Discussion:CPA Exam- Where to start

I did REG, FAR, BEC, AUD. I personally did REG first because tax is my favorite and actually enjoying it. I decided to go with FAR next because the book was huge and I thought if I get it out of the way, I'd feel good with BEC and AUD left. I'm glad I didn't leave FAR for last because I was exhausted by the time I was studying for AUD. I just wanted it to be over.

I also used Becker and I think it helped a lot. I would watch the lectures, then do all the multiple choice questions, and then re-do the ones I missed until I got them all right at least once. I did some of the simulations, but some I just read the answers to understand how they came up with them. In my opinion, doing every single simulation is a waste of time. For bigger chapters, I found that it's easy to watch one part of the lecture, do the multiple choice, then move on to the next. Doing this helped me remember the material better. Some lectures are over 4 hours long and if I watch the whole thing in one sitting, I would lose focus by the time it was over and would forget half of the things that were said.

I passed all four sections on the first try.

Good luck!

Yeah, I'd definitely take BEC before they add the simulations. Again, it's up to you but I wouldn’t want to be studying for FAR last, it just feels like you'll never get to the end of the book and if it's your last one you may be worn out. Just my opinion. Maybe BEC, FAR, AUD, REG would be a better option. I'm sure in the end you'll take them in order you feel comfortable with regardless what others tell you. I'm the same way. I'll take everyone’s suggestions and then go with my original decision in the end. :)

I used Gleim to pass all four sections on the first sitting.

I think you should take BEC first because it seems to be the easiest for most people. That being said there is nothing wrong with taking REG first if you are comfortable with REG.

I used Gleim and I did not pay for the simulations.

I learned several things:

    You should develop a study structure and stick to it.
    Different people study different amounts.  I passed 3 of the 4 on the first try with an average score of 82.  The one I  
    failed was, drumroll please, REG.  I got a 73...  I totally blew the simulation AND the research question.  I also ran out 
    time and I NEVER run out of time.  I had also done taxes for THREE tax seasons and did not study as much since I figured 
    REG would be easy for me.  I studied for a total of SIX hours before the second sitting for REG and passed it with a 78...
    Lesson learned was practice at least a few simulations and research questions.
    I am a fairly "book smart" person and I take exams relatively well.  That said I studied 60 hours for BEC, 80 hours for REG, 
    100 hours for AUD, and 120 hours for FAR...
    My study technique was to study the multiple choice questions over and over...

Mike

I took BEC, REG, AUD, and finished up with FAR. BEC and AUD felt much, much easier than REG and FAR, and yet my REG and FAR scores (94 and 96) were higher than BEC and AUD (89 and 89). Go figure. Actually, I left REG feeling like I had a 50/50 chance of even passing, and I was so sick of studying by the time I got to FAR that I hardly even did anything for half of the three weeks I had left before the test.

I used Becker and supplemented with Gleim's books and multiple-choice software. I found the Becker flashcards useful at times, such as the last couple of days before taking a test, but they were never a significant part of my study strategy. Never used final review, either. Typically, I worked through the Becker lecture, worked the MC questions, reviewed the topic in the Gleim guide, and then pretty much used the Gleim software to study each subject area in depth. A few days before a test I would do all my Gleim MC question reviews in an approximate test environment--usually 30 random questions within 35 minutes, or however long I wanted to spend on a testlet at the testing center itself. I'd also run through the Becker practice exams, paying special attention to the practice sims. (I also found my old auditing textbook useful for filling in the gaps.)

Develop a strategy that WORKS FOR YOU and stick to it. Don't be afraid to tweak it if necessary, but the keys to success are commitment and perseverance, not innate intelligence or test-taking abilities--though those help. You might also want to check out the CPAnet Forum if you haven't already: http://www.cpanet.com/cpa_forum/default.asp. Look down under "The CPA Exam." Lots of good info that helps you understand the exam better and prepare yourself mentally for the actual event.

I used Becker also. Develop a strategy to take the exams based on your strengths. Do TONS and TONS of multiple choice problems and write your own notecards.

In order to pass the CPA exam, I understand that the candidate must achieve passing scores on all four parts within an 18 month period. Once you do so, though, is there any time limit on completing the necessary experience for licensing? Or does the passed CPA exam have a limited shelf life?

I agree with all the comments about drilling with multiple choice problems as much as you can.

1) Take BEC first, FAR second, REG third & AUD last; I like BEC first because right out of the gate all you have to do is multiple choice - no sims, no research. Once you get momentum do AUD or FAR next, whichever is the hardest for you. I say that because, my philosophy is to put the worst behind you, and even if you get close to the 18 month conditioning, you may just loose BEC, which is a lot easier than FAR.

Then do REG next because even though it may be next august before you take it, from what I read from your other posts on this board you got enough in you to pass it with minimal studying - especially with the SEE under your belt. I studied probably 30 hours for REG, didn't even get to the final simulation and got a 78. But as we'll all know everyone is different.

2) If you ever need motivation, go to another71.com, their forums are active with enough 20 somethings too keep you feeling young. 3) Never get down on yourself regarding the Simulations, they only grade 1 of 2, as the other is for testing purposes only. 4) if you don't have experience auditing, don't fret, just MEMORIZE the crap out of it. I still to this day can rattle off a unqualified, qualified, etc opinions and I took it over a year ago. 5) Remember all you have to do is get a 75, don't over study. Once you get BEC out of the way you'll know what I mean. 6) Shoot for a perfect score of 300 (4 75's). The test is a mile wide but a inch deep. Remember that. You don't need to be an expert in everything.

I used CPAexcel.com for AUD & FAR and they are good enough (and loads cheaper). I must admit though that Becker's BEC with Peter Olinto was great, his video series kept me awake as opposed to a couple of the CPAExcel instructors. I just couldn't do Becker for all of them, I'm just too cheap. For REG, I bought an outdated Kaplan course and passed.

Regardless, I have faith in you that you'll pass. It really just comes down when.