Trying to squeeze out the most of your CIMA study and revision time could be the difference between a pass and a fail on exam day.
Here are 13 (lucky for some) study tips that you might not have considered.
1. Take Breaks
Sometimes taking a break from your CIMA study will give you energy and a fresh focus when you return to the books. Never under estimate the power of closing the books for a few hours/days when you’re feeling bogged down.
2. Teach Other People
Have you ever tried to explain deferred tax or learning curves to your friends or family? If you can, you should have no problem on exam day.
3. Find A Routine and Stick to it!
Do you work better in the mornings? If so, keep your study times to the mornings rather than struggling in the evening times.
4. Use Memory Maps and Post-It Notes
As exam time approaches I tend to plaster my walls with key theories, formulas and revision notes so I can study when staring aimlessly at the wall.
5. Eat a healthy diet
I don’t want to start preaching about super foods and quinoa but it’s obvious that eating healthy helps your body and mind, rather than eating takeaways in the lead up to exam trying eating healthy, you’ll be amazed how much more energy you will have.
6. Sleep
Not during the exam or study time, but make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam, staying up revising the rational planning model the night before the CIMA E2 exam might seem like a good idea but a solid 8 hours sleep is much better.
7. Study Groups
It can be difficult if you are a distance learner but by forming CIMA study groups you will get the chance to bounce around ideas off each other and it’s a great to learn.
8. Think positive
Ok, this step is no good if you haven’t put the hours in studying but you should approach the exam in a confident, positive mood to give yourself the best chance of coping the stresses of exam day.
9. Go for a run
I’m not trying to turn everyone in salad eating marathon runners but it’s proven that exercise helps strengthen the mind as well as the body. It will put you a positive mood ready to hit the books.
10. Mock Exams are your friend
Putting off mock exams is a great way to fail exams, you shouldn’t be afraid of testing yourself in exam conditions. Having pages of pristine notes might look nice but will mean nothing if you can’t pass the exam.
11. Don’t dwell on the past
When studying for CIMA exam resits, you need to use the failure as a learning experience and not to dwell on it. Look forward, ahead at what’s in front of you and how you will pass the exam.
12. No Distractions
It’s easier than ever these days to check facebook, twitter and instagram. CIMA study time should be focused without distractions to get most from it – study for 45-60 minutes periods at a time WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS.
13. Have a “Exam” Strategy
Do you know how you will approach the exam? You should have a clear picture of what you’re about to face, how many questions, the time per question, what to do if you are not sure with a question (flag it and come back later, of course). Going into the exam without a strategy (crying is not a strategy by the way) will make it even tougher to pass first time.
If you have any other CIMA study tips that you use that haven’t been mentioned above please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Good Luck and Happy Studying 🙂
The CIMA Student 
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