Find out what you need to do to pass the F3 exam

In recent ACCA F3 reports, examiners have encouraged students to focus on improving their time management skills. It is vital that students attempt all questions in the exam to ensure they maximise their chances of passing. Don't let poor time management be the reason for failing your ACCA F3 exam!

This is what the examiners had to say:

“Overall, many candidates might still be able to improve their marks by [...] focusing on their exam technique. Candidates should carefully manage their time to ensure that all questions are answered.” - ACCA F3 Examiner's Report - June 2015

“Candidates should carefully manage their time to ensure that all questions are answered.” - ACCA F3 Examiner's Report - June 2015

“Overall, many candidates might still be able to improve their marks by [...] focusing on their exam technique so that all questions are answered.” - ACCA F3 Examiner's Report – December 2014

As with all exams, good time management is directly correlated with good performance. Leave yourself too little time and you will either fail to give a question the time it needs, or worse, not answer it at all!

Do not spend too much of your time on early exam questions. This can often result in rushed answers towards the end of your exam.

One strategy might be to ‘sweep’ the exam paper and quickly answer all the questions where the answer is known straight away. Then go back and focus more time on those questions requiring greater thought.

There is no substitute for practise to improve your time management skills. It’s recommended that you attempt at least three exam papers against the clock prior to the exam. Don’t leave it until the real exam to test your time management – a big mistake!

This is just some of the points addressed in our ACCA F3 Examiners' Guide. See what others issues have been identified by going to - ACCA F3 Examiners' Guides