[Anonymous]

I have to take all 4 parts of the exam and have no idea what order to take them in. I am aware of the changes that are coming. Starting July 2016 AUD, FAR, and REG will add a document review simulation (DRS). Then the entire exam will change effective April 2017. I am hoping to start now and finish them in the next 9-12 months. I hope this is realistic as I have a 7 month old son but currently am unemployed.

What order do you guys suggest I take these exams given the changes that are coming. Realistically I can probably only sit for 1 section in this current testing window (April – May).

Please let me know your thoughts, I am open to suggestions.

[Operation_CPA]

This is somewhat of a subjective question, but the general consensus I've heard is to take AUD/FAR “next” to each other. Candidates opt to take FAR first because of its difficulty and like to save BEC for last because it's not as long as the others. My order will be FAR, AUD, REG, BEC.

FAR - 76 (Lost credit), 76
AUD - 80
BEC - 76
REG - 75

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

[a BEC too FAR]

There are two popular strategies. One says to start with the most difficult exam. Once you pass the first of four, you have 18 months to pass the other three, so you improve your odds with the hardest out of the way. The other strategy is to start with the exam you think is easiest for you, because success breeds success. They each have advantages depending on your personality.

Whats the best way to take a bridge?
Both ends at once...

[If I can, u can too!]

as Operation_CPA suggested, FAR, AUD, REG, BEC is the suggested order by the most review programs for obvious reasons. FAR (or somewhat of a variation) question can be asked in “any” exam i assure you. besides, it lays a great foundation. ppl say it's the hardest but i beg to differ, each candidate has difficulty in one subject or another.

the most important thing is to study hard, do not undermine any exam. <- this will save you lots of time and pain along the journey.

gl, you can do it! keep track of time if you have hard time pushing yourself to be honest to yourself. typically 120-180 hour is recommended per section.

If I can do it, you can do it too!

Certified CPA, 2016

Licensed CPA since Apr 16
Order in sequence of passing
FAR-71,71,79
BEC-80
REG-72,77
AUD-56,72,72,72,80! Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord!
FAR/BEC/AUD: Becker & Yaeger lectures (Wiley & Ninja MCQs). REG: Becker lectures (Ninja MCQs).

[hasy]

It's such a subjective question. I was originally an auditor, so I was told by my peers to take audit last since I would have gained a year's experience by then, which I still believe in since I know I should take it after FAR. So depending which field you're in, the test you want to take first or last is debatable. I took BEC first because I really wanted a somewhat easy pass. It CERTAINLY was easier to study for BEC than it was for FAR, however, I think passing BEC first gave me motivation to study so much harder for FAR.

I would still go with the order I listed. BEC, FAR, REG, & AUD (which I believe is slightly memorization, anyhow). So really, depends on you. I know that if I took FAR first and failed, I would have been VERY discouraged….

AUD - 83
BEC - 80
FAR - 83
REG - 78

BEC - 80 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

FAR - 72; 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

AUD - 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

REG - 52; 78 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

Ethics - 68, 96 (how I dislike you)
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This forum is more addictive than drugs. Still returning after licensure.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Summie]

Im in a similar boat as you ah2015. I have a 8mo daughter, am not working but I am in 2 classes (signed up for them because I was on the fence about getting approved for the exam… now im stuck with them cause ive paid for them and can't drop them).
Hoping to sit for something this May. As much as I want to start the FAR AUD REG BEC sequence, Im forcing myself to be realistic. May is around the corner and with a baby and classes, I should aim for a shorter section. AUD or BEC. Im going to go with BEC.

Hopefully we can work together (regardless of whatever section youre taking first) to motivate and encourage one another.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I have decided to start with the exam which I think is easiest for me, which is audit. I was going to do FAR but I need some motivation and need to swing back into things. Need to figure out how to balance personal life and the CPA exam. I am hoping to get this with taking the audit section and passing.

@Summie – good luck! I am definitely down with working together.

[Author]

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