[Jeff Elliott, CPA]

Welcome to the BEC CPA Exam study group. 🙂

Please introduce yourself & when you're taking your exam (approximate timeframe).

BEC Study Group Links and Resources:

1. NINJA CPA Review Monthly – Full BEC Course for $67/mo
2. Becker BEC + NINJA
3. How to Study for BEC with Just NINJA
4. How to Pass BEC in 20 Days
5. How to Retake BEC After Failing
6. I Passed the CPA Exam!
7. I Passed BEC!

See Also:

• FAR CPA Exam Study Group
• AUD CPA Exam Study Group
• REG CPA Exam Study Group
• BEC CPA Exam Study Group

 
Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
NINJA CPA Review

[O.K]

Hey Everyone!

Just started my crazy CPA journey, and scheduled my first ever exam (BEC) for January 5th. I work at one of the Big4 in NYC, and my work-days average around 10 hours per week on good days.

How did you figure out your studying style? I've been watching the videos and taking notes after work, but I've noticed that this strategy is taking too long, and I'm not having much time to practice the MCQs cuz I'm spending over 2 hours looking at the videos and taking notes. *sigh*. Is there another time effective way of studying BEC considering I only have 4-ish weeks till my exam?

[TC85]

Definitely try to work on as many MCQ and SIMS as you can, and be sure to go over the answer keys to make sure you understand the correct answer and why, as well as make sure you don't get an answer correct but for the wrong reasons. If the MCQ answers are numbers, read the last sentence first. This exam is notorious for providing more information than you need, so make sure you know what it's asking BEFORE you read all of the information. Also, read the question carefully. Many people loose point by missing a key word, or reading over the problem too quickly and assuming they know what it's asking, and select the wrong answer. I'm no exception to this, but be sure to learn from your mistakes. If you get a question wrong, take time to understand WHY it's wrong, and that should help you prevent from making the same mistake later. Good luck!

REG - 74, 76

BEC - 69, 67, 72, 77!

AUD - 70, 73, 75

FAR - 62, 71, 74, rematch 2/13/19!

[ginny.emmer]

If you're short on time, its helpful to focus on MCQ and SIMs and write down the explanations for any wrong answers, so you remember it. As much writing and copying the information as you can. I find that if I'm short on time, I learn more from writing and copying my notes than I do from watching lectures.

AUD - 76
BEC - 85
FAR - 73
REG - 78

Let's do this!

[Luke]

Hey everyone! I just took BEC (December 10th) and thought I'd help everyone out by letting you guys know what it focused on and some study tips.
I'm actually not working full time so I had a lot of time to study, so I'm probably not the best person to ask about time management study techniques, but I did the Practice Tests and Mock Exams multiple times (multiple multiple times). The actual test was a LOT of Chapter 6 (IT stuff) and a good amount of variance cost accounting stuff. A lot fewer calculations than I thought. Turns out I didn't have to memorize as much as I thought, I just had to understand more. Although that might only be my test, I don't wanna say all tests are like that.
By the way, my testing center allowed me to use a provided physical calculator, some Expo scratch “paper” and a normal Dell keyboard.
One more thing: I was finishing Practice Tests and Mock Exams with more than enough time, but the actual test had me pushing the limits for time, so just beware of that.
Good luck!

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 88
FAR - 80
REG - NINJA in Training

Go get em!

[noclady]

Taking BEC on Feb. 9th. I started writing notes using the Cornell Method. It has helped me A LOT! I only just started studying last week, and it's been scattered, but I'm going to start a more routine study schedule today. I'm listening to the audio on the way to work, as well as the MCQ audio. I really like the pace that the Ninja audio's go because I'm finding that I'm retaining the information better than those fast-talkers on Becker. LOL.

AUD-Ninja in Training

BEC-Ninja in Training

REG-Ninja in Training

FAR-Ninja in Training

[cpaswag]

Can someone help me with sales volume variance question for AIPCA SAMPLE EXAM ? answer was 3,050 unfavorable but I don't get how/why

[liz]

Taking BEC on January 12.
Using Roger CPA Review.

I've taken FAR and REG, sadly failed both. I'm a full time employee at a CPA firm and our busy audit season is over soon. I started studying for BEC on Monday… *sigh*….. taking a new approach by focusing on multiple choice questions instead of watching/listening to review course. If I don't understand the question I jump into the book and start reading to find the answer… if I still don't understand I watch the lecture for clarification.

As someone that has failed two exams I can definitely admit I didn't study enough nor did I get through all of the material. These next 30 days will be different. I'll keep you guys posted 🙂

[Mario]

Hello cpa swag do you remember the numbers in the problem?

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 77
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - 80

Step by step to the CPA

[YouCanDoIt]

Exam date: Feb. 27th
First time taking BEC.
Any first time BEC studying tips will be appreciated. I haven't been able to really get started studying BEC yet, I think it's because I am waiting for Dec. 19th scores.

AUD - 77
BEC - 79
FAR - 75
REG - 80

Won't know until you try.

[esyc]

@Cpaswag
“Assume that the contribution margin is equivalent to the operating margin.”

Sales volume variance for operating income = standard contribution margin * (Actual volume sold – Standard volume sold)
= $6.10 * (9500 units – 10000 units)
= $3,050 unfavorable

AUD - 81
BEC - 75
FAR - 83
REG - 85

Roger + Wiley Test Bank

[red07]

Hey everyone
taking the BEC exam on Jan 9th.
i am using Becker and wasted alot of time taking notes.
i figured listening to the lecture and reading the text helped me alot in understanding and retaining.
Also rewriting Ninja notes for each section i go through and listening to Ninja audio too.
Best of luck everyone

In Training

[cpaswag]

Ryan Co. projects the following monthly revenues for next year:

January $100,000 July $250,000
February 500,000 August 275,000
March 425,000 September 300,000
April 450,000 October 350,000
May 575,000 November 400,000
June 300,000 December 525,000
Ryan's terms are net 30 days. The company typically receives payment on 80% of sales the month following the sale and 17% is collected two months after the sale. Approximately 3% of sales are deemed bad debt. What amount represents the expected cash collection in the second calendar quarter of next year?

A.
$1,450,000

Correct B.
$1,393,750

C.
$1,325,000

D.
$1,234,250

EXPLANATION : 17% February Sales = $500,000 x 0.17 = $ 85,000
97% March Sales = $425,000 x 0.97 = 412,250
97% April Sales = $450,000 x 0.97 = 436,500
80% May Sales = $575,000 x 0.80 = 460,000
———-
Total 2nd Quarter Collections $1,393,750

My question : why 97% for March and April and 80% for may?

[Globetrotter]

Cpaswag,
For March sales, if not collected after May 31, the sales is uncollectable – 3%. Thus, 97% is collected. The same for April sales. If not collected after June 30th, the sale will not be collected.
For May sales, 80% will be collected through June 30th. The other 17%, in July – but this is not the quarter in question.
I hope this helps.

AUD - 94
BEC - 87
FAR - 87
REG - 87

BEC - 87 (03/2019)

AUD - 94 (11/2018)

REG - 87 (06/2019)

FAR - 87 (08/2018)

[Asabashe]

Taking BEC January 14. Feeling pumped after getting my score for Reg today. I passed it and ready to pass the second one.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - 80

I Can Do This!!

[To0ld2Pass]

Taking Jan 5th and using Becker.

Passed FAR and REG, but last exam I took was AUD and failed it. I'm so burnt out on studying and having a hard time with cost accounting atm. My mind just isn't wanting to take anything in, especially after not getting a pass on AUD.

Work starts Jan 9th and then into audit busy season. Maybe mind just needs a break!

AUD - 81
BEC - 79
FAR - 76
REG - 78

Always chose the road less traveled.

[Diana]

Help!!!
Okay so I have Roger and just signed up with Ninja this week.
I’m desperate; a mom of an active 2 year old boy, wife of a useless husband (haha – sorry but he’s no help & I give up trying to get it), and work FT.

OK taking BEC jan 2nd.
I’ve gone through all of Rogers videos and sections and most of the Qs once.

What should I do?! I feel like taking all these notes has been useless because I end up using the books and/or print outs.

What should I hammer in? What sections/topics?

Any advice is helping!

I need a good way to review because I keep switching back and forth on things and I think it’s ruining SO much time.

Let your biggest failures be your biggest motivators.

we are all trying to better ourselves; we made it this far, we got this!!

 

 

[sg235]

@Diana- I hear you on the switching back and forth.
I may not be the best to answer this since I didn't pass the exam myself last window but study COSO, IT main stuff, variances, breakeven. Do the TBS as they usually encompass a fair bit of the concepts. Read through your notes first to give yourself a good refresher and hopefully practice with TBS and MCQ will help sink everything in. Good luck!

AUD - 86
BEC - 81
FAR - 80
REG - 80

They were on to something when they said do it right the first time..

[Diana]

@sg235

Thank you! Okay I will do that! It’s so hard sticking to ONE thing.
I actually kept skipping the TBS questions because I’m always SO tired.
But you honestly just motivated me by responding. Tomorrow morning I plan starting all the TBS questions and finishing them first.

It’s always good to hear it from someone else speaking directly to you! Even though after FAR I kept thinking wow I should have practiced more TBS lol

Let your biggest failures be your biggest motivators.

we are all trying to better ourselves; we made it this far, we got this!!

 

 

[sg235]

@Diana.. haha yes it does help to hear it!
Also the TBS are much more time consuming so plan for those. It always takes me longer to get through them.
Also, understand elasticity and the basics of supply and demand and market types.. monopoly etc.
I think those are important to know.
Also, not sure if Roger has a feature to flag questions or you wrote any down during your first go round that were difficult or you felt were important, work through those again as well.

AUD - 86
BEC - 81
FAR - 80
REG - 80

They were on to something when they said do it right the first time..

[eleppla7896]

I'm taking BEC again on 1/5/2019, and I heard the ACIPA practice exam is typically very similar to what is on the actual exam. When I went to go take their sample exam, there were only 10 MCQs and 3 SIM testlets with 1-2 SIMs in each. Is this right? I was expecting something more similar to the actual exam in terms of length.

Thanks!

[sg235]

@Eleppala I have the same question. I also thought there would be more questions since everyone says it is similar to the actual exam. But I had the same experience as you.. if that helps at all.

AUD - 86
BEC - 81
FAR - 80
REG - 80

They were on to something when they said do it right the first time..

[sg235]

Econ question if anyone can help- how is the increase in bank reserves expansionary? Perhaps they are saying this in a different context than I am understanding? Thanks

Question – The primary mechanism of monetary control of the Federal Reserve System is:
Answer- Conducting open market operations.
Explanation- Open market operations (buying and selling government securities) are the primary means used by the Fed to control the money supply. Fed purchases are expansionary. They increase bank reserves and the money supply. Fed sales are contractional. If money is paid into the Federal Reserve, bank reserves are reduced, and the money supply decreases.

AUD - 86
BEC - 81
FAR - 80
REG - 80

They were on to something when they said do it right the first time..

[Diana]

@sg235

Think of it this way…

You have expansions and contractions.

How will the federal reserve system help to stimulate the economy and help it expand?
INCREASE the money supply
How will they do that?
They will spend their money; “increase government/fed spending”.
Putting $$$ in the economy, more money in banks; which I think is what they probably mean by “increase banks reserve”.
More money in the economy – means banks have more, so they’ll not only distribute/loan to consumers, but they’ll also have more in their vault. More money in vault = more lending.
People getting loans = they buy more.
Economy keeps expanding.
More spending of gov leads to lending from banks
Leading to more jobs from businesses, which decreases unemployment rate. Etc.

If a certain question confuses me and i spend more than a few minutes on it; I normally google it. Don’t underestimate how effective a 3 minute YouTube video can be when you’re confused! In all honesty I think the info I google I seem to remember later on!

Let your biggest failures be your biggest motivators.

we are all trying to better ourselves; we made it this far, we got this!!

 

 

[sg235]

Thanks Diana. I tried to google it first but didn't come up with a specific solution to the bank reserves part. The rest of it made total sense but I was hung up on how increasing bank reserves is expansionary based on that specific answer since that is contradictory of expansion. Maybe that is simply all it meant that more money just leads to more reserve like you said, as the 20% of $1M will obviously be higher than 20% of 500k. Thanks! Good luck in a couple of days!

AUD - 86
BEC - 81
FAR - 80
REG - 80

They were on to something when they said do it right the first time..

[Tiorys]

Hi everyone! Has anyone sat for the exam yet this window? I wanted to get an idea of what topics are heavily tested. Thanks!

AUD - 85
BEC - 81
FAR - 75
REG - 86

All of our sacrifices will bear fruit soon enough!

[To0ld2Pass]

@Tiorys, only seen one post so far and person said the first testlet was calculation heavy. Which sucks because I think i've had the hardest time out of all exams on this one. I take it tomorrow so we will see!

AUD - 81
BEC - 79
FAR - 76
REG - 78

Always chose the road less traveled.

[SAMP03]

I am taking my BEC exam on Jan 15th, I have one week to go before my exam, but with work schedules and all. I have maybe 4 days of pure studying time left. I scored 69 and an horrible 62 (score went down!!) on the my becker ME1 and ME2 respectively. So getting a little nervous right now. Any last minutes tips or any words of advice would be really appreciated, if you guys know something I should focus on?

Despite endless practise can't get over 65% in BEC 3 and BEC 4 sections.

This is my last exam so there is the added pressure of not letting my FAR score expire in the next 4 months.

AUD - 80
BEC - 87
FAR - 76
REG - 79

If I can do it ....so can you!!

[Diana]

Hi! So I just sat for BEC jan 2nd!
Here is a helpful hint; the aicpa questions and TBS questions…
KNOW THEM!
I was stupid enough to forget about looking at that the night before my exam.
Kinda glanced at it right before my exam; the TBS format of the Tbs I got was VERY similar.
Know WACC, don’t waste too much time trying to remember formulas; memorization does nothing. Actually understand ROI, residual income, IRR, NPV, etc.
Surprisingly not too much of the supply and demand… had like 2 Qs about it lol.
Good luck!

Let your biggest failures be your biggest motivators.

we are all trying to better ourselves; we made it this far, we got this!!

 

 

[red07]

@Diana what do you mean by aicpa questions (the ones in their practice test?)

In Training

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