The route after the results

The results are out. By now, all of us will have assessed our options and decided which papers to take in the December 2007 mix. There are quite a few changes occurring due to the reshuffle and conversions arising from the new ACCA qualification.

For those taking level 2 papers, or rather the Skills module of the Fundamentals level in the new syllabus, the former paper 2.4 gets split into F5 Performance management and F9 Financial management - both being new papers. So for the 47% of students who did not pass 2.1 - the pass rate for June 2007 being 53% - the option now is to take the F5 paper. Similarly, those who did not pass 2.4, the option now is to take paper F9.

The new syllabus also puts the Essential module of the Professional level ahead of the Options module. The offshoot of this variation is that the Essential papers P1, P2 and P3 classes at tuition providers are more than full  - as not only the students having taken or at the end of their level 2 papers have signed up for them, but also those students who have completed their option papers. In contrast, the Option module papers are relatively less packed.

I am one of those who will be appearing for both modules - taking classes for P1, P2, P3 and P6 papers. Out of these papers, P1, P3 and P6 (Singapore variant) have new examiners, with P1 being an entirely new paper. It can seem intimidating sometimes to not only take four papers together, but to take one paper with no precedent whatsoever and two papers which have new examiners with different styles.

While there is still an option to exercise choice in the exam paper questions at the professional level, it is wise not to study selectively especially with the new syllabus. The questions at this level tend to be mostly analytical and principle based, so rote learning is not of much use. Though the concepts must be known - forming a good foundation - the emphasis is on the application. How then, must we study?

I find one of the most effective ways to be prepared for the exam, and to know how much one has really take on board, is practicing exam questions. This is particularly important at this level. The more familiar one is with the content and style of questions, the quicker you will be in the actual exam - thus improving time management skills. 

ACCA examinations are an uphill climb, but perseverance is the key. When one feels discouraged it is heartening to read and hear from people who have successfully completed them. There may be temporary setbacks along the way but they are not failures, rather - to use a cliché - stepping stones to success.

Comments

[Mujtaba Jahangir]

Hi Shivani..

In December 2008 i'm going to take F4, F5, F6...Please advise me some last tips for F4(UK) & F5...

Thanks Mujtaba Jahangir

[Sue]

i will take F9 and P1 in Dec, so how can i pass the exams. as i study by myself.
thanks a lot!

[Jane]

Hi Shivani, firstly good luck 4 your exams. Am going to sit for f1 f2 and f3 in December. Can you plese give me some advice?

[omair siddiqui]

what are the tips to pass the paper of f2?

[Web editor - ACCA]

Hi Damilola

Student Accountant produced an article called Mind the Gap for students who have been awarded F5 on passing 2.1, but wish to later take P5.

You can download the article on accaglobal at http://www.accaglobal.com/students/publications/student_accountant/archive/2007/76/2941478

Hope this helps.

[shivani]

Hey Mohammed Omer

I was worried about 2.6 and 3.1 last sitting but managed to cruise through. You have a good record and I wouldn't worry much. As for both P1 and P3, I am sticking to my lecturer notes as I find them to be easier to understand and more concise. I haven't yet seen the text books so I can't comment on that, but reading notes and going through exam questions helps me the most.

Hi Barley

Thanks for dropping by and the note.

Hi Ahla

I took 2.6 in the June sitting and what helped me what going over my notes repeatedly and practicing exam questions related to each area. Know the audit procedures very well as it tends to be quite technical. As for P3, I am using my lecture notes to study. Hope that helps.

Hi Abdul

You could try to go through the websites of the various tuition providers in Singapore and they have a lot of information on foreign students, student pass etc. The list of tuition providers is available on the ACCA website.

[Damilola Huthman]

I couldnt agree with you much better,but wat gives me worry is the introduction of the entirely new paper F5,which is a pre-requisite to paper P5.Whzt consideration is ACCA putting for peeps who didnt attempt F5 and are interested in doing P5.

[Abdul Faheem]

Hi Shivani.

I have passed F3 and appearing for F1 and F2 this December. I am not confident about my study in Pakistan, and I have heard about you and that you are doing ACCA in Singapore. I am interested too, to study in Singapore, and I am seeking information about how to study there from you as i am new in this field and want your advice. Hoping good response from you.

[ahla]

Hi Shivani,

I am having problem studying 2.6 /F8 - I would be highly obliged if you share your experiane studying this syllabus and any tips.

Other than that, since you are studying P3 - the book is quite lengthy in your opinion - on how it should be managed?

I am highly impressed on the fact that your taking 4 papers.

All the best

[Barley]

Hi Shivani

I am inspired by your committment to becoming a full ACCA Member.

Best of luck in your December sittings.

Barley

[Mohammed Omer]

Hey Shivani

I am giving papers 2.6/F8, P1, P3 this December. I have cleared all my previous papers at first attempts in 2 sets of 4 papers each.

BUT I am quite nervous this time.

2.6 seems achievable but the ugly pass rate is horrifying me. However i know if i work hard i will be able to make it as I enjoy the expertise of a very senior teacher. What's bugging me the most are P1 and P3. The texts for both P1 and P3 seem very difficult i haven't had problems digesting the text in any of my previous papers nor in the current text of F8. P1 being new has few teachers here in Pakistan. i started classes but i am not satisfied so have thought of doing on my own.

I would like u to please give me some good tips for the paper. I personally would like to give the professional ethics module to get good grip on that section. However i am a bit shakey in Corp Governance areas. Do u propose any reference reading for that other than bpp ??

As far as P3 is concerned its a mighty syllabus that i personally feel should be read quite a few times. I am good at these kind of subjects but i am not satisfied with the texts either the level has increased b/w part 2 and 3 or there is some other problem.What do u FEEL?? and what do u propose ?

Further i would like ur tips on how to manage these 3 fairly difficult papers. My previous success of passing 4 twice at first attempt gives me confidence but as i wrote the level has increased or my study material is not good.
U taking 4 gives me an inspiration so please inspire me enough to pass mine!

[Shivani]

Hi JJohn

Sorry to hear about your 2.4 results. From what I have heard, F9 is very different from 2.4 as it only concentrates on financial management. For 2.4, I practiced exam questions and that seemed to help me. Also 2.4 has quite a bit of theory linked so it helped that I knew that part.

I do think having a go at questions gives you good practice for all subjects. Try not to study selectively for F8 as there is now no choice in the paper. Also, I read all the technical articles in Student Accountant.

Hope that helps!

[Shivani]

Hey Mustan

These are my final four papers. I had already taken paper 3.1 in the June 2007 sitting.

[JJohn]

Hi Shivani!
I sat for 2.4 last June and unfortunately i didn't make it. So i'll have to re-sit for the paper (F9) in December. Any tips on how u studied for the paper? I am also taking F8 and P1 in December sitting. Is it sufficient to do past exam questions only? Thanks heaps!

[Mustan]

I am suprised you are taking four papers; are these your final four papers? I am assuming you have ONE more option left.

Cheers,
Mustan