Study Tips for Exam Success

1. Time management is key

Exercising, socialising with friends and family, as well as making time to study are all equally as important as each other. You need to find a healthy balance, particularly when your exams are just around the corner.

2. Take care of yourself

Eating well (covered in our ‘Eating for Exam Success’ blog) and sleeping well will undoubtedly improve memory and brain function, as well as emotional resilience.

3. Understand your learning outcomes

Do you know what you need to achieve for each topic or assessment that you’re undertaking? For example, the ICB have a full breakdown of each course and its corresponding syllabus, which can be found here

4. Continue to reflect

It’s important to reflect on what you learn; whether it be a new topic in your course book, an article you’ve read in the press or even your own revision notes. Reflecting can often help to cement those points, ensuring they stay with you.

If there are any topics that you feel are weak, try rewriting them in note form so that you understand them better. Tab your books, highlight specific areas etc.

5. On the big day, remember the 4 ‘P’s – Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!

• Ensure you have allotted a sufficient amount of uninterrupted time to complete your exam
• Turn off your TV and phone
• Fully prepare yourself before accessing the exam link – Make sure your work-space is clear of any clutter, have a glass of water to hand etc.
• Read the exam instructions fully prior to clicking ‘Start’
• Take a deep breath and don’t panic. If you’re sitting your exam, you know you’re fully prepared!
• Read every question carefully and thoroughly
• Be sure to check your figure work at least twice
• If you get stuck on a question, move on. You may have time at the end to revisit any questions you have skipped – this is better than not finishing the paper
• Stay calm!!

6. You’re an independent learner

You might very well be a distance learner, but you need to understand that this does not mean you are on your own. With Training Link you have a whole raft of different support networks at your disposal.  That being said, it is worth praising the independent learner!
You are proactive, reflective and self-aware. You will try to find solutions to problems, think about (and often question) what you experience, hear, see or learn, and you are more likely to know (or be aware of) your strengths and weaknesses. You’re also not afraid to ask for help if it’s needed.