[1alexrose]

Greetings all,
Thus far I have failed REG twice (74, 65 simulations killed me the 2nd time), and BEC (not prepared/focused – 55). Also, I have a NTS to sit for FAR mid Jan.

I failed BEC in this window. Should I try to take that again in at the beginning or end of next window?

Option 1 – Take REG end of Q4, Take BEC Q1 & hopefully another section. Take FAR as sunk cost.
Option 2 – Take FAR Q1 & BEC Q1, I think I should only study FAR now until Jan.

As of right now, I think Option 2 is what I am leaning on because I don’t want to go 0/3 on REG.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

[eaglescpa]

It depends on how much time you have to study but REG and BEC are the ones that are subject to more change when they release the new exam. My plan was to tackle those first

[MattyG]

Hi all,

I am just starting the study process for the CPA exams. Does anyone have any suggestions on the order that I should take the tests? Originally, I wanted to start with FAR so that I would not have to take it on a timer. The dilemma I am having is that I could take BEC before the exam changes in 2017. Not sure what to take first. Will BEC be harder than FAR with the new changes? Please help!

[Meg267]

@1alexrose, personally, I’d take REG end of Q4 and retake BEC Q1. It sucks about the FAR NTS, but since you were so close on REG, I’d say stay with it and get it passed before moving on.

@MattyG, take BEC first. Then REG if you can fit it in before the exam changes in April. Those two exams are changing the most.

[1alexrose]

Thanks for the thoughts. I think I will go back to Option 1 to stick with BEC and REG as my top priority before the exam change.

[CPA2BEE]

@1alexrose go with Option 1. Stick with the materials you've been studying and build on your knowledge. Give it all you got for FAR and just see what happens. Try to knock out the two you've been studying rather than filling your head with new material – and theres a lot of material for FAR.

The order I took the exams was FAR, AUD, BEC, REG. If I had to do it over again I would've done it FAR, REG, AUD, BEC.

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[ZombieMouse]

If you go with Option 1, you may want to consider taking FAR as scheduled, even if that means going in completely blind. (Assuming you've already paid for it, that is. If not, nevermind.)

You never know — you could get lucky and pass!

There's a lot of material in FAR, which in many ways makes it the most intimidating section of the exam. But at the same time, it's the section that most closely aligns with what we learned in school (and if you're working in the field, with what you do on a daily basis) — so if you have a decent foundation in GAAP principles, you may be able to extrapolate from there, answering questions correctly that you didn't know you knew.

[Author]

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