[mkrohmer]

My test is 3 weeks from today and I was planning on finishing F9 within the next 2 days and then F10 within the week so I have 2 weeks of review. The problem is I have hit a wall. Governmental is the first topic that I completely have no idea whats going on. I know its a significant portion of the test and can’t just “wing it.” Here’s where I stand: I watched the Becker F8 lecture, did some of the MCQ and scored horribly, read the chapter and my friends notes, did some more MCQ, reread the chapter and took notes, then I finished the MCQ. My overall score on all the Becker F8 questions is a 38% and I normally score in the 65-70% range my first time through. I flat out just do not understand governmental accounting. I’ve searched Another71 blogs and haven’t found anything that really explains it.

I understand that governmental uses modified accrual and proprietary and fiduciary use full accrual. I get that there is no current assets or long term debt in governmental. I get the whole expenditure vs expense concept. I have memorized the fund types of each and have a general understanding of what each one’s roles are. I feel like having this understanding should be enough to at least understand the underlying concepts behind governmental accounting. I just can’t seem to get a handle on the MCQ. I cannot grasp how the funds respond in relation to eachother when I feel like at this point I should.

My other issue is that F9 (Governmental and NFP) uses the concepts from F8 to apply to the government wide FS. Does anyone recommend going through F9 at this point when I really don’t understand the funds? My only other option at this point is to go onto F10 and then come back to F8 and 9 afterwards hoping that something just clicks.

I was wondering if anyone has tips/tricks that helped them get through this section. Also any advice on how you think I should approach the topic/the idea to move on and come back, would be greatly appreciated.

BEC - 83 (1/23/15)
FAR - 80 (4/3/15)
REG - 88 (5/14/15)
AUD - 81 (7/3/15)

[Anonymous]

@mkrohmer, Hi I was exactly like in your situation about a month ago. I got the concept of Ch 8 and Ch 9 like you did, but I just couldn't get “MCQ”s. On the real CPA exam, they don't really ask complicated stuff like Becker does (at least in my case). So although I had somewhat limited knowledge of Ch 8/9, I was able to pass FAR.

This is what I did when I was studying. I went through Ch8 and Ch9 once, then moved on to Ch 10. When I finished Ch10, I just did tons of progress tests that included Ch 8 and Ch 9. (i.e. I didn't go back to Ch 8 and Ch 9 to review everything) I reviewed area that I thought they were (more) important like Ch 4,5,6 (but this is my subjective view. My co-worker thinks Ch8 and 9 are “more” important. I guess it depends on how you see it).

[Anonymous]

You actually have a real good grasp on it. I'll echo what the other poster said in that Becker government MCQ's are nuts. I highly recommend you get Ninja MCQ as a supplement and start taking the questions today. They're more in line with what you'd see on the exam. I will say though that when I used them I rotated with my Becker questions because I think it's important to be able to understand the complex questions at least a little bit.

[mkrohmer]

Thanks guys, this is a huge relief. I found that to be the case on a few topics when I took BEC and was hoping it was the case here. I know it all depends on the questions you get during the test but 2 friends (scored 82 and 75) said don't focus on governmental too much but another friend who scored a 96 said its very important and spend a lot of time on the subject. Anyway, I guess I will take your advice and go through F9 and move on. Thanks for the advice.

BEC - 83 (1/23/15)
FAR - 80 (4/3/15)
REG - 88 (5/14/15)
AUD - 81 (7/3/15)

[nika_cpa]

I actually liked Becker mcqs for everything including gov and nfp! They are very close to the actual exam. My far exam was not easy… i had tons of calculation and Becker did a great job to prepare me. But you must be diligent – daily progress tests are a must to keep far material fresh!

Becker self-study, Wiley Test Bank and books, Becker final review. NINJA MCQ bank and NINJA notes for BEC only!

AUD - PASSED!
FAR - PASSED!
REG - PASSED!
BEC - PASSED!

[Author]

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