I got my BEC scores in today… I passed BEC with an 80.
BEC Score: 80
- Business Structures – 15hrs
- Economics – 10hrs
- Financial Management – 10hrs
- Information Technology – 10hrs
- Planning & Measurement – 3hrs
I guesstimate that I studied about 40-50 hours total for BEC.
While studying, Business Structures seemed so simple and straightforward, but of course the exam questions are always wordy and use discriminatory language to keep things vague.
Economics – I felt like I spent too much time studying difficult questions I would never get asked, but this definitely helped me grasp economics. Allan Bizzel of CPAexcel made Economics so easy to learn.
Financial Management – Again, props to Allan Bizzel of CPAexcel for his lectures which made studying for this section effortless.
Information Technology – Dan Stone of CPAexcel is awesome. Definitely prepared me well for IT. CPAexcel has the BEST IT study module out there. Anyone having problems with BEC’s IT (or Economics and Financial Management) should definitely check out CPAexcel. Yaeger’s coverage of IT and Economics is TERRIBLE. In fact, Yaeger doesn’t cover those sections… they just tell you to read the chapter. CPAexcel actually covers the material with their lectures using slides to drill down the hierarchies and definitions (and cheesy umbrella hats aka preventative controls).
Planning and Measurement – I didn’t have enough time to really study for this section. I only covered basic Cost Concepts dealing with terminology and only glanced over balance scorecard and TQM-like stuff.
I passed using CPAexcel and Wiley book for extra questions. Yaeger didn’t help me at all (and I’d like to mention that I only watched the first 3 or 4 disks which were a complete waste of time).
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have one main questions: Did you have (and use) the CPAexcel textbook (not just the study e-notes)?
I am wondering how great the review questions are from their textbook, compared to wiley textbook. And how well the lectures follow along with the textbook. I have been trying to decide whether i should buy all four sections of yaeger or all 4 sections with textbook of CPAexcel. I know i need a hardcover book in front of me to highlight and write notes in along with the video lectures. And I think i might go insane with yaegers lack of organization. But i want to make sure that CPAexcel has enough review questions and in-depth explanations to cover most of what i will see on the exam. Any suggestions!?
Last, a little crazy, i know. I am considering craming as much studying as i can into the month of december before i start an internship at a CPA firm in January 2011. I’d like to take all four parts of the exam during the first session on Jan/Feb. I can see that your hours are pretty lenghy for FAR review. I havent even started yet, but am wondering if i am crazy to think i can study 6-8 hours, 6 days a week+ and get through enough to pass. I am graduating with my Masters in Acct this dec. so i am pretty fresh on most things. But i know i need a good review for the key points and things i’ve forgotten over the last couple years. If i study all of Dec. and review during free time after work in Jan, do you think it is possible? I will be completely out of school and work for the majority of Dec. with nothing else to do. Here’s to hoping and wishing i might be able to just fly by and get it out of the way. Stupid idea probably! But my other option is studying in dec. and taking two parts in jan. and hoping that i can pull myself together around may-july to study and take last two exams.
Let me know what you honestly think. Thanks for the help!
Alex.
I didn’t have the textbook so I’m not sure if the e-textbook is different from the physical textbook. The beauty of the e-text is that you can easily print the topic if you want it on paper. If you really can’t see yourself reading from a computer, then just buy the textbook because you’ll likely end up printing everything and lose alot of study time organizing papers.
As for you questions about all 4 sections in the first window, I’d say it’s possible. You should definitely think on it more. Try going to Barnes and Nobles, find the Wiley CPA Review books, and do the Practice Test that they have at the back. It’s very representative of the exam. BTW, I like the idea of knocking them all out as quickly as possible because taking your time can cause study fatigue and loss of motivation. I think all 2 or 3 sections in a single window is easily do-able. All 4 is risky and requires crazy time management. (*I say that 3 sections is easily do-able, but remember that I also had alot more time to study, 3-4 months for FAR.)
*This is just a quick reply to your questions. I will write a more detailed response later, but I’m studying right now! ;)
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