[jimboace88]

I am fighting hard to get through BEC. It took me much longer than expected to get through all of BEC 5 in Becker and my final review process begins today. I’m used to having a shortened final review process, as that is what I did for both FAR and AUD.

For some reason BEC seems so much harder than FAR or AUD. I am worried this will be the exam that defeats me. The theory questions aren’t so bad but a lot of the calculations just feel impossible to me, particularly variances. I am even supplementing Becker with Roger and Wiley because I think they are THAT BAD at the variances.

Am I focusing too much on my problems with that once topic? What can I do to be as prepared as possible in the next 10 days?

FAR 07/27/11 - 87
AUD 10/01/11 - 85
BEC 11/15/11 - 87
REG 01/03/12 - 92

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, I do believe that variances are something that you need to have a solid understanding of for the BEC exam. In my experience, they were heavily tested. For me, the PURE and DADS mnemonics were extremely useful. Also, you can use “ABA BSA” for the overhead variances – although, from my experience and from what I have heard, they are not as important as the materials and labor variances.

You also should know the sales volume and price variances. There is no mnemonic to help you, but I think it would help you to know those as well.

In addition to the mnemonics, try to apply the formulas in as many MCQs as you can to learn them. I also tried rewriting the formulas and making flashcards.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I agree with AMCCPA – you need to know variances (and all the cost accounting material) really well. The questions on the real exam real test your in depth understanding of the topics, so knowing just the basics won't get it done.

BEC is the trap exam. There is less material than the others, but a lot of fairly complicated stuff. I'd put in just as many hours for it as you do the other exams.

[jimboace88]

Ugh well I just got an 88 on a 100 question progress test that was cumulative from B1-B5. Despite this, I still don't feel too confident.

I think my next step is going to be watching Roger's videos on variances and the financial management material, since those seem to be the areas in which I particularly suck.

FAR 07/27/11 - 87
AUD 10/01/11 - 85
BEC 11/15/11 - 87
REG 01/03/12 - 92

[pattibelle]

@Jimbo – great job on the practice questions! I am struggling with BEC as well and am nervous about it, but at the same time I just want it to be over. I read another post about the PURE DADS mnemonic before I finished BEC 5, so I when I came across it I made sure to use it in the MCQs and have found it helpful. Although I am still struggling with the overhead variances and I think Peter made the ABA BSA explanation more confusing than helpful. I am finally going to watch the WC piece from Becker today and want to make a list of all the mnemonics and formulas to carry around with me all week to review. Other than that, I'm going to do as many MCQs this week as possible and hope for the best come Friday. Good luck with your review!

AUD - 89
REG - 79
FAR - 82
BEC - 84

[Anonymous]

Agreed – I've only taken one section so far (AUD), but I have BEC next week and this material is killing me. I can't see passing this on the first try. I thought B3 was bad, but I can't even get through the B5 MCQs. Also, what worries me is the amount of calculation questions there are in Becker. I think it's helping me nail down the subjects (slowly), but each one takes me so long, I don't know if I'll be able to finish in time, come exam day!

[Anonymous]

thats what she said

[jeff]

Well played, dsal.

[Anonymous]

Touche. You know, that crossed my mind as I was typing, but I really didn't think it would come to that on this forum. But thanks!

[Author]

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