[O.K]

Hey Everyone!

Just started my crazy CPA journey, and scheduled my first 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 guys 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 wayyyy too much time, and at the end of the day, I don’t have enouugh time to practice MCQs cuz I’m spending over 2/3 hours looking at the videos and taking my own notes. *sigh*.

Is there another time effective way of studying BEC considering I only have 4-ish weeks till my exam?

[CH89]

Hi there,

I have not taken or studied for BEC yet, but I was in a similar position as you, spending a lot of time taking notes and not enough time practicing the questions. I found it more efficient to read the material, and take notes on things I may not have fully understood, then go straight to the MCQ regarding that particular section and write down anything that I got wrong or guessed. I learned better from the MCQ, as it really helped gain a full understanding of the concepts.

If it helps, my schedule for studying worked like this, in the morning for and hour or two I would do MCQ on the material I covered in the prior day. Come the evening, after work, I was reading and making my way through the material.

[sg235]

You could do only the MCQs first and then see where you are weak and just don't get a topic and watch videos for that. Also like said CH89 read the text in addition to MCQs.
Unless you really don't know the topics at all but I'm sure they will start coming together as you go through the MCQ from experiences at school and work… like the terminology will start making sense.
Watch videos for FAR, that you may need them on more.

[sheskierk]

My test is scheduled for DEC 10th and currently in final review mode. I was able to pass the other 3 parts on first try and was thinking BEC was going to be the easiest, but I am finding it the most difficult to connect due to the random topics covered. I feel like I have a good general understanding on most of the topics but these BECKER MC are really screwing me right now. I feel like the Becker lectures for BEC do not align to a lot of the multiple choice problems that I am encountering. Really hoping I get a lot of theory questions for my test, because as of right now I really do not feel confident at all. And can someone please confirm my assumptions regarding the cost accounting topic. Total cost of jobs completed = DM + DL + MOH. But total manufacturing costs, or cost of goods manufactured = DM + DL + MOH BEG WIP – END WIP? I keep seeing different calculation in this becker questions and its getting really frustrating. Thank you.

FAR – 76
AUD – 77
REG – 85
BEC- DEC 10TH

[lam2848]

@Sheskierk I agree that BEC is all over the place. My exam is next week and I'm currently reviewing everything but having the most trouble with the IT stuff.

In regards to your question the total cost of jobs completed and total cost of goods manufactured are two different numbers. The cost of jobs completed are simply just the total cost per job. However these cost normally differ from the cost actually applied, which is the cost of goods manufactured. So both of your formulas are correct but the cost of goods manufactured is the amount of cost that will be applied to finished goods.

[sheskierk]

Thank you for your response. Within Becker, I am having the most trouble with the B2 section and B4. There are so many different formulas within those sections, its really frustrating lol. At this point I am just trying to crush as many MC as I can and hope for the best. Hopefully this exam is easier than these becker mc.

FAR – 76
AUD – 77
REG – 85
BEC – DEC 10TH

[sg235]

@sheskierk – I would also recommend learning the different formulas for CM (contribution margin) in cost acctg. There are several just like some of the other stuff but I think depending on the question sometimes you have to work with one formula and sometimes the other because of the different components in each formula. Not the most cheerful tip but hopefully it will save you some points. Good luck!
I go in on the 6th…fingers crossed.

[sdk4747]

On Becker, I would speed up the lectures to 1.25 speed, just gut through them and then spend the rest of your valuable time practicing MCQs. Don't take your own notes, just write down what they tell you to. The formulas are overwhelming at first but once you practice they become second nature.

[Author]

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