[Pete]

Within 3 days, I will be sitting for the Audit portion of the CPA examination, so i’m packing in my last stretch of studying.

I took a “practice examination,” recently, scoring a 76 (on 100 questions), which from the last sections, where I scored an 80, is within passing range. My only problems lied within the Audit and statistics sections. I scored a 100 in every section, but i scored an 70 on the audit test of details section and a 50 on the statistical sampling section.

I just took a 30 problem practice test again, but this time from just statistical sampling and Audit test of details (ch 4 & 5). I ended up scoring an 80 overall, a 100 in statistical sampling and a 70 in audit tests of details. How can i understand the appropriate test of details to perform better, within 2 days? I just can’t seem to understand everything. I’ve been looking at the chart of internal controls non-stop, but I just can’t seem to select the appropriate tests. Sometimes it seems like multiple test could be used to determine something. I understand the basics (ie. Trace up for understatement, Vouch down, etc.), but alot of times they throw bizzarre tests in there, without utilizing the common tests.

For example, why can’t I examine the documents from the items in inventory to get an understanding of the items? I guess that tells ownership, but couldn’t it also help me understand the contents of the inventory? I can tell this test is gunna be a fun one.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind, you are studying for a 75% not 100%. You will get weird and difficult questions, but chances are if you are getting perfect or near perfect scores on different sections, you probably know enough about it!

I would say do EVERY simulation that your study material offers. That will really test your knowledge of the questions/answers!

[mtva24]

Definitely flip through the book, skimming each page. Spend no more than a minute or two on a given page, we are skimming not reading lol. The CPA exam is notorious for testing you on MINOR areas, so you need to know it all. A Wiley focus note, becker final review, or ninja notes is good for light studying. I used Gleim, so we were provided this summarized review of each chapter. Not sure which review program you are using.

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - ? 2nd
FAR - ? 3rd
BEC - ? Last

Using Gleim as my main

[mtaylo24]

Definitely flip through the book, skimming each page. Spend no more than a minute or two on a given page, we are skimming not reading lol. The CPA exam is notorious for testing you on MINOR areas, so you need to know it all. A Wiley focus note, becker final review, or ninja notes is good for light studying. I used Gleim, so we were provided this summarized review of each chapter. Not sure which review program you are using.

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - 55 (2/16) 69 (5/16) Retake(8/16)
BEC - 71(5/16) Retake (9/16)
FAR - (8/16)

[Jdn9201]

I agree – you don't need to understand 100% of everything. Also, I was discouraged during AUD because I never scored higher than low 70s on any practice exams – I felt lucky to break 70 on any of them. I wound up making an 82 on the real thing. The vouching/tracing thing still confuses me. What helped me understand it for the exam was don't think about the terminology – think about an illustration of it. If you want to ensure your inventory listing captures everything that is in physical inventory, what do you do? Put it in terms you understand. Regarding sampling, I memorized the definitions of different types of sampling, but I skipped how to do each type. I can't remember how many sampling questions I received, but even if I did, I can't disclose that. 🙂 I was still able to pass without being 100% on the specifics.

Try to make sure you have the concepts down, such as the audit cycle for example. Think big picture. I had a hard time memorizing audit reports too until i read an example of each type and burned it into my brain. I still can't tell you what's listed in each paragraph, lol but if I can recall the picture, then I can if that makes sense. Make sure you read your questions slowly too. I didn't find AUD to be that difficult, but it was very sneaky – especially the SIMS. Think about different ways they could ask you the same question. Good luck studying!

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Pete]

Thanks for helping guys. May the love of God be with me tomorrow. Man, I wasn't religious, before taking this exam, but now I am…

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Author]

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