As Spidder81 said, the beta client is separate install. I had the same with BF Labs in which I played the alpha, also a separate client with it's own setings. I had to set all again in the beta.
Based on the beta and alpha feedback things might still change in terms of menu's and UI.
It would be a real QOL improvement if you could store certain settings to your EA account. For example the color schemes I use for crosshair, headshots, kills, enemies and friends etc. I always use the same scheme so if I could get these copied straight over from my profile that would be a huge improvement.