In this blog I identify some key steps in preparing for online computer-based exams. Taking a few simple steps will help you to maximise your marks in this exam format.
Computer-based exams are part and parcel of the academic accounting journey, with everyone likely to sit at least one as they progress through the course.
My Accounting Exam Accelerator Programme aims to help students with all aspects of their exams, including providing greater insight into aspects of the course such as the online tests.
Many of the steps you can take to prepare for an online exam are very similar to those taken to prepare for a handwritten exam, although the virtual environment does present some differences that warrant a bit of extra awareness.
General Exam Tips
There are still several fundamentals that you need to take note of and remember before entering into an online exam, from structuring your answers in a succinct manner to planning accordingly.
1. Start with the Syllabus
The golden rule for success in any assessment is to prepare thoroughly, which you can do by starting with source documents that the examiners work from when preparing the exams.
Try to familiarise yourself with the main sections of the syllabus and the subject areas within these sections, paying attention to the structure of the exam and ensuring that you fully understand as many areas as possible.
2. Use the Appropriate Materials
Use approved and high-quality textbooks along with your lecture notes, because the brief writings you took down won’t be detailed enough to ensure all areas are fully covered.
Work methodically through the materials in conjunction with the syllabus, competency statements and study guide to ensure you gain the knowledge you need and learn how to apply that knowledge to pass the exam.
Don’t be afraid to use the internet and online videos either in order to get the information you need, just be sure to use reputable websites and sources.
3. Use Specimen & Mock Online Exams
These exams provide an insight into the question types and syllabus coverage in the actual exams and how your online exams will work.
My blog ‘Why Past Papers Are Your Best Revision Tool’ covers all the reasons why you should use them as a revision source, including the ways in which assessing previous online exams are beneficial.
4. Review Previous Examiner’s Reports & Comments
Looking back through your previous works can offer an invaluable insight into where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
Examiners explain questions which you appeared to find most difficult, giving reason for misunderstandings and clarifying specific areas of the syllabus where knowledge or understanding may have been lacking.
5. Technical Articles
Try and keep as up to date with Technical Articles published by your institute as possible, because this will ensure you know the most recent facts.
It can also help develop your understanding due to it being further reading that other students might not consider, giving you an advantage when it comes to the exam.
These are just a handful of ways to boost your exam technique and ultimately your chances of passing your exam, but more can be found in my Top Tips To Ace Your Presentation In Accountancy Exams blog.
Specific Computer-Based Exam Tips
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the following aspects of an online exam so that there aren’t any nasty surprises when you come to sit it.
Incorporating these tips into your revision is helpful in preparing you ahead of the big day, but you won’t need to go over them every time you come to study.
1. Practice On A Computer
It’s imperative that you practise answering questions on a computer before the real exam so that you have an expectation of what’s to come.
You can do this through your own computer software, such as Microsoft Word/Excel, or using the software provided by your institute, as well as practising hand-written answers for your other written exams.
Becoming familiar with how to move around the actual online exam screens should give you confidence and save time in the real exam
2. Take Online Mock Exams
I keep talking about the importance of past and mock papers, but it really is true, especially in the case of a format you might not have encountered before.
Taking a handful of online mock exams means you will see firsthand what it’s like and prepare you for the actual exam more than any other revision technique possibly could.
My blog Why Past Papers Are Your Best Revision Tool identifies all the reasons why they are a great element to incorporate into your study sessions if you need more convincing.
3. Try Typing Practices
Taking typing and keyboard practices is crucial and should be integrated into your study as it means you won’t be wasting valuable time typing slowly on the big day.
Take a look at my 4 Ways To Improve Your Typing Speed & Accuracy blog for my tips on how to improve your typing skills, something which will certainly come in handy ahead of your online accounting exam.
4. Check Your Work
Once you’ve reached the end of you exam and have answered each question, it’s a good idea to check your work before submitting it.
If you find yourself with extra time, go through your work to make sure that every answer is complete and appears as you intended.
You can also review the accuracy of your answers as well as your spelling and grammar during this time too.
5. Familiarise Yourself With Reading
Remember to get familiar with reading the question, something you can successfully achieve through the completion of past papers.
Whilst it can be easy to want to get started and not waste any time, spending a few minutes reading the question on the screen carefully ensures you don’t have to spend additional time redoing a wrong answer that didn’t do the task it needed to.
[The following tips apply if you’re taking the exam at home rather than in an exam centre, but the above should be prioritised generally as they are the most important factors.]
6. Test Your Equipment
Make sure everything to do with your computer is okay and there won’t be any technical difficulties on the day.
It’s best to do this well in advance, because any tech problems you do meet are unlikely to be fixable 12 hours before the test.
7. Check The Night Before
These last minute checks can be done the night before, however, as they are easily fixed overnight.
Charge your battery to full and keep the charger nearby, open the applications you will need and check all software is up to date.
8. Set Yourself Up For Success
Having a good workstation is another crucial factor of preparation before an online exam because you need to be sitting at a clean, tidy, well-lit, internet accessible desk or table, not a bed.
My blog The Important Connection Between Physiology And Exams covers exactly why you need to be sat with proper posture during any kind of academic task, especially one as major as a test.
9. Inform Those Around You
Let your roommates, family members, neighbours and pretty much everyone who could pose as an interruption know that you’re taking an important exam from home.
Give them the exact times so that they will be sure to steer clear of you, even producing a threat or two if it’s needed.
10. Learn Your Institute’s Procedures
Read up on what your Institute’s procedures are for unexpected circumstances, such as if your laptop crashes.
Even the little things like needing a toilet break are possibilities, so check what you are and aren’t permitted to do during the exam time.
11. Remove Distractions
Keep all distractions to a minimum and remain focused on your exam – you can wait an extra hour to reply to someone’s Snapchat message.
As dull as exams can be, it’s best to keep your phone and any other items that may grab your attention far away from you, with brownie points if it’s all in another room.
12. Keep Items Closeby
Gather everything that you will need to take the test and keep them close by where you will be sitting when you take the exam.
Collect your notes, calculator, books and writing implements and put them on your working space so you have them to hand.
13. Stock Up On Sweets
Possibly my favourite tip as the foodie that I am: keep sweets, fruit or whatever energy-boosting treats you enjoy nearby.
Have a big bottle of water near you at all times to stay hydrated throughout, as you won’t have the time to go get a drink once you’ve started.
14. Use An Analogue Clock
Keep an eye on the clock, but make sure it’s analogue and not provided by an electronic device, such as your phone or tablet, as these could cause distraction issues as mentioned before.
You may want to set an alarm to notify you when you have limited time (e.g. 10 minutes) remaining in your exam period
15. Prepare Yourself For Technical Problems
Don’t panic if you do suffer from unexpected technical problems – it’s completely out of your control but there are things you should do as soon as possible.
Contact your examiner immediately, detailing the exact problem that occurred and any error messages you might have received, or take a screenshot of what is appearing if you can.
16. Check, Check, Check
It’s drilled into us from every stage of our school and further education, but check your work before you hit submit.
Finish every question as you had intended, review the accuracy of your answers and check for any other errors you may have made in the haze of writing.
17. Submit It
Click submit. It really is that simple but people sometimes forget which means they never officially completed the exam.
You should only need to hit submit once, but if you have a problem, try once more, and if that doesn’t help, let your examiner know immediately, sending your answers in an attached document for evidence that you finished in the timeframe.