ACA exams: what to know on the day

Taking the ACA exams is no doubt nerve-racking, but being able to prepare a bit more for the day can massively help stress levels. We've broken down a few things you should know!

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Taking the ACA exams is stressful, and one thing that can make it even more stressful? Being completely ill-prepared for what to do on the day of the exam. While you may have spent months studying, putting you in great stead to achieve your goals, making sure you know exactly what to expect on the day can help calm your nerves and ensure the exam goes as smoothly as possible. 

Recent graduate Jas Rayat explained what you should know, look out for and bring to your ACA exam to ensure you’re completely prepared. 

prepare yourself the day before 

Ensure you’re completely ready for anything that could go wrong and have all your essentials ready to go. Plan your journey, ensure you’ve checked any public transport, and get items like ID, calculator and open book resources ready the night before. 

familiarise yourself with exam guidance 

Thoroughly read through the exam guidance that is sent before your exams. This details what items are prohibited, what to expect on the day, check-in times and acceptable forms of ID.  

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practice using exam software 

In the period leading up to your exam, go over the exam software to ensure you are familiar with using it. This will ensure you avoid any unnecessary mistakes on exam day. 

mentally prepare yourself 

It may be easier said than done, but on the day of your exams, try and take five minutes beforehand to be still, calm and mindful in order to compose yourself. Mindset is important when taking exams and can be influential on performance. 

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what you can and can’t bring 

what to bring with you 

  • Calculator 

  • Water, with any labels removed 

what not to bring 

  • Pens and paper. You will be given a wipeable booklet for any workings and notes. 

Remember: check the exam guidance you will be sent prior to your exam, which will explain check-in times, prohibited items and acceptable forms of ID. 

 

suffering from exam or career-related stress?

explore our range of stress-busting tools and resources. 

manage your stress

 

 

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your questions answered 

Who is eligible for support?

We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students. 

  1. No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy 
  2. ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services 
  3. Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation 
  4. Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a: 
    1. spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner 
    2. widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    3. divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    4. child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support 
    5. any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care 
    6. any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care 

You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page and by using our interactive eligibility tool

Are your services means-tested?

If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.  

*Please note none of our other services are means-tested. 

I’m an accountant, but not a member of ICAEW, can you still help?

Unfortunately not. We only support past and present ICAEW members, their carers and their families. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere.

caba has supported me in the past; can I receive support from caba again?

We understand that circumstances change. If we’ve helped you in the past there’s no reason why we can’t help you again. You can contact us at any time. Please call us if you need our help.

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