[livealittle]

I’m interested in hearing the opinions of my fellow Ninjas who have taken the exam under both the old format and the new on the degree of increased difficulty with the new format.

I am also interested in if you think the 15 minutes break that doesn’t use up your time helped you if you took advantage of it.

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[Anonymous]

Something I am also interested in. Especially FAR since it is my last one.

[Giano26]

Recently took Audit. Test is very similar besides the format (less MCQ and a few extra SIMS). Definitely recommend using the 15min break to relax before you knock out the bulk of the sims.

AUD - 7/2/16 (waiting for score)
REG - 8/26/16
BEC - TBD
FAR - TBD

[Anonymous]

So how does the break work? Does the clock stop for 15 minutes after you complete the second or third testlet and then after 15 minutes it starts again whether you're there or not?
I think most people just sat there for 3 or 4 hours straight in the past. Probably not the best thing, even if people didn't realize it. Your brain is going full speed and (ideally) firing on all cylinders while taking these exams and if you don't stop for a bit, you can overload and start making errors just due to the fact that the brain is frying.
At least the AICPA found it in their cold, black hearts to allow break time, especially since it is now a harder test.

[livealittle]

@Giano26, so you didn't think it was harder, just different?

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[slugger73]

I took REG in February and again in April. I did not notice much change.

I think the 15 minute break is a must use to to take a deep breathe before finishing simulations.

My biggest complaint about the new exam had to do with the simulations being tested over 3 testlets (for REG) instead of 1. I had hard sims at first but felt rushed through them knowing I still had two testlets remaining. My last simulations were easy and I had extra time. Under the old format, I could have used that time on the initial sims.

[jc1103]

I just took FAR today! The new SIMS weren't too bad and the DRS looked like something out of Becker's practice SIMs. The MCQs were straightforward and basic.

[Giano26]

@livealittle yeah the difficulty is like previous exams just a change in format.

@crazyleon For audit it was 2 testlests of 36 MCQ each and a testlet of 2 sims. After those 3 testlets you get an option for 15 minute break that doesn't count against your time. After that it was the remaining 2 testlets with 3 sims each.

Here is the Aud breakdown:
Testlet 1 = 36 MCQ
Testlet 2 = 36 MCQ
Testlet 3 = 2 sims
15 minute break
Testlet 4 = 3 sims
Testlet 5 = 3 sims

AUD - 7/2/16 (waiting for score)
REG - 8/26/16
BEC - TBD
FAR - TBD

[livealittle]

thank you so much for the feedback

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[Author]

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