Shaila is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

Hello, NINJAs!

I have some exciting news to share with you.

I got my FAR score back, and I passed!

This means I am done with exams, and sadly, this is my last post.

Sorry, but it is gonna be a long one!

Here is a recap of my exam journey for you in case you have not been following along from the start.

I put all four tests on my payment coupon in October 2012, but I was not motivated enough to actually study until after the New Year. Of course, it was one of my resolutions to take the tests.

I took AUD at the end of February 2013 after studying pretty much every night after work and on weekends for five weeks.

Before taking AUD, I thought I was ready, but I was not sure what to expect with it being my first test.

After taking AUD, I knew I had failed, especially thanks to the SIMs. I resigned myself to a retake and questioned how I could ever pass these tests.

Fast forward a few weeks and when scores were released, I passed! I don't know how. I felt like it was a fluke, but it re­-energized me to keep going.

Around that time, I started blogging for Another71.com, reading other NINJAs' stories, and gained a greater appreciation for this test and the people who take it.

It is a true sacrifice and real test of will power.

I could not imagine taking these tests with family and other commitments, but many of you do just that. It is a real balancing act.

I really only have to worry about myself and my job. So, I figured it would be best to try to finish this now.

I took BEC at the beginning of May, and struggled with the study material for this test. So, I was convinced the test would be much harder than AUD.

Nope, BEC would be the only test I was sure I passed. When I got my score back, it was not as high as I was expecting, but I did pass.

At this point, I had REG and FAR left and about two months left on my NTS to take them both. I decided I could only take one. So, I had to let go of FAR.

I quit my job in June since I had another one lined up in September and studied full time to take REG in early July.

When I took the exam, I did not have an inkling of how I had done.

That was an unsettling feeling. I felt the test could have gone either way. I ended up getting a perfect score on this one – a 75. I knew it was a close one.

In September, I moved to Sacramento for my new job, and afterward, I spent six weeks traveling for work.

My plans of taking FAR in November went down the drain.

I started studying again in December, but could not stick to it.

Another year brought another resolution to finish these test. I started studying for FAR again in January 2014.

Luckily, I was in between projects and was able to study at work. This kept me on schedule, and I finished the study material in mid-March.

Then, I did not touch my exam prep stuff until mid-April.

I spent three weeks reviewing and took my test on May 5 with no idea how I had done.

I got my score back before the holiday.

Relief. A Memorial Day weekend gift. I cannot say how good it feels to be done.

I feel like I can have a life again, and there is nothing hanging over my head. After a year and a half, that is an amazing feeling.

A super special shout out to everyone who supported me through this, even so much as wished me luck.

Yes, I did pass all four tests on my first try, but it was not easy for me.

I do not consider myself smart, and I still feel like I do not have a great handle on many exam topics.

I chalk it up to being diligent, and as anyone else who has passed a CPA exam knows, perseverance.

Do not get me wrong. I did get lazy about studying. Often.

There were so many times that I wanted to throw in the towel and so many times that I questioned whether I even wanted to be a CPA.

My latest great idea was to go into the restaurant business with some friends. Now with this hurdle behind me, all I need is the experience.

I am going to be a CPA.

Read more NINJA CPA Exam Success Stories on the Blog and Forum.