NJCPA Exam Cram Blog

WAHOOOOOO!

I can not even describe the incredible feeling of finding out that my hard work has paid off and I was successful on REG. Last night at 1AM I found out that was the case. I have now passed FAR (07/01), AUDIT (07/20), and REG (08/08). I will be taking BEC on Monday (08/31). Needless to say, but this has been a packed summer of studying. I am very excited to have these exams behind me, and am trying to focus on finishing my studies for BEC. Congrats to those who found out their scores today and did well! I'll write again after BEC! Good luck to all!

FAR down, REG taken, BEC now

Last week I got great news, I passed FAR! Later in the week I took REG which I do not think I had the same level of success on. I will be finding out about REG just days before taking BEC. August will be a rough month for CPA studies. I find I am really looking forward to October, when I actually start working and at least have some knowledge on all the topics in case I have to retake any parts. So far BEC has been more challenging than expected. I always hated managerial/cost accounting, but I forgot how much I hated it until opening this book. If anyone has any advice on how to tackle this, please keep me posted! 

Getting back into a steady routine

After getting off track in July with my studies, I am back on the grind for FAR with just under 3 weeks until I take the exam. I finished all the Becker modules and now I am spending 2 hours each morning reviewing the chapters, making an outline of each one, and practicing multiple choice. I definitely need to put some time into the simulations over the next few weeks as well. 

What A Feeling, I Can't Deny

Sitting, wide awake at my computer desk, it was 12:59 AM. I had time.gov open with the synchronized world clock, literally counting down the seconds until 1:00 AM would strike so I could log onto NASBA to check my scores for my first two exams. I had heard many horror stories of how the website would crash when the scores were released and I was just hoping to get on to the site at exactly 1:00 to find out my fate. Luckily, I was able to get through the site relatively quickly and enter my Section ID and my Birthday to find out my scores. I PASSED BOTH FAR AND AUDIT! It was an instant relief to know that all of the hours put into studying have paid off so far. While I have missed out on a few fun nights with my friends this summer, and haven't gotten to do everything that I would like, it was all instantly worth it when I saw my scores. I know that I will have plenty of time in the future to celebrate with them when all four parts are done! I am definitely going to use this momentum as I study for the rest of this week and get ready to take REG this coming Saturday. I am very thankful for the Becker Fast Pass course and for my Education at Lehigh University because they both prepared me incredibly well for these tests. Now, I'm half way home, and I will put as much focus into this next month to get the next two parts done as well! I hope everyone else who checked was as fortunate as I was; however, if you did not see the score you wanted, do not be discouraged. Use any setbacks as motivation to propel you to future success. Good luck to all who are studying, and getting scores back! Until next time...

You're gonna go FAR, kid

Took FAR on Tuesday and needless to say it was an experience. I breezed through the first testlet. The second testlet was significantly harder but I thought I did decent enough. I was making good time so I decided to take a quick bathroom break (the past two exams I just kept on going with the exam). Came back and the last testlet was also very hard, which I liked seeing because that's an indication that things were going well. I left myself roughly 1:45 for the sims which I thought was going to be ample time. The first time thru the sims I was struggling a bit but then fortunately was able to find some answers in the literature. 

Best piece of advice I could give to someone is to give yourself enough time with the sims to look up things in the codification. The references saved me on an answer. 

Overall, I think I passed but you never know what might happen. On to Audit. It's so nice looking at book half the size of FAR. Still on track to reach my goal of passing all four parts before starting work.

Final Week Prep Suggestion

I'm taking FAR in one week and the nerves have started to set in. I'm more just looking forward to getting this part done because I'll have only AUD left (assuming all goes well). 

Everybody approaches studying differently, however, for those that are looking to get the most of their final week here is one suggestion that has helped me. Towards the end of the review stage I have found it helpful to go through each chapter individually and hand write a Key Points Study Guide. This guide consists primarily of the "Stuff Ya Gotta Know". 

I usually go through the book of each chapter, write out key formulas and pass keys that should be memorized before the exam. I'll then take progress tests (usually 20 Qs) for each chapter individually. After completing the progress test, I'll make notes on the Chapter study guide about key points I may have missed.

Example: I just finished my Chapter 1 Final Study Guide. I've included (in detail) under the Key Points and Formulas: SFAC #8, OCI components, Segment reporting 10% & 75% Tests.....

Then I've added additional notes at the bottom from practice questions: "Assets Held for Sale are classified as a current asset, is no longer depreciated, and is the lower of book or net realizable value".

That way when it's time to do a quick review before the exam I can see the formulas all laid out and then additional notes at the bottom that can be read over once and will hopefully stick come exam time.

Everybody studies differently, but this has been a helpful tool especially when you're pressed for time. YOU MUST KNOW THE KEY POINTS (can't build a house without a foundation). 

Behind Schedule

Between work and my family visiting for 2 weeks, I fell behind with my studies. I still have 2 chapters on Becker to complete for FAR and my exam was scheduled for 2 weeks from now, so I'm going to push back the exam into August so I can better prepare. There is a nominal $30 change fee with the Prometric testing center, but a fee well worth it if I go into the exam feeling more prepared. 

Onto REG

Hi All,

This week I took FAR. The exam itself was quite challenging. This was my first time sitting for any part and I did not really know what to expect. The testing facility was very plain and pretty much what I had expected. There were a few things I had to go through before taking my seat, such as getting fingerprinted, putting all my valuables in a locker, and getting my picture taken. Although the exam was very difficult, I think Becker did a good job preparing me for it overall. This week I have switched gears and am now beginning my studies for REG. Until next week!

I Have Taken FAR

Last Wednesday I took FAR. I thought I was well prepared for the exam. I moved my way through the multiple choice questions and left myself ample time for the Task Based Simulations. The simulations were a little bit tougher than I had anticipated. I think the Becker Fast Past prepared me for the exam very well. I am anxious to get my score back at the beginning of August. I have begun studying for Audit now. I am working my way through the lectures and will begin my review soon. The exam is getting closer as I am taking it on July 20th. I will be hitting the books hard for the next week and a half. Good luck to all taking exams, and I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July!

Next Week is Exam 1!

Hi Everyone!

Happy 4th of July! While everyone is out enjoying the fireworks I will be confined to my office studying for FAR. This will be the first exam that I take, and I am both anxious to get it done but very nervous about what to expect. I have completed all of Becker for the section and taken multiple practice exams. Wish me luck!