Exams

Attending in-person events with Chartered Accountants Ireland can  unlock a world of support, knowledge and connections, explains  Becky Maye, Tax Associate at PwC and CASSI committee member Everyone may need some help from time to time, whether it’s information, a listening ear, or access to networks.  While you’re a student with Chartered Accountants Ireland, this will be no exception.  During the time you spend as a student, you have access to an amazing network and the opportunity to attend a plethora of events regardless of experience, location or what stage you are at in your qualification.  These events are both educational and recreational and are an essential part of your engagement with Chartered Accountants Ireland.  CASSI The Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland (CASSI) is the society for Chartered Accountants Ireland students.  As representatives of the student body, we’re here to support you through good times and bad on your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant.  One key aspect of this is the events held throughout the year! CASSI is extremely active in organising regional and national events that cover various topics and aim to include everyone.  In line with the Institute’s and CASSI’s focus, work-life balance is always important. We have an ongoing emphasis on mental health and all aspects of well-being: physical, emotional and mental.  These events provide students with access not only to a network of peers but also a network of individuals and professionals who can help guide and shape your career in a way that works for you.   They also provide the opportunity to learn transferable skills and become a more well-rounded professional.  In-person learning Where your studies are concerned, Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Education and Training Department also run brilliant in-person exam prep events.  The focus of these events is to help all students prepare for exams in the best way possible.  Through guest speakers, members of the Chartered lecturing team, and education leads, there is an opportunity to learn how best to approach your study leave, improve your exam technique, and much more.  These in-person sessions are also a great opportunity to connect with peers, lecturers, and your fellow students who all are aiming for the same thing – your success!  As a student with Chartered Accountants Ireland, by attending events, whether through CASSI or the Education and Training Department, you can make the most of your student experience.  

Edel Walsh explores transformative strategies to break free from the grip of constant scrolling  When I feel even the slightest bit bored, I pull out my smartphone. I scroll when queuing for my coffee, taking a break from work or when I should be working. When I wake up, I check in with my smartphone rather than checking in with myself. It is also the last thing I do at night.  After realising what I had been doing with my time, I knew I had to change this habit as I was losing hours to doom scrolling.  When I was taking my Chartered Accountancy exams, I had a mobile phone; however, at the time, mobile phones were only used for phone calls and texting. The phone was not the distraction it is today.  Dopamine hit When a person is scrolling on their phone, dopamine gets released from the brain into the bloodstream. As part of the internal reward system, it makes a person feel happy.  We all want to feel good and are guilty of continuous scrolling. Eventually, 45 minutes pass, and you decide to start studying. Your brain is going from a dopamine trigger to being forced to look at books. It is fair to say your brain will find it challenging to engage in productive study. A 2021 study by Oluwafemi J Sunday, Olusola O Adesope and Patricia L Maarhuis, The Effect of Smartphone Addiction on Learning, shows that smartphones negatively impact students' learning and overall academic performance.  The researchers also found that using mobile phones negatively impacts the skills and cognitive abilities needed for students’ academic success and learning. Here are a few simple tips to make your smartphone less appealing while studying. Remove the phone from your study environment The easiest way to avoid being distracted by your phone as you study is to remove it from the area where you are studying.  Research in 2017 by Dr Adrian Ward et al showed that students who kept their phone on the desk while studying performed the worst on their test. Students who kept their phone in their bag or jacket but still in the study environment performed on par with those who kept their phone on their desk while studying. The highest performers were the students who left their phone in a separate room. Make your phone boring When I reflected on my mobile phone behaviours, one of the first steps I took was to make my phone more boring. I deleted all the social media, news, and other apps that were distracting. When I need to check those services, I use the desktop version.  To start, delete at least one app that distracts you. See how this makes you feel and observe your phone behaviour. After a few days, see how you feel about deleting a few more.  Take a break from it all The purpose of study breaks is to rest your brain so you will feel rejuvenated when you return to the books – for many of us, reaching for our smartphone when on a break is an automatic habit.  To give your brain the rest it genuinely deserves, how about you: sit in silence with a cup of coffee; take a walk around the block; get some fresh air in nature; do a guided meditation or a short yoga pose; or read a magazine or a chapter of a book. In the quest for productivity and focused study, breaking free from the allure of constant smartphone use is of utmost importance. As we navigate the digital age, these strategies can offer a roadmap to balance, ensuring that our smartphones become tools for productivity rather than barriers to success. Edel Walsh is a student and exam coach. She supports her clients with their studies and exams by focusing on academic success and personal development and looking after their well-being. For more information, check out www.edelwalsh.ie

Despite its modest appearance and less-than-enticing title, the Competency Statement is arguably the most helpful yet underrated resource students have at their disposal. It should be the platform for your study plan, central to your note-taking for open-book exams and core to exam preparation, explains Bryan Rankin, Head of Student Operations at Chartered Accountants Ireland   When taken with other documents like the Examiner’s Report, the Competency Statement (Statement) is like the examiner’s open letter to the student. It contains a range of information about the broader skills of the Chartered Accountant. However, it can also give you an edge in exam preparation.  What does ‘competency’ mean? One of the first items highlighted in the document is what competency means. For our purposes, ‘competency’ is the ability to apply knowledge, understanding, and skills to perform to the standards required in employment. For students working through their education programme, the Statement outlines the knowledge and skills examinable for each programme, be it CAP1, CAP2 or FAE. Importantly, the Competency Statement is created by the examinations team, so this is the examiner's list of all the topics that can come up on the exam paper.   It’s no wonder that students are expected to read their Competency Statement carefully.  The anatomy of the Competency Statement The Competency Statement also indicates the level at which the examiner expects you to be familiar. Headline topic areas are further broken down into individual learning outcomes. Each learning item has either ‘understand’, ‘apply’ or ‘integrate’ highlighted beside it, indicating the level of challenge the examiner can be expected to apply.   Students will do well to note the instruction associated with each learning outcome. For example, verbs like ‘explain’ point to a requirement to be able to write succinctly and clearly about the topic with support from relevant facts. These instructions can be expected to appear on exam papers, so it’s prudent to get used to the various terms used.  A further benefit of the Statement is that the examiner provides the weighting of marks for each headline topic area. For the student, this means you have some direction on the amount of time to devote to each topic area, allowing more efficient study time.  The Competency Statement is accompanied by a summary of changes it has undergone for the present academic year. Both documents are available online at the Learning Hub at the top of each subject. Cumulative Principle The Competency Statement for each subject contains an important point that all students would do well to note: Chartered Accountants Ireland exams are given under the Cumulative Principle.  This principle states that our education programme is based on cumulative knowledge, meaning there are key elements of CAP1 examined at a more advanced level at CAP2.  For example, the examiner assumes that the exam candidates at CAP2 and FAE have a good knowledge of the material covered at CAP1. Students who were exempt from CAP1, or students who progress from CAP1 into CAP2 and FAE, will be expected to be fully knowledgeable about the material covered on the CAP1 syllabus. Each candidate is responsible for ensuring this, as CAP1 material may not be reviewed during the CAP2 courses.  Using the Competency Statement Hopefully it is already apparent to the student that the Statement has many valuable and practical applications. There are many ways it can be used to your advantage. For example, in the video ‘Study Notes Management’, available for CAP2 students in the Learning Hub, Professor Mike Farrell demonstrates how students can use the list of learning outcomes as a checklist, which can then be used to identify frequently mentioned topics. You can also assess your progress, highlighting areas of difficulty where you have answered a question incorrectly.  Some students like to use ‘traffic light’ indicators beside learning outcomes, where green indicates that they are comfortable with it, while amber and red show more challenging topics.  Reaping the rewards The Competency Statement should be an essential reference document to support your studies. The student who makes full use of the Statements will reap rewards by being more efficient in their study time and being better prepared going into exams. 

Having enthusiasm for learning and a proactive approach to studying can shape a brighter future, says Caelainn McGonigle, CASSI PR Officer and a trainee with Gilroy Gannon A s we ring in the New Year, many of us welcome 2024 as a new chapter filled with fresh opportunities, promises and resolutions.  For us students, the New Year is an opportunity to redirect and reset our academic journey and habits with renewed enthusiasm for lectures and exams. Transitioning from the Christmas break back to our regular routine of lectures and study can seem intimidating or daunting, but with strategic planning, a positive mindset and a couple of other tips and tricks, we can kick off the New Year embracing the challenges ahead. Take a moment to reflect on the positives and negatives, both academic and personal, of the past year. Recognise accomplishments, reflect on challenges, and pinpoint areas for improvement. This reflection sets the way for clear and concise goals and aspirations for the New Year, which will make way for renewed academic enthusiasm.  Goal setting Setting realistic and achievable goals is vital. Whether they focus on important academic milestones, day-to-day time management or regular study habits, they must be direct and reachable. Setting an abundance of unrealistic resolutions can be overwhelming and distract from meaningful progress. Mindset A positive mindset with a can-do attitude may be the most powerful tool for ensuring the New Year embraces the changes we have identified as being necessary for our goals.  Recognise 2024 as a clean slate, whether this means a new attitude towards lectures or hardiness towards exams.  Turn the setbacks into opportunities to better yourself, learn from the experience and grow in a positive manner for the next obstacle.  Get organised Organisation is a fundamental key to academic success. Reorganising and decluttering both physical and digital spaces is a great way to start the New Year.  Take the time to identify what your environment requires to allow focus and concentration to peak.  Scheduling a balanced, realistic academic plan, including lectures and study at this time of year, can reduce the overwhelming feeling of suborganisation closer to exam season. Try planning apps or physical calendars to find which works best for you. Go to your lectures Active participation in lectures over the coming months will reap benefits at exam time.  Instead of passively attending lectures at the end of a working day or on a Saturday morning, ask questions during the live lecture, make use of the forums and reach out to other students.  Exam preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Utilise the students around you over the coming weeks for their top tips regarding exam season. Consistent and intentional preparation builds confidence and minimises stress as exams approach. Balance When easing back into routine after the break, prioritise balance between work, study and personal well-being. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, healthy eating and fun activities to destress will be key in keeping you feeling rejuvenated for the coming months. New Year, new you Kick off the New Year with renewed enthusiasm for lectures and exams by implementing a combination of reflection, goal setting, a positive mindset, organisation, active engagement, and consistent exam preparation. These strategies can harvest academic confidence, growth, learning and success.

Having to repeat exams can be a tough setback, but it’s not the end of the road. Edel Walsh shares insights to help you learn how to reflect on your past attempts, reignite your motivation, plan your study effectively, and prioritise your well-being as you embark on your journey to exam success Failing an exam is challenging. If you didn’t succeed in your last exam round, give yourself time to process it and recover before thinking about the repeat exam.  When you feel ready to tackle your studies again, know you are brave. It is hard to tackle an exam for the second or third time around.  However, there is some good news. You are not starting from the beginning. Much of the subject matter will be fresh in your memory. You may need to change your study approach. Reflection  Before you get stuck into studying for the repeat exam, take time to pause and reflect. While it might be difficult, there will be some valuable lessons and insights you can gather from the previous time you sat this exam.  In the words of John Maxwell, author of The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, evaluated experience is the teacher of all things.  As you reflect on your previous exams, ask yourself some questions that will help you gain insight into the experience.  Reflections on your study What went well for you as you studied for your last exam? What could have gone better while studying for your exam?  What study strategies might you use this time to get better results? Reflections on the exam Did you have enough time to answer all the questions in the exam? Which topics or subjects were you least/most confident answering? How did you feel during the exam? What did you learn from this exam experience? Motivation For some, motivation and enthusiasm for studying might be low after not passing an exam.  Motivation is not an organic process. Students often wait to become motivated, but you will not wake up some morning and be suddenly motivated.  If you can urge yourself to take the smallest of actions to restart a study schedule again, even though you don’t feel like it, motivation will follow.  I often compare motivation to going for a run. I am never truly motivated to go for a run, but the most challenging part can often be putting on my running gear. Once that is done, motivation tends to follow.  Planning It is important to plan your study in line with your available time.  First, factor in your syllabus or competency statement for the subject by using a simple traffic light system:  Green represents the topics where you are confident; Orange represents areas that need some work; and  Red represents areas that need to be prioritised.  Marking these areas by the traffic light system gives you an idea of the road ahead. Next, consider your weekly plans. This plan should be fluid and flexible. Consider which days you have available for study.  Finally, when it comes to daily planning, always start by setting a learning goal for your study session to keep you on track.  Be sure you are consistently testing yourself on the materials under exam conditions. This is the key to success. Many students avoid testing themselves.  Testing yourself and making mistakes is the key to succeeding in the exams. You might feel uncomfortable seeing the mistakes you have made, but it is better to see them as you study rather than make them in the exam itself.  Lean on your support system If there is support available to you, take advantage of it.  Speak to your lecturers. They may be able to provide invaluable information about what went wrong for most people in the exams.  Speak to your colleagues and classmates. They have been there and will be able to offer you a helping hand.  Your well-being and exams Looking after your well-being in the lead-up to the exams is of utmost importance. You can manage your wellbeing by: planning – we have looked at how to create a simple plan. Planning can help reduce stress levels. scheduling productive deep breaks – This does not mean turning your attention to a phone or social media. A productive deep break is taking ten minutes or so between study sessions to go for a walk around the block, listen to music, do a meditation available on YouTube or listen to a relaxing podcast.  breaking it down – If you are overwhelmed by what you need to cover, break everything down into small, manageable chunks. When we look at the end goal (also known as the performance goal), passing the exams, it can feel overwhelming. If we break this goal down into small learning goals, it feels a little more manageable.  Finally, remind yourself of the bigger picture. Failing an exam is part of your journey. It won’t feel pleasant, but you will learn so much from this experience that you can bring to future exams.  Edel Walsh is a student and exam coach. She supports her clients with their studies and exams by focusing on academic success, personal development and looking after their well-being. For more information, check out www.edelwalsh.ie

Prospective Chartered Accountants Ireland students ponder the timeless question: how much study time is enough? Bryan Rankin, Head of Student Operations at Chartered Accountants Ireland, reveals his recommended hours and expert tips to ace your journey to qualification The burning question for prospective Chartered Accountants Ireland students is often, “How much time should I dedicate to my studies?”  While the answer comes with a few caveats, we recommend approximately 150 hours of focused study per subject throughout the academic year. This commitment goes hand in hand with viewing live webinars and preparation, setting the stage for your success in the field. The breakdown   During CAP1, the first year of professional studies, there are five subjects, including law, which may be considered a half-subject in terms of the volume of learning content.  The Institute’s learning platform, the Learning Hub, provides on-demand learning content. Each subject is broken down into 11 to 14 different sessions.  For each subject across the academic year, approximately 30 hours of learning video content and about 20 hours of live webinars need to be viewed.   In addition, there are several other types of learning material with which students will be expected to engage, including slide decks, discussion forums where you can connect with academic team members, and ‘knowledge check’ quizzes.   We place great importance on studying by answering questions from the question packs. It would be best to focus on ‘active learning’ early to aid recall.  You will be expected to attend induction webinars to kick off the academic year and undertake sample papers (similar to past papers) and mock examinations later in the year.   You will also want to try out your skills on the online exam platform Cirrus using a ‘practice paper’ where you’ll have four attempts at each subject.  So, students can see how vital it is to start the academic year ready to maintain a steady, committed approach to their studies. For the above approximation, I have used the typical study routine for CAP1. Expect the second year, CAP2, to require around 15 to 20 percent additional study time, and again similar in the final year, FAE.   Start as you mean to go on It is essential to work hard during the initial months before Christmas. Our qualification is hard-won with challenging, internationally regulated exams, which represent a significant step up from third-level qualifications based on the sheer amount of material it covers.    Cramming won‘t cut it; instead, adopt effective study techniques, establish a study calendar, and consider forming a study group or finding a study buddy early on.  Organise your time and notes meticulously, and be ready to devote a weekend morning and a couple of weeknight hours to studying alongside your daily commitments.  The caveats    Now for the caveats!  For obvious reasons, it’s tough to put one figure on the required hours of study. Every student who enrols with Chartered Accountants Ireland is different: some with primary degrees in accountancy, some with prior experience working in the sector, some more mature and with more life commitments to balance.  This is only a guideline aimed to help prospective students on what to expect, and neither a minimum nor a maximum requirement. Who you are, your past experience, commitment level and study techniques all contribute to your success. On top of that, there is no guarantee that, because a student is committed, they will automatically pass exams.  While the hours recommended above may seem daunting, it’s worth noting that all professional-level qualifications in accountancy require serious commitment. Other accountancy bodies recommend their students devote very comparable levels of home study during their first-year programmes.  Embrace the challenge, and remember that a well-deserved summer break awaits once you conquer those exams.  Best of luck on your Chartered Accountants Ireland qualification journey – we hope you enjoy it!