[mikedmc1]

Hello everyone…I’m a 45 yr old accountant that has studied on an off for the exam during my career. I’ve passed AUD 3 times, BEC 2, never taken FAR, and failed REG 5 times. The last time I sat for an exam was AUD in February of 2016. I’m married, have 3 kids, work full time, and also have a part time job. Am I crazy for wanting to start this process again? Any advice (study methods, which part to take first, etc.)?

[Professor Farnsworth]

It's never too late! My first advice would be to tackle FAR as soon as possible, in my opinion it's the hardest exam and getting it out of the way would not only give you a huge motivation and confidence boost but also you'll know that the “worst” is behind you.

I see another problem is that you won't have enough time to study. Therefore I suggest Roger CPA review, his course is absolutely phenomenal and imo fits any situation or time constraint.

Whenever you have time to study then you should just watch a standard full-length course, which is fantastic. The way the material is structured is very intuitive and easy to understand and each topic completes the next.

However, if you’re short on time Roger also has cram lectures which are basically a more condensed and shorter version of the standard length lectures. You can probably be ready for FAR in about a month using the cram course, but you need to stick to the study guide and do the questions at the end of each chapter and the MCQs while hitting the smartpath goals.

Some of the other features I really liked were the Smartpath. It’s Roger’s way of tracking your progress by comparing your results to students who have already passed the exam. Really unique and great tool. Another feature is the study hub, its a huge data base of students submitted questions and specific detailed answers from the Roger’s accounting experts. It’s really helpful if you get stuck on a question.
The mobile app- You can literally study and pass all the CPA exams just by using your phone. From what I’ve seen, Roger has THE BEST mobile app in the market.

Regardless of what you choose, a good CPA review course will give you all the tools you need to pass, the rest is up to you.
Good luck!

[monikernc]

I went back to school in my mid-50s to meet the education requirements and just got licensed this year.
If you meet the education requirements for the exams and the license and are already working in the field DO IT!
I enjoyed studying and passing the exams and being licensed feels great. Even at my severely advanced age.
Set a goal! Get it done!

The exams have changed since 2016 and they are going to change again – so study up and do not wait!

FAR, AUD, BEC, REG knock them out! Ninja all the way!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Mick]

I’m 41 just passed the exams and also have three kids. I’ve been working in public for 14 years and been on a nine year journey to try and pass. You can do it.

REG 55,53
AUD 80
BEC 60
FAR 74, 70

[monikernc]

Congrats! @Mick

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Recked]

I sat and passed in my late 30's.
It's definitely possible.
I think it would be worth it.
Start with REG and then FAR. Sit for 2 exams per quarter.
Good luck!

[ellabella]

Definitely do it. I am in the same position (with age, study patterns, kids, etc.). I started out using Wiley's books (just the big, thick books) and gave up. Now, I'm doing it the much better way with UWorld Roger CPA Review. Roger's lessons keep you engaged, and they have a 91% pass rate, so I am confident that I am in good hands. I really want to get the accreditation, as I know it's valuable having that “CPA” after your name. Remember, a good review program makes all of the difference.

[AGI]

It's not to late. 45 is a good age to work a little harder to get a promotion right before waiting for retirement.

I don't know why you think 45 is old. My parents did not came to America until they are 50, and they work hard to learn English and find a job (which is totally different from their pervious professions). Passing the exam won't be as difficult as landing yourself with nothing 15,000 miles from home with no English.

Good luck. Plus, you can start teaching your kid how to do math and save money on taxes.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Skynet]

45 is th new 25!

Women see you with that Sexy Pocket Protector and carrying that CPA review book will throw themselves at you and wanting to have you babies Literally! 😁

Your wife will be seriously Jealous.

[CPAHOPE]

Go for it bro! 45 is not young nor old. Who cares about the age right? If you want it, go after it!

[ellabella]

I am in my late 40's, and definitely a late bloomer. I got depressed often because I saw others having the accreditation and I did not. That's when I decided to “just do it”. You have a lot of responsibilities, and squeezing in CPA study is difficult with your life load. Nevertheless, you should definitely pursue the exam and make it a priority in your life. If you begin to feel burnout, I would start by lessening activities. If your kids are young, be sure to find a dedicated study area to work at, which helps minimize distractions.

[Recked]

You will certainly be at a disadvantage, but it's not insurmountable.
These exams are designed for younger minds, just out of school and fresh enough to endure 4+ hours.
Often younger candidates can finish the exams with time left over, where as the older folks will use all of their time and even run out of time.
I took the exams at 37 years old.
You need to train for it, like any other endurance challenge.
–
What you lack in quick thinking and fast test taking, you should make up for with real world experience and application of the concepts.
I see no reason not to go for it.
The time will pass either way, so you might as well make the most of it.

[monikernc]

Younger minds??? What kind of age bias is that statement? I had no problem passing exams at my advanced age. Passed FAR without studying after being out of school for 9 months. Passed the others first try by following the same methods as my younger counterparts. The duration of the exams didn't wipe me out, either. I can do tax returns for 12 hours a day during the season and work without a day off at that pace from late February to mid-April – no problem. I love the pace.

Before accounting, I was in IT working 60 hour weeks for many years.

What held me back for the CPA license is ageism in hiring. I used my aged boney fingers to claw my way into an internship that led to an offer. I finally acquired enough experience to get licensed. And everyday I come to work and excel at my job. Even though I get older everyday.

This profession, and those in it, better start disabusing themselves of the notion that this is solely a young person's game. Experience matters but you can start acquiring that at any age. For those of us who changed careers late, we brought other experience that matters just as much in this profession. Like weeding out BS when we hear it.

The rest of you can just get over yourselves.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Recked]

Seems I hit a nerve there.
Just to be clear, I was only speaking about my personal experience.
I wish I had taken it when I was younger.
And I left most of the exams completely wiped out and looking shell shocked, and I actually ran out of time on FAR.
It is what it is.

[monikernc]

Ya you did! Your post was pretty general, not individual at all, but it is what I have come to expect. I push back every time because the bias infuriates me and the tendency to wave it off makes me even madder.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Tncincy]

I wish I had taken the exam when I was younger. It really didn’t come to my mind until after I had been in business over 10 years. I LET life take me away from what I wanted and now realize that I didn’t need to. I know, I know about all the statements of “you don’t want it bad enough”. But I use my situation to encourage the young to get it done. Something is always going to happen, so don’t wait for convenience is my message.
Nevertheless,I am not giving up on becoming licensed, because it is personal to me to have those letters. Yes, I go through the what if, I go through the is this for me and why can’t I stay motivated, and have I put it off too long? Yes, I have spent a lot of money on review courses and test fees. This is not a second Career for me, it’s been my only career. But not having those letters have been absolute TORTURE, especially over 45 which I am.
Find away to get it done, not having that license will stay in the back of your mind.
To answer the question, 45 is NOT too old to start.

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

[Author]

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