US CPA Exam In the month of September 2020, I have cleared the Regulation section with 98 marks and FAR section with 91 marks. Honestly, I had never expected such marks. I am glad I could share my side of the story with you guys.
In general, I would say that the most important thing you must do is avoid procrastination. Many of us are working professionals and have a busy season period, so it’s very important to be able to assess the situation and act accordingly. Be much more real as there would be days where you will hardly have 1 hour to study.
The first and foremost key to cracking this exam is committing to it seriously. Make a schedule that can be followed every day. Daily studying helps maintain a flow of efficiency. Make yourself accountable to someone you fear and wouldn’t lie to about your progress. This exam demands your time—seriousness, dedication and patience.
This is Varshitha Nadipineni, and I passed my CPA Exam with the latest score release, and this is my attempt at trying to explain what worked for me in.
The below is the Preparation strategy I followed section wise: Since FAR is the lengthiest among all the sections, I made a study plan to cover at least one module per day and to cover its MCQ’s along with the simulations. During weekends, we have to make the best use of time and to cover maximum possible and to make sure that we cover the pending simulations of the previous week if any.
In BEC, there are six chapters. Most of the MCQ come from the first and last chapter. But, simulations come from B2, B3, B4 and B5. Revisions are the only possible way to pass this subject. First, watch all Simandhar and Becker lectures, then do skill masters video, followed by MCQ and simulations. Do follow this pattern 3- 4 times. Most of the people are worried about written communication. Please follow the first and last para of Becker, take care of full stops and commas. There are specific words which the computer is finding, if you can write those specific words- you would get good marks. As far as IT is concerned AICPA asks new questions not covered in Becker. You can only tackle it through google more and more about new topics of the chapter not covered in Becker.
Keep doing MCQ’s and practice tests at regular intervals to keep the data fresh. Make notes after every chapter. This helps with retention. Read the explanation after each MCQ and TBS. It helps to know you did it correctly or the technique needs improvement. Read all answers to understand why the right one is right. The Skill videos are amazing in Becker and should be utilized.
I took about two months of study time to complete my Initial study and revision of the REG section
The strategy that I followed with my BEC paper is that I always used to go through Becker lectures first, and then I speed read the Becker notes and underlined everything that I felt was important.
Keep practicing MCQs after every module, create and take practice tests as you make progress with the chapters. Width of knowledge is more important than its depth, i.e. knowing a little bit of everything.
I studied CPA FAR Exam in a sequence i.e. lectures/ Skill practice videos/MCQs / & SIM. I took screenshots of skill videos which I thought were important but there aren’t sufficient materials. I took down notes especially for tricky or new concepts from MCQs and SIMs. Also revised chapters that were completed previously / modules in the next few days. Took notes where I felt I was weak. Then did PRS for the first chapter and then continued with cumulative as and when I progressed. I also watched Mr. Sripal’s and Suraj’s recorded Videos wherever I felt I needed to. I usually googled when I wanted to understand something in detail. I revised materials at least twice along with most of the CPA FAR Exam MCQs / SIMs. For a few chapters/modules, I did the same revision thrice. I was going through my notes in between to keep the concepts fresh in my mind. Initially, I made handwritten notes but later, I started making notes in softcopies, which were around 60 pages, including screenshots of skill videos. I have a habit of noting down the MCQ nos., which I feel are important and which I need to revisit during my review. Just before two days of my test, I read my soft copy of my notes. This was kind of a summary of the books in my mind.
Vipin – Simandhar’s US CPA aspirant has shared his journey to ace the BEC exam and provided a strategy to make the preparations easy.