10 Ways To Study For ICAN And ACCA Exams

10 Ways To Study For ICAN And ACCA Exams

Adopting an effective study and reading technique is one of the most vital ways to achieve success in your professional exams like ICAN and ACCA. Here are some of the best reading and study tips for your exams

1. Make study a habit
Studying and working can be tough even at the best of time. But, when the date for the exam is near, the need to study as much as possible can add to the pressure. Students are advised to make the best use of their time. ‘At the beginning of your studies, you have to discipline yourself and produce a clear schedule of the extra study you need for your exams. The extra hours of work will become a habit after few weeks. Once studying becomes a habit, it will feel normal to read for your exams, and if you fail to study for even one day you will feel you are missing something.’

2. Use the resources at hand
Use the resources available on the ACCA and ICAN website. Study the exam papers from the past five years or more because sometimes, the examination body repeats questions. Study the examiners’ feedback published on their website. This is vital because it enables students to know what is expected in future exams.’ Examiners’ feedback is published twice a year in the April and October issues of student accountant. The more you study, the more you benefit.


3. Working together
Learning in group or studying with a friend can be a good way to add to what you already know, and also find out what you don’t know. It is vital to studying with others so that you can look at topics from different angles. Working in a small group of three or four allows you to interact on topics and get new ideas from each another. ‘Furthermore, talking about areas you read daily enables you to share your skills and knowledge, and this could aid in applying the experience you have gathered to the exam questions.’

4. Ask if you don’t understand
If you attend lectures or tutorials, it is important you understand all you have been taught. Students are to make sure they have understood everything and not to be afraid to ask tutors and lecturers questions on areas they don't understand. It is very important to have complete understanding of the subject, so that your misunderstandings are not compounded as the course continues. ‘One of the best way to examine your understanding is to see if you can teach the subject to a friend, and effectively explain every aspect of it accurately. If you can do so, then you should be able to answer all the questions during exam.’

10 Ways To Study For ICAN And ACCA Exams



5. Practice, practice, practice
I still believe in the old adage ‘practice makes perfect’. ‘Although we have heard this said so many times, it really works,’ only when practiced genuinely. Students are advised to try to do three or four practice questions after every topic studied. ‘By studying as many revision papers and questions as you can, you can't forget what you have learned.’


6. PQRST
The PQRST method for his study (P = preview, Q = question, R = revise, S = summary, T = test.) is very essential in studying for ICAN exam. ‘I will first preview the topic to find out what I need to know about the topic, then I take note of any queries or questions which may arise. When the exams are near, revise the topic and make short notes in summary of what you read. Testing yourself on these will help you to see where you are with the subject and the knowledge gaps you have.’

7. Look after yourself
Your brain works best when you eat healthy foods and sleep very well – and if you don’t get enough sleep, you may lose a lot of cognitive power. Getting your body into the best possible shape can give you some advantages when it comes to your studies. ‘Make sure you eat, exercise, rest and sleep properly. You may not perform at your best when you are tired, hungry and sluggish.


8. Plan Ahead
 Regular planning as the key way to achieve success. You can have a weekly target plan, then break this into daily targets so they can be achievable. You can also break it down into hourly target depending on you. Endeavor to meet your daily targets, and if you can’t, make up for it within the week. ‘Planning can aid you decide how many subjects you can take in a particular session. Detailed scheduling may cost you some time but, according to the cost–benefit principle, this is time worth spending if you can monitor your progress step-by-step on the way to becoming a successful finalist.’

9. Read The Syllabus
Reading the Syllabus is also as important as reading your textbook. ‘You may think reading syllabus is a waste of time when you should be reading textbooks but it could save you a lot of effort in the long run. When studying, tick off the subjects you have studied in the Syllabus as you go along, to make sure that you have covered everything.’

10. Start Early
If you are preparing for your exam, It is advised that you start early study. Don't wait for your results to be out before you starts to study for your next exams. ‘You can give yourself at least two weeks to relax after your current exams are over, then start studying for the next session. Read every chapter in your study material, and at the end of each chapter engage in past questions to familiarize yourself with the exam questions and answers as they relate to the chapter. Then, about a month before the commencement of the exam, concentrate majorly on practicing past questions, referring to the textbook only when you are stuck.’
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1 Comments
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous July 26, 2022 at 12:23 AM

    Thanks for this!

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