Preparing For Your ICB Examinations

It is important that you prepare well for your ICB exams. Remember that when you started this journey, your intention was to pass your exams with flying colours at the first sitting. You can be successful in your ICB exams as long as you prepare well. Here is how you can prepare for your exams:

• Start revising early – You will need enough time to review topics that you will have studied. Start revising early. Last-minute cramming will not do you any good. Revision will be much easier if you understand your subject fully.
• Have a revision timetable – when you are drafting your study timetable, consider the following:
  
  
  • How long your study period will be each day
  • How much time you will need for each subject
  • Other commitments that you may have
  • The best time to study, whether morning, afternoon or evening
    
    
• Vary how you revise – vary the ways you revise. Using the same technique to revise can be dull, for example reading over your notes. Practice exam-type questions. You can even write a topic on small cards which you will pick randomly and write as much as you can about the topic. 
• Choose different study locations – Research shows that studying at different locations can improve your memory retention. Try studying at different locations such as an office, a café, a library, or a friend’s house.
• Take breaks – you cannot study for 8 solid hours without a break. Take regular breaks. It is recommended that you take a break after every hour. Take a tea or water break, or just walk around a bit. Remember to not get distracted during your break, such as playing online games etc.
• Know your exam – it is important to know the type of exam that you will be sitting for. Know the following about your exam:
  
  
  • Is it multiple-choice, short answer or essay
  • The questions in each section
  • The type of questions in each section 
  • What you will need
    
    
• Know the practical details about the exams – The following details about your exams are important:
  
  
  • Venue
  • starting time 
  • What you will need
    
    
• Look after yourself – Take regular exercises. Make sure you also have enough sleeping time. Avoid junk food, instead eat healthier.
• Know what the question is looking for – Having understood your subject topics, it is of utmost importance because it is required when answering your exam question. For example, if a question says, analyse, how do you answer the question. Think clearly before answering the question, in case you answer it in the wrong way. 

Here are other exam phrases that you should know when you answer an exam question: