small-cat wrote: So if I want to use Yaeger for better chances to pass BEC, is it below course materials I should purchase? Thanks. Yaeger HomeStudy - Section - BEC Course includes video course for Business Environment & Concepts: 2011 Wiley CPA Review Textbook For Business Environment & Concepts Wiley CPA Review Test Bank Software Downloadable Business Environment & Concepts Handout Access to Yaeger CPA Review Instructor Hotline (time limits apply) Unlimited Use Of Course

I bought the DVD off of E-Bay from some one who had last year's version (I took BEC test 2/15/10).  I bought the Wiley book (and you must have the book to make good use of the DVDs) off Amazon before I started searching E-Bay.  I bought it for 90.00 in Jan of 2010.  This test changes very little year to year.

The DVDs gives you the web site to download some examples/concepts covered in the DVDs.

I had the Wiley test bank software and never found it very helpful.  The answers given were not explained well.  I just used the mcq in the book. 

I never studied/practiced SIMS for any of my tests - and I passed them all first time through with good scores.  They are a crap shoot - you never know what will be covered or what format it will be presented in.  SIMS are only 10 points each.  Know the heavily tested areas really well, calm down, and the answers will flow through you  (breathe), watch your time religiously.  I passed FAR without touching either of the SIMS (totally stumped) with a 78. 

I studied 3 months for BEC, moved the test out 2 times.  Don't keep hitting it after 30 days of study, fail it, and wait till next window to take it again. 

Good luck in your next attempt. 

small-cat wrote: Yeah, I heard some people said that they didn't do SIMS at the end, but they still pass. I think that the CPA exam curve your score. Right? Depends on who you talk to.  I believe that there is a curve for each exam version in any given window.  Some religiously believe what is printed by the powers that be - that there is no curve.  Personally, I just don't buy what they say.  There have been many discussions regarding this isse (look in archives).  So you think that the Wiley and the DVD is most helpful? For BEC, yes.  I bought the Wiley book as insurance for all other exams and used it a lot for FAR - my 2nd hardest test.  But Wiley cemented chapters 3 and 5 for me on BEC. Does the DVD only have lectures?    yes Where are the practice MC questions? At the end of every Wiley chapter are MCQ. The whole home-study package for Yaeger is $345 after the discount. If I can only buy the DVD lectures and the book, I think it will be more cheaper. I have already spent a lot of money on Becker. Look on e-bay.  This stuff is always on sale on e-bay.  Don't buy the practice software, or the SIM practice software.  What do you think about Becker for FAR, AUG, and REG? I think Becker was great for these exams.  I used Wiley a lot for FAR because I had never taken a class on government accounting.  Knew nothing about it.  I read Wiley's government section, then Becker tied it all together for me.  AUD and REG were my easy exams, and I sailed through it (not that I didn't study my heart out, but there was no gut wrenching, sobbing evenings on those).  I bought Wiley book because its cheap, and I used it as a teddy bear to hang on to.  I never cracked it for AUD.  Becker does a fantastic job getting you ready.  But if you are struggling with an exam and the materials are not coming together to be second nature, then get a second study source and double your study efforts.  Yea, its money - but if you fail and pay to take it again - you just bought that second study aid.