I've taken 3 sections of the exam so far and have managed to pass one.  Looking back at my lone passing score, a few things stuck out that enabled me a better opportunity to achieve a passing score.  For starters, when I began studying for FAR I decided that I would not schedule the exam until I felt ready to take it.  I also used Yaeger and had structure to my studying. 

When I took BEC and AUD, I didn't use any study programs.  I just bought the Wiley book and tried to pace myself through the book.  When I began studying for each, I also scheduled the exam date hoping to put pressure on myself to be ready by that selected date. 

Now I'm trying to motivate myself to study for REG.  My wife gave birth to our son "Easton" in November, so the past few months have killed my motivation to study.  I'm hoping to take REG by the end of February if I can make myself get down to business.  I'm giving Bisk a shot with REG so I will again be studying with structure.  I'm convinced those two issues were the only reason I failed.  For those of you that are having trouble passing sections, for one section just try to study first and then schedule after you have gone through the materials. 

My FAR score expires in January 2012.  I know many feel pressured to pass all four by the 18 month expiration date.  Don't hurt yourself by trying to rush and pass everything so quick, not giving yourself enough time to study.  It's better to take 2-2.5 months studying and pass than studying 1-1.5 months and failing. 

I'm confident I'll pass all four by the end of May because I'm not gonna rush myself studying.  If I take each part when I feel ready, how could I fail? 

Easton:

That is the right approach.  Take your time to study and to understand the material.  Many times I see candidates on this forum taking the exam after 4 weeks of studying and failing.......but wondering what went wrong.  I have seen, the opposite though, where some take it after 4 weeks of studying and score in the high 80's - 90's !!  Wow, more power to them.......

At the end of the day, you (and only you) know what you're capable of acheiving.  Don't be swayed by what you read here.  You need to do what is best for you and when you feel confident that you are ready to take the exam, then no question, take it.

I have passed two parts and am currently studying for REG.  The material in some aspects is overwhelming.  I would love to take it in February, but if it doesn't happen, I am not going to beat myself up.  The ultimate goal is to be ready to pass REG. 

Keep the motivation high and keep at it... chipping away a little at time, every study session.  Take small steps and you will pass it. 

Good luck to you and congrat's on junior!!!

Stucture is very important.  I studied 1 section at a time, emersed myself in the materials, and created a 'war room' where I laid out my materials/schedule/notes and I went there 6 days a week.  I also made my own flash cards, which was very time consuming, but gave excellent ROI. 

Taking these tests over and over is a drain - financially, socially, and emotionally.   Pick 1 and emerse yourself.  Move the test out till you are confident you will pass.  

i think i'm guilty of not giving myself enough time to fully prepare. i took 5 exams in 5 months, probably 1 of many reasons why i have not passed any exams. in 2011 i am not going to schedule any exams until i feel 100% ready

i'm learing a lot on this cpa journey...unfortunately, i'm learning the hard way!!

After passing 2 sections, I was ready for "3 down and 1 to go" but this morning the gloomy weather matches my mood - failed by 4 points.  I need to restudy for Regulation.  I knew that simulations were not my strong suit so instead of focusing on conquering that I took the easy way out and did a lot of MCs.  Well, the result shown that my performance on MCs were stronger than the passing candidates but my performance on simulations killed me.  This time, I am determined to master both. 

I sent in my application to re-sit for the exam today so it'll be a week or so before I can actually schedule  a date.  I am debating as to how much time should I give myself.  Should I schedule the exam at the end of May or the send week of May?  I am still in my busy season and our firm required us to put in at least 64 hours per week until the end of April.  So that leave me about 2 hours to study each night (Mon-Thursday), 4 hours on Friday & Saturday and 8 hours on Sunday.  I have a total of 24 hours a week that I can devote to study.  Should I play safe and schedule for May 31? Or take Reg 2 weeks earlier and that way I'll have more time to study for FARE?