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I am the author of How to Pass The CPA Exam (published by Wiley), and I also passed all 4 sections of the CPA Exam on my first try. Additionally, I have led webinars, such as for the Institute of Management Accountants, authored featured articles on websites like Going Concern and AccountingWeb, and I'm also the CFO for the charity New Sight. Finally, I have created other accounting certification websites to help mentor non-CPA candidates. I have already mentored thousands of CPA, CMA, CIA, EA, and CFA candidates, and I can help you too!
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General Education
Are you interested in becoming a certified public accountant? If so, you probably already know that there are several qualifications you need to have met before you can become licensed. Some of those—such as work experience—come with time and patience, but the biggest step towards licensure is to pass the CPA Exam.
But what is the CPA Exam, exactly? And how do you pass it? Well, no worries because this is your complete guide to everything you need to know about taking (and passing) the CPA Exam . In this article, we’ll cover:
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
First, let’s discuss what the CPA Exam is. The test’s actual title is the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination , and it’s developed and scored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant s (AICPA).
But more importantly: the CPA test is necessary to achieve licensure in all 50 states and other U.S. jurisdictions. In other words, you can’t become an accountant if you don’t pass the CPA exam!
The CPA test is a computer-based exam that consists of four separate sections , each of which takes four hours. The four exam sections are separated by topic:
Regulation (reg), business environment and concepts (bec).
Unlike many standardized tests where you have to take the complete test in one sitting, you take the CPA Exam over multiple sessions. You can take as many as two sections in a single session, and you must pass all four within an 18-month timeframe .
Each of the four test sections is further broken down into five sections (called testlets) , and they consist of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. On some exams, you’ll also have written communication tasks, which are longer form writing responses.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three major question types that appear on the CPA exam:
We know you want to know more about the content covered by the CPA exam. We’ll talk about it in a lot more depth a little later in this article!
Each section is scored on a scale of 0-99 points, and you’ll need to score 75 points to pass . This does not mean that 75% is a passing score, though! Each of the testlets is weighted differently, depending upon the section, and points are awarded depending upon the weight.
Here’s how those weights break down for each exam portion:
Also keep in mind that the CPA Exam doesn’t penalize you for wrong answers, so it makes more sense to guess than to leave a question blank.
For a more in-depth explanation of the scoring process, read the AICPA’s site .
Like with everything related to the CPA Exam, the costs and fees vary from state to state. In general, you can expect to pay a $150 application fee, then somewhere between $180-$250 per exam section.
That means the CPA Exam itself will cost you about $1200 to take (fees excluded).
And guess what? There are quite a few fees involved! Some states require you to pay an additional registration fee per test section, which can range between $45 to $65 per section. Additionally, some states require you to take and pass an ethics exam before you can get your licensure, which can run you another $150-$200. And finally, once you pass the exam, you’ll have to pay a licensing fee to your state board. These fees can be as low as $100 or as high as $500!
So let’s see what becoming a CPA could cost you depending on your state:
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That’s a pretty decent chunk of change! Remember that the costs can go higher if you have to retake sections you fail, miss testing dates, or don’t sign up within certain testing windows.
That’s why it’s important to learn as much as you can about the CPA Exam now—it can save you money in the long run!
There are certain requirements regarding who is eligible to take the exam, and those can vary from state to state. We’ve compiled the general requirements below, but be sure to check with your state’s Board of Education to see if there are any additional requirements for CPA Exam test takers.
In all but four states (Alabama, Hawaii, Louisiana, and North Carolina), you must be a U.S. citizen before you are eligible to take the CPA exam. The CPA license itself is only recognized within the U.S. and its territories, so it is largely assumed that you plan to reside and work within the United States. As a result, most candidates seeking licensure are already citizens. If you are not yet a U.S. citizen and are looking into licensure, you’ll need to take the exam in one of the four states listed above.
However, keep in mind that y ou'll also need a Social Security Number in order to take the test . If you are a citizen but do not have a Social Security Number, there are five states that do not require SSNs in order to be eligible (Illinois, Montana, New York, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). Note that these are not the states that let non-citizens take the CPA exam.
If you don’t meet the requirements outlined above, there is a related exam, the U.S. CPA International Qualification Examination (IQEX) , that allows for non-citizen accounting professionals to do business with U.S. organizations that have entered into reciprocity agreements with their governing bodies. In other words, it’s a way for U.S. companies to make sure that their international partners are able to work within and alongside American tax and accounting codes.
The IQEX however, is for non-citizens who intend to live outside the U.S., whereas the CPA exam is for U.S. citizens living within the U.S. and its jurisdictions. If you’re looking to become a certified accountant in the U.S., you must take the CPA Exam.
In all 50 states and all 5 jurisdictions, you need to be over 18 years of age in order to take the CPA exam . If you are not yet 18 years old and want to take the exam, go ahead and start studying—there is no age limit on studying for the CPA exam, and it will give you a head start toward getting started with your career!
The minimum educational experience required to take the CPA exam varies by state. However, most states require at least 120 credit hours or a bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited university before you can sit for the exam. Some states will allow you to take the exam with fewer than 120 credit hours if you are a college senior and close to graduating.
Most states require you to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting before you can take the test. The only states that don’t are Maine, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Georgia, and Alaska . But even though you don’t have to have an accounting degree to take the CPA exam in these states, you still have to have a certain number of accounting courses under your belt. For instance, in Georgia, you have to have 20 hours of accounting courses (18 of which are upper-level) before you can qualify for the exam. In Alaska, however, you can have less than 15 hours of coursework if you have at least one year of work experience in the field.
Having said that, the easiest way to qualify for the CPA Exam is to make sure you’re earning your bachelor’s degree in accounting.
If you’re not sure whether or not you meet all the CPA exam requirements, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy ( NASBA) has developed a quiz you can take to learn whether or not you’re qualified.
Not only will this quiz tell you whether you’ve met the general minimum requirements to take the CPA Exam, it gives you a list of the next steps to take on your journey to becoming a certified public accountant.
Prometric is the company that administers the CPA Exam. (VUTHAOINC / Wikimedia )
Now that you know whether or not you’re qualified to take the CPA exam, let’s talk about how you go about taking it. Just like the ACT or SAT, you have to register to take the CPA Exam. But the process can be a little intimidating!
That’s why we’re here to break it down for you. Here’s everything you need to know about registering for the CPA exam:
The company that administers the CPA exam, Prometric, has an online page that will help you find a testing location and time. There is also a seat availability tool to make sure there is space available in the time you choose.
The CPA exam schedule is given in four quarterly testing windows :
Be sure to check with your individual schools to see when they require you to submit your CPA exam scores. You want to schedule a date that gives you plenty of time to do well on the test!
Before you register for the CPA exam, y ou’ll need to apply to the NASBA directly . Like we mentioned earlier, each state has different requirements for sitting for the CPA exam, so you’ll have to check with your state’s Board of Accountancy to see what you need to submit.
One thing you’ll definitely have to do is send your college transcripts to your state’s Board of Accountancy . These can take a while to get there, so it’s best that you do this well before you submit your application packet. Remember that your school may charge a fee to send your transcripts.
And speaking of fees...most states have application fees. While most states charge around $150 for you to apply for the CPA Exam, that number could be a little higher or lower depending on where you live. Be sure you check to see what the fee is—and if there are fee waiver programs available—for your state.
One thing to note is that you can apply for the exam at any time throughout the year as long as you meet eligibility requirements. There’s not a specific application window, which makes things a little easier!
Once your state board has approved your application, you’ll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT). The ATT allows you to sign up to take one part of the CPA test while the Board finalizes your application. Keep in mind that your ATT is usually good for 90 days, which means you’ll have to schedule your first exam within three months of receiving your ATT . If you don’t, you’ll have to resubmit your application—and pay your application fee—again.
Within three to six weeks of receiving your ATT and registering for your first exam, you will receive your official Notice to Schedule (NTS) . That will allow you to go to Prometric’s page to schedule a seat to take the exam . You won’t be taking all the exam sections on the same day (that would be a long 16 hours)! Your NTS is good for six months (in most states), so you’ll have a six month window to schedule your tests. If your NTS expires before you are able to schedule and pass every section of your exam, you’ll have to apply for another one...which means you’ll have to pay your fees again.
One quick note about test dates: not all exam sections are administered on the same date or at the same location! You definitely don’t want to take a portion of the CPA Exam twice if you don’t have to.
(Alberto G. / Flickr )
Once you show up to the testing center, you’ll need to bring a government-issued identification card (such as your driver’s license) in order to be admitted to the testing site. What notes you can use (if any) and what materials (such as calculators and notepads) you can bring into the site vary by location, so once you’re scheduled, verify with your specific location what you can or cannot use during the test. Likewise if you need disability accommodations, reach out to your testing location to secure them.
Keep in mind that sitting for the CPA Exam can be pretty strenuous. While the exam itself is four hours, it’s split into two chunks (of two hours each) with one 15-minute break in the middle. We highly recommend taking timed practice exams so you’ll be prepared for the exam length and structure come test day!
The AICPA’s website has in-depth tables that show you exactly when you can expect your exam scores to be reported. Typically, there is about a one- to three-week gap between sitting the exam and your CPA exam score release .
Use the tables linked above to determine CPA exam score release dates and when you wish to take the exam. Then you can plan to have your scores in time to begin your work experience and work towards licensure!
Like we mentioned earlier, the CPA Exam is split into four sections which cover different topics. Let’s take a little closer look at each topic.
This section has 72 multiple choice questions and eight task-based simulations. The AUD section tests your ability to perform audits on issuer and non-issuer entities, including benefit plans and federal grants, preparation, compilation, and review procedures. You are expected to “demonstrate knowledge and skills related to professional responsibilities, including ethics, independence and professional skepticism.”
This section consists of 62 multiple choice questions, four task-based simulations and three written communication tasks (i.e. essays). In the BEC, you’ll be tested on your ability to audit, attest, perform accounting and review services, complete financial reporting, prepare taxes, and other professional responsibilities.
This section has 66 multiple choice questions and eight task-based simulations. The FAR section “assesses the knowledge and skills that a newly licensed CPA must demonstrate in the financial accounting and reporting frameworks used by business entities (public and nonpublic), not-for-profit entities and state and local government entities.”
This section consists of 76 questions and eight task-based simulations. It “tests the knowledge and skills that a newly licensed CPA must demonstrate with respect to U.S. federal taxation, U.S. ethics and professional responsibilities related to tax practice, and U.S. business law.”
For an in-depth overview of the CPA exam format and what you’re expected to know, here are the official 2019 test blueprints .
Like we mentioned earlier, there are three major question types on the CPA Exam: multiple-choice questions (MCQs), task-based simulations (TBSs), and written communication tasks (WCTs). Let’s take a look at each of these in a little more detail.
Multiple-choice questions on your CPA test work just like those you’ve been dealing with for four years of school. The exam will posit a question, then you’ll have to choose from four or more answers.
No matter which section you’re taking, the MCQs are worth 50% of your overall score. That means it’s worth making sure you’re answering as many of them correctly as possible.
In general, most experts recommend trying to answer each MCQ in 90 seconds or less. That ensures you’ll have enough time to tackle the other types of questions before you run out of time.
Finally, the CPA Exam is a scaled exam. That means that the more questions you get right, the harder the next testlet becomes. But you’re also rewarded for doing well: harder questions are weighted more, so getting those right will earn you more points.
Task-based simulations account for the other 50% of your exam score on all but the Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) test. You’ll see these questions in the last (or 5th) testlet on each of the subsections. In other words, you’ll end every test answering a selection of TBSs!
These questions are story-based problems. To answer them, you’ll have to make journal entries, match definitions and terms, and/or research topics to deliver credible answers. These questions are designed to mimic real-world problems and test your ability to tackle them!
There are four main types of TBS questions you’ll see:
Research TBSs will require you to research and report answers. To answer these, you’ll just have to use the search function to look up the correct code that provides the correct information. The trick to these is knowing how to use the search function on the exam.
Matching TBSs will give you five to 10 terms that you’ll have to match correctly with the corresponding definitions, numbers, or information. In these instances, you’ll have all the answers present—you just have to match them correctly.
The fill-in-the-blank TBSs are one of the hardest types since there aren’t any provided answers to choose from. You’ll be given a story-based question, then you’ll have to write your answer into the blank box provided. Generally, these answers are based on calculations you’ll have to do using your knowledge and data points provided in the question.
These TBSs come in two varieties: matching and fill-in-the-blank. Generally speaking, you’ll be given a scenario, then you’ll have to calculate and record the answer. This will require you being able to understand the question, since you’ll have to figure out which accounts to use, the amounts to tabulate, and enter them correctly (when the question is fill-in-the-blank).
These types of questions only appear on the BEC exam. These questions are designed to test your knowledge of business concepts. Additionally, they’re testing whether you have the skills to carry out the professional correspondences and duties you’ll have to perform in the real world.
You’ll be given three WCTs to answer, which will comprise 15% of your overall test grade . It will take you about 15 minutes to answer each WCT, but only two of the three will be graded. There’s no way to know which WCTs will count toward your score and which won’t, so it’s important that you do well on all three.
According to the AICPA , these questions are evaluated on both technical content and writing skills. That means you’ll have to answer the questions correctly, but you’ll also have to communicate your response clearly. Some general tips are to use technical language when appropriate, write in complete sentences, and make sure your answer is grammatically correct.
(Marco Verch Professional Photographer / Flickr)
The CPA exam pass rates are quite low. Only about half of takers pass the exam ! You can dive into the specifics of the 2019 pass rates here , but here’s a general breakdown:
You’ll definitely want to study for this test early and often! The material the test covers can be pretty complex, so you’ll want to have a good handle on the test material before you walk in to take your exam.
If you have or are pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance or business, you will have the option of taking a number of classes that will prepare you for the CPA exam, but it’s still a good idea to review all the material you may have picked up in those courses. Even if you’re getting As in your classes, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to review the CPA exam material.
So how can you get some quality studying done for this type of test? There are any number of study guides available online, and the quality and cost of them vary considerably. If you do decide to spend money on any of the services you might find on the Internet, look at them very critically. The CPA exam is quite difficult, and there will not be any easy way to learn the vast amount of information necessary to pass the exam.
It is a very good idea for you to read the AICPA’s blueprints and to use them as a guide to all the information you’ll need to pass. Think of these blueprints as a map to acing the exam. This document breaks down scoring, test topics, and even what skills you’ll need to brush up on to be successful. And the best part? It’s a free resource!
The AICPA also provides sample tests and tutorials t hat will help you study for the CPA test. The sample tests themselves, while not the complete four-hour test, are very rigorous. They take around two hours each to complete, which will also give you a good sense for how it will feel to take the exam on test day. (Side note: we believe that practice tests are one of the best ways to prepare for any exam , so be sure to take advantage of them.)
If you do fail the CPA Exam, don’t feel too bad! About half of all takers fail at least one section every session! Yikes, right? The important thing is to try to figure out what caused you to fail and to try to rebound from it. Remember: you only have to retake the sections that you fail , and you can retake the test as many times as you need (but only once per testing window). Now, the CPA exam is not cheap, so you won’t want to retake it very frequently—but if you’ve come far enough to even qualify to take it in the first place, you’ve come far enough to pass it!
We know becoming certified seems like an impossible task, but we promise: it’s worth it. Being CPA-certified means you will earn about 10% more than your non-certified peers. What’s more, the careers of accountant and auditor are expected to be the fastest growing career fields in the U.S. in the years 2020-2024! Becoming a certified CPA is a great way to make sure you have a fulfilling, stable, and well-paying career for decades to come.
So good luck!
Going to a top accounting program can help you ace your CPA Exam the first time through. Here’s a list of the 12 best accounting schools in the United States . ( And this article can help make sure you get into the school of your dreams!)
It can be tough to study for the CPA Exam, especially if you’re still in school, have familial responsibilities, or are working. To succeed, you’ll have to develop some amazing time management skills. The good news is that anyone can learn how to maximize their time! Check out this article about the 12 best time management strategies that can help you succeed on the CPA Exam and beyond.
Of course, the best time management in the world won’t help you if you’re not sure how to study for a test. It’s important that you’re not just maximizing your time— you need to make sure you’re studying smart, too . This article covers how to study for the GRE , but many of the tips and tricks can apply to studying for the CPA Exam, too.
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BUSINESS STUDIES PAPER 1 GRADE 12 NOVEMBER 2020 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE
NOTES TO MARKERS PREAMBLE The notes to markers are provided for quality assurance purposes to ensure the following:
Introduction | |
Content | |
Conclusion | |
Insight | |
TOTAL |
Layout/Structure | Is there an introduction, a body, and a conclusion? | |
Analysis and interpretation | Is the candidate able to break down the question into headings/subheadings/interpret it correctly to show understanding of what is being asked? Marks to be allocated using this guide: All headings addressed: 1 (One 'A') Interpretation (16 to 32 marks): 1 (One 'A') | |
Synthesis | Are there relevant decisions/facts/responses made based on the questions? Marks to be allocated using this guide: No relevant facts: 0 (Two '-S') Some relevant facts: 1 (One '-S') Only relevant facts: 2 (No '-S') Option 1: Where a candidate answers 50% or more of the question with only relevant facts; no '-S' appears in the left margin. Award the maximum of TWO (2) marks for synthesis. Option 2: Where a candidate answers less than 50% of the question with only OR some relevant facts; one '-S' appears in the left margin. Award a maximum of ONE (1) mark for synthesis. Option 3: Where a candidate answers less than 50% of the question with no relevant facts; two '-S' appear in the left margin. Award a ZERO mark for synthesis. | |
Originality | Is there evidence of one example per topic/subtopic based on recent information, current trends and developments not older than one (1) year? | |
Facts | 32 (max.) |
L | 2 |
A | 2 |
S | 2 |
O | 2 |
TOTAL | 40 |
SECTION A QUESTION 1 1.1 1.1.1 A√√ 1.1.2 C√√ 1.1.3 D√√ 1.1.4 A√√ 1.1.5 B√√ (5 x 2) (10)
1.2 1.2.1 SETAs√√ 1.2.2 National Credit Regulator√√ 1.2.3 SWOT√√ 1.2.4 unemployment insurance fund√√ 1.2.5 purchasing√√ (5 x 2) (10) 1.3
1.3.1 E√√ 1.3.2 G√√ 1.3.3 H√√ 1.3.4 I√√ 1.3.5 F√√ (5 x 2) (10)
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
SECTION B Mark the FIRST TWO answers only. QUESTION 2: BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS 2.1 Types of integration strategies
2.2 Steps in strategy evaluation
Any other relevant answer related to the steps in strategy evaluation. NOTE: Accept steps in any order. Max (6)
2.3 Challenges of business environments and the extent of control
1. GTE could not export their products to other countries during the forced lockdown period.√ | Macro√ | No control√ |
2. Some of their essential employees requested to work from home due to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.√ | Micro/Macro√ | Full control/No control√ |
3. Sally Manufacturers delayed the distribution of personal protective equipment to GTE.√ Submax (3) | Market√ Submax (3) | Partial/Some/Limited/ Less/Little control√ Submax (3) |
2.4 Implications of management control and skills development as BBBEE pillars for businesses 2.4.1 Management control
2.4.2 Skills development
2.5 Legislation 2.5.1 Labour Relations Act/LRA√√ (2) Motivation Martha, an employee at Cindy Bottle Suppliers, was unfairly dismissed for late coming due to road closures because of a service delivery protest/She referred the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) as she was not happy with her dismissal. √ (1) NOTE: Do not award marks for the motivation if the Act was incorrectly identified. Max (3) 2.5.2 Other actions regarded as discriminatory according to the LRA
2.6 Ways in which businesses could deal with challenges posed by the technological and environmental factors of the PESTLE analysis 2.6.1 Technological
2.6.2 Environmental
QUESTION 3: BUSINESS OPERATIONS 3.1 Aspects that should be included in an employment contract
NOTE: Mark the first TWO (2) only. (2 x 1) (2) 3.2 Difference between piecemeal and time-related salary determination methods
Submax (2) NOTE:
3.3 Reasons for the termination of an employment contract
3.4 Recruitment 3.4.1 Type of recruitment from the scenario Internal recruitment√√ (2) 3.4.2 Impact of internal recruitment on businesses Positives/Advantages
AND/OR Negatives/Disadvantages
NOTE: Accept relevant facts if the recruitment method was incorrectly identified as an answer in QUESTION 3.4.1. Max (6) 3.5 Benefits of a good quality management system
NOTE: Mark the first TWO (2) only. (2 x 2) (4) 3.6 Quality indicators of the financial function
3.7 Quality concepts from the scenario
3.8 Impact of total client/customer satisfaction as a TQM element on large businesses Positives/Advantages
QUESTION 4: MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS 4.1 Consumer rights as stipulated in the NCA Consumers have a right to:
NOTE: Mark the first FOUR (4) only. (4 x 1) (4) 4.2 Porter's Five Forces from given statements 4.2.1 The power of competitors/Competitive rivalry √√ 4.2.2 Threat of new entrants to the market√√ (4) 4.3 Types of defensive strategies
Divestiture/Divestment√√
Retrenchment√√
Liquidation√√
NOTE: Mark the first TWO (2) only. Max (6) 4.4 Legislation 4.4.1 Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act/COIDA√√ (2) 4.4.2 Other ways to comply with COIDA
BUSINESS OPERATIONS 4.5 Human resources function 4.5.1 Aspects that should be included in an induction programme
NOTE: Mark the first TWO (2) only. (2 x 1) (2) 4.5.2 Benefits of induction for businesses
4.6 Placement procedure
4.7 Quality circles 4.7.1 Roles of quality circles as part of continuous improvement to processes and systems from the scenario
4.7.2 Other roles of quality circles as part of continuous improvement to processes and systems
NOTE: Do not award marks for responses that were quoted from the scenario in QUESTION 4.7.1. Max (4) 4.8 Ways in which TQM can reduce the cost of quality
[40] TOTAL SECTION B: 80
SECTION C Mark the FIRST question only.
QUESTION 5: BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS (LEGISLATION) 5.1 Introduction
5.2 Purpose of the BCEA
5.3 Provisions of the BCEA Annual leave
Hours of work/Work hours
Child and forced labour
5.4 Impact of the BCEA on businesses Positives/Advantages
5.5 Penalties for non-compliance to the BCEA
5.6 Conclusion
QUESTION 5: BREAKDOWN OF MARK ALLOCATION
Introduction | 2 | Max 32 |
Purpose of BCEA | 10 | |
Provisions of BCEA | 12 | |
Impact of Act on businesses | 14 | |
Penalties for non-compliance with BCEA | 10 | |
Conclusion | 2 | |
Layout | 2 | 8 |
Analysis/Interpretation | 2 | |
Synthesis | 2 | |
Originality/Examples | 2 | |
40 |
LASO – For each component: Allocate 2 marks if all requirements are met. Allocate 1 mark if some requirements are met. Allocate 0 marks where requirements are not met at all
QUESTION 6: BUSINESS OPERATIONS (HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION) 6.1 Introduction
6.2 Selection procedure OPTION 1
OR OPTION 2
NOTE: The procedure may be in any order. Max (12) 6.3 Components of job analysis Job description√√
Job specification√√
NOTE: Mark the first TWO (2) only. Max (12) 6.4 Role of the interviewee during the interview
6.5 Impact of fringe benefits on a business Positives/Advantages
6.6 Conclusion
QUESTION 6: BREAKDOWN OF MARK ALLOCATION
Introduction | 2 | Max 32 |
Selection procedure | 10 | |
Components of job analysis: | 12 | |
Role of interviewee during the interview | 14 | |
Impact of fringe benefits | 10 | |
Conclusion | 2 | |
Layout | 2 | 8 |
Analysis/Interpretation | 2 | |
Synthesis | 2 | |
Originality/Examples | 2 | |
40 |
LASO – For each component: Allocate 2 marks if all requirements are met. Allocate 1 mark if some requirements are met. Allocate 0 marks where requirements are not met at all TOTAL SECTION C: 40 GRAND TOTAL: 150
The BEC CPA exam section stands for Business Environment and Concepts. Out of the four sections that comprise the Certified Public Accountant certification exam, it’s the one that evaluates a candidates’ comprehension of responsibility and professional duty. Hence, understanding management, principle economic concepts, corporate governance, and Informational Technology (IT) is crucial to mastery.
It examines the test-takers’ ability to identify and analyze situations that call upon his knowledge of ethics and the underlying implications/reasoning behind transactions. Let’s look at the details of the BEC section of the CPA exam and what you need to know in order to pass it!
How long is the bec cpa exam section.
BEC is a 4-hour exam.
Corporate Governance : 17% – 27% – these topics include how an entity or enterprise is controlled and how the management framework operates, how various management role differ from one another, knowing what an audit committee is and understand the influence of stakeholders. You should also be familiar with general provisions an entity is expected to follow.
Economic Concepts and Analysis : 17% – 27% – topics like inflation, interest, deflation, and foreign exchange rates. Additionally, you should also know how these topics affect businesses.
Financial Modeling and Management : 11% – 21% – materials covered in this section may include financing, creating models, loans, and calculating statements of value.
Information Technology : 15% – 25% – including communications and the role of IT in recovery and maintaining consistency/continuity.
Operations Management : 15% – 25% – which covers things like cost accounting and variance analysis.
BEC starts with 2 MCQ testlets. Each testlet has 31 exam questions. Next, the third testlet includes two task-based simulations . After you’ve made it through the first three testlets, you will be given a 15-minute break. Utilizing the break is recommended but not mandatory and it will not count against the candidates’ time. After the break, another 2-question testlet is given followed by a testlet with 3 tasks involving work communication.
BEC Exam Section Structure
BEC Exam Section | 2016 CPA Exam | 2017 CPA Exam |
---|---|---|
Multiple-Choice Questions | 72 | 62 |
Task-Based Simulations | 0 | 4 |
Written Communication | 3 | 3 |
BEC Exam Section Format
Testlets | Question Sets |
---|---|
Testlet #1 | 31 Multiple-Choice Questions |
Testlet #2 | 31 Multiple-Choice Questions |
Testlet #3 | 2 Task-Based Simulations |
Testlet #4 | 2 Task-Based Simulations |
Testlet #5 | 3 Written Communication |
Like the AUD section , the first MCQ testlet will be of moderate or medium difficulty with the next MCQ testlet being of equal or higher intensity. However, it should be noted that submitted testlets can’t be reviewed.
BEC CPA Tip : A good strategy is to review all your answers in each testlet before you submit them. After that, there’s no going back.
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How many BEC Multiple-choice Questions are There? The multiple choice questions are divided into 2 testlets. Each testlet is comprised of 31 questions, making a total of 62. Multiple-choice questions are only given credit when correct, values of correct answer range from high to low, with low being of the least value, depending on the relative difficulty of the question asked. 50 of the 62 questions are operational while the remaining 12 are pretest.
BEC CPA Tip : After you submit your MCQ testlet, don’t think about them any more. It doesn’t do you any good to second guess answers that you have already submitted and can’t change.
How many BEC Task-Based Simulations are there? There are 4 task-based simulations with 3 work communication (WCs) based tasks. 3 of the task-based simulations are operational and 1 is pretest. For the WCs, 2 are operational and 1 is pretest.
Candidates can allocate their time the way they see fit, but it is suggested that about 30-40 minutes be allocated per MCQ testlet and around 2 hours for the simulations. A simulation commonly calls for candidates to complete up to 7 tasks using information provided while a written communication simulation has a candidate compose a message using compliant language, words and grammar correctly and professionally.
Gauge your skill set and appropriate your time accordingly.
The MCQs count for half of a test-takers grade. The TBSs and the work communication portion each make up the other half of the grade. Most simulations and Work Communications are graded via computer by special software on the basis of structure or how ideas are arranged, development or how the candidate uses evidence and examples, and expression or how well English in a business context is used like capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
What Percentage of the Grade is Given to MCQ and Simulations? In short, 50% of the grade comes from the MCQs, 35% comes from the TBSs, and the 15% remaining belongs to the WCs.
Exam Section | 2016 CPA Exam | 2017 CPA Exam |
---|---|---|
AUD | 60% MCQ 40% TBS | 50% MCQ 50% TBS |
BEC | 85% MCQ 15% WC | 50% MCQ 35% TBS 15% WC |
FAR | 60% MCQ 40% TBS | 50% MCQ 50% TBS |
REG | 60% MCQ 40% TBS | 50% MCQ 50% TBS |
Historically, the BEC CPA exam section has been one of the parts that CPA candidates perform the lowest on. In 2005, the pass rate was only 43 percent. It has consistently risen since then to a peak of 50 percent in 2015.
This trend either means this section is getting easier or candidates are better prepared for the writing portion than they have been in the past. This info is published by the AICPA .
Don’t Underestimate BEC: Too many candidates go into their BEC exam and hear that it’s easy, so they don’t treat it with respect. Don’t make this mistake. BEC is still a beast and you still have to properly prepare for it. Put the time in!
Work On Your Writing Skills : The written communication section on BEC isn’t difficult, you just have to be a competent writer. Practice your writing skills by writing professional business letters, emails, and memos. Go through your study guide and look at the exam topics they recommend studying. Write sample articles about these topics. Remember, the written section isn’t designed to grade you on your knowledge of the subject. It’s designed to grade you on your communication skills and ability to write thoughts coherently. You could get the concept totally wrong and still do well on it if you can write.
Practice Financial Modeling and Economics: Both of these topics play a big role in BEC and don’t really show up on other exams. Learn the financial ratios, what they mean, and how to use them. Also, brush up on your Econ 101 and 102. You will need to know the basics fluently.
Practice MCQs to Death : Keep working through your MCQs in your CPA review course. This is the best practice you can get. Do as many as possible.
Generally, I would recommend not taking BEC first. Although this is the shortest exam, you are better off taking a different exam first. Here’s a full article about which CPA exam to take first .
Since BEC is not closely related to the other exams, this would be a good exam to take last. Although it’s not an easy exam by any means, many candidates say that it is the easiest out of the four. So, this would be a good way to wrap up your CPA exam journey. Finish out strong with BEC. 🙂
The BEC section tends to be easier for individuals who have experience working with others and are familiar with economic formulas/ratios. It’s recommended to study for about 50-70 hours to pass this exam.
If you are experienced in business writing, you will probably have an easier time with this section. For instance, if you’ve written many professional emails, memos, and audit papers, you should be fine of the writing section.
The BEC has a reputation of being the easier section of the exam, but don’t underestimate it. It’s a BEAST. Candidates who blow BEC off tend to have the hardest time with it. Put some Respek on BEC!
This section is most difficult for people who don’t have a firm grasp on economic concepts and managerial accounting fundamentals. It’s also difficult for people who are good writers and have horrible grammar. Practice up!
Have you started studying yet or did you fail BEC once? Either way, you’ll need a review course that actually works for you and matches your learning style. I compared all of the top courses side-by-side, so you can see which one is right for you. Check it out.
Kenneth W. Boyd is a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the author of several of the popular "For Dummies" books published by John Wiley & Sons including 'CPA Exam for Dummies' and 'Cost Accounting for Dummies'.
Ken has gained a wealth of business experience through his previous employment as a CPA, Auditor, Tax Preparer and College Professor. Today, Ken continues to use those finely tuned skills to educate students as a professional writer and teacher.
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2 thoughts on “business studies grade 12 past exam papers and memos 2021, 2020 2019”.
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Should I be concerned about the BEC essays? I sometimes use long sentence structures and lots of transition phrases. I heard it was graded by computer.
Apparently, this template does wonders for everyone.
thats interesting as the Becker examples don't have the Dear at the beginning and Regards at the end. That is pretty much what I got from looking at Becker. I am trying not to memorize as if I see something completely out of the ordinary I will freak out.
I understand having a beginning (basically restating the premise), the middle and the end. I am glad I looked at Becker and I didn't know that I would have to address them
plus this template says 3 topics but I would say that some will only have two paragraphs. I just need to make sure I have enough time and I am not rushing.
Its always the last part, right?
I scored higher than others in my essay questions – I focused on using keywords most of all, and of course grammar. Just make sure you use the right keywords and it should be fine.
@JamesBryson- Stop advertising.
Yep, I'll just get Essay Dune to write my essays in the middle of the BEC exam. thanks, man. That's helpful.
Something I thought of after I left the BEC test was that I did not begin and end each essay with “Dear” and “Sincerely, CPA candidate”…or words to that affect. Based on my score I would say it doesn't matter too much, but who knows…it could make a difference in borderline score scenarios.
i took the exam this morning and I think it went well. I took it towards the beginning of the new exam period as the last scores were released at the end of February. That is a wise move, right?
Everyone takes the same exam as it is uniform, so everyone gets the same essays?
I am glad I took it early because if you take it towards the end of the period, do you have to have a higher score to pass? as its hard to prove that someone knew the questions beforehand. I am sure some people will tell their friends. The easy topics weren't difficult, the ones on Becker were much harder.
There was one MCQ that was not in Becker but I looked it up after and still got it right so hopefully that bolds well for me.
No. Timing of when you take the exams is completely irrelevant to your passing chances.
but the exam is uniform, meaning everyone has the same essays?
A uniform exam does not mean that questions are the same from exam to exam. It means that the exam is a test of the fundamentals of a topic or area in which your scores can be transferred to other jurisdictions. CPA exam requirements vary state by state, but one thing they all have in common is that everyone has to take the CPA exam. That means it's uniform, not that the questions are all the same.
Honestly i wouldnt worry too much about the essays. Just pretend you are writing an email at work and you will be fine. It is only 15% of your grade so focus more on the SIMs and MCQs .
Speaking of the essays – the AICPA practice exam doesn't show you the correct answers for the two WC's?
When I had to write a BEC essay, I didn't worry at all. After all, I had several resources that could definitely help me. Here are some of them: grammarly, papersowl. Thanks to these resources, I can easily check my essay for grammatical errors or just use the rewrite my essay service. It is very convenient and simple. And I'm always confident in the quality of my own essay. And that's all I need for a quality essay, which is written independently.
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1. The CPA BEC Writing Format: Use Complete Sentences. You aren't required to follow a specific CPA Exam memo format for the Written Communications. However, you should communicate your points in complete sentences. So, avoid using bullet points, abbreviations, diagrams, charts, number lists, and graphs.
GRADE 12 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS MAY/JUNE 2021. ... (CPA), 2008 (Act 68 of 2008). (6) [40] ... Write an essay on quality of performance in which you address the following aspects: Outline the differences between quality control and quality assurance.
Practice writing a few and I mean a few WCs, I wrote 2. Read the examples on the AICPA mock. There's not much to it. Add the intro and conclusion fluff, don't use bullet points, and clean up grammar. Adding - bummer but on the exam I tried copy pasting from one WC to another as in my template and that didn't work.
the CPA licensure process knows that the passing score is 75. But very few understand what that 75 means. ... * Each section includes 12 pretest MCQs and 1 pretest TBS. BEC also includes 1 pretest written communication task. ... average of the scores is used as the final grade. Note: The remainder of the FAQs offer more detail about the ...
GRADE 12 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS NOVEMBER 2019. ... (CPA), 2008 (Act 68 of 2008) Employment Equity Act (EEA), 1998 (Act 55 of 1998) ... Write an essay on business strategies in which you include the following aspects: Describe the strategic management process.
Exam Structure. After completing the first four testlets on the BEC exam, students move to the fifth and final testlet, which is on written communications. In this section, students write three business documents (essays) that make up 15% of the student's BEC score. Keep in mind that only two of the three essays count toward the student's ...
CPA Grade Release Dates 2023. Usually, the CPA score release dates are 2-4 weeks after you take the exam. Here are the CPA Exam score release targets for 2023. Take the CPA Exam on or before: Target CPA grade release: December 31, 2023: January 10, 2023: January 23, 2023: February 7, 2023: February 14, 2023:
GRADE 12. NOVEMBER 2020. MEMORANDUM. NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE. NOTES TO MARKERS. PREAMBLE. The notes to markers are provided for quality assurance purposes to ensure the following: Implement appropriate measures in the teaching, learning and assessment of the subject at schools/institutions of learning.
The Study Guide covers those topics, skills and concepts that are located in Grade 12, that are critical to lay the foundation for Grade 12. The main aim is to close the pre-existing content gaps in order to strengthen the ... • The essay consists of three parts: Introduction, body and conclusion Introduction • Start with the word ...
As long as you had complete sentences/paragraphs, correct grammar, correct spelling, and threw in some keywords you will probably get the majority of the points on the essays. 3. Reply. Award. Share. BK201Night. • 3 yr. ago. For BEC, the scoring weight of written communications is 15% in total. The remaining is 50% for MCQs and 35% for sims.
GRADE 12 Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com. Business Studies/P1 2 DBE/2020 ... TWO essay-type questions CHOICE: Answer any ONE. 5 40 30 6 40 30 TOTAL 150 120 . 7. Begin the answer to EACH question on a NEW page, e.g. QUESTION 1 - new page, QUESTION 2 - new page.
GRADE 12 SEPTEMBER 2021 BUSINESS STUDIES P1 MARKS: 150 TIME: 2 hours ... TWO essay-type questions CHOICE: Answer any ONE. 5 40 30 6 40 30 TOTAL 150 120 minutes 7. Begin the answer to EACH question on a NEW page, e.g. QUESTION 1 - new ... (CPA), 2008 (Act 68 of 2008)
The Uniform CPA Examination (the Exam) is comprised of four sections, each four hours long: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG). The table below presents the design of the Exam by section, section time and question type.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) Multiple-choice questions on your CPA test work just like those you've been dealing with for four years of school. The exam will posit a question, then you'll have to choose from four or more answers. No matter which section you're taking, the MCQs are worth 50% of your overall score.
Consolidation Activities.The Resource Booklet should be used in conjunction with the 2021 Gr 12 Business Studies Core Notes and Past DBE. Exemplar Question Papers.This Resource Booklet will also be mediated during three Telematics Presentations as indica. ed in the schedule below. To obtain the full benefit of this Resource Booklet, it's ...
BUSINESS STUDIES GRADE 12 TERM ONE CHAPTER 1 (FINAL) NOTES ON THE IMPACT OF RECENT LEGISLATION ON BUSINESSES 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPICS Exam guidelines for legislation Terms and definitions Skills Development Act Labour Relations Act Employer and employee rights in terms of LRA Employment Equity Act Basic Conditions of Employment Act Provisions of the BCEA Compensation for Injuries and ...
GRADE 12 JUNE 2021 BUSINESS STUDIES P1 (EXEMPLAR) MARKS: 150 TIME: 2 hours ... TWO essay-type questions CHOICE: Answer any ONE. 5 40 30 6 40 30 TOTAL 150 120 7. Begin the answer to EACH question on a NEW page, e.g. QUESTION 1 - new page, QUESTION 2 - new page. ... (CPA), 2008 (Act 68 of 2008)
Business Studies Grade 12 June 2021 exam papers and memos for downloads Heads up! Modern Classroom has 100s of resources for you to ace your next tests, assignment, project, test, and exams for Grade 12 this year. If you want to explore more study resources for Grade 12, Click Here" The secret of getting ahead is ... <a title="Business Studies Grade 12 June 2021 exam papers and memos for ...
BUSINESS STUDIES PAPER 1. GRADE 12. NOVEMBER 2020. MEMORANDUM. NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE. NOTES TO MARKERS. PREAMBLE. The notes to markers are provided for quality assurance purposes to ensure the following: Implement appropriate measures in the teaching, learning and assessment of the subject at schools/institutions of learning.
Let's look at the details of the BEC section of the CPA exam and what you need to know in order to pass it! See the Top CPA Review Courses. 1.Becker CPA Review Course: Rated the #1 Best CPA Review Course of 2024. 2.Surgent CPA Prep Course: Best Technology. 3.Gleim CPA Review Course: Largest Question Bank.
Download Business Studies Grade 12 Past Exam Papers and Memos 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 : Pdf Download February/ March, May/June, September, and November. The Papers are for all Provinces: Limpopo, Gauteng, Western Cape, Kwazulu Natal (KZN), North West, Mpumalanga, Free State, and Western Cape. 2021 Papers 2021 Business Studies Examination Guide: 2021 June ... <a title="Business ...
By. WCED and the University of Stellenbosch. Download. Type: m4v. Size: 31.88MB. Share this content. Grade 12 Business Studies - Recent Legislation: Impact of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) - National Credit Act (NCA) - Consumer Protection Act (CPA) on small and large businesses.
Participant. I scored higher than others in my essay questions - I focused on using keywords most of all, and of course grammar. Just make sure you use the right keywords and it should be fine. AUD - 79. BEC - 80. FAR - 75. REG - 86. California Licensed CPA as of August 19th, 2019! March 2, 2018 at 9:43 am #1722622.