Ace your exam with these seven tips
Dated: 10 / 09 / 2018 | 3:37 pm
Category: Latest News

Exam week has arrived. Let’s face it, this is never a fun time. Stress levels are generally high, and nerves abound. You’re on the last stretch now. It’s time for all those long hours spent studying to finally pay off.
At IBTC we know how demanding and stressful this period can be. We like to help our students get ahead, so we have put together a few simple tips to assist you this exam week.
1. Focus on what you know
If you’re not finished studying, it can be very tempting to cram in the last few chapters. Don’t do this. Research shows that cramming does not work. In one study participants lost 80% of what they thought they had learnt through cramming. Cramming stores information in your short-term memory but doesn’t create a lasting connection. As a result, you feel as if you know the work. but when it comes to the crunch you can’t recall it. We suggest you focus on revising what you have already studied and make sure you are confident with those sections rather than rushing through what’s left.
2. Get a good night’s sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep may not be high on your agenda before an exam, but it really should be. Studies show that learners can remember and consolidate material more effectively having slept on the new information.
3. Do a stationery check
Don’t forget that you need to bring your Identification Document as well as the necessary stationery to your exam. If you need a calculator, make sure that the batteries are charged and always carry an extra pen or pencil just in case.
4. Fuel up
Walking into an exam hungry can be a distraction and, according to recent research, it can also negatively impact your exam performance. In one study, students who ate breakfast before an exam performed better than those that didn’t. On exam day, be sure to include a portion of food rich Omega 3, such as smoked mackerel, it’s known for its brain boosting properties!
5. Arrive on time
Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your exam. Exams are stressful enough, don’t add to this stress by having to rush to the venue.
6. Breathe
As obvious as this may sound, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts before you begin the exam. Taking a few deep breaths will help to keep you calm and focussed.
Good luck to everyone writing this coming week. You’ve got this!
IBTC exam centres
If you reside in Cape Town or Johannesburg, you can write your exam at the IBTC Pearson VUE centres. Have a cup of coffee and a biscuit before you write, and meet our staff! Here is how to book IBTC as your exam centre:
ACCA: To use our exam centre, you simply need to call Robert on 0861 111 411 for available dates and times.
Related Articles

KCTP - February Pre-Seen Analysis
Read More
Prybloxx - February Pre-Seen Analysis
Read More
Amazzzing Beds - February Pre-Seen Analysis
Read More
ACCA - Bringing The World To You
Read More
Where can a CIMA qualification take YOU?
Read More
Optimise your LinkedIn profile to find your dream job
Read More
Jumpstart your career with ICB
Read More
How and why you should upskill during lockdown
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
How I passed my CIMA OT exams - Michael's story
Read More_250x175_crop_7.png)
Why IBTC prefers BPP: We do not follow the crowd, we follow the results
Read More
Is it possile to complete a CIMA level in one year?
Read More
Stop being defensive - you're ruining your life
Read More
CIMA 2020: Here are some important dates to take note of
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
From idea to money - How to write a good Business Plan
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
Exam tips: How to tackle your November Strategic Case Study exam
Read More_Tinashe_backofclass_pointing_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
Expert advice: how to pass the final Man Case Study exam on 2015 syllabus
Read More
Expert advice: A look at the final Ops Case Study exam on 2015 syllabus
Read More
Top exam tips: how to gain easy Strategic Professional Level marks
Read More
ICB 2020 changes – what lies ahead
Read More
CIMA CGMA conference- what our finance team has to say about the evolution of the finance profession
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
How to write the perfect to do list: a word from our CEO
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
A word from our CEO, Nikki Maritz, on how to have a good day.
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
How to tackle your ACCA Advanced Taxation UK exam
Read More
A word from our ICB Top Achiever: Trisha Padayachy
Read More
In the company of strong women: Karina Coetzee
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
In the company of strong women: Sue
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
Make our Pass Assured Promise work for you: Athi Biko's story
Read More
OT Masterclasses – how much can you learn in a day?
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
In the company of strong women: Nikki
Read More
No more CIMA exemption fees, what does this mean?
Read More
CIMA Story – I passed and failed in the space of two months
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
The founder's story matters: Here is the story of IBTC and CEO Nikki Maritz
Read More_250x175_crop_100.jpg)
From Debtors Clerk to Finance Manager: How Mariaan found her fit with ICB
Read More
August Management Case Study: Here is a look at the pre-seen
Read More
August Operational Case Study: Here is a look at the pre-seen
Read More
A look at our June Open Day: Here is what to expect.
Read More
How to tackle your ACCA P5 exam - Top tips from examining team
Read More
Four reasons why you should study ICB
Read More
IBTC values Remarkable Service: Ange's story
Read More
Masterclass - The true value of a day
Read More
Study like an ICB top student: Here is some advice
Read More
Build up to your ICB May exams: The two phases
Read More
It is official! Our online students have now surpassed our classroom students
Read More
Witness Dzumbira's story: My college went all out for me
Read More
CFA - Is it a qualification worth having?
Read More
How to pass your ICB exam first time
Read More
Our online classes will get you exam fit in no time!
Read More
Somethings you can do on your own. This isn't one of them.
Read More
We sell passes, not products: Start of the year message from IBTC CEO
Read More
Why study ICB with IBTC?
Read More
Come to our Open Day. All questions answered.
Read More
Are you ready for race day? The importance of question practice
Read More
Nikki Maritz - the woman behind IBTC
Read More
Do not walk into a class cold - do this before each class
Read More
What we do offline to help you study online
Read More
A look into your Strategic Case Study Exam
Read More
A look into your Management Case Study Exam
Read More
A look into your Operational Case Study Exam
Read More
CIMA recommends you study with a tuition provider
Read More
Anxious about the new ACCA CBE exams?
Read More
SBL - It's not an exam you should attempt on your own, says ACCA
Read More
Can I complete a level in 1 year - what does it take?
Read More
Dos and Don'ts for your next interview
Read More
1 hour in class equals 3 hours of home study
Read More
80% of success is showing up
Read More
Inside scoop on the May Management Case Study Exam
Read More
The power of dedication: How Anzel became an ICB Top Achiever
Read More