It goes without saying you are a good accountant; you wouldn’t have reached this stage of the ACA if you weren’t. But passing the ICAEW Case Study is as much about exam technique as it is about your knowledge and skills. Tying the two together takes practise.

Consider a racing driver. 

There is a LOT of knowledge that underpins being a good racing driver – knowing the controls in the car, how the vehicle will react in certain conditions, the layout of each track. These are all elements that need to be pulled together and applied, almost automatically, when they race. But that is not enough. They also need to be able to adapt. Spending time getting to know the racetrack is great, but a change in weather conditions or something on the track can have a huge impact. 

Of course, all this makes for a good racing driver. What makes them a GREAT racing driver is PRACTISE!

So how does this translate for the ICAEW Case Study Exam? 

Knowledge – having a sound understanding of the July Case Study business and your accounting principles.

Application – using your knowledge in a way that consistently demonstrates to ICAEW Markers that you know what you are talking about.

Adaptability – you need to make sure you can remain calm under pressure. You WILL be given new information in the exam. You must retain your knowledge of the AI AND be able to utilise the new information while answering the question in front of you. 

In the exam you have just 4 hours to read the Case Study exhibits, plan your answer using the new information presented and your AI notes, and then write your report.  

This takes PRACTISE!

Our Mastering Case Study programme covers the fundamental elements of Case Study Exam Technique, guiding you through how to analyse the Advanced Information, plan your answer and write your report within the time constraints of the exam. Those of you who put the effort into understanding and being confident with this now will have a big advantage when you start working on the July AI; you will be able to focus on your analysis and fine tuning your technique rather than starting from scratch.

Mastering Case Study will be released on 15 March and is included in our Complete Case Study Preparation programme as well as being available as a standalone revision tool.