full goodwill or partial goodwill method

Both are allowable and the company may choose either methods on case by case, needless to keep consistent for every acquisition.

The question will tell you which method the parent will choose. Below please find some examples for using a full goodwill method for non-controlling interest:

Jun 2009 Q1: Pacemaker’s policy is to value non-controlling interests at their fair values. The directors of Pacemaker assessed the fair value of the non-controlling interest in Syclop at the date of acquisition to be $65 million.
Dec 2009 Q1: The non-controlling interest in Salva is to be valued at its (full) fair value at the date of acquisition.

In case not applying full goodwill method, the Dec 2009 question would probably be written as “the non-controlling interest in Salva is to be valued at its proportionate share of net assets at the date of acquisition”.

I used the F7 examination questions as illustration.

The wording on goodwill for NCI should be the same. The only difference is that P2 consolidation is more complicated, e.g. more complex group structure, partial acquisition, disposal, foreign currencies, etc.

I completed the ACCA many years ago, all by self-study. I think that any study packs should be good enough. Section A is a matter of practice and speed. Section B tests on various accounting standards and issues, which should not be too difficult if you have a good understanding of the conceptual framework.

Finally, a good answering strategy during the examination can maximise your chance to pass.