How to Pass the FAR CPA Exam in 6 Weeks with Becker- 2023 *First Try*

Welcome to Talk2See! 📚🍺
In this episode, Barney goes over some tips to help you pass the FAR CPA exam. This is the first out of four videos going over tips on how to study for the exam.
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If you want to jump around:
0:00-1:12 Intro & Course Provider
1:12-2:52 Becker Packages & Contents
2:52-4:26 Tips to Study
4:26-5:54 Review + Mock Exams
5:54-6:52 Exam Day
6:52-7:28 Key Takeaways
7:28-8:05 Like + Subscribe :)

[@talk2see]

All four videos now out!! Check them out: kzbin.info/aero/PLB7zcxjPKorcVtdTWpZqLg4e7U4OxWFJD

[@OliviaAvarado]

Obviously Passing the CPA exams is when you study hard,if you can't study or you don't have time for your studies I'd advise you get yourself a help like Mr Dylan

[@jennyms6027]

People keep talking about Dylan all over KZbin,he must be a very awesome help.

[@melodychibuike]

Yes you're correct but remember heaven helps those who help themselves, try studying if you can't study then get yourself a good help

[@greatestgerald8910]

CPA exam might seem so tough to pass but studying very hard is a very vital skill to win trust me.

[@andrewholt670]

Everyone has their own way, Dylan worked for me and studying didn't .

[@jameson001]

correct, everyone has a different fate

[@sonwane1132]

Thanks so much for the tips!!

[@talk2see]

No problem! Glad they helped

[@amoprince4353]

I love how simple your strategy is. This is the best video on cpa for me so far. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏿

[@talk2see]

No problem!! Glad I could help. Thanks for the kind words.

[@vinayakagupta158]

It was superb video. Thank you for all the information.

[@talk2see]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you do great...

[@vinayakagupta158]

Hi!, As you mentioned in the video that you skipped SIMS initially and in the end you did mock exams and practice MCQ. So when did you start doing SIMS and did you practice all the sims in the Becker ?

[@reneeokila9064]

Helpful video! Thank you

[@talk2see]

Thank you for the support!

[@AA72411]

Finally came across a video that shows you studying technique to help you pass the CPA. Very helpful video in my opinion. Thank you so much for sharing this!!!

[@talk2see]

Thank you!! It means a lot. Hopefully you pass all of the exams👊🏻

[@AA72411]

@@talk2see thank you!!

[@cjsmith8319]

Just started my journey this week. I just graduated last week so I’m trying to hit the ground running. Been two days and I’ve already logged about 15 hours of studying. Trying to stay focused and positive. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@talk2see]

Let’s go man! Great start. Stay consistent and you’ll be fine

[@thomasjanak8000]

Glad to see I’m approaching it the same way! I also recommend looking at some of the Wiley test-bank questions as well.

[@talk2see]

Good recommendation! Thanks for watching

[@Jtyonbronruss]

Are the Wiley test-bank questions online? And do you suggest because they are very similar to the exam for FAR?

[@jmvcommerceclasses1443]

Thanks for share ur experience

[@talk2see]

My pleasure!

[@fillsgarage]

Great video

[@talk2see]

Thank you!

[@466mitali3]

love and respect from INDIA thankyou

[@jennylifeinusa]

Thanks for your tips. I hope I pass my first exam too. Do you use another review course too?

[@talk2see]

No problem! I personally just used Becker. Didn’t find the need to use any others

[@tranpham97]

Thanks for your video! Did you have a hard time with the SIMs in the actual exam given that you skipped all the Becker SIMs?

[@talk2see]

Not particularly! I think if you understand the concepts and know more or less how SIMs work (I did do the ones in the practice exams just to practice) you’ll be good. Good luck!

[@noahcarter7535]

Did the Final Review help you better understand topics that you had trouble with in the main prep? I'm going through FAR and am almost done with the main prep, some topics are not sticking well. Thanks for your help and sharing your experience. You helped me pass BEC.

[@talk2see]

I think it helped consolidate everything. It was a good way to review topics I had forgotten and bring it all together. I would say go through the book and for the topics that are not sticking just go back to the book and od practice problems. One thing I'll note: I wouldn't worry as much if you don't get a topic (i.e. finance leases) since there are so many topics they have to test you on, the odds that you'll get a difficult question there are low.

[@noahcarter7535]

@@talk2see thanks for the advice!

[@fabiolarivera196]

I love your strategy! Is so simple... You never did the SIMS?

[@talk2see]

Only at the end when I was reviewing and had some extra time. I would recommend going over the material first and then doing some SIMS…

[@jinalshah3218]

Thanks for your video ! This really helps. I am finding it difficult with FAR SIMs and completing the paper. Any suggestions ?

[@MrBmaci1]

I may be the minority group that thinks waiting a year or two with professional experience helps a lot. It makes some of the material easier to understand when you're not just thinking of Company ABC selling widgets. Great video, I have been skipping the SIMS, I feel as if you understand the material being asked on the MCQ's, SIMS should be easy

[@talk2see]

That’s a fair point Ben. In my experience I wanted to get it done because my firm offered an incentive bonus if completed by the first year. I agree it would be easier with a bit of experience. Depends on how fast you want to get it done. Good luck!

[@giselleinfante1804]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. Did you write notes while you were studying? I am finding myself wasting a lot of time writing notes. Any advise?

[@talk2see]

Hi Giselle, Personally I didn’t write notes. I would annotate the textbook just because I feel like writing helps me memorize. I never really went back to look at those notes though. It honestly depends on what you prefer but I chose to just get through the material since taking notes would be too time consuming. I would recommend just getting through the material and then writing notes as you’re reviewing on whatever you get wrong or have difficulty with. Hopefully it helps!! Barn

[@giselleinfante1804]

@@talk2see Thank you for the respose. I appreciated.

[@talk2see]

@@giselleinfante1804 of course!

[@AnandG-hn7ju]

Thanks for this, can you please guide in order to pass FAR in 6 weeks, how many daily hours you prepared for?

[@talk2see]

I wasn’t working full time so I was able to study around 5-6 hours per day. However, for the others one I was only able to do ~3 hours during the week and ~5-6 hours on weekend days.

[@namincho9395]

Hey! Loved this video. I just want to ask; you didn't do the sims at all on Becker?

[@talk2see]

I didn't until the end. I think it's better to do them after you have gone through all the material

[@Deimian676]

Question! How much of your course material did you utilize to study for FAR? By course material I mean , intermediate accounting , advanced accounting , etc. we’re you able to remember information from these courses or did you strictly have to relearn things using the Becker work books?

[@talk2see]

I was able to remember some information. It was definitely nice that it wasn’t the first time learning these topics

[@markosjenicic4945]

How did you start studying. Did you plan out your days beforehand or as you went on you saw what worked ? Also given that it’s 18 months to pass, how did you know if you were going too fast or slow in terms of studying ?

[@talk2see]

Yes. I actually planned the entire 6 weeks beforehand. I made a schedule and tried to follow it. If it wasn’t working I would adjust it and keep going. The main part is staying consistent. In my opinion 18 months is more than enough time to pass all exams. I would just give yourself plenty of time to ensure you pass it the first time and make a schedule.

[@shahsaa1]

Wish there was a video for ppl who’s been out of school for awhile…

[@talk2see]

Studying right after college definitely helped.. hang in there👊🏻

[@yiorgosstergiannis4742]

I did that small exam between the units and I found that a good amount of info/ways to solve problems I forgot. I am currently about to start F8 and i wanted to ask if the final review book helps with rembembering all the stuff i forget

[@talk2see]

Yes! I really liked the final review book. It hits all the important topics at a high level. Definitely recommend going through it if it’s included in your plan

[@hratliff77]

Did you take notes when you were reading the modules? It’s super difficult to write in the thick FAR book like they say to do in the lectures

[@talk2see]

I did but very high level ones! I also never looked back at them but it was nice for memorization

[@jjv115]

Thanks for the video man. Are there any topics specifically that I should focus more of my studies on in particular to the exam?

[@talk2see]

No problem! I focused my time on NFP and governmental accounting the most, since I had little to no experience from college in those. Also, hit the big sections (e.g. bonds, leases, etc.). Besides that, just practice a ton of MCQs and do the mock exams. Those are the best ways to see where you’re at, and which sections you have to review.

[@jjv115]

Much appreciated, hope the rest of your CPA journey goes as plained. Merry Christmas!

[@talk2see]

@@jjv115 same to you! Let’s get it. Merry Christmas to you too.

[@yenyerita]

Hi, how did it go for you? And can you let me know if the mock exams are included in all versions?

[@g.t8674]

Good video. Question, were u working while studying? If so how much did u study a day

[@talk2see]

Not for FAR. For the others I was. During the week I’d study from 8-11/12 and during the weekend I’d aim for 12-16 hours.

[@abdul5_10]

Hey, thanks for this amazing video. I work as an Auditor but to be honest i think i’m weak in accounting knowledge in general, and i just started studying FAR, I’m planing to give it 8 weeks of studying, keeping in mind a lot of the material will be new to me. Do u think i’m on right track?

[@talk2see]

I think you are! I took around 6 weeks but wasn’t working full time. I think that’s a big aspect. If your work is too taxing it might even be worth it to give yourself an extra week or two just to make sure you have time!

[@lukemartin1798]

Do you guys recommend the review book? I only have the textbook and am studying for FAR!

[@talk2see]

I used it and thought it was helpful but I don’t think it’s a necessity. If you want to save that money you can definitely still pass without it

[@rplayer77]

Hi there, first of all big congrats to you on passing this nice and fast. How many hours did you work during the week while doing this? I would like to do it like you but unfortunately it is impossible. Any tips that you can provide? I work like 60 to 65 hours a week well maybe it's a little less but all hours to me are not created equal meaning that work is the priority. This is what happens when one puts the CPA for so long a mistake that I regret doing. Maybe a Happy medium where it would be in the middle of how you did it. I don't want to spend much time but I don't want to rush it. Not doing Sims until the end is something that I have definitely been wanting to do. Thanks for your videos. Very helpful and looking forward to your response.

[@talk2see]

Hey! Thank you. So, luckily for me, I took this exam in the summer between graduating college and beginning work. So I agree my schedule will not work with your situation. I would recommend you try to slow down at work (tell your manager that you’re planning on studying early mornings/late afternoons) and try to hit at least 2 hours during the week days and go hard on the weekends. Set up a schedule and give yourself around 2 months to study. Last thing I’ll say is remember you just need a 75. So as long as you cover the material and practice you should be good. I agree you shouldn’t do sims until the end. Good luck!

[@OverAllShorts_]

What about simulation..are they useful of beckers ?

[@brostom77]

How do you remember the steps to take when some questions that you get wrong

[@talk2see]

I normally go back to the book and read the section where I missed the question or make a note to myself.

[@mr127021]

What’s the topic wise weightage in the exam if you know ?

[@kgntndh]

Just doing the Accounting Principle recap before jumping into FARE. What's SIM btw? :P Simulation?

[@talk2see]

Correct!

[@passportdiaries_]

Does the main textbook contain full lectures about a topic (like a back to 50% knowledge)? Asking as someone who had to pause reviewing for a long while and planning to go back at it.

[@talk2see]

Yes. by studying the textbook you can learn from scratch I would say

[@passportdiaries_]

@@talk2see thanks so much! adding to cart now.

[@romanempire520]

Is becker material still as relevant as before?

[@samanthakay729]

Great video! My timeline for FAR is also 6 weeks total studying and I'm at week 4 forgetting a lot from the beginning weeks. I'm going to start the final review. Do you find that the scope of the real exam is what's covered in the final review, or do we need to know more of the details? The main lecture/reading has been very overwhelming because of how many details there are, so I'm wondering if the final review should be something that I can lean on in terms of what is really expected of me on the exam. Thank you!

[@talk2see]

Hey! Thank you for the support. I’d say that with the final review you should be good. After all some details might pop up but you have to think that if you forgot, many other people also forgot. If you go through the final review and find yourself understanding the big picture items you should be fine. If you find a topic that you’re struggling on you can always go back and check the details. Good luck!!

[@Jodavy]

How did you maintain focus throughout 6 weeks? Any specific study technique?

[@talk2see]

Great question. It's definitely not an easy task... What helped me the most was planning out what I would study each day ahead of time. For example: Monday: F1 1-3 Tuesday: F1 4-6 Wednesday: F1 7-8 Thursday: F2 1-3 Friday: F2 4-6 Saturday: F2 7-8 Sunday: Catch up/Rest/Review *I wasn't working at this point so I could dedicate most of my time to studying* This way, I had a goal to accomplish every day. There are going to be days that you finish faster and have the rest of the day to yourself, and there are going to be days that you don't finish, and you might have to use Sunday to catch up. I would say it's essential that you break it down into smaller manageable parts so it becomes less intimidating. Main Point: Build a schedule and challenge yourself to accomplish your small goals day by day. Good luck!

[@Jodavy]

@@talk2see Appreciate it! Good luck with your remaining parts!

[@talk2see]

@@Jodavy thank you Jonathan. You too!

[@jeremyb382]

would you reccomend studying for FAR and taking the exam as soon as you can after you finish the becker module?

[@talk2see]

After finishing all of Becker yes because the material is fresh in your mind

[@Isalwaysgolden2]

How did you do no Sims at all & passed FAR in 1 try ? After experiencing the Sims what do you recommend to pass the Sims ? If someone is struggling with Sims for example ?

[@talk2see]

I would say I had a really good base from my accounting classes back in college. I took all the advanced financial reporting electives available and felt like I had already seen everything. It was more of a huge review for me. However, I did do a few SIMS in the final week of review to prepare myself. As I was going through it, I thought it would be more efficient to do MCQs because it’s a nice way to learn and enforce the material. At the end of the day, come exam day, you either know the material or you don’t. If you have prepared well, I think you can figure out the SIMS without much practice, as long as you know how they work. If this is not your first time taking it, I would then recommend hitting SIMs if you think it’s a weak point. After all, everyone learns differently (unfortunately…) but I would say no SIMs worked for me.

[@Isalwaysgolden2]

@@talk2see you are definitely right about the everyone is different part ..btw just out of curiosity did you have any notes you took that you reviewed before the exam or was it all McQ without any notes ?

[@talk2see]

@@Isalwaysgolden2 I didn’t… I mostly used the final review book. For me, that was the equivalent of notes I would’ve taken throughout. I did take notes on whatever I got wrong in the practice exams, however. That way I could read it over before the exam so I remembered some common mistakes I was making.

[@JontelTurner]

Are the sims really hard on the actual exam? Have you taken it?

[@muhibbulshehab5711]

Great tips brother. Will you kindly take the trouble of making videos on the remaining 3 modules i.e AUD, BEC and REG ?

[@talk2see]

Yessir! I’m going to make them as I take them/pass them. Audit video should be coming out the 17th. Thanks for the support!

[@bitpat7008]

Hey, I know this is an old video but how did you pass the exam without studying the sims? I find studying the simulations the hardest on Becker and they don’t explain how to do it either. Any tips on how to tackle the sims? Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks!

[@talk2see]

Hey! I did practice a couple towards the end but I just felt I was wasting my time doing the practice ones without having gone through all the material… since most sims cover multiple topics I waited until I finished. After all if you know the material you should be able to figure out the sims!

[@shaynasmith2831]

I know its been a few months since your comment, I'm not sure what plan level I have since it was through my employer but for me on the simulations, once you click submit and it shows the answer, there is a "skill builder video" option that appears at the top right of the sim where one of the instructors walks through the sim. It has been super helpful for me.

[@bitpat7008]

@@shaynasmith2831 oh okay that's good to know. Thanks for the reply!

[@whitesoxfan797]

If you don’t think you’ll pass after taking it do you recommend signing up for a 2nd try before seeing your score? Then cancel if passed

[@talk2see]

If you don’t mind paying the extra fee sure. However, from personal experience, I didn’t think I was going to pass and got a relatively high score. You truly never know.

[@alejandrofalcon9387]

Would you recommend to take FAR or whatever exam you take first DURING college?

[@talk2see]

If you have the 120 credits required to sit and are willing to sacrifice your senior year to study for it then go ahead. Personal advice: ENJOY YOUR SENIOR YEAR AND LEAVE STUDYING FOR THE SUMMER.

[@talk2see]

@Pink 🦍 Buddough another possibility for sure. I have a few friends that do their masters after college and take that year to pass all four exams.

[@shals4626]

I appeared for FAR today. While solving the exam I did not click on "submit teslet" for the last 5th teslet and time got over. I solved all the Q in that teslet. Will it get considered or not ?

[@talk2see]

Yes! I think it automatically submits when time runs out. You should be good. Good luck!

[@MohiniDabarwal]

It will get submitted automatically! The same happened with me in Audit and I passed.

[@talk2see]

@@MohiniDabarwal thanks for the answer Mohini!

[@habibi98960]

If we do mcq and sims are enough Like same concepts will come?

[@talk2see]

I would also either read the book or watch the lectures. That’s where I learned the most…

[@lucasthomas1732]

What was your study plan?

[@talk2see]

I basically watched all the lectures, read the book, did the MCQs, and skipped the Sims. That's my short summary. At the end, when you are reviewing you can go back and do some Sims. Good luck!

[@LIGHTSTUDIO916]

Hi, Can you please provide me a beckar notes if possible.

[@talk2see]

I do not have them unfortunately...

[@larissascandura5946]

You were able to do the sims on the test without ever doing a sim? I am worried about the sims.

[@talk2see]

I did some as a final review, but they weren’t a lot. If you know the material you can figure them out but I would do some just to understand how they work

[@Sara-sh2sr]

How are you able to finish multiple modules a day?? They’re so hard sometimes

[@talk2see]

Definitely agree, Sara. Thankfully, during FAR I hadn’t started working full time so I had a lot of time in my hands. What I recommend you do is to look at the length/difficulty of the modules before you start, and create a plan that you can follow. Take as much time as you need. Don’t feel pressured to get it done in under 6 weeks.

[@Sara-sh2sr]

@@talk2see i completely agree with you that’s what I’m trying to currently do. I also think that becker tries to simplify all of the information but at the end of the day it’s a huge exam and there’s no way around it other than studying.

[@talk2see]

@@Sara-sh2sr For sure. They assume you saw the material in college so it’s more like a review. What I’ll tell you I’ve noticed is that the MCQs are more complicated in Becker. Becker’s questions try to trick you whereas I felt that the actual exam, questions were a bit more straightforward.

[@Sara-sh2sr]

@@talk2see this is great news thank you so much for your input! Honestly reduced my anxiety a tonne.

[@talk2see]

@@Sara-sh2sr Happy to help! :)

[@igazii6258]

Hey From which state you did cpa us?

[@talk2see]

Hey! I did it in New York

[@jmvcommerceclasses1443]

Can all 4 exam attempt in one seating

[@talk2see]

I don’t think so… and I wouldn’t recommend it! Better to take your time and pass each one than having to retake them.

[@user-vf1wt8rs8j]

how many you used to study per day

[@talk2see]

Depended! I wasn’t employed so I would try to do 3-4 per day

[@inlineadam]

100% this guy is from Miami. Can you confirm you went to Columbus high haha

[@talk2see]

🤣🤣🤣 went to Belen… almost!

[@inlineadam]

Dudddeeeeeeee I was ssoooo close. That’s one of hardest distinguishments. Congrats bro! Represent the 305! (786!) lol

[@talk2see]

@@inlineadam Lol you were. Pretty surprised tbh. Thanks for the support!

[@BarneyPlays]

Very handsome presenter

[@talk2see]

We agree!

[@benjaminmealer2618]

What is the logic of skipping the sims?

[@talk2see]

SIMs combine multiple topics and most of the times you probably haven't reviewed some of the topics tested. Better to try them out once you have reviewed all the topics to get the most out of them. If you know the materials you should be able to complete them

[@loujon191]

Who can afford that ? My God. 3000 dollars is insane

[@noramei-hua9577]

I passed after contacting mr Dylan whom I subscribed to his questions and answers

[@hrithikchauhan7122]

Any one here are from delhi

[@talk2see]

not us!

[@joelcoello3728]

Are you Cuban

[@talk2see]

Close! Venezuelan

[@dileep731]

Actually I watched ur video with 1.25x😂😂

[@talk2see]

Gotta do what you gotta do!!

[@rohitjain4918]

Yes I question🙋. Try to put on your pants

[@talk2see]

Thats funny🤣🤣

[@johnli25]

Hey man are you French btw?

[@talk2see]

No! I’m Venezuelan🤣🤣

[@johnli25]

Oh sorry I just thought your accent sounded French so I assumed lol and your shirt said “C’est normal”.

[@talk2see]

@@johnli25 no worries😂 the hoodie is from a KZbinr called Jon Olsson. “C’est Normal” is his brand which I recommend even though it’s a bit pricey.

[@johnli25]

Ah I see. Are you finished with your entire cpa journey?

[@talk2see]

@@johnli25 just took REG which was my last one. I get the score Feb 8th… if I pass video out the 9th!

[@MohanKumar-xx6mu]

Looks CPA nothing infront of Indian CA...

[@talk2see]

I’ll take your word for it!

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

@@talk2see What sounds harder to your "ears"? 1. Certified Public Accountant or 2. Masters Degree in Statistics?

[@Bhaise]

Took things really slow and spent the last 2 months studying FAR and my test is in 2 days. Will update when test results come out 🫡

[@talk2see]

Good luck! I have no doubt if you put in the work you’ll be fine🫡

[@Bhaise]

@@talk2see Thank you for the good luck (: Received my score report yesterday and passed with an 85! I was super worried cause there were a few simulations I couldn't figure out and much more questions about State and Local Governments and NFP's than I thought there would be, but it all worked out. On to AUD next...

[@Dragon48763]

@@Bhaise Congraz, man!

[@rajeevthakur7596]

@@Bhaise can you connect with me for CPA TALK

[@iloveme2398]

Hey @Bhaise doing far r8 now. Going with my first revision. Cud u tell me how did u prepare for far? And with some tips so that I can crack. Super scared actually.