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Anyone self studying?

  • 35 posts
  • # 105965

Hi, I've just passed my level 2 and am considering self studying level 3. Which text books are best to use? I've read varying reviews on Kaplan.

 

Many thanks

Debbie

  • Member PM.Dip
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  • 47 posts
  • # 105973

Hi Debbie

I studied both Level II and Level III as self study using the Kaplan books.  Personally I found they worked for me and I particularly found all the worked examples and self testing questions very useful. The books are well laid out and follow a definite structure with a section at the front describing the syllabus and about the exams. I find I need to keep checking on myself to see if I have taken the information in and the Kaplan books are very good for this.

I also used all the revision books and found these very helpful.  For Level III I completed all the sections of the revision book for the BA4 exam in pencil and then as I did the BA5 and BA6 exams, completed the exercises for those.  I then rubbed out all the answers and before sitting the BA7 exam, re-did the whole book.  After completing the online mock exams from the ICB, I then sat all the exams.

Self study works out as a cost effective way of completing the exams but it depends on whether you feel you would need the help of a tutor to answer any questions.  Did you self study Level II or use a course?

Jan




Edited at 16 Mar 2015 02:18 PM GMT

  • 35 posts
  • # 105977

Hi Jan

Thanks for your reply.

i used a training provider for Level II but didn't really need to refer to my tutor.  I'm looking for a cost effective way of studying and I think self study is the answer. Will bite the bullet, crack on and see how I get on!

Thanks again

Debbie

  • 3 posts
  • # 108990

Hi Jan

I used Kaplan for my Level 2 and was very pleased with them. I've just ordered the Level 3 books and was wondering how the computer element is tested as there doesn't appear to be a stand alone assessment as in Level 2. Also, how did you incorporate the computer studies - one their own or alongside the manual studies.

Cheers.

 

Ade

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  • 47 posts
  • # 108991

Hi Ade

For the BA4 exam, I worked through the Level III Manual book except for the Not For Profit section and then did the same with the Computerised book. The practise assessment at the end of the computerised study text is on a partnership so you will need to study partnerships too to do this assessment.  I then worked through the revision book ignoring the partnership and not for profit sections.  I seem to remember that the BA4 exam covered a lot of information and that it was split into 2 sections.  From when you order the exam, you have 2 weeks to access it but as soon as you press Start the clock starts counting down and you have 24 hours to complete and upload everything.  The first section is online and you can keep going in and out of it anytime during the 24 hour period. The second section, which, I think, must also be completed within the 24 hour period, is like the B3 exam, where you download the questions, complete them on your accounting package and then upload.  

I would definitely recommend using the revision book and also doing the mock from the ICB shop, as this will give you an idea of the format of the exam.


Jan

  • 3 posts
  • # 108992

Jan

Wondered how they managed to test the computerised element in a 2 hour on-line assessment! - thanks for clearing that up.

I used the revision book and downloaded mocks for my Level 2 and found them a big help, doing the same for Level 3.

Just waiting for my B3 result now  :)

Thanks for your help.

 

Ade



Edited at 05 Jun 2015 05:38 AM GMT

  • Member PM.Dip
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  • 47 posts
  • # 108995

Hi Abe

Good luck with your result!

I've found the Kaplan books very good too and I found the layout excellent.  I particularly liked the revision books as they helped to bring it all together.  I've bought the Level IV books but have had to put my studying in abeyance while I concentrate on my tourism based business over the summer, but it will be back to studying in September.


 Jan

  • 3 posts
  • # 108998

Thanks Jan

Got my result today - only sent it in on Tuesday!

Passed    :)

Do you combine your bookkeeping service with the tourism business?

I work part-time in accounts for the local council and part-time as a handyman - odd mix, I know, but doing my own accounts and self assessment return has given me the confidence to get qualified and set up my own practice.

Hope this summer's kind to your business.

 

Ade

 

  • Member PM.Dip
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  • 47 posts
  • # 108999

Hi Ade

Well done - onwards and upwards to Level III now!!!

My bookkeeping and other business are seperate. Where I live on the North West Coast of Scotland, it is difficult to make a living and our main business is very seasonal (providing moorings for visiting yachts) so I do bookkeeping to supplement it. It also gives me something to do over the winter months. Most working age people here have more than one job so it's quite common.

Good luck with your studying for Level III and hopefully soon we'll be hearing you've completed that too!!

Regards

Jan

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