David is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

A little background for those who haven't read my prior posts … in the July/August window, I had to pass FAR in order to not lose credit for REG. If I pass, I'm licensed. If not, back to 50% complete.

Seventy Four. Yep. Ouch.

So, I've taken the last 2 months of my life to better prepare myself for the FAR retake, which I took on October 17th. It was hard to fully get back into it, knowing I had just spent 4 solid months studying all of the information. I felt as prepared going into the retake, if not more, than I did on my first attempt. I felt the same coming out: cautiously optimistic.

This wait was different though. For some reason, it felt excruciatingly long. It felt like 10 years. The score was the only thing on my mind, and I had to start preparing for my REG re-take. My last blog post described that challenge of focus, and what I did to try and focus on my REG studies more.

Well, D-day finally came last Friday. I had a lunch date with my 3 year old princess, and then took off to the library to what I thought was going to be another few hours of waiting and wearing out the F5 key. On the way to the library, I checked the Another71 Forum on my phone and saw that the scores had already begun posting.

My heart rate increased, so I took a walk around the lake by the library to calm myself. Finally, after a prayer and a deep breath, I walked into the library and opened my computer to the NASBA score result site.

Seventy-Four. Again. Double ouch.

I mean I'd rather have been kicked in the face. I'd rather have gotten a 47. I'd rather clean the bath tub with my tongue.

Since my journey started in February of 2012, I've taken 7 exams. My passing scores: 78, 79, 83. My failing scores: 71, 73, 74, 74. If only 70 was a passing grade. If this were archery, I'd have a heck of a grouping.

I'm not going to lie. This hurts. A lot. But the point of this post is not self-pity (although it is therapeutic). It's to share the pain with others who have received that dreaded score, and hopefully help them get back on the saddle. Especially those (the world famous Jeff, included) that have had back to back 74's.

I am not going to quit. It's going to motivate me to study the extra hour when I'm tired. Play one less game of solitaire during study breaks. Say no to a glass of wine with my wife. I'm not just hurt. I'm ticked off. I'm ticked off at this exam, and I'm going to beat it. Devour it. Face plant it.

My goal was to pass in 2013. That goal is unfortunately out the window. But I can be 3/4 of the way done in 2013, and finish in January. So that's my new goal. And when I reach it, I'll write a big 74 on a piece of paper, shoot an arrow through it, then burn it. With a huge smile on my face.