[Anonymous]

Hello everyone,

I’m new to this forum and my CPA journey, so sorry if this post is a little long….Lately I have been practicing using the AL tab on AUD sims for Becker. I’m 100% CERTAIN that I’ve found the correct, word for word answer, and then I look at the solution and it’s completely different, in a completely different section normally. The following is an example:

Question:

Management of Cooper Industries has identified, evaluated, and accounted for various issues related to litigation, claims, and assessments. Lauren, CPA, would like to obtain further corroboration of the information provided by management, and would like management to send a letter of audit inquiry to the lawyer for Cooper Industries. What guidance is provided by AICPA Professional Standards with respect to the matters that should be covered in this letter?

I chose AU-C 337.09: “The matters that should be covered in a letter of audit inquiry include, but are not limited to….”

But the correct answer was AU-C 501.22, which is a bit more complex, but still similar.

Sorry that I’m not able to post the actual standards, but I can’t copy and paste out of the SIM, and they are a lot to type.

Long story short – how are you guys making sure you have the 100% CORRECT answer with the research questions? It seems like a lot of the questions can be answered by different paragraphs! I definitely don’t want to lose points on these “easy” SIMs.

[MonkeyVA]

I'm pretty sure I never got a research question right when practicing with Becker. I had the same problem you're having. I'd look it up and it would seem exactly perfect, and then the solution would be completely different. However, when I took the actual exam, I know I got it exactly right because I looked for the answer twice in 2 different ways, and got the word for word answer. I think Becker only has one solution and I'm wondering if the exam has several possibilities that may refer to it, so you could possibly use a different section and still get it right.

AUD - 77!!!
FAR - 71, 73, 72, 73, 77!!! DONE!
BEC - 75!
REG - 75!

[MonkeyVA]

I'm pretty sure I never got a research question right when practicing with Becker. I had the same problem you're having. I'd look it up and it would seem exactly perfect, and then the solution would be completely different. However, when I took the actual exam, I know I got it exactly right because I looked for the answer twice in 2 different ways, and got the word for word answer. I think Becker only has one solution and I'm wondering if the exam has several possibilities that may refer to it, so you could possibly use a different section and still get it right.

AUD - 77!!!
FAR - 71, 73, 72, 73, 77!!! DONE!
BEC - 75!
REG - 75!

[mikecuh]

I have the same issues.. Are we supposed to use AU-C instead of AU in the case that both contain the correct answer??

[mikecuh]

I have the same issues.. Are we supposed to use AU-C instead of AU in the case that both contain the correct answer??

[JimmyChoo]

You know I am having the same issue @5280_CPA_Hopeful. I am also using Becker and running into the same type of problem where I think I have the correct section, but I am picking the incorrect one. MonkeyVa's reply seems very plausible that Becker may only have one right answer as the real exam may have several.

I hear the best way to increase your chances of scoring on the research question is to become familiar with the authoritative literature, which is offered for free (for 6 months) for CPA examiners on the AICPA website. Besides if you become familiar with the layout of the authoritative literature it will help you study along the way. I also think the AUD exam is so tricky with the way they word the question, that it is also possible that you may be misinterpreting the call of the question.

If someone can provide some better guidance that would be great!

AUD: 71,66
FAR: 52, 56, 69, 73(shoot me)
REG:
BEC:

[JimmyChoo]

You know I am having the same issue @5280_CPA_Hopeful. I am also using Becker and running into the same type of problem where I think I have the correct section, but I am picking the incorrect one. MonkeyVa's reply seems very plausible that Becker may only have one right answer as the real exam may have several.

I hear the best way to increase your chances of scoring on the research question is to become familiar with the authoritative literature, which is offered for free (for 6 months) for CPA examiners on the AICPA website. Besides if you become familiar with the layout of the authoritative literature it will help you study along the way. I also think the AUD exam is so tricky with the way they word the question, that it is also possible that you may be misinterpreting the call of the question.

If someone can provide some better guidance that would be great!

AUD: 71,66
FAR: 52, 56, 69, 73(shoot me)
REG:
BEC:

[littlenumberrobot]

I didn't use Becker, but have you all tried the AICPA free sample exam? They have a research simulation that is just like the exam, I am sure that would be helpful.

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[littlenumberrobot]

I didn't use Becker, but have you all tried the AICPA free sample exam? They have a research simulation that is just like the exam, I am sure that would be helpful.

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[sieverd]

Do they give you the answers and score after those free exams by the AICPA?

REG: 80 (4/1/13)
BEC: 87 (5/29/13)
FAR: 82 (7/31/13)
AUD: 63, 69, 86 (1/3/14)

"Separation is in the preparation" - Russell Wilson

Using Becker Self Study & Ninja Audio

[sieverd]

Do they give you the answers and score after those free exams by the AICPA?

REG: 80 (4/1/13)
BEC: 87 (5/29/13)
FAR: 82 (7/31/13)
AUD: 63, 69, 86 (1/3/14)

"Separation is in the preparation" - Russell Wilson

Using Becker Self Study & Ninja Audio

[mhueycpa]

501.22 is specific to legal counsel “Communication With the Entity’s Legal Counsel” whereas 337 “This section provides guidance on the procedures an independent auditor should consider for identifying litigation, claims, and assessments and for

satisfying himself”. 337 talks about the actual procedures that the Auditor would take, 501.22 spells out how the communication should be made. Its a Form vs. Content difference, if this helps at all. I studied using Becker for Aud, got a 93. Act. exam research SIMS is just as confusing/specific. but always look for that “best” answer even if you find a “good” one as you did.

THE 300 CLUB WILL DO JUST FINE!

[mhueycpa]

501.22 is specific to legal counsel “Communication With the Entity’s Legal Counsel” whereas 337 “This section provides guidance on the procedures an independent auditor should consider for identifying litigation, claims, and assessments and for

satisfying himself”. 337 talks about the actual procedures that the Auditor would take, 501.22 spells out how the communication should be made. Its a Form vs. Content difference, if this helps at all. I studied using Becker for Aud, got a 93. Act. exam research SIMS is just as confusing/specific. but always look for that “best” answer even if you find a “good” one as you did.

THE 300 CLUB WILL DO JUST FINE!

[Author]

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