Getting ready for an accounting test can be hard. You can't just memorize and put together random pieces of information like you might be able to in history class.Â
However, you also can't just count on a few axioms or theorems and work through a bunch of problems to get better, like you might be able to do in maths. There are, luckily, a few easy things you can do that will help you study for an accounting test well.
The most important thing before you start learning accounting is to make sure you understand the basics. In other words, you need to get used to using debits and credits.Â
Obviously, this can take some time and be hard, but it has to be done. How do you go about this? There isn't a magic bullet to memorize these things, so the only way to get it done is to keep at it over and over again.Â
When you are doing your accounting entries, always ask yourself, "Which accounts are being affected here?" "Where is the loss and where is the profit?" Before you know it, everything will fit together.Â
It's easy to make the mistake of trying to revise for too long by reading and writing the theory over and over again.Â
Yes, you need to know some basics in order to do well on questions, but once you do, you should be brave enough to start practicing questions. People often say things like, "I didn't understand the question" or "I couldn't find the information in the question." Of course, the questions on the test are harder than the theory you learn, but as soon as you start to work on them, it will help you remember things faster when the exam time comes.
The question practice will help you figure out what you know, what you don't know, and what you need to work on.Â
Also, it will test and help you learn more about the double-entry system. Not only will it get you used to the way the test takers question, but it's also much easier to spend an evening practicing questions than reading about accounting theory which is not that important.Â
I remember when my sister was taking her accounting exam and she said she did not understand the lengthy questions at all because of a shortage of time. Well, she couldn’t ace the exam at first but she passed on her second try.Â
The long form questions in an accounting exam are extremely hard, and they make up almost 40% of the test. This means you need to make a plan.Â
Before you try any of these questions, make sure you know how you are going to answer each type of question step by step. Keep your notes with you and remember everything by heart.
Take as much time as you need to review the long form questions once you start, because now is the time to get better at the skills you've learned. We all want to check the answer halfway through, but you need to resist the urge. There are only so many practice long-form questions that you can get, so make the most of them.Â
After giving it your all, share what you didn't understand with a friend or a tutor and take the time to figure out what you did wrong and why. Follow your plan and slowly get up to the speed needed for the test.Â
The day of the test will always be stressful, so you need to make sure that nothing bad happens. The best way to do this is to make a plan for how you will take the test and stick to your strategy.Â
The long form question is question 1 on the test, but you don't have to do it first. I always tell students to wait until the end to do the lengthy questions and start with the objective type. Short questions take much less time and can get you more grades, so start with those.Â
When there is a long form question, students may have a answer that doesn't quite balance, and they may spend too much time trying to make it perfect, which can make them lose confidence and mess up the rest of the test.
No matter what plan you use, be sure to stick to the one that works for you. One way to do this is to be very strict with your times. You can mark the question as flagged, and move on if you're having trouble.
Don't expect perfection right away. It can be hard to pass the Accounting test, which is shown to have a 55% pass mark. If you keep practicing it, it will eventually click into place. Don't give up if things are hard at first.
Using the above tips, make a strong but reasonable plan for your revision which will give you the best chance of succeeding in your exam.
Taking care of your physical and mental health is also an important part of learning, and doing so will give you the best chance of acing your exam. Did you know that 83% of students had trouble with their tests because of stress?
I am not surprised by that high number; it shows how hard it can be to pass tests. Obviously, some people feel pretty good about themselves when they leave for an exam. As for me, I know that after you take a test, you can never be sure of how it will turn out.
If you are struggling with some accounting concepts then you need to understand that taking help is okay.Â
A professional accounting tutor can help you clear your doubts and improve your areas of weaknesses in the course. Hire a tutor and ask them questions if you have any. Investment in a good tutor is way better than spending too much time pondering over things you do not understand.Â
Getting into a pattern will help you keep studying properly until the test. Putting it off until the last few weeks is the worst thing you can do because you'll be stressed and tired when it's time for the exams.
Take a look at your schedule to see which days and times work best for you. Then plan breaks where you get up from your desk or couch and do something like stretch or make coffee.You could say that you'll study every Friday night from 7 pm to 10 pm, for instance. Sometimes it will be hard to study because you want to do something else, but you need to remind yourself that it's a set time that it needs to be done.
The beginning is always the hardest part, but once you're going, it gets easier to stick to a routine after a few days.Â
Stop Going Out!
One important thing that determines whether you pass or fail a test is how well you do in those daily battles. Because each day you study is a fight with yourself and the choices you make. If your friend asks you to go to the movies and you want to, but you know you need to study. Are you going to go out?Â
Remember that you won't always do the right thing and that you will have bad days. It's about being strong.Â
If you decide not to study, don't let it get you down, just pick yourself back up. Accept that today was a bad day and begin again tomorrow. We often say that studying for tests is like running a race. In two weeks, not many people can just decide to run a marathon. The same is true for exams: you need to build up your training and endurance so you can learn and use what you've learned throughout your academic year.Â
Look At The Bigger Picture
Another important part of the process is to keep the bigger picture in mind, especially at the beginning. Remember why you chose to take this test in the first place if you are feeling demotivated at the moment.
Think about how good it will feel to see "PASS" at the end of a test! That should give you the motivation to keep your head down and keep going by doing a little each day. If you really want to become an accountant, it's not a bad deal to spend one or two years of schooling and then work as one for 25 to 30 years. Students should remember their goals, especially when they are not feeling inspired or motivated to achieve their goals.
Don’t Judge Yourself
Stress from outside sources can make learning harder than it needs to be, and your friends can be one of the reason. Sharing your thoughts and feelings is great, but don't compare yourself to other people.Â
Different people study in different ways. It's best to find out what works for you early on.Â
Some people like to work quickly, while others would rather take their time and do it over a longer period of time. Remember that things can be done in different ways and you have to stick with the things that help you learn best.
Try to always keep a positive attitude when you are taking professional accounting tests.
Accounting students face serious problems because the subject is difficult and often considered a bit complicated. Many drop out from classes due to stress and anxiety that comes with failing tests. But, you should not lose hope.Â
A good accounting teacher is your beacon of light in the times of demotivation. No friend or acquaintance can teach you the important topics and help you in solving problems like an expert can. So, invest in a good tutor to ease your academic journey.