BEC Study Group – Q1 2018 - Page 13

How have your experiences been with studying the IT portion of the exam and how they translated to the actual exam? While doing these ninja mcq sets and seeing these IT questions, I sometimes get the feeling it's impossible to be 100% certain and prepared for IT like how you would be for other topics (COSO or cost accounting).

Hey Everyone! I passed reg in December and then with holidays/family and now busy season I have not got a jump onto the next like I should have. I started studying for BEC and really overwhelmed by the amount of math and formulas that were in the Becker study program. For those who have sat for the exam recently, is it as math intensive as becker makes it seem it will be? Or more concept? Or it depends on which version of the exam you get?

Further, how do you all find it best to study? Flashcards for the formulas? I was thinking about ordering the becker flashcards so I can at least feel like I can sit and just knock out some review easier than having to get out my book and everything. It is amazingly difficult to study with busy season and a family/kids. If they sold a encouragement in a can I would probably buy some. Good luck to you all!

I'm finding the BEC questions to be rather cerebral.
I'm not sure if brute force memorization of formulas if the key, or just knowing how to solve for what they are asking for is more important.
Specifically relating to variances. It seems as long as you know which variables to use, actual or standard, you can flow through the MCQ's using critical thinking, as long as you understand what they are asking for.

Now I see why there are so few questions per testlet in this exam though.
It's tricky for sure.

As for formulas – the best method for memorization will really depend on your learning style. For me, hammering MCQs helped cement most of the frequently used formulas in my brain which worked well enough. I didn't have any problems with surprise formulas last time around. I've seen some people talk about writing them out multiple times leading up to the exam, and others use flashcards. However, might I suggest the Quizlet app for flashcards to save some money? It's free and there are sets that people have created for BEC that you can use.

@ReckedRacing definitely understand variances, but I agree with your assessment on the questions.

The standard 4 variances all strike me as super simple if you think through it.
The overhead variances. I understand conceptually, spending, efficiency, volume. controllable vs non-controllable.
The theory side of it seems to be clicking, but the actual calculations of the overhead variances are catching me.
I might need to read that chapter over in the Gleim book to see if their formulas help me to understand it.

I'm through about 400 (half) the questions in Roger, and pulling about 83% so far. Variances pulled me down from 85%.
Polling higher on BEC than I have on the other 3 sections on my first pass through, so I'm feeling hopeful.
Keep on trucking.

I Passed!!

Yeah, that's not accurate I don't think @ReckedRacing. Pretty sure I had at least one ERM question last month. Or maybe I'm just confusing my study with my exam. That is also a possibility. But I'm pretty I was studying that last year, also.

Just began studying using Wiley and yes, there are a couple ERM lessons.

Also, anyone else using Wiley, what's with the guy in the first lesson with a plastic snake on his shoulder?! lol this is going to be a fun final exam