Some Useful Tactics for ACCA Exams

1. Question spotting: This is a dangerous approach and put students in great trouble. They will often try to anticipate “What will come in the next ACCA exam?... so I only have to revise those areas to save time”. A bad approach, trying to cutting corners.  The ACCA examiner knows better, it’s not worth trying to out-think them.  On occasion it has been observed that certain topics which were questioned in the last ACCA exam may not be deemed as important for the current exam, but that is by no means a guarantee. In depth learning of the subject will save student in the ACCA exams, not trickery or cunning.  If a student wants to clear the paper without any trouble, learn the topic in full, and don’t try to question spot.
2. Practice questions: By solving past exam questions (ACCA revision kits) will give the student the necessary confidence and a clearer idea about the ACCA exam. We would recommend for students to get hold of as many practice papers as they can to fully immerse themselves in the exam environment, and to condition themselves properly. Learn the type of questions being asked, the style of the examiner. By drilling past questions, you get a feel for quickly identifying what the examiner is looking for, so you can recognize it on the day, and not be misdirected or confused. Every minute will count in the exam.
3. Rote learning: This approach is there to assist you in passing your ACCA exam, but it should not be relied upon as your sole learning process. The examiners have a variety of methods to test the student in the way he wants.  Simply answering in parrot fashion the way you learned, may not necessarily answer the question the examiner is asking. Rather, rote learning is a good revision method to help bolster your original learning of the topic. However, a thorough understanding of the topic and dealing the scenario questions smartly is principle over rote learning.  
4. Understand what question is being asked of you: Understand the verb being used in the question. There is a paramount difference between verbs such as “describe”, list”, explain” etc. Do you know what the difference is? More importantly, do you know what the examiner is asking for? If you don’t you need to be fully conversant with these terms. Understanding the different types of verbs and what each one means will either make or break your ACCA exam sitting.
5. Time management:  This is the most important factor. Normally on the ACCA exam day lots of students face this problem, with so many unable to handle the pressure.  To overcome this, divide your time carefully for each question and try to ensure that you answer each question within that time limit, without going over.  If you get stuck on any of the questions during your paper try to skip it and return back later.  However, try not to leave any question unanswered in your ACCA exam, preferably attempt to answer them all.  Be logical and try to grasp the verb used in question (see above). If you are short on time, simply identifying what is being asked of you (the verb) will help produce some points towards that question. As a final note, reach your ACCA exam center at least one hour before, giving you time to settle down before the start.