Navigating the journey of preparing for ACCA exams can seem daunting, particularly with a remarkable 15% surge in the number of aspiring candidates from previous years. This increasing competition may cast a shadow of anxiety, yet by embracing a strategic and focused approach, you can confront these challenges with assurance and clarity. Here is a comprehensive guide designed to illuminate your path as you prepare for the ACCA exam, empowering you to achieve your goals with confidence.
ACCA Exam: Steps to Prepare
Step 1: Understand the ACCA Exam Structure
Before you start studying, it’s important to understand the exam requirements and paper structures. The ACCA qualification consists of 13 exams divided into 3 levels.
- Applied knowledge: has 3 exams on business and technology, and management accounting.
- Applied Skills: has 6 exams, on corporate and business laws, and financial reporting.
- Strategic professional: includes 4 exams on strategic business leadership, and advanced financial management.
Step 2: Create a Study Plan
After understanding the exam structure, create your roadmap with a well-structured study plan by dedicating around 200 hours per exam, breaking down the syllabus into short-term goals, and most importantly allocating the time for revision and practice exams.
Step 3: Choose the Right Coaching Center:
With the right study plan, you can discover which institute aligns with your goals and how effectively you can be trained to achieve them. One of the best colleges to prepare for ACCA is EIMR Business School, where students are required to complete 9 modules in total, 5 of these modules are exempted, leaving 4 modules for which students must take an exam.
Step 4: Gather the Right Study Materials
Using appropriate resources for exam preparation can enhance your studies. To write the ACCA exam, some must-haves are the official ACCA study guide, revision kits from BPP or Kaplan, and the best online learning platforms of recorded videos and quizzes
Step 5: Practice Previous Exam Papers:
One of the best and most effective ways to prepare for the exam is through practicing previous papers, which helps you familiarize yourself with the exam format, and better time management, and is also useful to identify weak areas to improve.
Step 6: Form a Study Group
Forming and studying with a group will keep you motivated and gain valuable insights. Using this method will help you in sharing resources and tips to prepare, discuss difficult topics, and build connections with aspirants having similar aims.
Step 7: Learn Exam Techniques:
It is important to learn techniques and tips to answer the questions while consuming less time and being able to manage your time during the exam. Some of the important tips are carefully reading the questions, using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for scenario-based questions, and allocating time-based marks per question.
Step 7: Take Care of Your Well-Being:
While preparing for the exam is important prioritizing your health is also important. While maintaining a strict study plan remember to take regular breaks, get enough sleep, and practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress.
Step 8: Stay Consistent and Motivated:
Success in the ACCA exam relies on one key principle: consistency. Visualize your journey and set small, achievable goals as stepping stones. Celebrate each victory to fuel your progress. Always keep your ultimate dream becoming an esteemed ACCA member at the forefront of your mind. Let this aspiration drive you through the challenges ahead.
Preparing for the ACCA exam can be both challenging and rewarding. With dedication and consistent effort, you can approach the exam with confidence. Seek guidance from experienced ACCA professionals to unlock valuable knowledge and strategies that will open doors to opportunities and provide you with global recognition in the accounting and finance industry. Embrace the journey towards a brighter future!
