October 2024
Helen de Felice (pictured below) has compiled a guide to help you master computer-based exams.
In the modern world, where computers are part of everyday life, exam halls filled with students scribbling away on paper seems at odds.
While many schools and universities still cling to the traditional pen-and-paper format, professional accounting bodies have successfully transitioned to computer-based exams. This can cause understandable nerves for students facing computer-based exams for the first time after leaving school or university. Here’s your ultimate guide to conquering digital exams with flair and confidence.
Embrace the unknown
The first step to mastering computer-based exams is to demystify them. Each professional body has their own set of interfaces, question types and navigation tools. Visit your body’s website and get familiar with the specific format of your exam. Spend time exploring practice questions, mock exams or demo versions of the test interface. This familiarity will reduce any ‘surprises’ on exam day, helping you to navigate questions and use on-screen tools including calculators or highlighters with ease.
Perfect your environment
If you’re taking the exam at home with remote invigilation, your setup is crucial. Ensure your computer is up-to-date, the necessary software is installed and your internet connection is robust. Conduct a thorough check well before exam day to iron out any technical glitches.
Have a back-up plan ready, such as a secondary device or an alternative location with a reliable internet connection.
Familiarise yourself with the technical requirements and guidelines provided by the exam organisers and perform a test run to identify and fix any issues in advance.
Master your time Effective time management is key in any exam, but it’s even more critical for computer-based tests.
These often come with a countdown timer that can either help keep you on track or add to your stress. Develop a strategy to allocate appropriate time to different sections and question types.
Practice with timed mock exams to get a feel for how long you should spend on each question.
Strike a balance: don’t linger too long on tough questions, but also avoid rushing and making careless mistakes. Use the flagging feature to mark difficult questions and revisit them if time permits.
Practice digital skills
Boosting your digital literacy can significantly improve your performance in computer-based exams. This means getting comfortable with basic computer operations, such as typing, using a mouse or touchpad, and mastering keyboard shortcuts.
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and features available during the exam, such as text highlighting, note-taking functions, and navigation buttons. Regular practice will make you more efficient and reduce exam-day stress.
Enhancing your typing speed and accuracy, particularly for exams that require essay-type answers, can save you precious time.
Stay cool, stay focused
Test anxiety can be heightened by the digital format, but keeping calm and focused is vital.
Incorporate relaxation techniques into your study routine to manage stress. Techniques like deep breathing, visualisation, and mindfulness can help you stay composed during the exam.
Develop a pre-exam routine with calming activities, like stretching or listening to soothing music, to get into the right mindset. Ensure your exam environment is comfortable and free from distractions. A quiet, well-lit space and minimised interruptions can make a significant difference. If noise is unavoidable, earplugs can be a lifesaver.
Reflect and improve
After finishing your exam, take time to review your performance and reflect on the experience.
Identify any technical issues or areas where you felt unsure or unprepared. Use this feedback to adjust your study plan and improve your preparation for future exams. Critically reviewing your performance helps pinpoint specific skills or knowledge areas that need more attention.
Engaging in a post-exam review not only enhances your preparation but also builds confidence for future tests.
Conclusion
Embracing the unknown, perfecting your environment, mastering your time, honing your digital skills, staying cool and focused, and reflecting on your performance— these are the keys to conquering computer- based exams.
By familiarising yourself with the format, ensuring your technical setup is robust, managing your time wisely, and practising digital literacy, you’ll transform anxiety into confidence.
Incorporating relaxation techniques and creating a calm exam environment will help maintain your composure, while post-exam reflection will pave the way for continuous improvement. Follow these strategies, and you’ll find that mastering digital exams becomes not just achievable, but a rewarding part of your academic and professional journey.
Go forth and ace that digital test!
- Helen de Felice is Programme Director in Accounting and Business at the University of Reading and a lecturer in accounting and auditing
