[trebleo]

If you work full time and plan on taking ATX, I would recommend taking that sitting on it’s own. ATX is massive, even bigger than SBR.
I never did AAA, but I did SBL because it was compulsory. I would say, if you are working full time, SBL is more manageable to do with another exam, but not ATX.
Of course this is just me. It is up to you and if you can pass ATX and another in June then happy days!

[trebleo]

Hi Missymckay.

I did both papers. Obviously everyone is different, so it is a matter of opinion which one is harder.

For me, ATX was more challenging, simply because the module is just so big. The concepts in ATX aren’t difficult, there’s just a lot to learn.

SBL is very opinion based, so some may say that the subjective nature of SBL makes it more challenging (ATX is of course objective). But for me, SBL was “easier”. If there was a poll I’m convinced most students would agree! 🙂

[trebleo]

I second this.
He’s a very good tutor.
I had him in December 2018 sitting and passed first time.

[trebleo]

Interesting question!

Many years ago I was thinking of ways to add more skills to my portfolio and I signed up for Sage 50 certification. It was a waste of time! There were constant server issues where the learning portal would not upload and the customer service team could not resolve the issue. At least I got my refund.

I ended up getting Sage Line 50 experience at a small company I temped at. Therefore in my experience one just learns these different accounting systems by moving companies.
Lack of experience in a particular system is not a massive barrier.

The fact that you have the least user friendly system – SAP – in your profile is a massive boost to your credentials. Employers should know that if you can adapt to SAP, then you have the aptitude to learn anything.

[trebleo]

Passed 1st time 69%. And I am no stranger to resits.
Last exam done, so my prison sentence is now over. All praise to my Lord Jesus Christ!

Best of luck to everyone here, whether you’ve qualified or still have more to go. We know how hard this journey is. Peace!

[trebleo]

I had already done AFM (P4). So it was a choice of the other 3.
For APM, I heard that this was heavily linked to P3 business analysis which I had not done yet. So APM not an advisable option for me.
I find audit extremely boring and hated F8, so doing AAA was not not in my interest. I found F6 much more interesting, so I chose ATX.
I didn’t regret my choice, it was an engaging topic, and in comparison to AFM, the examiner is much fairer.
Technically ATX is not difficult, but the challenging feature of this module is that it is a lot! So lots of reading and practice needed. Also everybody is different. Maybe you’ll be better of doing the other options. Basing your choice on which modules you preferred at skills level is a sound basis for your choice. Good luck!

[trebleo]

Passed 58% first attempt.
Thank you Jesus. This was not an easy ride.

[trebleo]

Hi Frafiq,
I wish this was behind me. This is my first attempt. I am using Kaplan revision kit. I’ve used BPP before for other modules. They are both good. Perhaps Kaplan is slightly better.

[trebleo]

I think I remember this question.

If the house is not her MAIN RESIDENCE then it doesnt qualify for PPR.

[trebleo]

Passed on third attempt. 53%. I give Christ all the praise!

This module was interesting, but by far the most challenging I’ve done. Never had to resit twice before. June 2017 was passable, but I mismanaged time. December 2017 was such a cruel exam, had never seen anything like it. This latest March paper was much fairer.

[trebleo]

Yes, you are right. The exams from 2010 onwards are more relevant for practice.

The exam questions before 2010 can be useful, but I found that some of them contain features that are not relevant in the current P4 syllabus. For example, vesting of employee shares in a valuation question, or a 15 mark question requiring to produce a cash flow statement.

So yes, focus on exam questions from 2010 onwards. If practising questions pre 2010, don’t get stressed out like I did when a strange feature comes up.

[trebleo]

@frry06 said:
What I found strange is that P1-P3 have higher pass rates than F5-F9

Agreed. The pass rates for P2 are high considering how hard that paper is. For me, this is one paper where the pass rate does not reflect the level of difficulty.

[trebleo]

@johnmoffat said:
Trebleo: This is a standard tax rule. If the tax in the home country is higher than they just pay the extra tax. However it the tax in the home country is lower, they do not get a tax refund or credit.

(Incidentally, I have uploaded lectures working through the whole of this question – you can find them linked from the main P4 page following ‘Revision Kit Live’.)

Thanks John!

[trebleo]

@mariumsalman said:
HI.

This Dec17 will be my first attempt at p4 and im freaking out because i have heard almost everyone say that p4 is a really difficult paper to pass. Is that really the case?

Also, im not familiar with the pattern. Can someone please tell me what to expect from q1? It is for 50 marks and is the first question based on investment appraisal or what?
Same goes from q2 q3 and q4- which questions to expect from each part?

Also, any tips to clear the paper would be appreciated since this would be my last paper to become an affliate, hoping that i clear p7 from sep17.

Thanks.

Hi Muriam.

There is no set pattern in this module. The 50 mark question can be based on any of the core topics such as valuations, investment appraisal, hedging/risk management, reconstructions. So it is important to revise the whole syllabus. Valuations and investment appraisals tend to feature most often, but look at past papers and you will see that the 50 mark question varies.

Q2, 3 & 4 can be any topic, so again, there is no fixed pattern here.

P4 is possible to pass. It is just a very time pressured exam so it is important to practice in order to master exam technique and finish the exam as quickly as you can. Best wishes for December.

[trebleo]

Time management. This exam is unfairly time pressured. Learn your exam technique to get through the questions as efficiently as possible but if you have used up your time allocation in the question, then please move on. I spent too much time on one question (75 minutes instead of 49) and failed because of this. Aim to finish of course but do not be obsesse If you manage to attempt 85-90% of the exam, you will have done well. But of course, aim to finish.

Also learn the whole syllabus. Learn the core topics, but it is also important to have a basic knowledge of all of the smaller topics. This is because the examiner will make it very hard to get high marks on the core topics. If you have basic knowledge on the smaller topics, you can boost your marks with easy points.

[trebleo]

First attempt fail 39%. Exam was too time pressured, despite having done weeks of practice questions. Try again in December.
Well done to all who passed, this is not a module for the faint hearted!

[trebleo]

Goodness me, I thought P2 was time pressured, P4 takes time pressure to another level!! Even with plenty of question practice – and I did plenty – there’s just too much information to register in so little time.

Time to forget about this, move on, get a life and enjoy the summer. I hope everyone else does the same! Good luck all.

[trebleo]

Thanks John! Much appreciated.

[trebleo]

@stokignatius said:
guys

has anyone of you felt like giving up on school because of lack of time for all the commitments??

here is my situation… i am a young married man attending school after work, i do P1.P2 and F9.

MY main challenge is that i do not feel myself settled in any of this, i do not have time,for study,is it wise to postpone P2 to September,or maybe december and at least focus on what i believe i can do best? being F9 and P1 ??

My life seems almost miserable……please guys help ME OUT

Do you work full time? If so then 3 modules in 1 sitting is way too much.
To put it into perspective, a full time student is only allowed to do a maximum of 4 modules. So a person working full time, doing 3 modules is studying 75% of a full time student.
So my advice is don’t do more than 2 modules per sitting if you work full time.

[trebleo]

I echo what holdon said. Do not use recruitment agencies. Avoid recruitment agencies like a plague.

I know recruitment agencies flood most of the job postings on web sites, thats why I only ever used web sites like Reed or Indeed where I could remove agencies from my job search.

Secondly, searching for the next PQ account role is a numbers game as well as a waiting game. Numbers game as in apply to as many suitable roles as you can. And then it is a waiting game meaning it normally takes time to get that job offer. My waiting experience has ranged from 5-12 months. With your level of experience you shouldn’t have to wait anywhere near 12 months like I once did, my experience level was low at that time. Perhaps some people appear lucky and appear to move jobs easily. But I reckon most people in the finance job market will find that a waiting game is the case.

[trebleo]

I would say yes, it is worth it. Study support is hard to come by and if you are fortunate enough to get it from your employer, there is usually a post completion clause to stay for a minimum term.

Not all employers offer study support, and I had to self fund myself from F1-F9. My current employer is offering full study support and I have to stay 6 months after completion.

In your case, it seems you only have access to online lectures and this is sufficient in my opinion. I know everyone is different, but I think part time class room lectures is a waste of time for full time workers like us. They are just rushed and I find that you don’t really learn much because of the fast pace. I think only full time students would benefit from class room lectures which probably take place at a steadier pace.

But like I said, everyone is different, so do what you feel is right.

[trebleo]

Yes, this is a core topic in P2. It will certainly come up. I would say 10-25 marks, but you can never be too sure what the examiner is thinking.

You dont need to read a whole book. I know everyone’s method of study is different, but a whole book for one chapter is excessive!

The most important standard by far is IFRS 9.
IAS32, not a large standard, but still examinable.
IAS39, this standard has been phased out, being replaced by IFRS9. If this comes up, it’s likely to be as a current issue on how this standard differs with IFRS9.
IFRS 7. Summary of disclosures. Rarely examined, but I wouldnt take any chances with this examiner! Learn the summary of disclosures.

[trebleo]

@ashfaque said:
Why would i lie? i will not receive any medal from u or anyone else 🙂

And yes you are right..i failed… cleared F9 in third attempt in Sept 2016

Well in that case congratulations! It is not easy to pass these while working full time. 🙂

[trebleo]

@ashfaque said:
Well i dont know about others but here is my record

F1-F3 Exempt
F4 Passed CBE on 27 Oct 2015
F5,F6,F7,F8 Passed in Dec 2016
P1,P3 Passed in March 2016
P2, P5, P7 Passed in June 2016
F9 Passed in Sept 2016

So definitely achievable if you really want to do it 🙂

PS: I am married, have 2 kids and working full time.

The only way you’re telling the truth is if you failed F9 in March 2016 and June 2016.

[trebleo]

Im doing P2 at the moment and it is a beast of a module. I work full time so I suppose that is the factor that is making this module look so time consuming.
It has a lot of IFRS/IAS rules to learn and includes previous F7 calculations like Leases, Deferred Tax, PPE & Intangible assets, Pensions etc…and of course group consolidations.
If you’re studying full time, then I dont see why you shouldnt try it. But if you do work full time, it will involve an incredible committment.

I dont know much about P4, except that it is a big module too. Good luck!

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