[Jane]

Hi all, I was just wondering for those who have taken BEC- I’m studying with Becker and they have very specific memorization tools for COSO Internal Control and ERM, like EBOCA and whatnot to memorize each principle for each concept.

My question is, is this kind of detail truly needed for the exams? Like do I need to know each and every component along with each and every principle to that component? I mean I definitely have a sense of what kind of principles belong to the components, but memorizing to the exact detail that Becker is testing seems a little crazy. If I understand the concepts, and what kinds of things underly each principle, will I be ok? I just don’t want to understudy, but also don’t think I’ll be able to memorize all of these along with every formula that’s already taking up the space in my brain.

Thanks!

[Operation_CPA]

I would just take the time to memorize them – re-write the mnemonics a few times and it will stick! Who is to say you won't get a softball question or two on some of these that are straight memorization? Easy points.

[Anonymous]

I would agree with the recommendation. Additionally, a WC task could hit on any one of those topics. Knowledge of the components will only strengthen your answer.

[TalkNerdyToMe]

I sat for BEC yesterday, and I was really disappointed with the IT and COSO questions on the exam. I was struggling with some cost accounting sections so I made sure I was very strong on IT and COSO, and I don't feel like the questions really tested my knowledge. I remember the study guide saying that the questions for those sections could be very ambiguous and now I see why!

[Jane]

@TalkNedyToMe so by that do you mean by having a general knowledge of the material I will be alright? I really do understand what each component entails, like I said memorizing mnemonics is just not the way I normally operate.

[TalkNerdyToMe]

Let's just say I wish I had spent more time memorizing topics and definitions word for word from Wiley. I was so focused on memorizing formulas and doing MCQs, and I wish I would have spent more time memorizing the basic principles of COSO or COBIT for example. When you do the WC problems in the study material, you will see that they often quote word for word from the study material. Yes, you can easily bang out the WC sections with a basic understanding and just make sure to get the key words in there (that was my approach), but memorization would have made it easier.

[Anonymous]

I just took BEC two days ago and I would recommend writing down the mnemonics a few times and familiarizing yourself with them. I think it's worth knowing them for COSO and ERM because I felt like it was helpful on my exam, especially since there's so many underlying concepts to memorize. Hope this helps!

[Author]

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