[cmcook]

I have finally accepted that BEC is much harder than I would have expected. Mainly I’m overwhelmed with the variation. I have read many threads talking about what to focus on. If I were to condense them all down, it encompasses every concept.

Is it safe to assume there’s a lot of Cost and IT? Because that seems to be what’s mentioned the most. In particular, I’m nervous about calculations regarding capital budgeting. There are some really complex NPV with tax shield comps in Gleim and each one takes me about 8 mins. I can’t imagine having a testlet heavy on those comps. I have followed advice and am just grinding through MCQ’s, but, I don’t want to spend unnecessary time mastering these calculations… it’s taking away from other review I could be doing.

Any advice would be great, thanks.

[shawn in VA]

CMCOOK

I am taking BEC as well on MAR 10. It is my 3rd time . I got 71 and,74 previous. The calculations on both my exam were simple and straighforward. Never took more than 3 mins max (most were less than 2 mins). There was a LOT of conceptual questions. The WC is what messed me up both times. I got FAR topics and god knows what else topics on WC. They were NOT BEC topics by any means.

Good Luck- I hear this window IT/COSO/ECON are tested heavily and the WC are reasonable. We shall see…

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I think BEC is the worst one and I can't imagine what it'll be like post exam changes. That's what motivated me to take one last stab at it. I've taken it at least 3 times and finally passed with a solid 84, even though I was on the verge of breaking down mid-exam because I was positive I would be getting a 40% on this exam.

The biggest game changer was taking notes and more notes and then again NOTES. I always get tested on CAPM. Variances. IT questions always drive me nuts. Economics questions seem to be relatively tame.

I literally had one sheet of “MUST KNOW” notes that I had memorized so as soon as I got into the exam room, I wrote down all of my must know formulas and acronyms on the sheet.

[Good Lordy Me]

Yes, there are cost q's and variances too but nothing that complex. Yes, PV/ NPV / FV tables related but not 8 min complex from what I had. Yes, heavy COSO and IT too.

[ng3926a]

When I studied for bec between dec 10-jan 22 I was stressed out and overwhelmed. I kept thinking why the heck does everyone say BEC is the easiest. Studying for it felt impossible but when I got to the exam it wasn't too bad. Just review review review all the concepts and practice all the main calcs. If you're taking your time to understand things, you will be fine. Also for the WC don't over think it. Have a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Btw I used Becker and ninja audio. Relax and good luck!

[jereumie]

I can't agree more. I underestimated BEC because of the highest pass rates and the length of lectures.
I remember the struggle in the first week of study.

[cmcook]

Awesome, thanks everyone! shawn in VA – I saw a few FAR and AUD practice WC's in prep and I thought “no way they'll test something not BEC related!”. Thanks for the heads up. I, too, have heard the written is totally not bad this time around. Thank goodness.

Nathalia – thanks for the reminder of a simple beginning/middle/end. I could see getting tunnel vision and overlooking something as simple as that. Also, I'll definitely take the tip to write down all my “must know” formulas, etc., right when I walk in – and very relieved to hear this won't be chock full of super duper complex capital budgeting formulas.

Maybe I've got a chance… 🙂

Thanks again!!!

[Author]

Replies