a bit depending on the personality type.

I had to learn that the hard way, and not to rush through the exam (although sometimes it works!)

I think CPA exam is lot different than school, and I have seen many people affected by it when they fail a section when they did so well in school. It is just a test, and nothing more.

Materials: Wiley book + Ninja MCQ

FAR - 83 (Jan 2016)
Study time: 6 weeks
BEC - 87 (April 2016)
Study time: 2 weeks
AUD - 92 (July 2016), (74 Feb 2016), (72 May 2016)
Study time: 4 (Feb) + 2 (May) + 3 (July) = 9 weeks total
REG - (70 April 2016)
Study time: 3 weeks

[mperez102204]

Oh shoot- that was originally when I was going to take it.. whoops.

Thank you for your awesome advice. I am taking it to heart and going to go for BEC. I am no longer rushing it.

[Author]

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