I’m 28 years old and have decided to sit for the CPA exams after failing in the past. I see so many jobs with requirements for it. I work in industry about 40 hours a week. I do have occasional pockets of time during working hours. What study schedule and order of exams do you recommend based if tests will change in the near future? What is a reasonable timeline?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Give yourself at least a year. You will know how long you need after you get a test or two under your belt.

I like to study for 2 hours each morning and then just review throughout the day using my phone. I create flashcards on Quizlet (others use Anki) and I bought review notes from a review course. Go hard as you can on the weekends without sacrificing your sanity. This worked so far (I’ve passed 2 of 4 and am waiting on a score atm) but it all just takes diligence and putting in the work day by day. Oh and Take at least 2 hours in the evenings off with no reviewing at all, it helps you stay sane.

Most will recommend to take FAR > REG > AUD > BEC. I think starting with BEC or AUD is better, because it gives you an idea of what the exams are like and these are (relatively) easier to pass so they can build confidence. It’s more a matter of preferred though.

likehelpful

Maybe start with FAR and AUD and then go to BEC and REG.

like

There’s two schools of thought here. 1) Take what will be hardest (usually FAR because of the breadth of content). People suggest this approach because of the 18-month window and time constraints. 2) Take what will be easiest to gain confidence (e.g. BEC because it requires the least amount of study hours). I did the exam seven years after I decided I didn’t want to be a practitioner. I needed the confidence. Since I had worked in tax for a period of time, my easiest exam was REG. Good luck! 🍀

helpful

I went with easiest to hardest to gain confidence. Took FAR last but studied the heck out of it because at that point, I had an idea of how brutal it could be after taking the other three. Only downside is if you can’t pass the last two due to difficulty, you run the chance of losing the ones you passed.

helpful

In the same boat - currently studying for FAR

Related Posts

Can anybody share the career ladder / designation hierarchy in Mastercard?

like

Can anyone here give some basic insight bullet points on day to day as an area sales manager for a retail company? Or rather anyone interested in discussing their role ?

How long does it typically take for an AE to get promoted to AS at an agency without an SAE title? Feels like a few folks got promoted quickly while I have a year more of experience so just hoping for any advice on how to navigate (and maybe humble myself).

like

Would you take a new job if you just found out you're expecting?

like

Any other Fellow Vet out there getting tired of consulting? Been doing it for 3 years, got promoted to manager, and realized I've not really learned any tangible skill

likesmart

Ever feel like you’re drinking the firm koolaid for too long? I’m 6 years in and am starting to have a career crisis. I worry about waking up to the same place I am in today 10-20 years from now.

likeuplifting

Anyone here transition from ProdOps to PM? Currently at a late stage startup looking to make a transition and would love to hear other people’s stories/tips!

like

I want to get into data engineering, what courses do i do can someone help me with resources?

I am willing to spend till 5k.
For any paid courses

Help here!

like

Can anyone tell me what the hierarchy is in a pharma creative group? Im assuming Copy Supervisor comes before ACD but wanted to ask. Thanks

Need some help in evaluating the offer from legato. Please through some light on work culture, hikes and growth prospects

like

What are the Career Opportunities at Cyntexa? 

like

Business Development professional with 6 plus years experience in handling large volume business (1000 contracts per year). I believe in Concept & Story based value selling with an ability to inspire, motivate and create loyal customers. I am planning for a career transition and passionate about learning about new products and services. If you are planning to build a team which requires above mentioned skills or if you’re looking for a team player with above mentioned skills - Happy to discuss.

like

Have any of you done think tank work? How does it differ from academia?

like

I just got laid off and have been full-time most of my career. How do I jump into freelance life?

like

Thinking about going full time freelance copywriter. Should I do it? Is the Denver market too crowded with freelancers? Is anyone even listening to me?

What are some good certifications one can do for Management / Business consulting?

like

Hi 👋 Any good UX books for senior designer level that helps with strategy, and good frameworks, or anything that will help me with my thought process? I have the basic books like don’t make me think, and 100 things. I’ll be joining a startup soon as chief designer, and will be back to being a full stack designer — I’ve been an IC for the past few years, so I definitely need to improve on strategies and maybe frameworks when it comes to UX. Will appreciate any suggestions. Thanks! 🙏🏻

like
like

Generally speaking what kind of exit opportunities are coming out of big4 tech consulting? Really curious to know

like

A move to Big5( BDO included) from EY, considering the split going to happen is good or bad? The opportunity in the competition is a good one, i will be going as a Manager and it's a pilot process and possible growth in Long run. Please let me know your thoughts.

More Posts

Hello, Can someone refer me at Amazon. I have 16 yrs exp working in Accounts & French operations. Looking for day shift opening only. Thanks in advance!

like

Based on a true story

Post Photo
funnylike

Joining Citi next week.
Anybody have anything fun to share before I dive in?

What will be the expected salary for a role of Software Engineer (2.5 YOE) in Thoughtspot (except RSUs,benefits)?

Can any help with the salary i can ask after one year experience and any referrals please

How much a 4yrs exp FE developer package should be? Comment down below yours or someone's that you know!

like

I have got a mail from Publicis Sapient like below :

Welcome to PS Family || Thank you for accepting the Offer

But when I can expect an offer letter? I didn't have any salary discussion or negotiation yet... I just gave my expected CTC in the form that they provided... To submit along with other documents....

like

Lets share how the cost of living affecting us.
Myself with family of 2

Monthly the cost has been increased and overall upto 400£ including gas, elec, groceries.

What does 11LPA fixed should fetch me net monthly salary?

like

Today Pfizer announced that trials show that their vaccine is 100% effective for teens ages 12-15. Do you think most of our students will get it for next year?

likehelpful

Need all advice, tricks, and tips on the Workday Financial Practical. Really stressed about passing it and looking like my job might be on the line. Any help is appreciated. Cheers

like

I have an offer with leading IT firms like IBM, WTC, Mphasis, Brillio. I am confused in terms of joining, can anyone give some suggestions

like

Does anyone here work at iProspect in LA? Any thoughts on company culture? Currently interviewing there. Would love any insight you’re willing to share. Thanks I’m advance!

like

Whenever I got promoted to digital ACD a few years ago, I noticed my pay was much lower than I expected for the market I’m in, hard to find skillsets, performance, and visibility I’ve brought to the agency. I’ve brought this up a few times and was told HR would do research into salary equity, but the convo always fades. I put my foot down with my GCD, and she supports me, but I would like to come to the table with my own research. Where should I be looking for accuracy?

like

I am a. Net developer with 10 year experience and coming to Poland on dependent visa. Can I get job there?

like

What is a good salary for senior product manager in a fintech in canada ? If i am asked a range what is a competitive one ?

like

anyone currently working in KPMG canada? Saw the senior consultant position in healthcare operation and wondering about the salary range. @kpmg

likehelpful
like

Hi fishes,

What should be the average pay for a Project Manager with 2 years EXP in an implementation role?

Trying to assess my market value. Total work EXP is 4 years ( 2 years years hospitality + 2 years of IT ERP PM exp)

Not from a tech background, I hold a Masters in International Business and an undergrad hospitality degree.

Sound in JIRA, SQL, Excel and done Six Sigma, Agile and Design Thinking certifications

Current CTC is 17LPA total CTC
Offer in hand with a 25 fixed and 1Variable

like

Additional Posts in Beat the CPA

Has anyone gotten a prescription to help them focus when studying? My test anxiety for the CPA is crippling at this point. Only one I passed on the first try was while taking adderall. I have two.....

like

Weekend study tips - need em

like

Anyone take FAR recently? I took it today, sims were roughhh

like

Got a 73 in BEC both times... any tips?

like

If you need a great private tutor Dm me

like

Using Wiley for FAR. Not sure if this is enough or I should supplement?

like

Anyone ever lose all 4 credits for passing the exam?

Far- what chapters in Becker would be the most important for the Far exam?

like

My state says they are extending credit on a case by case basis... has anyone tried to extend their credit with success? And if so can you share your experience?

like

Literally having dreams about passing the CPA. Hope they come true this week!

like

Pass FAR and ReG in 60 days?has anyone every done this? Can they give me a study plan..I am using Becker

like

I took BEC and am waiting for my score to see if I passed or not - if not should I sit for it again or start studying for FAR? I paid for FAR already so I need to take it by August. Not sure what the best strategy would be.

like

How many times have you attempted FAR? Anyone has tips to share on how to tackle this monster? Or study schedule, etc.?

like

Is anyone taking an exam this month and on the 10/15 deadline?

Taking REG in 12 hours, 2nd attempt! Any last advice from anyone who took in Q3 or that has passed? I’m desperate at this point -_-

like

Studying for CPA like

Post Photo
likefunny

A great strategy to use for time efficiency. No scratch paper, no calculator. Use excel for all math.

likesmarthelpful

One weekend until I take the reg exam on Monday. Any tips? How should I prioritize knowing my weak points are NOL, depreciation, bankruptcy?

like

Anyone have supplemental book recommendations or even online resources for CPA studying?

like