BT frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Has increasing the use of "scenarios" in multiple-choice questions made exams more challenging?

We have analysed our candidates' exam results and found no evidence of a difference in pass rates for this type of question as compared with other types.

We have included scenario-type questions in this exam to better prepare candidates for the other Applied Knowledge exams, where they need to apply their knowledge more than remember facts.

"Scenarios" on this exam are generally short and tuition providers are now much better at preparing candidates for the wide range of question styles they will encounter.

How do the exam questions reflect the content of the study guide?

Most questions are dedicated to only one subject area of the study guide; questions will not combine areas nor will one scenario be used as the basis for more than one question.

There are an equal number of questions drawn from each area of the syllabus, whether candidates are doing a computer-based or paper-based exam. This means about eight or nine questions for each section of the syllabus.

Has economics been removed from the syllabus?

No, it is included within Section A of the new syllabus and a new subject area A5 has been added, focusing on basic aspects of micro economics.

Will the exam only specifically examine the theorists and organisational models included in the syllabus?

The syllabus covers relatively few theories or models. Those selected are well known and relatively straightforward to understand. The idea is that candidates should understand how theories or models help people think about issues. The inclusion of a theory or model does not necessarily mean that this is regarded as the only relevant theory in the area, but is one that is most well recognised in the management literature. BT/FBT will not examine specific theories or models which are not explicitly named somewhere in the syllabus, so it is worth gaining a good knowledge and understanding of those which are.

Will BT exam questions ever involve calculations?

BT is mainly an examination testing verbal knowledge and skills. However, there are aspects of the syllabus such as subject areas A4 and A5 which examine macro and micro economics, which may involve some calculations. Example of these would be questions about aggregate demand in the economy and those involving elasticity and cross-elasticity of demand.

Why is the pass rate for BT sometimes significantly higher than that of other Applied Knowledge exams?

Candidates for Business and Technology are usually well prepared for their examinations and the syllabus is a very broad and knowledge based syllabus about business in general.  Some candidates may have acquired knowledge of many of the business areas covered in the exam before they registered with ACCA in previous studies but also through their exposure to business media.  But mainly the preparedness of candidates can be attributed to the excellent coverage of this examination in the official study texts and by tuition providers.

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