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Hi All,
These two questions are for those who sat P4 and P5.
1. Is it a realistic expectation to prepare for P4 exam in just 2 months ? (studying online + working full time).
2. Is it more difficult than P5?
I got exemptions from F1-F9. I studied material from F5 to F9 and I found it ok at that time. I hated F7…Obviously I do not remember anything from these exams now. Later I sat P1 (got 52%, first sitting) and P3 (59% first sitting). These two exams were ok for me.
Then I sat P2 and it felt like hitting a truck that was speeding 100 miles per hour and I failed :-(. I sat it again this December and currently waiting for results. I found P2 very difficult as a subject overall. There are a lot of details to remember and tricky questions. It requires hours & hours of study and when you finish you realise that you have forgotten half of it so you need to start from the beginning. It was much harder than anything else I have ever studied in my life.
Anyway I am thinking about my next steps and I can’t decide between P4 or P5. I do not want to step on a landmine like P2 again.
Is P4 similar in nature to P2 or is it perhaps more straightforward and easier to learn ? How is it compared to all lower papers? F9 was ok for me, but I do not remember much out of it now.
I know that P5 is kind of based on P3 which was ok for me, but I have been reading very strange comments/opinions about this exam and about the examiner. I am worried that as a non-native speaker of English I may fail big time.
What would you recommend? (I currently work as Accountant – mainly mgmt accounting).
Thanks
I agree that P4 is extremely difficult. Given the time limitations, it really is a challenge to provide an acceptable mix of calculations and text. I have failed 3 times already with 44-46 marks, though P9 was not a problem for me at all. P2 is hundreds of times easier.
Right now I am going through P5 study material which seems… just too simple. Which means the exam is going to be tricky, seeing the lowest pass rates.Hello,
My personal experience. Passed always at first attempt from F2 to P3 (only one exception). Usually doing various exams in the same session. Full time working and studying online.
Until I arrived to P5… first time I fail an exam (47) in my whole life, while I was confident I passed. To be honest, I did not study too much (I passed P3 on the same session).
P5 is very tricky even though the subject looks simple when you study it for first time. You can think you have done well but fail due to taking the wrong approach on the question. Also, sometimes is not clear how marking is done, as examiner rewards critical and correct applications to the case answers and not just theory filling, requiring to use your brain in a way that is not usual in acca exams. That is the reason a lot of people is frustrated trying to pass it over and over…
On the other hand, the subject is extremely interesting and it is important if you work on management accounting.
P4 is complex but it is more like other previous acca exams you have already done. In fact, for me is quite straightforward, with a lot of marking linked to practical exercises that if you master them, you will by sure do well, assuring a pass. Personally, I felt P2 much more difficult, but I’m still waiting for P4 results :).
In summary, if you study P4 you will pass by sure. It will just require effort. Concerning P5, be careful, studying could not be enough! Read the forum to understand the main issues with this exam. Then take a look at some past exams just with your P3 knowledge, your experience and you common sense… Then read the answers.
Only then you will understand why P5 is complex. Did you still feel confident? Go ahead, it will be one of the most interesting subjects you will approach, it fits your background and you will learnt a lot!
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