BCMA- Studying

Basswood

Basswood

Carpal tunnel level member
Location
Long island
So my BCMA study guide just came in the mail. It’s one of a handful more certs I need for a new position. Curious if it’s similar to the CA test that the best mode of studying is reading the book or if anyone has found other good resources.
 
I don't think there was an ISA-provided BCMA study guide when I took the test. I do remember a long lost of "read all of these books". Some I had read, some I hadn't. I reached a point where I realized this is more of a "life learning" kinda thing and I was either gonna pass or not, so I just took it.

Having said that, I recognize that some people, smarter than me, struggle with taking tests more than I do. I don't think the BCMA was an extremely well written test. Lots of "gotcha" type of questions. I don't remember any exact examples (and wouldn't be allowed to share if I did)...but just pay attention to wording. There were several questions that I thought could go either way if I could argue my point...but I couldn't, so I had to tell myself just KISS ... use the language to figure out what the test writer had in mind.

Honestly, I think you are either ready or not. I'm not sure how I would tell someone to "get ready" for the BCMA test in, say, 3 months. I guess read as many books on the list as you possibly can!
 
The gotcha aspect sounds similar to the CA test. I didn’t find it very difficult itself, but kind of exactly how you describe. Which definitely hung me up on a few questions on that one.

I’ll keep an eye out for that list and see if it’s mentioned in the guide. The guide itself seems mostly focused on practice tests and terms to know. Doesn’t seem all that complicated from a quick overview but I’ve been told it’s a tougher test, as it should be, than the CA.
 
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I definitely thought it was a tougher test (ironically, I passed BCMA 1st try but had to retake 1 section of CA when I did that). CA: Know the one book and you are good to go. BCMA: I don't think one book can get you ready for it. Maybe it can gauge your readiness, but not contain everything you need to be prepared.
 
ATH said:
I don't think there was an ISA-provided BCMA study guide when I took the test. I do remember a long lost of "read all of these books". Some I had read, some I hadn't. I reached a point where I realized this is more of a "life learning" kinda thing and I was either gonna pass or not, so I just took it.

Having said that, I recognize that some people, smarter than me, struggle with taking tests more than I do. I don't think the BCMA was an extremely well written test. Lots of "gotcha" type of questions. I don't remember any exact examples (and wouldn't be allowed to share if I did)...but just pay attention to wording. There were several questions that I thought could go either way if I could argue my point...but I couldn't, so I had to tell myself just KISS ... use the language to figure out what the test writer had in mind.

Honestly, I think you are either ready or not. I'm not sure how I would tell someone to "get ready" for the BCMA test in, say, 3 months. I guess read as many books on the list as you possibly can!
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That was my impression as well, i studied off and on for 6-8 months and passed first try. Definitely not a walk in the park though. The new guide surely helps. I would add that most everything is in the bmp's so those are great for review.
 
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The very first section of the BCMA study guide is about how and when to prepare for the exam. It can be very helpful if you are good with specific guidance or like to keep a strict schedule regarding administrative-like tasks. I tend to procrastinate so I found the preparation section somewhat daunting.
 
The BCMA study guide isn't the sort of thing you read through. It offers practice tests.

If you merely want to pass: use the practice tests of the study guide to discover your weakest areas, then study the relevant books/pamphlets on those areas.

Here's what you should do: spend your time on deeply comprehending the material that'll be most valuable in your new role. Ace those sections and let your high scores there make up for your lower scores in areas of low value to your role.

What's the position?
 
Nish said:
The BCMA study guide isn't the sort of thing you read through. It offers practice tests.

If you merely want to pass: use the practice tests of the study guide to discover your weakest areas, then study the relevant books/pamphlets on those areas.

Here's what you should do: spend your time on deeply comprehending the material that'll be most valuable in your new role. Ace those sections and let your high scores there make up for your lower scores in areas of low value to your role.

What's the position?
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This was my plan from the get go. Along with getting what remaining BMP booklets I need to finish out the library.

Positing is a division consultant. Covering 3, soon to be 4 offices as well as getting sent to other divisions for support. I’ve done the latter for training and support. Doing inventories, risk assessments, preservation plans and other consulting type stuff. Goal is to be doing it full time within a year or two and essentially where I’ve wanted my career path to go to for awhile.
 
Poorly worded questions meant to be tricky, municipal Specialist exam is similiar in that regard

I also took it before the new guide existed and just read and read and read before taking it
 
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