[Just_Trying_To_Pass]

Hi all,

I took AUD last Nov’16 and got a dreaded 74. The worst part is I rushed myself taking the exam and only spent a little over 2 weeks of studying in hopes of trying to squeeze FAR in the first week of December. Things came up at work and I was never able to commit myself to studying for FAR so I never took it.

Fast forward to now, I’m scheduled to take FAR in 10 days (Aug 23). My BEC credit expires 12/31/17 so I have Q3/Q4 to pass FAR and AUD. Does anyone have suggestions on how I should approach this situation? FAR is an absolute beast. I have been studying about 7 weeks now. I got a 60% on the first practice exam, (68% on SIMS and something horrible like 48% on the MC. Definitely rushed myself and am not as focused during those practice exams). Right now I have a pretty decent understanding, (~70%’s on MC questions) but getting tripped up on ridiculous curveballs they throw in the multiple choice.

Would you guys suggest:
1) Stay focused on FAR, if I need to push it back a week to feel totally confident do that.
2) Keep FAR (10 days out, with a pretty good understanding but still more work. And then schedule AUD (Sep.9/10) and wing it just to have an attempt in Q3?

I don’t remember how much memorization there was in AUD. After working a busy season and getting some great audit experience , I feel a lot more comfortable with assertions, and other audit terminology. I really got screwed there first AUD attempt by confusing myself with the “other” reports (i.e. specified procedures, compilations, reviews)

I really think the worst situation would be taking and not passing FAR. I can’t imagine having to go and restudy it, as I am already struggling to stay fresh on all of the topics and getting close to some serious burnout. I’m curious when people reach the point where they’re confident in taking FAR.

BEC: 70, 83
REG: 8/13/16
FAR:
AUD:

[Anonymous]

I think this is probably one of those situations where only you know what's best for you. I think it all depends on how comfortable you feel that you will pass them both. Because really the only reason to squeeze AUD in now is so that you can have another attempt in Q4, right?

If it were me, I would probably give myself as much time as possible with FAR and not worry about AUD in Q3. I haven't taken AUD, but I know that having as much time as possible for FAR is probably a good thing. You were really close the first time on AUD and have gotten some audit experience since then. Then, that gives you all of Q4 to study for AUD, and (hopefully not) a FAR retake if needed.

The worst thing would be to try and squeeze them both in and fail them both, knowing that if you gave yourself a little more time with FAR you might have passed. I would just make sure I was 100% committed to doing whatever I needed to do to pass AUD in Q4.

Best of luck to you!

[Author]

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