Originally Posted by Unregistered

Bigger firms generally give an honorarium during your part B ($500 ish only), it isn't that bad if you don't get an honorarium during Part B but it does say something about the firm's size that they do not make such payments. Some firms outrightly mention it, some firms don't bother to do so - you have to use your mouth and ask. But in general, if you're looking at bigger firms, you should have that payment.

Personally, I feel that it is more important to make sure your firm pays at least $1.5k (it's around 2k for the bigger firms like the big4) for TC, as any less means that the firm is really cheapskate.

And yes, if you aren't retained, you have to fork out the Part B and call fees. But honestly, if you aren't retained in the bigger firms, you should just start using the company time to find new jobs etc or at least try to go home on time (i.e. don't slog for the 1-2k TC payment if you aren't retained - they obviously don't value your time anyway). Also, just so it's clear, you should check that you are even reimbursed upon retention, as smaller firms do not even do so, do not assume every firm will reimburse you.