Exam Order Taking Ideas??

PhilR · **Joined:** Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:28 am **Posts:** 5

I plan to start studying for the CPA Exam within the next few months. Since the 18 month rolling period doesn't start until you pass your first exam, it would make sense to take the hardest one first? Also, since the exams changing next year, it would make sense to take BEC this year? Because next year they are starting Written Communication Tasks on this section. Let me know thoughts. Thanks.

Passed · **Joined:** Tue Mar 09, 2010 11:19 am **Posts:** 25

I think you are right on with what you are thinking. BEC will have simulations in 2011 so I would for sure get that one done. If you could get FAR or REG and BEC down before the new year, you would be in great shape!

zzzz · **Joined:** Thu Mar 04, 2010 3:23 pm **Posts:** 6

Lots of people say take the hardest one first, but I say take an easier one first. I failed REG first with a 62, then failed FAR with a 61. I almost quit after those two! But I studied really hard for BEC and passed! It gave me motivation to keep on and that is one of the biggest parts of this CPA exam.

PhilR · **Joined:** Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:28 am **Posts:** 5

Wow zzzzz I'm suprised you passed BEC first. I read that it was the hardest section because there's not alot of material out there on it to study.

zzzz · **Joined:** Thu Mar 04, 2010 3:23 pm **Posts:** 6

There are def some tricky areas but the good part is there is the least amount of material to cover in BEC. I used Wiley and Gleim practice questions and those seemed to be on target for the exam.

studyin' · **Joined:** Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 13

zzzzz...I would suggest taking FAR or REG first. Personally, I didn't think BEC was the hardest. There are only 8 chapters to cover compared to 16 or 17 (and the study material you use) in FAR. But you're right, BEC is changing, so you may want to knock that one out sometime before the end of the year. Good luck!

Andrew · **Joined:** Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:43 am **Posts:** 309

Great feedback here, everyone. So I'm curious Phil, have you decided which one you're taking first, and if so which will it be?

Passed · **Joined:** Tue Mar 09, 2010 11:19 am **Posts:** 25

BTW, in case you haven't seen already Andrew posted a video about this subject (2nd half of the clip) here:

http://www.cpareviewmaterials.com/news/ ... er-of-exam

trevor · **Joined:** Wed May 26, 2010 5:32 pm **Posts:** 5

Nice! Thanks Andrew!

hawksfan · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:40 am **Posts:** 1

I for one am glad that I took what I thought was a harder one first. Actually I started with FAR and REG and failed both the first time, then took FAR again and passed. Now I have the full 18 months (almost) to pass the other three, and two of them supposedly take less study time.

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