How to pass ACCA exams? | ACCA self-study tips | ACCA Self Study Guide

Justyna Wachulka-Chan

How to pass ACCA exams?

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Thinking of stepping into the world of accounting and business? Well, a lot of people choose ACCA because it covers a wide range of fields in the accounting world. However, the road to success requires commitment, strategy, and effective ACCA self-study techniques. Your qualification will be your best weapon to triumph the corporate world in not just your own country but also in foreign countries. Being one of the highest paid and respected jobs out there, you will have to put in a lot of effort in order to climb the first step of the ladder to a financially stable and promising future and passing your ACCA exams. These exams are based on MCQ’s and short questions so that students can be tested on critical skills, however, it is highly recommended that you spend a good amount of time researching previous ACCA exams and examiners’ demands.

ACCA exams are not like other tests. They are based on critical and analytical skills.

ACCA Self-Study Tips | How to pass ACCA exams?

Plan ahead!

If you are considering appearing for the ACCA exams then you must start the preparation well in advance. Give yourself ample amount of time to prepare your mind for the hectic schedule and tough routine that is ahead. Relax your mind. Go and meet those friends you have been making plans with for quite some time. Visit the places you wanted to visit. Because this will enrich your body with positive energies that you will later require.

Challenge your fears

It can be a very overwhelming situation for some people, as we’ve heard from many students who seem to be fighting the same battle. Some of your friends, relatives and colleagues can agree that the struggle is real! Even the most confident people can be overwhelmed, so don’t worry, you are not alone. You are unique and you have a different set of techniques and ideas that others don’t have. So, be excited to be part of this competition and gear up for the battle ahead.

Scheduling a timetable

A timetable is the most important thing if you live in a home where you can be distracted pretty easily. Ensuring that the timetable is followed is crucial if you want to divide your time between studies and family because quick breaks can sometimes be long ones and you can spend an entire day without any productivity.

The timetable should be set according to the subjects; morning time should be for the tough subjects because at that time of the day your brain is highly active. Go for a quick jog and then feed your brain with current news and business affairs.

For some people, it is different, they are active at night and are very productive during the later hours, so pay special attention to your routine and try to find the most comfortable place in the house where there is minimum human activity. Try to avoid big gatherings as they can utilize most of your time and can overwhelm you with less time and more work.

Practice and practice, then practice a little more

Now let’s dig into how you are going to efficiently prepare for the exams. Read the study guide beforehand. Make a list of all the topics. Take your little tests. Reach out to a friend if you need help with any topic. Watch videos on a reliable site but make sure that the content is authentic because you don’t want to disrupt your concepts. Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and structure. Dig into past papers and prepare your mind according to the examiner’s point of view. Practice past papers, but do this as your last step. Practicing past papers or mock tests to see where you need to work more is highly advisable to those students who are somewhat familiar with the exam pattern and required skill set.

A daily target

You should set a target for each day. This can include topics, chapters, subjects, etc. You should make sure that the target is accomplished every day because these tiny steps will save you a lot of time. Leaving plenty of time before exams means more practice can be done in advance.

Study material

One big advantage for ACCA students is that they can access the Model Answers to past papers from examiners themselves. This can give you a fair idea about how to frame your answers or to discover what key concepts are important for the exams. An Exam Kit from an ACCA approved publisher is another major tool in which you should spend a fair amount of time on.

Make sure you complete your syllabus thoroughly at least a couple of days before your exams so that you can relax and go through the hard topics. There is absolutely no need for rot learning. You need to have a firm grasp of all the concepts.

Most importantly

The most critical and crucial thing in order to excel in the exams is your passion. Your passion and hard work won’t let tiredness and exhaustion set you back. Concentration and lots of practice are promising for higher marks and, ultimately, for a speedy journey to your destination.

Listen to tutors

ACCA self-study is recommendable but hiring professional tutors or joining academies will help you a lot. In the company of peer students in an academy or any institute, you will be able to compare and contrast the mind and discover their approaches towards analytical questions. It all really depends on the studying method you are using and what sources are available to you. In some countries, it is almost impossible (and very pricey) to join classroom lectures. ACCA Self-studying, on the other hand can work well if there is a proper plan and structure behind it. Sometimes we cannot be given a free hand on what and when to study. There are however some online academies that provide a mix of online classroom tutoring, video pre-recorded lectures. It is down to you to figure out which method would work best for you.

Paying great attention to detail and getting insight from experts and teachers will be the little steps needed in order to fill you with confidence on the day of your exam. Don’t bow down to pressure.

One of the major skills that is analysed in ACCA students is their logical technique in every question. Hence, don’t panic. Read the question carefully and use logic. Give equal time to every question so that you can attempt every question. Mark requirements are given in every question which helps you to answer accordingly and to structure your question wisely.

Stay positive

Don’t think little of yourself. You have potential and that is why you are here. Stay positive. Revise your syllabus. Keep yourself hydrated days leading up to your exam so that you can rest and sleep easily the night before the big day. Visit the exam center a couple of days before to save yourself from any mishap.

Best of luck with the exams!

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About the Author

Justyna Wachulka-Chan

Justyna is a seasoned professional with 8 years of dedicated experience in the computer-based accounting and finance certification coaching industry. She is committed to providing students with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed on their exams.

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