CPA Exam Sections: What's the Best Order to Take Them?

Usually, some of the first and most frequently asked questions CPA Exam candidates ask include:

• In what order should I take the sections of the CPA Exam?
• Which section should I start with?
• Which section is the easiest (hardest)?

This is all relative and depends on how comfortable you are with the materials, when you last learned the subjects in school, and if you encounter these subjects at work regularly (such as tax or audit). You can start with your toughest subjects to get them over with and to not let your credits expire. Or, you can build confidence and momentum by taking and passing your easiest part first.

One of the most popular recommended orders used to be: BEC-AUD-REG-FAR or B-A-R-F (get it, barf?). The idea behind this sequence is that your knowledge of the subject matter for each section builds and leads into the next section. You are more likely to remember what you studied on the last part and it would reduce your study time for the next parts.

It looks like that theory is less popular these days, as both Wiley and Becker recommend the order: FAR-AUD-REG-BEC or F-A-R-B. According to them, the research shows that FAR is the hardest part because it covers the most material. They also feel that the subject matter of BEC is the easiest to handle for most candidates.

My original plan this go-round was to take what I THOUGHT would be my hardest to easiest sections in the order: BEC-REG-FAR-AUD. After taking the Exam, I found the ACTUAL order of hardest to easiest sections for me was: REG-FAR-BEC-AUD. Surprisingly, I had to study an excessive amount to pass REG (and I failed it once). And funny enough, I ended up passing them in the order of B-A-R-F.

Here is how I studied for each part, and the reasons why I took them in this order:

BEC: Passed.

I took BEC first since that is the section I always seemed to have a hard time with. I watched all the Wiley videos and did all the knowledge check questions (true/false) at the end and the multiple-choice questions for each part. Then, I did the Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) when I got to the end of each section. I used the app's flashcards and flashcard quiz, and the paper flashcards. Even though I had work experience with budgets and cost accounting, I still looked up any concepts that I needed to reinforce or could not remember from school. I used Wiley’s Focus Notes to review the concepts throughout my studying and as a final review the day before the Exam.

REG: Failed.

I took REG next because I wanted to get it done before the TCJA (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017) went into effect. I usually like the Law sections but found studying it this time to be tedious. The result was not great.

AUD: Passed.

I took AUD next because I needed a confidence boost. I have always loved Audit, worked as an auditor, and understood the concepts (maybe there is something wrong with me??). I took a similar approach to BEC (above) but with much less studying. I was glad I did not need to study that much.

REG: Passed.

Studying for REG was like studying for BEC (above), but with even more study effort. This time, to make sure I passed, I also used Wiley's Mentoring feature (where the professors explain the answers to student questions) and their Virtual Class Sessions. And I went through the flashcards to try to memorize many of the concepts. I think these study aids helped a lot and made a huge difference.

FAR: Passed.

Like BEC (above), but I did not have as much time to study. I was forced to take this part before I lost credit for BEC, and this was while Covid-19 was getting started here in NY. Like REG (above), I used the Mentoring feature, but I did not have enough time to watch the Virtual Classes. I used the app a lot to do questions and review flashcards. I even purchased a new GAAP textbook and referred to it for many of the modules. I highly recommend reviewing the GAAP hierarchy, so you are familiar with the layout (either in your CPA Review software, review text, online or in a reference book).  

Which CPA Exam section did you start with or hope to start with? Hopefully, my experience can help you with your studying for the CPA Exam. Good luck!

I Passed the CPA Exam... and that's why the world is ending

I Passed the CPA Exam...

If you’ve been a long-time reader of my blog, you’ll remember I started writing in 2009 when I was looking for a new job and taking the CPA Exam. I first started taking the Exam in 2000 (20 years ago!), back when it was a pencil and paper exam. In these 20 years, the Exam has changed to become computerized, and many areas of Accounting and Tax have changed as well.

In 2018, I started studying again using the Wiley Platinum CPA Review course (link), which I highly recommend (Note: this is NOT an affiliated post at the time of publishing). The videos were very helpful for someone like me who hasn’t taken accounting classes in a long time. The professors explain the differences between old and new concepts. With REG, they compare TCJA changes to the old tax laws. For FAR, they explain changes in GASB and FASB pronouncements. They also offer an app that includes flashcards and a test bank to quiz yourself. I can’t say enough about how great this course has been for me.

The order I took the parts of the CPA Exam was: BEC, REG (failed), AUD, REG (retake), FAR. I found out that I passed FAR just days before my BEC credit expired and days before our state went into lockdown. Talk about down to the wire!

BEC 2016 Update

Many people reach my blog by searching about BEC on Google (“How can I pass BEC,” “Why did I fail BEC,” “BEC Study Plan,” etc.). Therefore, I thought I would write this updated post for 2016 with some helpful information instead of just complaining about BEC (you can read complaining here). I have included resources that I found helpful for my own study plan. I am not affiliated with the AICPA, NASBA or the CPA Exam. This is not official at all; I am just a CPA candidate writing on a personal blog. You should do your own research and double-check whether the information presented here is correct and still applies. 

This post contains my BEC Strategy, A Closer Look at BEC (Content Specification Outlines) and My Study Plan, CPA Exam Resources, and BEC Resources!

Back to School Supplies for Accountants

Schools started on Long Island last week and NYC this week. How can you tell? The increase in traffic, of course! It is also getting cooler these days and I have such an urge to buy school supplies. There's something about fall and school supplies! Why leave all the fun to the kids? Yes, Accountants – You should have some new supplies this fall! 

OK, notebooks and other supplies may be considered low-tech compared to your cell phone, tablet or laptop. But I find people pay more attention when taking notes in a notebook as opposed to a laptop. Don’t you hate giving a presentation to a conference room of people who are typing away on their laptops? You hope that they’re taking notes on what you’re saying, but they are more likely responding to an e-mail. How about when you are explaining how to do something to a colleague and they just stare at you and nod? Fast forward 3 hours later, and they completely forgot everything you said. To prevent them from asking you a million questions via e-mail, rip out a page from your notebook and give it to them to take notes. 

Wise people have said that you retain more information when you put a pen(cil) to paper, and the science now proves it. Check out this article entitled “Attention, Students: Put Your Laptops Away” which references a number of recent studies that prove this theory. 

The BEC Exam is my Super Bowl

***2016 Update is here***

I live in New York and all I hear right now is that the Giants are in the Super Bowl. The TV, the radio, friends, family, and co-workers – everyone is more excited about the Super Bowl than usual because it’s a NY team. Long-time Giants fans (such as my husband) are super excited. He has his lucky Giants sweatshirt ready to go for Sunday’s big game.
 

I grew up in a football-crazy house (my brother has played for years from Pee Wee League all the way to Semi-Pro) and I like football, but I don’t like the Giants. Regardless, I can’t help but get caught up in the enthusiasm and even think of my upcoming BEC Exam as the ultimate Super Bowl rematch – The Cooking Accountant vs. BEC. The last time I took BEC, I failed with a 74. I’m ready for a rematch.

All-time record: BEC – 6, The Cooking Accountant – 0.

Where I’m At…

Growing up, I would spend New Year’s Day journaling about the year that passed and what I wished for the upcoming year. I would write anywhere from 5-10 pages. Even though I have stopped journaling some years ago, I still like to reflect on and learn from the past and plan for the future.

Although a little late, this is my 2012 New Year journal entry and lets you know where I am with the Accounting and Non-Accounting areas of my life.

With the CPA Exam

I took FAR back in October when I was about to lose the last conditional credit I had left. I got a 70 and all my credits had expired. I was forced to start at Square One again and signed up to take BEC in April. BEC has changed and now includes writing in addition to the multiple choice questions, making it even more challenging. I have started a self-study plan using the 2012 Wiley textbook and may add a Cram course in March. I plan to blog regularly on my study progress even if it’s a paragraph.

Don’t Let Hurricane Irene Stop You: Studying for the CPA Exam if You Lose Power

Tropical Storm Irene (also known as Hurricane Irene until it hit New York), hit my area late Saturday night and into Sunday morning. After the rain stopped, everyone went outside to assess the damage and start to clean up. A few hours later, the winds started to pick up again (the back-end of the storm) and it caused more damage.

We lost power very early Sunday morning but I consider us lucky since there are huge uprooted trees, large branches and fallen power lines in the streets and on houses all around us. A tree fell into the street a house down from us and blocked the street. Luckily no one was hurt and property was not damaged. Our neighbors a little south are trying to bail water out of their homes since the water is knee-deep in their streets.

I’m Running Out of Time!

It hit me earlier this week that I am running out of time to study. I looked at my calendar and saw that August 20^th is next Saturday! I can’t believe the month of August is almost halfway over!

Sometimes while taking the CPA Exam, you get a similar feeling that you are almost out of time but you are only in the middle of the Exam. They always say (and I have learned through experience) that people run out of time the fastest on FAR and REG. However, this can happen on any part when you don’t properly budget your time.

As you know, I am using the Roger CPA Exam Review Cram Course and Roger explains how to budget your time in this video.

You can do this before you sit for the Exam. I like to memorize the breakdown and jot it down on the scrap paper as soon as I start the Exam. This gives me a guideline I can use to pace myself to avoid running out of time.

For example, with FAR, you are given 4 hours (240 minutes). You have 3 sets of 30 multiple choice questions and 7 part task-based simulation questions. For each set of multiple choice questions, you should budget 45 minutes (or 135 minutes total). This leaves you with 105 minutes to complete the task-based simulation questions or 15 minutes for each task-based simulation question.

The breakdown is as follows with the Exam clock:

                4:00 – start
                3:15 – finish mc 1
                2:30 – finish mc 2
                1:45 – finish mc 3
                0:00 – finish TBS

Do you budget your time on the Exam to stay in control of your progress or do you just answer questions and hope you don’t run out of time?

Study Progress this Week

So I received my Roger CPA Review Cram Course book for FAR. The book is huge and heavy – I was not expecting that from a Cram book! It is even thicker than my Wiley CPA Exam Review 2011, Financial Accounting and Reporting book!

The Cram is accessed online. Roger recommends you set aside time to watch the lesson. This is good for me since it forces me to make time to study and watch each section.

I watched the introduction and a few sections this week. I was so relieved to see that Roger discussed IFRS and the IASB Framework in general. He also spent a lot of time on the major differences between US GAAP and IFRS in financial statement presentation, revenue recognition, inventory, etc. There is also a great two and a half page chart in his Cram book which compares US GAAP vs. IFRS rules by topic.

I really like Roger’s teaching style. He has a lot of energy and really gets into the accounting topic instead of just reading directly from the book. His mnemonic devices are different than those used by the Yaeger course and the old Person/Wolinsky course I took many, many years ago (does anyone remember them? Nick Dauber and Co. sold the course to Becker in the early 2000s).

There are questions throughout the Cram book including multiple choice and task based simulation. The questions are at the end of each section plus recently released multiple choice and task based simulation questions in the back of the book from the AICPA. I need to do as many questions as I can find!

I was also snooping around Roger’s website and found the following helpful links:

- 3-, 6- and 9-month CPA Study Plans

- course breakdown outlines

- videos for each section and the CPA Exam in general

- and the coolest one is a link to Quizlet which has many ready-made Flash Card sets. I searched for CPA FAR. Enjoy!

Let me know how your studying is going!

CPA Exam Study Progress so FAR: Feeling Out of Touch with the Material and a Cram Course to the Rescue

I am not one to complain about feeling old and out of touch since I usually feel young at heart (I wore Hello Kitty and Star Wars bandages this week). And I know that it’s perfectly normal for financial accounting rules to change over the years. But when the fundamentals change, it can cause some fright and panic. Even scarier, it can make you feel out of touch with the material.

If you haven’t taken FAR yet this year and you are like me (more than 10 years out of school and haven’t worked in public accounting for a few years), here are some changes you will notice while studying for FAR in 2011:

• Forget SFAS 109 Accounting for Income Taxes; it is now known as ASC Topic 740 – Income Taxes (check out this link explaining the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC))
• You have to know the rules for IFRS vs. US GAAP
• You also have to note the differences between the FASB Conceptual Framework and the IASB Framework

As I am slowly progressing through my FAR studies (I’m working on Financial Statements this week), I can’t help but feel a bit out of the loop on certain rules. Things I had learned in school, as an auditor or while preparing financials for a public company have all changed. It’s like the ground has shifted underneath me. I am getting through the material, but I just need some reinforcement.

In order to kick things up a notch, I decided to order the Roger CPA Review Cram Course to supplement the Yaeger course that I have been using for FAR. I have used a Roger Cram Course for REG before and he did a good job explaining difficult concepts, so hopefully, this will help. I expect to receive the Cram later this week and will be sure to write something about it.

What has helped you get back in touch with the material when you’ve felt lost studying new or significantly changed topics?

Studying Through Grief

I wanted to write about something honest; something I am dealing with right now.

I very recently and suddenly lost a good friend I grew up with, have known for many years and cared about a lot. The loss is still “fresh” and I am still emotional about it.

Grieving the loss of a family member, friend or pet is something difficult and stressful in and of itself. Adding the pressures of work, school, family or other commitments is bad enough without the further stress of studying for the CPA Exam.

We can go back to work or school and take care of family because we know we have to. We can do these things robotically. But when it comes to something like studying, the thought of opening those books brings about a feeling of disgust in us and we think “How can I study now?” Studying seems so trivial. Once we convince ourselves that it’s fine to study because it’s something we have to do, we end up staring at the page. Our brains can’t take in the new material because we have a million thoughts swimming around in our heads. It’s hard to concentrate. How can we get back to focusing on studying?

I thought maybe if I can understand how I feel, I can redirect myself to studying. An online search produced a list of the 7 stages of grief which are:

1. Shock or disbelief

2. Denial

3. Bargaining

4. Guilt

5. Anger

6. Depression

7. Acceptance or hope

Truthfully, I can’t say I am at any one stage right now, but rather a combo of disbelief, guilt, anger and hope. I can’t accept what happened yet, but the hope stage is something that can help me get there. There is a hope to do something nice in memory of my friend. He wouldn’t want us to feel the other stages, just the hope part.

My friend once wrote that he was so happy for me when my husband and I bought our first house because he loved seeing people he cares about being successful in life. I remember those words and feel that describes his character. Knowing that, I feel like he is my inspiration to finally succeed in passing the CPA Exam. I will use this as my motivation.

Welcome Summer! (Or How to Stay Focused on your Studying when you Would Rather be Outside Enjoying the Sunshine)

Summer is finally here (in the US that is). Once the warm summer air hits me, all thoughts of studying go out the window. I would rather be outside picking cherry tomatoes from my tiny garden or taking a drive down any tree-lined street.

Today, it’s a little cloudy so it’s the perfect day to crack open that FAR textbook. Despite the overcast weather, I can’t stop looking out the kitchen window at the backyard.

OK, just for a couple of minutes… I know I always say that.

But think about it; I exerted enough effort carrying the textbooks, CDs, notebooks and handouts over to the kitchen table. I deserve a 5 minute break.

The squirrels run across the top of the fence and the birds graze on the grass in my backyard. At least 7 birds are on the grass including a pair of grackles (they have black bodies and an iridescent blue head), some blackbirds and a number of unidentified brown birds. Such a relaxing scene until a neighbor’s lawnmower startles them and they all fly up to the lower branches of the huge oak tree. Okay, enough nature for now. Back to FAR.

I moved FAR to August so I can study the right way and try to balance it with some summer fun. I noticed that Prometric now provides you with a change history in the e-mail receipt they send you. Yikes! We can now see how many times we moved the exam (a.k.a. how many times we procrastinated)!

So, how can we stay focused on studying when we would rather be outdoors doing something more fun? Try these tips this summer:

• Have your materials ready for studying. The thought of putting forth any extra effort will cause you to abandon studying altogether for something more fun

• Use a timer. I use this technique when working from home. Study for 2 hours and then do something outside for another 2 hours, then back indoors to study for an hour, and so on. Just remember, if you extend the fun time, you also have to extend the study time. That should make you think twice about ignoring the timer when it’s time to come back inside

• Break up your studying by type instead of working on one module or chapter at a time. This lets you move some of the studying outdoors
• Listen to tapes and CDs and watch DVDs at home in the evening
• Take a handout or book outside to read on your front steps or the steps outside your local library or museum
• Do questions while in a chair on the beach or your backyard poolside (the chances of dozing off and getting a nasty sunburn while doing questions are less than if you were reading your textbook)
• Bring flashcards or notes to the park with you to read on a bench or while your kids are playing on the slide

• Do less studying during daylight hours. This could mean scheduling most of your study time in the early morning before work or in the evening (this works on weekends, too). This way you can take a walk outside with your coworkers during your lunch break instead of being cooped up at your desk at work studying

• Give yourself a break. If your significant other, roommate, kids, friends, siblings or neighbors are going to do something you would not get a chance to do again this summer, it is perfectly fine for you to join them for once. This only applies if you have been studying diligently all along. Don’t make a habit of it, that’s why it’s called a break.
  

What do you do to help yourself focus on your studies while everyone else is having summer fun?

It’s Been a Long Time

It’s been a long time…
I shouldn’t have left you
Without a strong post to read through


Okay, okay. I’m not Eric B & Rakim but that song (“I Know you Got Soul”) immediately came to mind while I was typing the title of this post.

As you know, I took a break from this blog several months ago.

What you don’t know are the reasons why.

You might have considered that my absence was due to failing BEC and as a result losing FAR. That alone is not the reason I stopped writing. I still had credit for Regulation and Audit so I took some time off and then continued to take the exam. I ended up taking BEC again in August which I failed with a 69, and then again in October which I also failed but with a 74 (bangs head against brick wall).

At that time, a few non-CPA Exam-related things took place in my life. Work hours became crazy (and I mean more so than usual), then a series of bad events transpired which I will not get into here, followed by my sustaining an injury which made mobility difficult. I concentrated on work, the people in my life and my health.

Things seem to have settled down for now and to summarize where I am today CPA Exam-wise: I lost my FAR and AUD credits, I can’t pass BEC for anything (seriously I’ve taken it half a dozen times), but at least I retain my REG credit until this fall.

I still have a number of draft posts I wrote while/after taking my BEC exams but did not get a chance to post. I plan to post them to share my test-taking experiences with you.

I have also signed up to re-take FAR in July. So that means some studying this month which I will have to write about.

As for new meals, my injury prevented me from standing for long periods of time. However, I have been able to start cooking again and now have more time to rediscover my love of cooking. This summer I want to make some more creative and healthy meals which I hope you will like.

I Am Not a CPA

Unfortunately, I did not pass BEC. Not only does this mean that I have to re-take it, but it also means I am not a CPA (I would have been had I passed BEC) and even worse, I lost my FAR credit.

It has taken me a couple of days to write about this. I was really upset when I found out Thursday night. I didn't want to look at anything regarding the CPA exam – no blogs, no forums, no review books.

It hurts twice as much to learn you have to re-take two parts because you failed one. This is reminiscent of when a little girl riding her bicycle hits a raised chunk of sidewalk and goes flying off her bike, landing on the hard cement. But this time, not only does she scrape and bruise her knee and elbow so bad she can barely get up, but the doll she had in the bike basket is now sitting in the gutter. There is no saving the doll from the dirty water and anti-freeze mixture. So now this child has to limp home with a scratched up bicycle and no doll. The scars have faded, although I still see a trace of the one on my elbow.

It hurts but I have to move on and not dwell on this setback. I have to pick myself up after failing BEC and losing FAR. I signed up to re-take BEC at the end of August and I studied for an hour tonight. Slowly, I will get there. I just have to watch out for those raised sidewalks.

A Cold Saturday Night

On this cold Saturday night in February, I am coming back to my blog.

New York was spared from major snowfall today. We just received a light dusting where I live. But it is still frigid outside, so I figure I will take this opportunity to get back to my favorite but recently neglected hobby.

I had taken some time off from posting for personal reasons. It is so sad that the thing that brings me the most joy was the easiest to drop when I needed to find more time for other things important at the time. I feel like my creativity has suffered and I lost touch with the blogging community as I haven’t kept up with my favorite blogs. (I will try to catch up ASAP!)

I am taking REG at the end of the month and have been trying to study. Unfortunately, as I am sure some of you have found, this is not an easy time to study. Calendar year-end close, reporting deadlines, auditors, January month-end close… there were so many things going on at work. Hopefully, next week I can start leaving work at a normal hour so I can have enough time to study in the evening.

I am using my Wiley book and plan to start with Business Law tomorrow. I want to get through a decent amount of material and leave the multiple choice questions to answer during my commute to and from work.

Is anyone else sitting (or have you sat) for a CPA Exam part in Jan-Feb? Have you found it difficult to find the time to study?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving in the US, so I wanted to wish my readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I am making butternut squash as a side dish and will post the recipe tonight or tomorrow. I snuck a taste and it’s pretty good so far!

On another note, someone anonymously posted a comment to my blog which I decided to reject. The commenter incorrectly assumed that the people who commented on my post did not put in the necessary hours to pass. Maybe I didn’t THIS TIME, but how does he/she know how many hours we all studied? Give me a break. This commenter was very negative and I want this blog to be a place where we are comfortable venting about our experiences with the CPA Exam and sharing recipes and cooking techniques.

Negative comments do not help people pass the Exam; all they do is discourage people. I don’t think comments such as this person’s add value to my blog and as such will not approve them.

So to my readers: I don’t care how many hours you study, what counts is the quality of your studying! If you want it, you can do it! We will pass!

Hang in There!

I just got home from work and I know a few of you (maybe more than a few?) are also working late and will continue to work late this week due to a quarter close. Some of you (like me) are at the same time studying for the CPA Exam. Hang in there!

I am currently studying for BEC. This will be the 2nd time I am taking it. I was able to do Business Structure questions on my commute to and from work on Monday and Tuesday, but today I napped on the way in and couldn't study on the way home. Tomorrow morning, I plan to start doing IT questions. I already know I will be working late tomorrow night, so I doubt I will have time to study. I tried to plan my studying in advance, so I am not disappointed – any studying that I can squeeze in will be great.


I have found the following to be good ways to study during work (I should say work breaks):

- Bring your book and lunch to work so you can easily study and eat lunch at your desk or work cafeteria, outdoors bench, etc.

- Bring note cards or notes written on regular paper (a legal pad is even better) that you can leave on your desk to glance at and it will look like you are working (sneaky but effective)

- E-mail yourself notes in Word that you can open on your computer, read, and think about (good for memorizing definitions)

- Try to structure what you are studying with what you are doing at work. For example, if you have to create a capital lease schedule, read that chapter in your FAR book and use a GAAP guide for more details. I have found this effective since you learn by doing.
The most important thing is to only show your book when it is clear you are on a break (lunch or otherwise). You don’t want people to think you are studying when you should be working. Your superiors want you to pass, but won’t be thrilled if you study on company time.

I also wanted to let you know that I have written a handful of posts but haven’t had time to post them. It’s amazing how I can write these things fairly easily, but I can’t get to my computer. I have posts written in my phone (in Word mobile), on scraps of paper in my purse, and in a journal notebook. I have to get them posted! I also have a delicious soup recipe that I made last week.

How are you dealing with a crazy work/school and study schedule? Feel free to vent!

I’m Back!

I want to apologize to my readers because I haven’t posted in a while.

For a little more than a month, I put in long hours at work due to a special project, severely limiting the amount of free time I had. I dedicated any extra time to studying for REG, but it was really difficult. Those hours weren't quality study hours since they were first thing in the morning while I was half asleep or late at night when I should be sleeping.

Two weeks before the CPA Exam, I was so frustrated that I began to debate whether I should even bother taking REG and wrote:

As I am sitting on an evening train home from work on Friday night, I am having a difficult time focusing on REG. I am so frustrated that I’m using the loose leaf scratch paper I was solving REG questions on to write this post to vent.

I never got a chance to post it, but it was good to let the frustration out through writing. I decided to commit to studying so I could pass REG. I started doing more questions and made a lot of progress.

I was on a roll, so of course something had to happen to derail my efforts. I sustained an eye injury at the worst possible time for studying but the best for work. It prevented me from making that final push to study at the end and from sitting for the Exam. The timing was fine at work because I was helping lead training sessions so I had a nice break from the computer.

I am fine now and since that project at work has wound down (at least for the time being), my work hours are more normal. Hopefully, my brain will resume thinking creatively so I can write more often.

What Happened to Studying for REG?

You may recall that at the end of April, after taking Audit, I was ready to start studying to re-take Regulation. I had planned to sit for REG near the end of May, giving me approximately 4 weeks to study. Of course, nothing goes as intended (especially within such a tight timetable). I got sick (severe sinus issues) and had interviews, and as a result, I didn't get much studying done.

I rescheduled the exam for mid-July, which seems so far away. That’s why I have been procrastinating! It also doesn't help that I didn't receive my Audit grade yet – it has been 1.5 months already!

Since I will be starting my new job soon (some good news!), I have to get as much studying done as I can in the next couple of weeks. I have access to the Roger Online Cram (I watched 2 classes and they were really engaging!). I hope it will be give me those extra points I need to pass (I failed by 9 points last time). I also have the Yaeger Home Study course from when I last took REG in January. I will use it as an in depth review for areas I am not as confident with. I have the 2009 Wiley book as well.

I have to stop delaying and start studying!

I always seem to have problems getting and staying motivated to study. How is everyone else doing with their studying (CPA Exam, GMATs, anything)? Let me know!

Slowly Making Progress

I am studying my brains out in preparation for Audit next Saturday. So far, I have completed 3 modules. I read the chapter, watched the DVD, and did the MC questions. I am currently working on the 4th module (out of 6) which is Reporting. I hope to finish watching the DVD for module 4 by the end of the day.

I did well on Evidence questions (80% correct out of 189 questions) but I averaged 72% on the 3 modules in total (Planning, Internal Control, Evidence). Hopefully, I will have learned from my mistakes because I went over every question (right and wrong answers). I plan on doing all the multiple choice again next week.

I can’t wait until this is over with so things can get back to normal!