When students think of exam technique, they often focus on finishing an exam on time and answering all the questions. However, mastering exam technique requires much more than that. Consider it a cheat code to understanding the marker’s mindset: exam technique helps you address the key aspects that the marker is likely to consider when deciding whether to award you marks.
If your exam technique is flawed, it’s like your examiner speaking Spanish while you’re limited to French—there will always be miscommunication.
Despite the importance of exam technique being frequently emphasized, many students neglect it, believing it’s a waste of time. They may think their time could be better spent cramming an accounting section the day before the exam instead. This often results in repeated failures, leaving students baffled as to why they are not succeeding.
Exam technique involves multiple layers, including the ability to communicate your points clearly, manage your time effectively, know what to write and what to leave out, and ensure you’re actually answering the question asked.
The disappointing June ITC results, with only a 14% pass rate, reflect the lack of attention given to exam technique and study skills at the university level. It’s common to see students who study for hours on end yet still fail, especially in accounting qualifications.
Students facing such failures should not be complacent; instead, they should invest in themselves by improving their exam technique.
Gap Learning offers a crash course aimed at assisting students in refining their exam technique.
If you were among those who were unfortunately unsuccessful in the June 2024 ITC exams, keep your head up and soldier on like the accounting warrior you are.