4 Tips for Your ACCA Course in Dubai: Unlocking Your ACCA Exam

The ACCA exam is a rigorous test of knowledge and skills in the field of accounting and finance. It is designed to assess the competencies of candidates who aspire to become professional accountants and obtain an ACCA qualification. Let’s have a look at the structure and format of the ACCA exam, the types of questions asked and the importance of time management during the exam.

Structure and Format of the ACCA Course Exam

The ACCA exam is divided into two levels: Fundamentals & Professional

The Fundamentals level consists of two modules:

1. Knowledge: The Knowledge module covers the fundamental principles of accounting.
   
   
2. Skills: the Skills module focuses on the application of these principles in real-world scenarios.

The Professional level consists of two modules:

1. Essentials: The Essentials module covers three core subjects:
   
   
   • Corporate and Business Law
   • Performance Management
   • Taxation
     
     
2. Options: The Options module allows students to choose two subjects from a list of four:

• • Advanced Audit and Assurance
  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Performance Management
  • Advanced Taxation

Preparing for the ACCA exam can be a challenging task, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, creating a study plan can help you manage your time effectively, stay focused and achieve your study goals. Let us understand the importance of creating a study plan, how to create a study plan that suits your schedule and tips for sticking to your study plan.

1) Importance of Creating a Study Plan

A study plan is a structured approach to learning that involves setting goals, organising study materials and managing time effectively. Creating a study plan is essential for several reasons:

• Helps you stay organised: A study plan helps you stay organised by providing a clear outline of what you need to study, when you need to study and how much time you need to allocate to each study session.
  
  
• Increases productivity: By setting specific goals and breaking them down into manageable tasks, a study plan can increase your productivity and help you make the most of your study time.
  
  
• Reduces stress: A study plan can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a clear roadmap of what you need to do to achieve your study goals.

2) How to Create a Study Plan That Suits Your Schedule

Creating a study plan that suits your schedule can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure you are able to balance your study commitments with your work and personal life. Here are some steps to create a study plan that suits your schedule:

• Assess your current workload: The first step in creating a study plan is to assess your current workload and determine how much time you have available for studying.
  
  
• Set realistic goals: Set realistic goals for what you want to achieve and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
  
  
• Determine your study style: Determine your study style and identify the most effective study methods that work for you. For example, some people prefer visual aids like diagrams, while others prefer reading notes or listening to audio recordings.
  
  
• Allocate study time: Allocate specific times for studying, taking into consideration your work and personal commitments.
  
  
• Revise and adjust: Regularly revise and adjust your study plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Creating a study plan is essential for achieving success in the ACCA exam. By setting realistic goals, allocating study time and sticking to your plan, you can increase your productivity, manage your time effectively and achieve your study goals. Remember to stay motivated, stay focused and be flexible to ensure you remain on track to achieve your study goals.

Choosing the Right Study Materials for ACCA Course Exam: Options Available

When it comes to studying for the ACCA exam, choosing the right study materials is essential for success. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which study material to use. In this section, we will discuss the various study materials available for ACCA, the advantages of each study material and provide recommendations on which study material to choose.

a) Exam Techniques for Success

• Time Management: Time management is essential during the ACCA exam. You will have a limited amount of time to answer each question, so it is crucial to manage your time effectively. Make sure to allocate your time according to the marks available for each question and leave time at the end to review your answers.
  
  
• Read the Question Carefully: Before answering a question, make sure to read it carefully. Take note of any keywords, phrases, or instructions that can help guide your answer. Make sure to answer the question asked and avoid providing irrelevant information.
  
  
• Use Technical Language: ACCA is a technical exam, so it is essential to use technical language in your answers. This shows that you understand the concepts and can communicate them effectively. Make sure to define any technical terms used in your answer.
  
  
• Show Your Workings: When answering questions that require calculations, make sure to show your workings. This not only demonstrates your understanding of the concepts but also helps you earn partial marks if your final answer is incorrect.
  
  
• Start Early: The earlier you start revising, the more time you have available to absorb the material. Start by identifying the topics you are weakest in and allocate more time to revise them.
  
  
• Practice Past Papers: Practicing past papers is an excellent way to test your knowledge and identify areas you need to improve on. Make sure to practice under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment.
  
  
• Create a Revision Plan: Creating a revision plan helps you stay organised and ensures you cover all the topics before the exam. Allocate specific times for each topic and build in breaks to avoid burnout.

b) Managing Stress During the Exam

• Stay Calm: The ACCA exam can be stressful, but it is essential to stay calm during the exam. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you have prepared for this.
  
  
• Time Management: As mentioned earlier, time management is crucial during the exam. Keep an eye on the clock and make sure to allocate your time effectively.
  
  
• Take Breaks: Taking breaks during the exam can help you stay focused and reduce stress. Make sure to take advantage of any breaks provided during the exam.
  
  
• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated can help you stay alert and focused during the exam. Make sure to bring a water bottle with you and take sips throughout the exam.

By managing your time effectively, reading questions carefully, using technical language and showing your workings, you can maximise your chances of success. Remember to start revising early, practice past papers and create a revision plan. Finally, managing stress during the exam is crucial, so make sure to stay calm, take breaks and stay hydrated.

c) Resources Available to Students Studying for ACCA in Dubai

• Study Materials: There are various study materials available to students studying for the ACCA exam in Dubai. These include textbooks, study guides, online accounting courses and practice exams.
  
  
• Tutor Support: Many institutions offering the ACCA course in Dubai provide tutor support to their students. Tutors can help students understand complex concepts, provide feedback on assignments and practice exams and offer guidance on exam techniques.
  
  
• Peer Support: Studying with peers can be a helpful way to stay motivated and receive support during the accounting course. Joining study groups or connecting with other students on online forums can provide a platform for discussion and collaboration.
  
  
• Online Resources: There are many online resources available to students studying for the ACCA exam. These include video tutorials, online forums and practice exams.

d) Making the Most of Available Resources

• Plan Your Study: Create a study plan that incorporates the available resources. Allocate specific times for studying with textbooks and study guides, attending tutor sessions and practising with online resources.
  
  
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions when studying with tutors or peers. Asking questions can help clarify concepts and ensure you have a deep understanding of the material.
  
  
• Use Different Resources: Utilise different resources to gain a broader understanding of the material. For example, study guides may offer a simplified overview of the material, while textbooks may provide more detailed explanations.
  
  
• Stay Organised: Keep track of your progress and make note of areas where you need additional help. This will help you focus your study efforts and seek the appropriate resources.

e) Tips for Seeking Help When Needed

• Don't Wait: If you are struggling with a concept or topic, don't wait until it's too late to seek help. Reach out to your tutors or peers for assistance as soon as possible.
  
  
• Be Specific: When seeking help, be specific about the areas you are struggling with. This will help your tutors or peers provide targeted support.
  
  
• Attend Tutor Sessions: Attend tutor sessions regularly to receive guidance on complex concepts and exam techniques. Tutors can also provide feedback on assignments and practice exams.
  
  
• Connect with Peers: Connecting with peers can provide a platform for discussion and collaboration. Joining study groups or online forums can help you connect with other students and seek support when needed.

In short, utilising available resources is crucial for success in the ACCA exam. By planning your study, asking questions, using different resources and staying organised, you can make the most of the resources available to you. Remember to seek help when needed and connect with tutors and peers for support. With the right strategies and dedicated effort, you can achieve success in the ACCA exam.

Global Banking School offers a range of sector-relevant courses leading to globally recognised qualifications. It is a highly esteemed higher education provider with campuses in Dubai, the United Kingdom and Malta. The institution provides industry-relevant courses in diverse fields such as banking, finance, accounting, business, healthcare and more.

GBS Dubai is committed to providing students with a transformative educational experience, as evidenced by its mission statement “Changing Lives Through Education”. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) authorises GBS Dubai and all academic qualifications are certified by KHDA, making them recognised by both public and private entities in the Emirate of Dubai.

For those looking to achieve their career goals of qualifying for ACCA, GBS Dubai offers the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Programme, making it an excellent choice. Studying for the ACCA exam can be a challenging journey, but with the right support and resources, you can achieve your career goals. GBS provides students in Dubai with the opportunity to study the ACCA course and pursue a successful career in accountancy.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Programme

With a presence in over 180 countries, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme is one of the world's most reputable authorities in accountancy. It holds significant influence in several international jurisdictions, including the UK, as it commands statutory auditing powers, allowing it to carry out essential financial operations, including statutory audits.

The ACCA course focuses on developing both practical and technical proficiency in accounting while fostering professional behaviour and ethics in a management context. The accountancy course structure and prestige provide numerous opportunities for graduates in their future careers, with ACCA membership being an invaluable addition to their resumes.

Upon completion, graduates will have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue positions in public and private sector financial management, including auditing, taxation and other related areas.

The ACCA course in Dubai prepares students to become chartered accountants and excel in their future careers. The course consists of three levels:

1. Applied Knowledge
   
   
2. Applied Skills
   
   
3. Strategic Professional

Each level has multiple modules and students can take exams for each module when they feel ready. The ACCA course covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Business and Technology (BT)
  
  
• Financial Accounting (FA)
  
  
• Management Accounting (MA)
  
  
• Corporate and Business Law (LW)
  
  
• Taxation (TX)
  
  
• Financial Reporting (FR)
  
  
• Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
  
  
• Advanced Performance Management (APM)

In addition to classroom instruction, students receive access to online study materials and resources, including webinars, practice tests and past exam papers. GBS Dubai also provides students with dedicated academic and career support, including job placement assistance and internships with leading companies in the region. By completing the ACCA course at GBS Dubai, students will be well-equipped to pursue a successful career in accounting and finance.

Studying for the ACCA exam requires hard work, dedication and perseverance. As a student, you may face challenges such as balancing work and study, understanding complex concepts and managing exam stress. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many students have successfully completed the accountancy course and gone on to pursue rewarding careers in accountancy.

Pursuing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Programme from GBS Dubai is highly beneficial for anyone seeking a career in accounting and finance. The ACCA course is designed to provide students with the practical and technical skills needed to succeed in the industry, while also emphasising the importance of professionalism and ethics. With its globally recognised qualification and comprehensive curriculum, the ACCA course can open doors to job opportunities and further professional development, both in the UAE and abroad.