@Howlandonline- did you only use Gleim? What was your study approach?

howlandonline wrote: Passed REG with an 86! I'm finished with the CPA exam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used Becker as my main review program and supplemented it with Gleim books (and test prep software download) and Wiley books.  Gleim and Wiley are very inexpensive and I found them to be an invaluable resource to go along with Becker.  They really were fantastic for extra practice questions.  The key for me on all 4 parts of the exam was to work question after question after question and TAKE NOTES on why I got a particular question wrong or why I got it right.  This REALLY helped solidify the knowledge in my head.  While studying for each part, I filled entire notebooks worth of notes and put the subject of each note in the margin on the left. 

Then, when I was going back and doing a final review of everything, I would read chapters in Becker and Gleim again and finish off by reading ALL of my notes.  This beat everything into my head yet again.  Then I worked MC questions till I was blue in the face in the days leading up to each exam.  I planned on when I would study each unit and stuck to it. 

Prepare for these tests as if you were getting ready to run a marathon!  I warmed up my completing the CFE exam, then the CIA exam (4th part you get exemption for upon completion of the CPA), then got my Masters in Accountancy Degree.  Right when I finished that, I began sitting for the CPA exam and I never looked back. 

By the time I sat for REG on August 31st I basically had my study plan down to a science.  I was confident before and after each part of the CPA with the exception of FAR.  When I left FAR I was devestated and felt I had failed...  I am always tough on myself though.  And I ended up passing!

I am scheduled to sit for both parts of the CMA exam during the January/February testing window next!  Part 1 at the beginning of January and Part 2 at the end of February. 

I am not starting to study for any of that until around mid-November though, so it is a return to society until then!!!  I just couldn't help myself and I got a great discount on CMA by registering when I was a student! 

@alcohen- You are an inspiration with so many certifications.

@sadduaks- YOU GO!! You only studied one month..GEESH. You must have studied ALL DAY? Do you work? Have family? Congratulations!!

I don't know many that could do that. I certainly can't with a 40+ hr work week, husband and two kids. I am also 13 yrs removed from undergrad. Although it might take me more time...I will be on the other side soon!

Regards,