The Ultimate BEC CPA Exam Guide

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BEC CPA Exam Format

The CPA Exam includes four tests. Essentially, candidates have four hours to take each CPA exam section, including BEC. 

As the AICPA explains: “Each of the four Exam sections is broken down into five smaller sections called testlets. These testlets feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBSs). You will receive at least one research question (research-oriented TBS) in the AUD, FAR and REG sections.” 

While the BEC test does not include research-oriented questions, it does include written communication tasks. The AICPA also points out that “Written communication tasks appear only in the BEC section of the CPA Exam. For each of three written communication tasks, you must read a scenario and then write an appropriate document relating to the scenario. The instructions state what form the document should take (such as a memo or letter) and its focus. Your response should provide the correct information in writing that is clear, complete and professional.”

To succeed on the BEC written communication tasks, use general best practices for writing any informative piece. Essentially, your approach should include an outline and a clear thought pattern that the reader can follow.

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BEC CPA Exam Fees

The cost to take the CPA exam varies by state. Typically, this fee is between $50 and $200. Additionally, many candidates purchase CPA review courses, which may cost from $1,000 to $2,500. Technically, this isn’t a direct exam fee. However, the necessity of additional practice questions and other review materials for earning a passing exam score means that most students taking the CPA BEC exam should account for these costs in their budgeting.

Once you understand how the BEC test format works and you pay your fees, review the frequently tested BEC topics.

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BEC CPA Exam Questions

Here are four topics that you’ll see on every BEC test. Use these tips to successfully answer questions on these topics:

1. Business cycle questions

The BEC test includes questions on economic topics. Consequently, these concepts can be challenging, if you haven’t taken an economic course recently or have limited experience with financial statements.

The business cycle is one economic topic that is on every BEC test. As a financial management professional or business owner, you need to understand the phases of the business cycle and how they impact the economy. Essentially, the cycle is determined using gross domestic product (GDP), which measures total US economic output.

Your BEC test will ask you to identify each of the four phases of the cycle. Additionally, you must know the phases in the correct order. While the length of time of each cycle can vary, the phases do occur in a predictable order:

• Peak: After a period of economic expansion, the economy reaches a peak of economic activity and then transitions into a contraction. 
• Contraction: The economy is shrinking in this phase. Typically, GDP growth may slow to a growth rate of zero or even negative growth. Toward the end of this phase, unemployment will start to increase because fewer jobs are needed.
• Trough: The economy “hits bottom” in this phase, then the economy moves into an expansion phase.
• Expansion: GDP grows during the expansion phase. At the end of this phase, the economy may start to “overheat”, which means that growth and inflation are both growing at a relatively fast rate.

You’ll definitely see questions on this important economic topic, so get informed!

2. Policies that impact the economy

To answer questions on the economic portion of the BEC test, you need to understand how certain entities impact economic activity.

For example, the federal government uses fiscal policy to impact the economy. This policy may include tax cuts, increased government spending, or both.

The US central bank, on the other hand, uses monetary policy to impact the economy via the Federal Reserve System (FED). The FED manages the supply of money available in the economy and the money supply affects interest rates. 

Assume, for example, that the FED reduces the amount of money in the economy by selling government bonds. As the FED sells bonds, investors exchange money for bonds and the supply of money in the economy declines. Consequently, these actions force interest rates up and higher interest rates typically slows the economy.

Ultimately, you need to study both fiscal and monetary policy and how each type of policy impacts economic activity.

3. Cost accounting topics

Cost accounting may be the most difficult area of accounting because the language differs from financial accounting, managerial accounting, and other topics. However, the BEC test covers a number of cost accounting topics, so this is information that you need to know!

Every BEC test asks questions about four types of costs: direct costs, indirect (overhead) costs, period costs, and product costs. To understand these concepts, think of these terms in pairs.

First, consider direct and indirect costs. Direct costs can be directly traced to a product or service. If you manufacture baseball gloves, for example, the leather material used and the labor costs incurred to make the gloves are direct costs.

Alternatively, indirect costs cannot be directly traced to a product. Instead, these costs must be allocated based on an activity level. The baseball manufacturer, for example, incurs utility costs to heat and cool the factory. Those costs can be allocated to each baseball glove using direct labor hours incurred, or some other activity level.

Next, think about period vs. product costs as a second pair of terms. Period costs, such as insurance premiums and interest expenses, are incurred due to the passage of time. Product costs include material and labor costs that can be directly traced to production.

Make sure that you’re crystal clear about these four terms.

4. Foreign currency BEC exam questions

This may be the most difficult concept on the CPA exam. Unfortunately, you’ll see some questions related to this topic on BEC. Truthfully, many students skip these difficult questions. However, you can use this discussion to answer foreign currency questions and conquer this specific MCQ testlet!

Here’s a simplified example: assume that Standard Bikes is a US-based bike manufacturer that sells bikes in France, which uses the Euro. The current exchange rate is $1 US to .70 Euro. Hence, if Standard sells a bike for 700 Euros, they can be converted into 1,000 US dollars.

When you get a currency question, create a simple example like this so that you can understand how the current exchange rate impacts the money received or paid.

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CPA BEC Practice Exams

Before you start working practice exams, take a look at the most current AICPA Blueprint for the BEC test. This document lists the percentage of test questions for each topic.

After you work a practice exam and review your incorrect answers, refer to the Blueprint. If you missed a number of questions on a topic that is heavily tested, invest more time to review that particular concept.

This strategy will help you use your study time effectively, and focuses your efforts on the most-tested material. Here are some more tips that can save you time and help you get the most out of your study materials!

Create a study plan

Estimates vary, but most CPA exam candidates spend 300-400 hours to study for and pass the CPA exam. To make the most of your available time, create a written plan. 

Putting a plan in writing forces you to consider other time commitments, such as your work schedule, personal commitments, holidays, etc. Create a plan to set up a reasonable amount of time to study for each test.

Use the AICPA practice exams

Most CPA candidates purchase study materials that offer practice exams, but don’t forget that the AICPA offers some free sample tests. Use this free resource.

Stick to Your Plan

Passing the BEC test requires a huge time commitment, and the process can feel overwhelming. Use the tips listed here to study effectively and to pass the BEC test!