Friday October 28, 2016

1. Mohammed - First of all; Lots of Love and Hugs on your way. I passed FAR in first attempt, studying after 15 years and graduated from foreign country using other books and using your MCQs and Audio. I just placed an order for Regulation MCQs. There is lot of Business material which is for 20 %. What do you recommend to focus on in a month to my exam?

2. Stella - I have some questions for you…

1. Being that I am older than the average exam taker, I need to get this done for my career, plus I have a family and work f/t. Nothing new.... Do you provide some sort of "guarantee," like other courses, that if I do all the MCQs or watch all the videos, etc., and do not pass, I get continued support or updated materials?

2. Will the materials be updated for the new 2017 exam format? What happens if I buy the whole bundle in 2016?

3. Marcus - First of all thank you for the website and being an innovator in the CPA exam world. I have passed all 4 parts of the exam but unfortunately I lost credit on BEC due to the time lapse. Currently I'm studying to take it but feel a little lost with how to prepare and how to know when I'm ready to pass the exam.

I have until November 3oth before I lose credit on FAR (which I desperately hope to not have to lose). I wanted to ask your advice on a full proof method of being prepared and passing BEC before I lose more credit. I'm feeling really worried and anxious, please help.

4. Jessie - I am emailing you in regards to my troubles with the FAR section!!! I made a 74 my first attempt and a 73 on my second. I am down to one last shot at it before I start losing parts!! My diagnostic performance report shows I was comparable in 4 categories and stronger in 1 than those passed. The 2 sections that I was weaker in was specific transactions/events and the simulations. Any pointers/tips on making this 3rd time a charm?

5. Robert - I have my REG exam in 3 weeks and I have been studying for 3 weeks already. I feel pretty confident with the topics on taxation(corp,estate,etc), with 3 weeks left how should I focus my time on studying for the Business law material ? How much time should I spend on this area? Should I focus more on SIMS for taxation instead?

6. Gladys - Hi Jeff - I am reconsidering giving this CPA process another shot. I passed audit back in 2013 but lost the part in 2014. I decided to take a break and concentrate on my personal life. I am now hearing that the exam is about to change again in 2017 and it brought my interest back to try again.

Now, I still have 2013 material and would like to know if i can rely on them. I just lost my job two weeks ago and would like to be conservative if i don't have to buy new material.

7. George - I can't pass the online open book ethics exam. Do you have practice materials that will help me prepare? Thanks.

8. Sanjeev - Please kindly tell me how many hours of lecture is included in REG Audio Course? and does it cover all the chapters including Bankruptcy? is the delivery done via email?

9. Alex - I am studying for FAR, my first CPA exam, (exam schedule 11/21) and am currently on F6 in Becker. I want to utilize Ninja MCQ to be fully prepared to pass the exam as I've heard great things and want to give myself the best opportunity to pass. (I have already purchased Ninja Audio and it is great!)

How have people supplemented Becker and Ninja MCQ? Should I wait until 2 week review to do Ninja MCQ or should I start doing them throughout even if I haven’t gone through all the material?

Currently I am reading the book, doing the Becker MCQ,

1. Mouzam- I passed BEC last year in June, 2015. Since then I have attempted AUD 3 times scoring 69,61,74. And also attempted REG once scoring 70. I have hit the lowest point of my journey to a CPA now when I scored REG-70 & AUD - 74 in a span of 2 months. My 18 months period is about to get expired very soon on November 30, 2016 & I will loose my BEC credit. I am in dire need of some expert guidance to help me through. 1. How do you suggest I plan my next attempts for AUD & REG ? I seem confident doing MCQs but when it comes to simulations, this looks like my weak point in every exam as they always ask questions which I never even practiced (Out of the blue). 2. How can I prepare myself for these TBS ? 3. Should I attempt AUD & REG both in this August & early September window now to save time & try to pass FAR on 1st attempt which is the biggest challenge so to have any chance of saving BEC.

2. Manny - Hey Jeff I bought your MCQ ,I was wondering does your notes reflect the MCQ from a simpler from instead of me taking the my own note from the question.

Do you have any suggestions to get this done?? Due to nature of my job, I can only do online courses.

3. Xavier - Hello Jeff, I am a senior getting my undergrad and I want to start focusing on the CPA exam specifically the FAR portion. Aside from my intermediate financial textbook I dont have any resources. What do you recommend for someone who is literally starting today. Your prices and ratings have convinced me to try NINJA but specifically what should I do? Where should I start? I got a 99 in my 4111 class so I like to think I have a strong background.

4. Scott - I just applied to sit for the exam. I work for a company that will reimburse the Wiley Excel Gold review upon passing. When I was looking at what was included, it didn't seem to be have MCQs, or notes. I have been telling my friends about your site, and am wondering what would be the best way to go. Even if my company pays for the Wiley Excel, it's only after I pass. Does the Ninja Review 10 point combo cover the material on the CPA exams? From my reading it does.

5. Cindy - I am retaking FAR section this fall, but going back to it made me realize how very broad this topic is, and it makes it tougher to even focus. I'm performing the Wiley Test Bank on top of your review, but it hasn't helped so far. Any suggestions on how to break it down?

Maybe get further readings on subjects such as Statements of Financial Concepts? Maybe take a practice test first, and see what areas to study on?

Geoffrey- I just purchased the ten point combo for BEC & FAR. I just applied for my NTS and plan to take both this next window. I haven't taken the test since '07 and had trouble with the simulations, also the BEC was just multiple choice back then, how can I best use your materials to focus on these.

6 - Dufie - Hi Jeff, According to the analysis I got with my regulation score, my weakness is simulation and property taxes. My becker access has expired and I was thinking of purchasing just the ninja mcqs. The question is does it come with simulations and will I have to supplement it with any of your other products? I still have my becker text books, though. Thanks .

7. Sean - Advice with one week left for FAR do you suggest hitting government hard and non-profit as i’ve heard those are heavily tested? And should i practice a lot of sims?

8. Nathan - I am currently faced with a difficult decision and would greatly appreciate your advice. I graduated from undergrad in January 2015 and worked at a small firm for 10 months. This past October, I left for an entry level position at a top 20 firm in their Audit and Tax group. During busy season, I prepared over 175 partnership, corporate, and individual tax returns, worked on two real estate audits,

1. Audrey - I made a 71 on my last attempt. BEC is my beast. Do you recommend focusing on what I know or do I try to learn what I don't know?

2. Mohamed - I have completed 129 hrs at my university. So I am short of 21 hrs and I have to finish this before November 2016.

Do you have any suggestions to get this done?? Due to nature of my job, I can only do online courses.

3. Bill - I'm About to take BEC. With regard to the written communication questions, do you have any advice on how to prepare for the question that doesn't lead you to the technical content the question requires? I could work MC for days at this point but when it comes to explaining topics I don't know if I will do A very good job of giving textbook definitions for things.

For example if they say "a new hire doesn't understand Activity Based Costing, explain it to him..." I Would appreciate any insight.

4. Elsie - I have FAR in 15 days and i last read the Becker material last December and took FAR on Jan and failed it. What is your advice for me now? What approach can i take to pass this exam. I am leaving the country in September and i can't move the exam since i have reg left to do as well. I am not working at the moment. Thank you for your help

5. Anna - I'm an international candidate and need help with studying multiple parts at one time. I am so not organized. As you can imagine, it gets quite costly to travel to the US to sit an exam part (I'm from the Caribbean). This includes (hotel, airfare, car rental, US Visa fees in addition to the study materials cost, registration and examination fees). I simply cannot afford to take one section at a time like US students, considering my self-imposed time crunch. My immediate goal is to pass at least 3 of the 4 parts before the end of 2016. In that regard, please provide suggestions on how I may improve my study habits for studying multiple parts. I just sat REG. Hopefully its a pass. If it is, I could be finished before year end. If its not, then I want to complete REG, AUD and BEC before the end of the year. Please help!

6 - Brendan - I used Becker videos and had to switch to Ninja MCQ to really nail down my stuff. I was wondering if you had a Reg individual/corporate AMT lecture that may help. Just can not wrap my head around it. Hope all is well!

7. Naseef - Hi Jeff, After one has passed the CPA exam, is there a time limit by which to complete the 150-credit education requirement and the 1-year experience requirement for the CPA license? (Recently graduated with 122 credits -plan on working for a year, along with studying for/passing the CPA exam. Then, get the Master's to complete the 150)

8. Theo - I've been reading your blog for about 6 months now and was wondering if I could get your advice on what my next step should be. I just got back my score for BEC and received a 74. I took FAR again for the second time in May and got a 73. It is really frustrating to be so close to passing twice but still not close enough. I really want to quit honestly but since I am so close I feel like should keep on trying. I am restudying for FAR again however I already purchased REG and AUD. They both expire in Oct. Would you suggest continuing studying for FAR and then move on to BEC or switch over to REG and AUD since I already paid for those test? I've read your blog post on retakes and have already made changes based on what you suggested. I have a scheduled time of 30 hours per week for studying. Thanks!

9. Krystal - Not certain if this is a fair question to ask or of you can even provide any insight but I have read and heard many different opinions about whether Becker and NINJA will adequately prepare me for FAR. I am using both and find that the questions from the Wiley book emphasize different areas than Becker. Needless to say,

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The CPA Reviewed CPA Exam podcast is back! In this episode, we cover:

1) Q1 CPA Exam Pass Rates released by the AICPA

2) Your CPA Exam Questions:

 

* Karan - I need to take FAR, REG, & AUD before the end of April. I know I could've planned better. What is that I can do to pass the 3 parts?

 

* Ben – I scored a 74 on REG. Should I consider a score appeal?

 

* Crystal - I will be graduating on May 12th. I am taking an auditing class and international econ class with finals on May 4th and 5th. I have a proposed schedule for my exams and I wanted to get your input. If I schedule my first exam for the end of May, second for mid July, third for end of Aug, and last for mid Oct, do you think this is feasible or too aggressive? I plan on ordering your Ten Point Combo program this week to start preparing.

 

* Jordan - I recently listened to your survivor's guide to the CPA exam. It was an informative listen and if I'm being honest a gut check of my motivation and degree thereof. I currently have Becker which my job paid for, runs out in July. I need to pass all 4 parts with having only sat for FAR and making a 63. It really hit home when you said that if you make a 74 you aren't one point away from passing. At this time I am commuting roughly an hour and a half each day and made use of chapter one audio notes. I'd like your advice on what materials you offer and what you think may work for me.

 

* Ash - I have failed twice in REG with a "Weaker" simulation but a "Stronger" in MCQ. I want to know the best way to get atleast a Comparable in Sims which would help me in passing REG. Please advice.

 

* Eve - I have questions on whether to take the CPA exam in total since I got my BEC 73, 74, FAR: 67,74, AUD: 70, and REG: 71. The past year has been a real torture. I used NINJA AUD, FAR, and BEC and I am at about 50-70% pass rate. I kinda don't know whether to continue to take CPA since I am working in Risk Consulting at Big 4. Or I am not suitable for this. Or I may not know if i have a wrong way of studying?

 

* Nechelle - Need some advise on my direction with my CPA exam. I took FAR during Jan/Feb 2016 window and got a 73. The area i was weak in was MCQ and it does not surprise me since I was only able to get through 1/3 of the NINJA test questions and was trending a 69. I am currently studying for Audit and I am scheduled to take Audit April 30th. My question is should I jump back into FAR for the next 2-4 weeks and retake that exam in April or continue on with m...

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The CPA Reviewed CPA Exam podcast is back! In this episode, we cover:

 

Intro: NASBA/AICPA extend CPA Exam testing window 10 days

(forum discussion here)

(nasba article here)

1. Stephanie - Hi Jeff, I recently found out I failed FAR for the second time (~60s). My score only went up 2 points from the first time I took it. I have been studying FAR since September and just feel very discouraged. Do you think I should try and take BEC or AUD and save FAR for later? I am working 40 hours and summer is when my work will be slow so I'm not sure if i should focus on FAR in the summer or just keep pushing through FAR and try again? Thank you for your help!

2. Jonathan - took FAR in January after studying for three months. I got a 71. I knew the reason was because I got hit with three simulations from the last chapter on Becker which I did not know as well. I started studying for Audit while I was waiting for my FAR score. I took Audit Feb 29, just got my grade, and got a 71. I thought I killed that test. Everything seemed to go great. I don't know where to start.

While I was waiting for my audit score, I started reviewing FAR for my 2nd retake, thinking that Audit was in the books. Now, however, I don't know what to do. I don't know if I should retake FAR or Audit April 1. I don't know what to study more for Audit.

3. Amanda - Jeff, I just found out that I didn't pass FAR with a 72. This will be my third attempt with FAR (74, 70, and 72). Unfortunately, I lost my credit for AUD, which I passed by reviewing for one week with a 81. At this point, do I restudy for FAR and attempt early April or focus on passing AUD again? I'm currently working full time at a CPA firm and have a small family. Thanks for any and all advice.

4. Valerie - I've taken FAR twice and got a 70 and a 73. I've been using Roger CPA Review and am considering getting your NINJA MCQ. I was wondering if there are any reviews that I can look at? (link: NINJA MCQ Trending vs Actual Exam Scores)

5. Carrie - Jeff, I asked in another email if the NINJA Notes layout mirrors the NINJA Book and thought it would be a good podcast question.

I also have a note taking question. I also believe that the key to solidifying my learning is writing. However, I have found with my current "highlighter heavy" program,

[Listen on Stitcher] [Listen on Tunein] The CPA Reviewed CPA Exam podcast is back! In this episode, we cover: NASBA: 12 Common CPA Exam Mistakes (nasba article here) NINJA Framework: Watch all videos before MCQ? AUD: Failed 4x and needing help 200+ study hours per exam and little to show for it Recovering from a 74   See also: Free CPA Review Materials

In this episode, we cover:

How to study for a CPA Exam retake (the right way and the wrong way)

How to deal with studying for the CPA Exam during tax season when looking down the barrel of an expiring credit

How to cram 4 exams in 10 months and leave some wiggle room for a re-take or two.

...and much (much) more!

Audio Only: Intro: CPA Exam Pass Rates and CPA Exam Score Release Timeline 1. Purchase Q3 NINJA Materials now or wait? 2. Credit expiring 2/24 – when to take exam? 3. Passing before joining a Big 4 Accounting firm? 4. NINJA MCQ vs NINJA Notes as a study supplement? 5. Getting Texas (Arizona? Michigan) CPA License while working in Industry? 6. Took paper and pencil exam – is NINJA right for me? 7. How long should the N-I-N in NINJA take? 8. Is it ok to use 2011 CPA Review material? 9. Trending score: 72 Actual score: 50s … why? 10. Out of school for 10 years – which review course to use? A71 Links: Follow @another71 (Twitter/Periscope)YouTube (Subscribe)iTunes (Subscribe)Podcast Archives Free CPA Exam Resources: CPA Exam Survival GuideCPA Exam Study Planner + $162.12 in Free Materials

Podcast Version: Listen via iTunes Intro: Questions from Beta Alpha Psi – University of South Dakota 1. What is the success rate of students passing the CPA exam the first time using NINJA? 2. What is the cost of the NINJA program? 3. Can you give a tutorial of program to see how it functions? 4. What types of CPA Exam questions are used? 5. Are there any special kinds of materials that NINJA offers? 6. Does is schedule deadlines for material to learn to keep us focused and on task? 7. Are there contacts through the program if we are stuck either on material and/or IT issues? 8. How would you compare and contrast your product to what (other CPA Review courses) offer? 9. What makes NINJA’s product superior to those on the market and how can you maintain that advantage at your price point? 10. How does the

Audio Only: Intro: Royals and Cubs 1. 2017 CPA Review Materials date? 2. Purchasing study materials while waiting on an NTS? 3. Waiting until 2016 to purchase materials? 4. The “N” in NINJA when you don’t have videos? 5. How long does the “A” in NINJA take to review? 6. Taking the CPA Exam in […]