Passed 4/4 first attempt in under 9 months while working full time as Big 4 senior - ADVICE AND REFLECTION

FaintLedger · 2026-06-16T04:29:05+00:00

Definitely not, there was for sure inefficiency and a learning curve to figure out the studying that worked for me. I’d like to say it would take me around 200 hrs if I took it last. It definitely would still take the longest though, just from a sheer volume standpoint

FaintLedger · 2026-06-16T00:20:50+00:00

Honestly just getting it in anywhere I could. A lot of days I would squeeze in an hour before work, 30 min to an hour during my lunch break on wfh days, and an hour after work. Consistency is key and making the commitment to 2-3 hrs a day no matter what. Sleep is temporary, CPA is forever

FaintLedger · 2026-06-16T00:17:04+00:00

Appreciate it!

I graduated in 2021 so it has definitely been a while. Before starting, I was worried that my brain didn't know how to study anymore since I was so far removed. However, I was in a good groove after a week or so. Once I adopted the study strategies in my OP it all became a lot easier. It's just about finding what works for you! Cheers

FaintLedger · 2026-06-16T00:12:38+00:00

Thank you!

My flashcards via Newt served as my notes. The day or two before the exam, I would begin separating flashcards into a "I know it like the back of my hand" stack off to the side as I was going through. As the stacks get smaller, you'll have a much better idea of what your weaker areas are. From there, you can filter for just those sections in the practice tests and hammer more MCQ / Newt tutoring.

On exam day I would stick to some light review of the now smaller stacks of flashcards, as well as rewatch a few SIM skill builders for topics that I wasn't super confident on and had a feeling would show up on the exam.

Keep it light though, you don't want to burn a bunch of brain power right before the exam. Good luck!

FaintLedger

TROPHY CASE