I am about to begin my Audit career with a big four. Unfortunately, they now only offer's Becker's In-Class option or Bisk's Self-Study or Online Study courses. 

I do not want to study with Bisk. The firm I have interned with for a year uses Bisk and I find it to be rather dry. I have seen and heard alot about Becker, and I have made up my mind to go with it.

My question is: will be possible to take the Becker In-class on Saturdays, and work as a big four Auditor.  I'm thinking this option might only be feasible for the tax people as I hear they don't travel as much.

I am considering just paying for the Becker Online course myself if the free, in-class Becker is not feasable. Again, I have ruled Bisk out as an option.

I am really perturbed me that the firm went to the Bisk options for the Self-Study and Online Instructor lead all of a sudden.  I accepted in Novemberish 2007, and at the time they offered all the Becker options. However, that changed in Dec 2007, and I just got the 150 in May 08. I was unpleasantly surprised to hear of the change when I sent in my free becker review form. 

Oh yeah, if I do sign up for the in-class option I have to go to 100% of classes.

I appreciate all comments, but I would prefer those with recent Big Four Audit experience to respond.

Thank you for the prompt reply!

According to the local class schedule. It looks like I could start with Becker in October for BEC then take it in late Nov.

However, the rest of the sections are scheduled during Jan-March. I want to finish this my 1st year for a bonus.

Specifically: FA-January, AU-Feb, Reg-Mar+Apr.

I guess I just try to get as much done as I can...

Thanks again for the insight!

That policy makes no sense. I would think it would be the other way around and they would ecnourage the self study over the in-class. I'm sure there's a cost saving strategy somewhere in there.

Anyway, here's my advice:

If you are tax do reg last, if audit do audit last. You will have more foundation in the respective area after a few months of exprience.

Ask around work if anyone still has the self study material. They might be willing to sell it to you for a few hundred, or even take pity on you and give them to you. (I leave it up to you to decide whether or not you should then order the BISK anyway for "other" purposes)

I wouldn't discount the BISK option outright. It may be your best option if it accomplishes the bonus if the in-class can't. All material will be dry.

Finally, I don't think there is any way you can hope to attend 100% of the classes in the Jan - March timeframe. You will work Saturdays. 

Thanks for the advice.

I think the best thing for me to do might be to buy the instructor led online Financial and Audit sections. I could take those during the busy season, then take the classes for Bec and reg in the off season...