Countless careers, from doctors and lawyers to CPAs, stockbrokers, surveyors, and electricians, require proper licensure to work in the field, but depending on your industry, the kind of preparation you’ll receive beforehand may vary widely.
In some cases, like if you hope to become a doctor, you’ll go through years of schooling as well take as multiple exams before you enter the field, while other industries call for much more independence and others are somewhere in between. Whatever your career path, however, one thing that will serve you well is strong study skills.
If you’re preparing for a professional exam, this is the perfect time to brush up on your study skills. These three exam prep tips will help you make the most of your time, retain what you’re studying, and feel calm and ready come test day.
Set A Timeline
When studying for a major exam, you don’t want to cram in the days or weeks before. Instead, you should spread out your study schedule so that you can pace yourself as you go through the material.
You’ll also want to leave some extra time at the end of your schedule so that you can return to topics you really struggled with and review that material again. Work backward from your exam date, plot out how you want to approach the content, and stick to your schedule.
Take A Prep Class
There are test prep classes available for the majority of major professional exams, so it should be pretty easy to find one that meets your need. Online classes are a good option since they tend to be more flexible, allowing you to fit them into your schedule rather than turning your schedule on its head in order to make it work for you. Just remember, not all prep programs are created equal.
When selecting an exam prep class, make sure you look into factors like their student pass rates. A program like the Wiley CPA Review Course boasts a 90% pass rate on all four sections of a very difficult exam, and offers continuous access until students pass. If a program won’t disclose its student pass rate, move on to a more upfront organization.
Find A Study Buddy
No one wants to talk about how difficult studying is, but the reality is that it can be very challenging and requires you to call on all of your focus and determination. One thing that can help studying for a difficult exam is to find someone to study with. Studying with a friend allows you to encourage each other, provide support since you’re likely to have differing strengths and weaknesses, and generally keep each other on track during what can be a long, intense, and isolating process.
As you prepare for your professional exams, make sure to keep in mind that this is a stepping stone to the future you want. While it may not be an exciting activity and may even be frustrating or discouraging at times, you are on an exciting journey – this exam is just a bridge you must cross over to get there.