[passthisthing]

I failed my first exam, REG, and am strategizing on how to retake the exam. I’m a CA candidate.

I took Reg end of May and since then started studying for FAR which is currently scheduled for end of August.

Based on my understanding it sounds like I have to submit a re-application for CA board to get a new NTS – a process that will take 2-3 weeks before I can schedule a retake. Assuming I can’t take REG till at least mid July now, I’m afraid I won’t have enough time to be prepared for FAR (considering my confidence is shot and how rough FAR can be). On top of all that, we are expecting our first baby mid July! Needless to say, I’m going a little crazy.

I’d really appreciate if someone can help steer me in the right direction.

I’m trying my best to stay positive and gain back some confidence and get that fire like someone of you have to knock this out, but it’s proving to be quite the challenge. I have a history of being a terrible test taker. Yes, my homework and practice questions go relatively well, then come exam time, my scores reflect like I simply did not study.

I’m just at awe with the support system on A71 and the many inspirational folks I’ve been following throughout their journey. The attitude and mental toughness that you all display is remarkable.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated and a huge congrats to those that passed and are finally done! 😀

[Chris]

When were you planning on starting to study for FAR? If it were me, I'd apply for an NTS today for REG. Yes, it can take a few weeks and then you have to schedule, but it can also only take a few days, which has been my experience, but in NH, a much smaller state.

See if you can take REG again at the beginning of July while its still fresh. You now have the ability to push your FAR exam to Sept 10th if you need the extra cushion on the back end. If you started FAR today I'd say that is too long for prep time. Six to eight weeks is optimal.

If you get your REG NTS and can't fit it in, you have six months to take it. No harm, no foul.

Good luck to you and your wife with the baby! There likely won't be many good times to test with a little one. Do what you can and remember who you are doing this for! You got this!

NH CPA
REG: 07/03/2014 - 88
AUD: 08/30/2014 - 73 - Retake 10/16/14 - 86
BEC: 05/31/2015 - 77
FAR: 08/08/2015 - 64 - Retake 11/23/15 - 77

Becker*NINJA Notes/MCQ*

Now I could let these dream killers kill my self-esteem
Or use my arrogance as the steam to power my dreams ~ Kanye West

[passthisthing]

@FAtoCPA – thank you for the advice and encouragement. To answer your question, I started studying FAR a couple of weeks ago. I got through Inventory, Fixed Assets, and some of Accounting Basics/Theory.

My initial thought on FAR being scheduled in August was to make-up/offset for the time I'll be away from studying when that baby is born. That, and FAR scares the bejesus out of me so I know I'll need to extra time.

[Char143]

I just failed REG too, and I am in the same boat. I started studying for FAR right away (the day after I took REG) and all the advice I am getting is to stick with REG and retake it. I want to retake it July 10 and take FAR September 10th. I was so bummed when I saw my score because I actually felt okay coming out of it, but I think if I dedicate another 3-4 weeks to it, I have to pass… right? :/

AUD (2/16)-84
REG (05/16)-69 Retake (7/16)-79 (ty ninja MCQ)
BEC-TBD
FAR-9/8/16

[passthisthing]

@Charlene – yup, I hear you! My weaker areas were Property Transaction, Individual Taxation and SIMs,all else was strong.

What threw me for loop was Property Transaction was my favorite topic and I did well on the homework, so I'm not sure how to re-study this..maybe I just completely messed up the exam by moving too fast? As for the SIMs, I'm not sure how to study for that either, as I've heard they are generally different from what you review during your study (but conceptually the same). From what I remember during the test, I didn't comprehend what they were asking or how they wanted me to provide the answer and a few that seemed like FAR type questions where I was clueless.

Nothing to do, but move forward. 🙂

[sancasuki]

From what I have read, only the first NTS application takes several weeks. After that it only takes a few days. They won't be looking at your transcripts again.

[passthisthing]

Thanks circadian malfunction. Makes sense. I think I am/was confused as I thought maybe there is a separate process just for re-takes.

But it looks we have to submit an the re-admit form whether we are retaking or if we are re-applying to add more sections (assuming you didn't select/pay for all for sections at once).

[Ash]

Hi Passthisthing, I am also in California I “failed” ( I really do not like calling it fail) AUD and found out May 24th I reapplied and sent my check that day I just got the NTS today 6/8/16. It took 2 weeks, and that was making sure as soon as I got any emails I acted within the hour. So California is a two week wait even just to reapply.

AUD- 72, 71, TBD (now i am pissed no more messing around)
BEC-8/29/16
REG-10/10/16
FAR-70 retest-11/28/16

[DTBird]

First time I took REG I failed with a 72. I received my Score Dec 10, I retook Jan 5.

Got an 80.

Retake when its still fresh in your mind. Crush Ninja MCQ.

BEC - 77 (5/16)
AUD - TBD (8/16)
REG - 80 (1/16)
FAR - 76 (8/15)

[passthisthing]

Thanks aCPA143 – thanks for the information and hang in there! Based on my luck, my re-take option will be the same time day as labor & delivery. SMH.

I pondered what FAtoCPA advise regarding getting back on REG and extending FAR to September if need be and it makes sense. However, is 6-8 weeks enough study time for someone that does not or has not worked in the accounting or in an accountant capacity? And does that 6-8 include 1 to 2 week final review mode?

I ask because since I started studying 1.5-2 weeks ago, I have only been able to make it through the lecture and intense note taking steps for Inventory, Fixed Assets, and some of Accounting Basics/Theory and there is so much more to learn/cover even before I hit the review period. I feel my brain doesn't absorb FAR topics naturally or quickly which may be why it takes a while to get through the lectures and notes.

Anyone like me out there that didn't have strong background or have things come naturally in “FAR” that was able to pass within the 6-8 week mark? Any thoughts you can offer would help so much.

[Author]

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