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COURSE INTRODUCTION 1. Content specification outline ........................................................................................................................................... lotro·3 2. Becker's CPA Exam Review-Course introduction lotro-7 Introduction lntro- 7 Lecture series , Intra-7 Textbooks , ,.,., ,.. , ,.. " " " .. , , , Intra-7 Course software , Intra-8 Study planner , , , , , Intra-9 Study roadmap , , Intra-9 Flashcards and mobile flashcard applications , ".,.".".""""" .. ,., "., .. " " .. ,.. ".".", Intro-10 Support center , Intro-12 The Uniform CPA Exam-Overview , , , , , Intro-13 Passing the CPA Exam , , " , Intra-1S Managing your stress be/ore the examination."""."." .. ".", .. , ,.. " , , , ,., ,.. ", ,.. "." .. ,.. ",, .. "."., Intra-17 Surviving the examination , " .. , ,.. ,., .. ,., , Intra-1S http://become-a-cpa.webs.com/order.html

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Page 1: 2012 Course Introduction

COURSE INTRODUCTION

1. Content specification outline......................•..................................................................................................................... lotro·3

2. Becker's CPA Exam Review-Course introduction lotro-7

Introduction lntro-7

Lecture series , Intra-7

Textbooks , ,.,., ,.. , ,.." " ".. , , , Intra-7

Course software , Intra-8

Study planner , , , , , Intra-9

Study roadmap , , Intra-9

Flashcards and mobile flashcard applications , ".,.".".""""" .. ,., "., .." ".. ,..".".", Intro-10

Support center , Intro-12

The Uniform CPA Exam-Overview , , , , , Intro-13

Passing the CPA Exam , , " , Intra-1S

Managing your stress be/ore the examination."""."." ..".", .. , ,.." , , , ,., ,..", ,.."." ..,..",, .."."., Intra-17

Surviving the examination , ".. , ,.. ,., .. ,., , Intra-1S

http://become-a-cpa.webs.com/order.html

Page 2: 2012 Course Introduction

BECI(ER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Timothy F. Gearty, CPA, MBA, JD Editor in Chief, Financial/Regulation (Tax) National Editor

Angeline S. Brown, CPA, MAC Accounting Curriculum Manager, Audit/Financial/BEC National Editor

Tom Cox, CPA, CMA, CHFP .......••............................... Financial (GASB & NFP) Nationai Editor

Steve Levin, JD ................•.........•..•...........•............ Regulation (Law) National Editor

John B. Pillatsch, MAS, CPA.......•............................. Director, Course Development Operations

Pete Console , , , .. , .. , .. , .. , Director, Quality Assurance

Stephen Bergens ................•..•.. I •• I •• I •• I ••••••••••••••• Manager, Curriculum Quality Assurance

Anson Miyashiro .............•..•.....•.................................. Course Production Manager

AI Glodan .............•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•.......... Bookstore Purchasing Manager

Michelle McCubbins ....•.....•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•.. , •..... Course Production Project Manager

Joe Antonio ...........•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..••. , Course Production Project Manager

Jeff Rosier. Course Production Project Manager

Brian Cave ......•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..••.••.••.... Software Development Project Manager

Byron Gave Quality Assurance Project Manager

Tim Munson..............................•........ I ••••••••••••••••••••••• Course Production Editor

Linda Finestone •...•..•.. , ..•..•.•. , ...•. , •. , ...•.••. , ..•..•.••..•..•..... Course Production Editor

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Eric J. Brunner, PhD

Chris Cocozza, CPA, JD, LLM

Robert A. DeFilippis, CPA, MBA

Jennifer B. Deutsch, CPA, MS

Mike Farrell, JD

Dennis J. Green, CPA, MBA

John S. Grayson, JD, CPA

Liliana Hickman-Riggs, CPA, CITP, CMA, CIA, CFE, MS

Donald A. Kaniecki, CPA, MBA

Cindy Lawrence, CPA, MBA

Seth Levine, CPA, MPrA, MBA, ABD

Edward McTague, CPA, MBA

Michael Meriwether, CPA, MBA

Peter Olinto, JD. CPA

Mike Potenza, JD

Ray Rigoli, CPA, MBA

Joshua M. Rosenberg, CPA, CFA, MBA

Jonathan R. Rubin, CPA, MBA

Christopher Severson, MPA

Jeffrey Sherman, JD, CPA (inactive)

Roberta Smith, CPA

Karen Tarbet, CPA, JD

Lisa M. Thayer, CPA

Permissions

Material from Uniform CPA Examination Seiected Questions and Unofficial Answers, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993,

1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011copyright © by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., is reprinted and/or adapted with permission.

Any knowing solicitation or disclosure of any questions or answers included on any CPA Examination is prohibited.

Copyright © 2011 by DeVry/Becker Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

No part of this work may be reproduced, translated, distributed, published or transmitted without the prior written

permission of the copyright owner. Request for permission or further information should be addressed to thePermissions Department, DeVry/Becker Educational Development Corp.

Page 3: 2012 Course Introduction

LICENSE AGREEMENT

DD NOT OPEN THE SOFTWARE PACKAGE AND/OR USE ANY OF THESE MATERIALS UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THISAGREEMENT CAREFULLY. IF YOU OPEN THE SOFTWARE PACKAGE AND/OR USE ANY OF THE MATERIALS IN THISPACKAGE, YOU ARE AGREEING AND CONSENTING TO BE BOUND BY AND ARE BECOMING A PARTY TO THISAGREEMENT.

The materials in this package are NOT for sale and are not being sold to you. You may NOT transfer thesematerials to any other person or permit any other person to use these materials. You may only acquire a licenseto use these materials and only upon the terms and conditions set forth in this license agreement. Read thisagreement carefully before opening the Software package and/or using these materials. Do not open theSoftware package and/or use these materials unless you agree with all terms of this agreement.

NOTE: You may already be a party to this agreement if you registered for a Becker Professional Education CPAReview program (the "Program") or placed an order for these materials on-line or using a printed form that

included this license agreement. Please review the termination section regarding your rights to terminate thislicense agreement and receive a refund of your payment.

Grant: Upon your acceptance of the terms of this agreement, in a manner set forth above, DeVry/Becker EducationalDevelopment Corp. ("Becker") hereby grants to you a non·exclusive, revocable, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, limitedlicense to use the accompanying Software (as defined below) and/or Printed Materials (as defined below) and any Software andPrinted Materials to which you are granted access as a result of your license to use the accompanying Software and/or Printed

Materials and/or in connection with the Program on the following terms:

You may:

• use the Printed Materials and the Software for the Program, for preparation for one or more parts of the CPA exam (the"Exam"), and/or for your studies relating to the subject matter covered by the Program and/or the Exam;

• use the Software on any single computer;

• use the Software on a second computer so long as the first computer and the second computer are not used simultaneously;

• use the Software on a third computer so long as the first, second and third computer are not used simultaneously;

• copy the Software for archival purposes only, provided any copy must contain all of the original Software's copyright and

other proprietary notices;

• take electronic and/or handwritten notes during the Program; provided, however, that all notes taken by you during the

Program that relate to the subject matter of the Program are and shall remain Printed Materials subject to the terms of this

agreement.

You may not:

use the Printed Materials and/or the Software for any purpose other than as expressly permitted above;

• use the Software on more than one computer, computer terminal or workstation at the same time;

• make copies of the Software except as expressly permitted above;

• make copies of all or any part of the Printed Materials;

• use the Software in a network, other multi-user arrangement, on an electronic bulletin board system, or other remote accessarrangement;

• rent, lease, license, lend, or otherwise transfer or provide (by gift, sale, or otherwise) all or any part of the Software and/orthe Printed Materials to anyone;

• permit the use of aU or any part of the Software and/or the Printed Materials by anyone other than you;

• reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivate works of the Software;

create derivate works of the Printed Materials.

Software: Software means and includes any and all electronically and/or digitally stored and/or accessed materials included

In this package and/or otherwise prOVided to you and/or to which you are otherwise granted access by Becker (directly orindirectly) in connection with your license of the accompanying materials and/or the Program. Software may include, but is notlimited to, one or more of the CPA Exam Review and PassMaster· program, the Simulations and Final Exam (CBT) program, and/or course lectures encoded on CD-ROMs and/or DVDs.

Page 4: 2012 Course Introduction

Printed Materials: Printed Materials means and includes any and all written materials included in this package and/or otherwiseprovided to you and/or to which you are otherwise granted access by Becker (directly or indirectly) In connection with your licenseof the accompanying materials and/or the Program, and shall include notes you take (by hand, electronically, digitally, or otherwise)during the Program relating to the subject matter of the Program. Printed Materials may include, but are not limited to, one ormore textbooks for each of the financial, auditing, regulation, and business subject matter areas of the Exam and/or flashcards.

TItle: Becker is and will remain the owner of all title, ownership rights, Intellectual property, and all other rights and interestsin and to the accompanying software and Printed Materials and all other Software and/or Printed Materials that are subject tothe terms of this agreement. The Software and Printed Materials are protected by the copyrIght laws of the United States andinternational copyright laws and treaties.

Termination: This license shall terminate the earlier of: (i) ten (10) business days after notice to you of non-payment of ordefault on any payment due Becker which has not been cured within such 10 day period; or (ii) immediately if you fail to complywith any of the limitations described above; or (iii) with respect to Software, upon expiration of the period ending eIghteen (18)months after the order date of the Software; or (iv) with respect to each item subject to this license that is a Printed Material,upon expiration of the eighteen (18) month period beginning upon your receipt of such Printed Material. On termination ofthis license in its entirety, you must destroy all copies of the Software and Printed Materials, including, but not limited to, anyarchival copies you may have made. On termination of this license with respect to a particular Software or Printed Material, youmust destroy such Software or Printed Material, including, but not limited to, any archival copies you may have made.

Your limited Right to Terminate this License and Receive a Refund: You may terminate this license for the in-class online andself study CD/DVD Programs in accordance with Becker's refund polley as provided athttp://www.becker.com/accountlng/cpaexamreview/courses/CPA-Review/policies-procedures.cfm.

Limited Warranty: Becker warrants that the media containing the Software, if prOVided by Becker, is free from defects Inmaterials and workmanship and will remain so for 90 days from the date you acqUired the Software. Becker's sole liabilityfor any breach of this warranty shall be, in Becker's discretion, to repair or replace your defective media without charge or torefund the license fee you paid for the Software. Defective media may be returned for replacement or refund during the 90~day

warranty period unless the media has been damaged by your actions or while under your control. Due to the complex nature of

computer software, Becker does not warrant that the Software Is completely error-free, will operate without interruption, or iscompatible with all equipment and software configurations. You expressly assume all risk for use of the Software.

BECKER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE AND/OR THE PRINTEDMATERIALS, THEIR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NO WARRANTY OF NONINFRINGEMENTOF THIRD PARTIES' RIGHTS. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. NO DEALER, AGENT OR EMPLOYEEOF BECKER IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS, EXTENSIONS OR ADDITIONS TO THIS WARRANTY. You may haveothers, which vary from state to state.

Exclusion of Damages: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES AND UNDER NO LEGAL THEORY, TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE,SHALL BECKER OR ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS, BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANYCONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR SPECIAL DAMAGES OF ANY CHARACTER, INCLUDING,WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF GOODWILL, WORK STOPPAGE, COMPUTER FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION ORANY AND ALL OTHER DAMAGES OR LOSSES, OR FOR ANY DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF BECKER'S LIST PRICE FOR A LICENSE TOTHE SOFTWARE AND/OR PRINTED MATERIALS, EVEN IF BECKER SHALL HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCHDAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. Some states do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability forincidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

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losses, damages, penalties, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' and expert witness' fees and costs) of any kindor nature, arising from or relating to any violation, breach or nonfulfillment by you of any provision of this license. If youare obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to this provision, Becker may, in its sole and absolute discretion, controlthe disposition of any Indemnified action at your sale cost and expense. Without limiting the foregoing, you may not settle,compromise or in any other manner dispose of any indemnified action without the consent of Becker. If you breach anymaterial term of this license, Becker shall be entitled to equitable relief by way of temporary and permanent injunction and suchother and further relief as any court with jurisdiction may deem just and proper.

Severability of Terms: If any term or provision of this license is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competentjurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity or operation of any other term or provision and such invalid term orprovision shall be deemed to be severed from the license. This license agreement may only be modified by written agreementsigned by both parties.

Governing law: This license agreement shall be governed and construed according to the laws of the state of Illinois, save forany choice of law provisions. Any legal action regarding this Agreement shall be brought only in the U.S. District Court for theNorthern District of Illinois, or another court of competent jurisdiction in DuPage County, Illinois, and all parties hereto consentto jurisdiction and venue in DuPage County, Illinois.

Page 5: 2012 Course Introduction

Auditing

Intro·2

NOTES

Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review

~ 2011 OeVry/Becker EdUClltional Oevelopment Corp. All r1lnu reserved.

Page 6: 2012 Course Introduction

Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review AUditing

BECKER'S CPA EXAM REVIEW-COURSE INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Becker Professional Education's CPA Exam Review products were developed with you, the candidate, in

mind. To that end we have developed a series of products designed to tap all of your learning and retention

capabilities. Our course is first and foremost a time-management system. The Becker lecture series,

comprehensive texts, and course software are designed to be fully integrated but each can also stand alone.

The best results are achieved when all the components are used collectively.

Passing the CPA Exam is difficult. but the professional rewards a CPA enjoys make this a challenge all

accounting professionals should meet. You will pass the CPA Examination if you prepare properly. Keep this in

mind as you work with our course materials. We created our CPA Exam Review after evaluating the needs of

CPA candidates and analyzing the CPA Exam over the years. Those efforts have enabled us to produce a CPA

Exam Review unparalleled in today's market. Our course materials comprehensively present topics you must

know to pass the examination, teaching you the most effective tactics for learning the material.

LECTURE SERIES

Becker gives you the option of attending live classes or viewing the lectures on your own using the Becker

online course platform or the desktop course software. No matter what format you choose, you will see and

hear the most dynamic CPA Exam Review lecturers in the country. Our iecturers are exam-oriented and spend

countless hours analyzing past exams and developing strategies to help you pass-this time.

Each section of the Becker course includes a "Virtual Lecture" that is to be viewed at home by all students,

including Live Classroom students. In the Auditing course, the Virtual Lecture is the A6 lecture. These lectures

were added to improve the overall pace of the Becker course, to reduce the amount of work that you must

complete with each lecture, and to allow us to better cover the topics currently tested on the CPA Exam. You

must view the Virtual Lectures in order to fully prepare for the CPA Exam.

TEXTBOOKS

Our textbooks, written by our faculty and subject matter experts, are specifically designed to prepare you for the

CPA Exam effectively and efficiently. Written in outline form, they follow the same sequence as the lectures­

providing reduced note-taking and allowing students to concentrate their attention on the presentation.

Cl 2011 [)(!Vry/Beckcr Educational [)(!volopmcnt Corp. All rlllhu reserved. Intra-]

Page 7: 2012 Course Introduction

Auditing

Textbook Icons

Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review

Throughout the Becker materials you will find icons that have been designed to assist with your preparation

for the CPA Examination. These icons are located in the margins of your textbook for easy identification of

important information.

Pass Keys

Memorize Notations

Keyword Search

FASB AccountingStandards Codification

Notes, Exceptions, etc.

IFRS-specific Content

InternationalComparison

Throughout the course materials you will find Pass Keys that havebeen prepared to assist in your understanding of major concepts.Pass Keys will be identified with this icon in the margins.

Important items within the materials that should be memorized willbe identified with this icon in the margins.

As part of the task-based simulation portion of the exam, candidatesare required to search professional literature to find the solution toa given question. A keyword search of the relevant authoritativeliterature is a candidate's most time-effective tool. Potential keywordsto search with will be identified with this icon in the margins.

These numbers represent the location of this topic in the FASBAccounting Standards Codification. These will be identified with thisicon in the margins.

When important notes, exceptions, etc., are included within thematerials, it will be identified with this icon in the margins.

When IFRS-specific information is included within the materials,it will be identified with this icon in the margins.

When international comparison information is included within thematerials, it will be identified with this icon in the margins.

COURSE SOFTWARE

An integral part of Becker's CPA Exam Review program is the use of the course software, which provides

access to the nearly 100 hours of multimedia lecture content, thousands of multiple-choice questions, and

hundreds of simulation tasks, including questions and tasks from prior exams. The multiple-choice and

simulation homework is necessary to reinforce the concepts introduced in the materials, and is organized on

a lecture-by-Iecture basis. The software also provides two comprehensive final exams for each part. The

Business (BEC) section of the CPA Exam includes simulations that test the candidate's writing skills. We

encourage you to watch the Written Communication Lecture as it will help you gain an understanding of what

the examiners are looking for in a well-written response.

Intro-8 02011 OeVrv/Becker Educational Development Corp. All r1l1hu reservi!d.

Page 8: 2012 Course Introduction

Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review Auditing

Two other important features of the course software are the Study Planner and the Study Roadmap, both of

which are described below.

STUDY PLANNER

It takes time to study for the CPA Exam. However, all candidates face the challenge of fitting their CPA Exam studies

into their busy lives. The course software provides you with a Study Planner that will help you establish a study

schedule and manage your study time efficiently and effectively. You have the option of allowing the Study Planner

to prepare a study schedule for you, or you can create your own schedule. The Study Planner will allow you to see

what you need to accomplish each day and each week as you prepare to take the CPA Exam.

STUDY ROADMAP

With so many elements available to help you study, sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin and how

much time should be spent on each element of the Becker Course. Within the course software, each lecture

provides you with a Study Roadmap based on Becker's Learn-Practice-Review methodology. The Study

Roadmap allows you to see, step-by-step, what you need to do to thoroughly study the information that will

be tested on the exam. It also gives you an estimate of the time it will take to complete each step. The Study

Roadmap includes the following elements:

LEARN-View the lecture (Estimated time: 4 hours)

PRACTICE-Gomplete the multiple-choice homework and the practice simulations (Estimated time: 6-8 hours)

REVIEW-Review flashcards and take a progress test (Estimated time: 2-3 hours)

Lecture Study Roadmap Example

F2 : Matching (Revenue & Expe ...

Study Roadmaplotal '5IWy tJmc: 13 - 15 bounJ

1. Learn 2. Practice 3. Review

-­{S -. hourw)

o-IISbim:: ""

___ rlooht"ftf'Ih

(I houri

(I 20JJ OeVry/Becker EdllCOl!lonlll Ollllulopmeni Corp. All rishts r~~t1rllcd, Intro·9

Page 9: 2012 Course Introduction

Auditing Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review

Becker also provides you with a Study Roadmap for your review before you take each section of the exam.

You should give yourself at least one week to do a final review before taking the exam. Your final review should

include reworking the multiple-choice questions and simulations, taking the two final exams, and completing as

many comprehensive Progress Tests as possible.

Review Before Exam Study Roadmap Example

1. Rework

-....."-'- .)

- 2. Take Anal Exams

I I'IMllum 1 !

o 3. Comprehensive~ Progress Tests:......._=.....------

FLASHCARDS AND MOBILE FLASHCARD APPLICATIONS

Flashcards are an important tool to assist in your preparation for the exam. Although we believe that preparing

your own flashcards is a valuable learning tool, we recognize that time is a precious commodity when preparing

for the exam. For that reason, we also offer enrolled students the opportunity to purchase preprinted flashcards

and mobile flashcard applications. Flashcards will help you commit to memory the most important principles

and rules tested in each section of the exam. The flashcards are indexed by class session to allow you to

focus your preparation in your weakest areas.

Preprinted Flashcards Example:

Front Sid~

Name the single soun:e of aulhofilativenongovernmental U.S. GAAP,

.....,-,--_ .._-

Intra·10

Bock Sid~

The FASB "Accounting Standards Codiralllon" (ASe).

FAR 1-1

.....'---_ .._-

02011 DeVry/Becller Educatlonll Development COf1l. All rilhu reserved.

Page 10: 2012 Course Introduction

Becker Professional Education I CPA b:am RevIew

Mobile Flashcards Application Example:

Front Side

What are the three standards offieldwork?

I'd like a piece of PIEl

Quesllon 4 of 41X) "Y"ll<o ••'1 LoA' ,. [ ..,.1,.,.", r.r

Bock Side

10'05 AM

;;;;;;;.- AUDIT 1 n (I

Auditing & Attestation 1

-.:I AUDIT 1·4... 11:IIIhI,I"""

The aUditor must adequately PLANthe work and must properly superviseany assistants.

Tho auditOf must obtain a sufficientunderstanding of the entity and itsenvironment, including Its INTERNALCONTROL, to assess the risk ormaterial misstatement of the financialstatements whether due 10 error orfraud, and to design the nature,timing. and extent of further auditprocedures.

Answor 4 of 41.~,..~ U.wylH<•• r ~ob;,&l ' ....1 L,,"VAnprnonl' <'Or

Auditing

The flashcards and mobile flashcard applications for the most popular mobile platforms can be purchased by

calling our National Student Service Center at 1-800-868-3900 or online by simply logging on to

www.becker.com/cpa and select "Flashcards" from the Courses & Products drop-down menu.

If you want to supplement the preprinted flashcards, several blank cards are provided. If you want to prepare

your own flashcards, we recommend the following:

• Prepare flashcards as you review your lecture notes prior to working the multiple-choice questions. You

can identify those flashcards you would like to create by making a mark, such as "FC," in the margin of

your outline while viewing the lecture.

• Select major concepts from your class materials (outlines). Do not prepare flashcards for everything

in the outlines (the outlines are already in a summarized format). Only make a flashcard for the major

concepts, general rules and exceptions, mnemonics, formulas, and important lists. Items to consider:

../ Mnemonics

../ Formulas

../ "Heavy on exam" notations

../ "Memorize" notations

../ Other major concepts (noted while reading the explanations to the multiple-choice questions)

../ General rules and exceptions

• Keep your flashcards as simple as possible. but do not sacrifice correctness for brevity.

(I 20ll ~Vrv/8ecke'EdllCilllonal De~elopmenlCorp, All rlSIm reser"Jed, Intro·ll

Page 11: 2012 Course Introduction

Auditing Becker Professional EducatIon I CPA Exam Review

• Use 3" x 5" or 5" x 7" cards (whichever size is easiest for you to carry around). Write the question, the

general rule, or the title of the list you are trying to memorize on the front, and write the answer, the

exceptions, or the list, as applicable, on the back.

Example:

A-I

Front Side

A-I Code with~'l--- class number

Bock Sld~

• After each class, review all of your flashcards for all of the previous classes. When you believe that you

have a concept memorized, place those cards in a separate pile. Do not stop reviewing those cards, but

it is not necessary to review them as often. The more frequently you can review all your cards, the beller

your retention will be.

SUPPORT CENTER

The Becker Support Center is your source for course updates, supplemental materials, and unlimited academic

support. Just click on the Support Center tab at:

hllp://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/.

You can also access customer service and technical support from the Support Center or by calling

1-877-CPA-EXAM (Outside the U.S. + 1-630-472-2213).

Online course students needing technical support with this platform should call 1-866-866-7053 or visit

hllps:/Isupportcenter.embanel.com/becker.

Intro-12 Cl 2011 DeVry/B4ckllr Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.

Page 12: 2012 Course Introduction

Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review

THE UNIFORM CPA EXAM-OVERVIEW

Exam Sections

The CPA Examination consists of four sections:

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING & REpORTING

Auditing

The Financial section consists of a four-hour exam covering all financial accounting and reporting,

and governmental and not-for-profit accounting, including International Financial Reporting

Standards (IFRS).

AUDITING & ATTESTATION

The Auditing section consists of a four-hour exam. This section covers all topics related to auditing,

induding audit reports and procedures, generally accepted auditing standards, attestation and other

engagements, and governmental aUditing.

REGULATION

The Regulation section consists of a three-hour exam, combining topics from business law and

federal taxation.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT & CONCEPTS

The Business section consists of a three-hour exam, covering general business topics such aseconomics, financial management, information technology, managerial accounting, and process andproject management.

Question Formats

The chart below illustrates the question format breakdown by exam section.

ITilsk-based Simulations or Written

Multiple-choice Questlon~

I(omml;nlcatlon Tasks

section Percentage Number PerCf!ntoge Number

Financial 60% 90 40% 7

Auditing 60% 90 40% 7

Regulation 60% 72 40% 6

Business 85% 72 15% 3

Cl2011 DeVrv/BKker Educational Development Corp. All rlghls reserved. Intro-13

Page 13: 2012 Course Introduction

Auditing Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review

Each exam will contain tesllets. A tesllet is either a series of multiple-choice questions (either 24 or 30

depending on the section) or a set of task-based simulations. For example, the Auditing examination will

contain four testlets. The first three testlets will be multiple-choice questions and the last will contain seven

task-based simulation problems, including one research question. Each testlet must be finished and submitted

before continuing to the nexttestlet. Candidates cannot go back to view a previously completed tesllet or go

forward to view a subsequenttesllet before closing and submitting the earlier testiet. Our final exam contains

these types of restrictions so you can familiarize yourself with the functionality of the CPA Exam.

Exam Schedule

The computer-based CPA Exam is offered during the first two months of each calendar quarter. Oncedetermined to be eligible to sit, candidates can schedule an exam date directly with Prometric.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Each state sets its own rules of eligibility for the examination, so the requirements vary from state to state.

Please visit www.becker.com/state as soon as possible to determine your eligibility to sit for the exam.

Application Deadlines

With the computer-based exam formal, set application deadiines generally do not exist. To ensure that you

have a thorough understanding of your state's requirements, you should apply as early as possible.

Grading System

You must pass all four parts of the examination to earn certification as a CPA. You must score 75 or better on a

part to receive a passing grade.

Intro-14 C 2011 DeVry/Becker Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.

Page 14: 2012 Course Introduction

Becker Professional Education I CPA (Kilm Review

PASSING THE CPA EXAM

Strategy and Tactics for Taking the Examination

To ensure that you initially earn a passing grade, you should follow these tips.

Tips for Multiple-choice Questions

TIP 1 Control the amount oftime you spend on each question.

Auditing

The exam time limits mentioned above are overall time limits. The recommended time to completethe task-based simulation tesllet is 60 to 75 minutes. As such, you'll be forced to closely controlthe amount of time you spend on multiple-choice questions. For Financial and AUditing, you shouldspend approximately 1'h to 2 minutes on each multiple-choice question. For Regulation andBusiness, you should spend approximately 1 to 1'h minutes per question.

TIP 2 Become familiar with the format.

The exam does not contain the typical multiple-choice format such as lettered answers (a, b, c, and d).Instead, candidates are required to click on the radial dials or the text portion of the answer they arechoosing as correct. You will see this functionality in our final exams.

TIP 3 Read all four choices before choosing one as your answer.

Given that you're working under time constraints, you may be tempted to choose as your answerfor any given question the first choice that seems right. This can be a costly mistake because theexaminers may include two or more "good" answers among the choices. one of which is the bestanswer. You'll get no credit for choosing the wrong "good" answer.

TIP 4 Answer every multiple-(;hoice question.

The examiners don't penalize you for guessing; they don't subtract wrong answers from rightanswers. Therefore, guess when you must. and realize that you always have at least a 25 percentchance of getting the right answer. In fact, on some questions you may have a 50 percent chance ofguessing the right answer because you may immediately recognize that two of the four choices arewrong.

If you're uncertain about an answer, you can mark that question for later review. You will see thismarking functionality in our final exams. Prior to exiting the tesllet, you should make sure you haveanswered all questions.

When you're answering multiple-choice problems that require mathematical caiculations and you'reunable to arrive at one of the four given numerical answers, you should perform the followingprocedure before you record a guess as an answer. First, check the mathematical accuracy of yourcalculations; that alone may lead you to the correct answer. If that doesn't produce a correct answer,check for an error in your logic by rereading the question. If that doesn't clear the ambiguity, chooseyour guess to answer the question. and mark it for review at the end of the current testlet if timepermits. Remember though that once you submit a tesllet, you cannot go back to review it.

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Tactics for Simulations

TIp 1 Work all homework simulations.

Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review

We have developed extensive task-based simulations for you to work as homework. You shouldfamiliarize yourself with the types of questions and functionalities covered by the tasks. Thisfamiliarity will save you time on the actual exam because you will understand how to navigatebetween tasks and use the various tools that are provided.

TIp 2 Follow recommended progression through tasks.

It is important to have a basic approach when beginning a teslle!. We recommend the following:

./' Review each task's instructions.

./' Allocate your time among the tasks. Remember the AICPA's approximate time frame for all

task-based simulations to be worked. Be sure, however, to lake into account any additional

time you saved while completing earlier testlets and the difficulty of the particular simulation

you are working.

./' Be sure that you have answered all reqUirements for each task.

TIP 3 Use the keyword search function when completing research tasks.

The Research task requires the candidate to answer a question using the appropriate authoritative

literature. It should be noted that the most time efficient way to search the authoritative literature

available on the exam is through the use of a keyword search.

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Page 16: 2012 Course Introduction

Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Review

MANAGING YOUR STRESS BEFORE THE EXAMINATION

Expect to feel tense and uncertain during the week before the examination. You can manage stress by

following several tips.

TIP 1 Remember, every candidate taking the exam likely feels as tense as you do.

Auditlne

Take some comfort from that shared misery. Realize also that the examiners indirectly recognize thatstress by curving scores on the examination and by re-grading failed parts.

TIP 2 Use those activities you usually employ to reduce stress.

Get as much rest as you can, exercise regularly, and eat balanced nutritional meals. The evidence isoverwhelming that adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition minimize the harmful and disruptive physicaland psychological effects of tension.

TIp 3 Do not work until you drop.

You'll impair your health and threaten your performance on the examination. Treat yourself to timeaway from concentrated study. Focus on the fact that the time to study and learn new material isbehind you.

TIp 4 You may want to try a technique called "imaging."

Some people report that they improve their performance on difficult or stressfui tasks by visualizingthat they've already succeeded at the task. Imagine that you're taking the examination and handlingits demands well. Or, imagine you've received your passing grade. This may boost your confidence.

TIp 5 Remember, the examiners cannot test on every conceivable subject.

The examiners must limit the amount of detail they demand and the scope of topics on which theycan focus during the time allowed for the examination.

TIP 6 Remember, if a question pops up with which you are unfamiliar, don't panic.

The odds are that it will be a surprise to most exam takers. Simply gather your wits about you andprepare the best answer you can. Do not omit the question simply because you are unfamiliar withthe topic. Most likely, the examiners are looking for you to exercise professional Judgment in tacklingthe topic.

TIp 7 Remember, if you have followed your study plan, you are well prepared.

You will be able to answer most of the questions on the examination easily, and you'll know howto wrestle with the harder problems in ways that will eam you a passing grade. Even if you'veaccomplished only most or some of your study goals. take comfort in the knowledge that you're betterprepared than many other candidates.

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SURVIVING THE EXAMINATION

Becker Professional EducatIon I CPA Exam Review

Make sure that you've arranged your transportation so you arrive with 30 minutes to spare before your set

appointment time. This margin should enable you to handle any unexpected travel delays_

Second, wear comfortable clothing. The "layered look" should serve you best. The room in which you take the

examination may be perfectly comfortable, but it may be over- or under-heated for the season, and you'll want

to be able to adjust to prevailing conditions.

Additional test-center administration procedures are available on either the AICPA exam website

(www.cpa-exam.org) or at the Prometric test center website (www.2test.com).

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Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam RevIew

PREPARE TO SUCCEED...

Auditing

Congratulations on your decision to join the most trusted and recommended CPA Exam Review course in the

industry-Becker Professional Education!

Upon the successful completion of our course and passing the CPA Exam, we invite you to consider joining

the esteemed faculty of Becker Professional Education. We employ a strong cadre of carefully selected

professionals with advanced academic degrees and years of practical experience. Our faculty help students

relate to the business world, make tangible connections between theory and practice. and bring immediate

relevance to you.

Becker's culture of passion among its faculty and their commitment to keeping professionally up to date are the

key factors driving all aspects of our mission.

As a Becker faculty member, you will help others achieve their career goals and personal potential while

earning a supplemental income. You will get the satisfaction of making a positive impact on the quality of the

CPA profession. You will also get a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally:

,/ Teach part time without interrupting your full-time career.

,/ Experience the satisfaction of making a difference.

,/ Expand your own expertise.

,/ Enhance your communication and leadership skills.

,/ Network with other professionals in your field.

If you are an experienced professional with a CPA and/or an advanced degree, knowledge of the CPA

profession with strong communication skills and a desire to help others succeed, you could become a faculty

member at Becker Professional Education. Specialty areas of need include financial accounting and reporting,

governmental and not-for-profit accounting, taxation, business law, auditing and attestation, economics, cost

and managerial accounting.

In addition to competitive compensation. Becker Professional Education faculty may be eligible for CPE

credit (decided by each jurisdiction). Please send a resume or CV to [email protected] if you are

interested in preparing future CPAs, If you have questions, you can also contact a Becker faCUlty recruiter

at 630-706-3406.

CI 2011 OeVry/Betker EduCilllonal OlIvelopmltn\ Corp. All rights reserved. Intro·19

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Auditing Becker Professional Education I CPA EXilm Review

INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION FORM

Becker Professional Education is committed to providing high-quality instruction to our students. If you are taking this course in alive classroom. you will periodically receive e-mails throughout the course. These e-mails witllnclude a link to our online evaluation.Please take a few minutes to complete this evaluation. Your Input Is very important to us. You will continue to receive remindere-mails until you complete the evaluation form for every instructor teaching that section or until the evaluation period has ended.

To ensure you receive the e-mail invitation, be sure to add [email protected] to your address book or safe senderslist. For your convenience, please find the Instructions for the most commonly used e-mail services and programs at:hUp:llimages.ed4.netlimageslhldocsladdressbook.

If you do not receive the reminder e-mails, you can access the evaluations at www.beckereval.com throughout the section you arecurrently attending and for approximately 10 days after the last lecture of that section. If you prefer, you can complete the evaluationbelow for each instructor in that section and scan and e-mail [email protected].

City/location (e.g.! DenverlWesbninster-DeVryl Section (FAR, AUD, REG, or BEe)Please Jist your class infonnation:

Please list your instructors' names:

A B C 0 F A B C 0 F A B C 0 F

CillIJCillIJCillIJOIIIJOIIIJOIIIJOIIIJOIIIJITllIJOIIIJOIIIJITllIJ

Iwould give Ihis instruelD< the following grade:

This Instructor displayed passion andenthusiasm while presenting the lectures.

This Instructor showed a genuine interest Inpreparing me for the exam.

Did your Instructor encourage you to fill outyour course evaluations?

I would recommend this instructor to others.

This Instructor motivaled me 10 complete thehomeWOrk and 10 do what I could 10 ensurethat Iwas prepared for Ihe exam.

This instructor demonstraled knowledgeof the SUbject matter by giving examples,working questions during the lecture, andanswering questions While at the classes.

A B C 0 F A B C 0 F A B C 0 F

Overall, Iwould give this Instructor Ihefollowing grade:

How long was the class?

Describe at least one characteristic Of aspectof your Instructor's teaching Ihat could beimproved in ortler to provide students wilh abetter learning experience:(Use the back of Ihls page for additionalspace, If needed.)

:===========:1 ~I====~II~====~

Describe at least one of your instructor'steaching slrenglhs Ihat you found heipful orvaluable:(Use Ihe next page for additionai space,if needed.)

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Becker Professional Education I CPA Exam Re.... lew Auditing

INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION FORM-AODITIONAL NOTES

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tntro·22

NOTES

Becker Professional Education I CPA EXdm RevIew

o 20U ~Vrv/ll&kereducational Dell!lopment Corp. AU ristlls resrrved.