icaew case study exam time

FAR - Full Series

Learn how to ace the aca certificate level exams, financial accounting and reporting (far) , classroom tuition, online tuition.

Having scored 92% in the Case Study exam, and winning the ICAEW prize for the highest score in the world, Kieran now teaches students the analytical skills and exam technique required to emulate this success. Under his guidance, one of our students also went on to win the ICAEW prize for the highest score in the world (score of 90%), whilst several others have won national and regional prizes.

You can watch the course introduction and a  FREE SAMPLE CLASS   below.

OUR PRIZE-WINNING TECHNIQUE

The course begins by teaching you the methodology for tackling the exam, as well as passing on prize-winning tricks and tips. Kieran provides a detailed walk-through of how you should tackle the Case Study exam, from initial AI analysis through to typing your report on exam day. 

The  next class is an exhibit by exhibit walk-through of the July 2024 AI, clearly demonstrating how each piece of information should be used in the exam. This enables you to understand the AI in an exam focused way.

The following classes  debrief our July 2024 mock exams whe re Kieran teaches you exactly how you should have read and interpreted the exam as well as how you should have typed your answer, with reference to his prize-winning model answer. ​  The classes provide detailed advice as to how you should work through each requirement. This enables you to fully understand how to apply the prize-winning technique to your particular Case Study business and the type of points you should include in your report. 

Classes which are based on the July 2024 AI will be added to the course after the AI has been released. T he release dates for the classes can be found on the course structure document below. 

PAYMENT AND ACCESS

You can subscribe to all the classes for £395 and enjoy a viewing period of 12 months.

Please click  HERE  to purchase. Once payment has been made, you can view the full course  HERE . ​

Please note that our July 2024  PDF materials are sold separately from the video course .

​ ​ PASS GUARANTEE 

In the unlikely event that you fail your exam, we will extend your access until you pass your exam. This includes access to any additional content we upload in relation to subsequent Case Study businesses.  There will be no extra cost to you. This reflects our commitment to getting you qualified, as well as the confidence we have in Kieran's track record. 

Having failed Case Study TWICE, I had seen this course pop up on YouTube whilst I tried to figure out where I was going wrong. Took the plunge to change resource providers and honestly, there are NO words to express how grateful I am! Kieran and the team guide you with a CLEAR and CONCISE approach which really helped me focus on what I needed to improve on and what I was previously doing wrong.

From past failures of 48 & 36 previously, to now a gratifying pass of 74, I am honestly on TOP of the world!!! Don't hesitate - book before its too late, honestly you won't regret it!!!

(Case Study resit student who passed first time with us)

Advanced Level Case Study advance information

The Advanced Level Case Study exam includes advance information released prior to the exam sitting. This allows you time to become familiar with the information and to undertake any other appropriate research and analysis.

Select the relevant product below, depending on the exam sitting, and proceed to check out to get the product in your ICAEW Bookshelf. You will be able to access this within your exam and see any notes and highlights you’ve made, as well as using the search function.

This document is also available as a standard PDF that you can print and use in your exam sitting.

To access the pdf and for more information on the Case Study exam, please visit https://www.icaew.com/for-current-aca-students/exam-resources/advanced-level/case-study .

Available editions:

• Accountancy and Tax
• Accountancy and Tax - Professional Qualifications
• ICAEW Advanced

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ICAEW Business and Finance Advanced Level

Enabling you to become a Business and Finance Professional and preparing you for the responsibility and challenges of a senior role. We have been delivering ICAEW qualifications for over 30 years, with all courses delivered using our data driven learning methodology, BPP Momentum, with industry leading pass rates averaging over 90% across all Professional and Advanced papers.

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Select your ICAEW Business and Finance Advanced Level

The ICAEW Advanced level exams present real-life scenarios, with greater complexity and wider implications than the Professional Level exams.

The Case Study exam will present a complex business issue which will require problem solving, the identification of ethical implications and your ability to provide effective solutions.

There are 3 exams in total and they are fully open book, replicating a real-life scenario where reference resources will be available. Corporate Reporting and Strategic Business Management papers are 3.5 hours while the Case Study lasts four hours. Exams are computer-based and have a 50% pass mark.

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What are the entry requirements and exemptions for ICAEW Advanced Level

To be able to enter this level, you need to pass the  ICAEW Certificate in Finance Accounting and Business (CFAB)  or  AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting  or equivalent. If you hold a relevant degree or qualification, you may be able to apply for an exemption. To find out more, visit  ACA Credit for prior learning . 

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Maximise your chances of exam success with BPP Momentum

Designed to train employees in leading accountancy firms, our unique approach focuses entirely on your exam success.

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Study modes to suit your lifestyle

We have a number of flexible study modes available depending on how you like to learn.

Recommended Online Classroom Live

Interactive live online sessions at scheduled times at daytime, evening and weekend slots, utilising the premium Adobe Connect software.

Online Classroom

Pre-recorded lectures delivered by our expert tutors to study at a time, pace and location that suits you.

Face-to-face

Study in a classroom at one of our conveniently located UK study centres, providing the structure and discipline of physical teaching.

The material provided by BPP is of a high standard and volume. Teachers will guide you through a comprehensive set of notes and provide a highly detailed textbook and summary cards should you require further guidance outside the class. BPP provides an online learning environment containing the course material, practice questions and lectures allowing you to recap and test yourself at your own pace. Without this, I do not think I could pass the course!

Jack Murphy, Accountancy student, BDO

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Study Livestream

AQA Paper 3 Case Study Practice (A) | A-Level Business Revision for 2024

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AQA Paper 3 is a challenging exam that places emphasis on effective time management and effective use of the case study. We'll explore a new Paper 3 case study as, together, we unpick how to answer typical Paper 3 questions.

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Graham Prior is Subject Lead for GCSE, A-Level Business, and IB Business and Management at tutor2u. He is an experienced teacher, examiner, head of department and author.

Jim Riley is the co-Founder and CEO of tutor2u. Prior to founding tutor2u with twin brother Geoff in 2000, Jim was Director of Strategy for Thomson Travel Group. Prior to this Jim spent 10 years with PwC. Jim is a Fellow of the ICAEW and holds an MBA from Bradford Business School.

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Author: ICAEW Insights

Published: 28 May 2024

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Whether you’re sitting in an exam centre or remotely, give yourself the best chance of success by avoiding these common pitfalls.

1 Use one screen

Many accountants use dual monitors, especially when working with multiple documents or large amounts of data, or combining a laptop with a larger desktop display. If you’re sitting an exam via remote invigilation, make sure one of your screens is switched off, or that they’re set up to mirror. 

“The reason is one of exam security,” explains Richard Eckersley, Head of Assessment at ICAEW. “The system can only monitor one screen, and if we can’t see what you’re doing on the other, the exam is not secure.” While a minor breach like this might not seem like a big deal, “If it takes away our ability to verify, that’s a problem,” he adds. “If we can’t verify the integrity of the exam, then we’re not going to be able to carry it forward.”

2 Ensure the right setup

As well as monitoring your screen, the remote invigilation system for Professional and Advanced Level exams uses your webcam to record you, and your mobile phone camera to provide additional coverage of the room. “Your phone will usually be positioned a few metres behind you, so that we can see you, your screen and your room,” Richard explains. Make sure it’s plugged into a charger – running out of battery halfway through could again impact exam security. 

If you’ve followed the guidelines and got your setup right (watch the video here ), you should be prepared for any unexpected eventualities – like someone coming into the room, for example. “We record video and audio, so we can see and hear what happens – and that might include a student asking someone to leave the room,” says Richard. “As long as we can verify the integrity of the exam, we can cope with that sort of thing.”

3 Be punctual

If you’re sitting via remote invigilation, you have 30 minutes from your scheduled start time for on-boarding – getting everything set up correctly and completing security checks – and to start the exam. As long as you’ve completed the technical system checks in advance, this should only take a few minutes. “If you start after 30 minutes, your exam won’t be marked – unless you’ve been in touch with us to let us know that you have a problem,” says Richard. Make sure you let Student Support know about any issues as soon as possible, either via the live chat function or, if you no longer have internet connectivity, over the phone. 

If you’re sitting at an exam centre, again it’s your responsibility to be on time – and there is a strict half-hour cut-off. You can start the exam up to 30 minutes late, but you will lose those minutes from your total time.

4 Be professional

Sitting an exam can be a stressful situation – but that’s no excuse for rude or unprofessional behaviour towards invigilators, says Richard. “The invigilators are in a position of responsibility, and are able to report your behaviour back. Even if there are frustrating or difficult events happening, you need to cope with those professionally.” Exam centres will often be covered by CCTV and, if not, there will usually be plenty of other people in the room observing your behaviour. 

“You’re entering into a profession in which conduct matters, and there’s a high expectation there,” adds Richard. “You wouldn’t conduct yourself that way in the workplace and expect to continue in an organisation. You need to remain professional.”

5 Use stop the clock properly

If you’ve been granted access arrangements  that entitle you to ‘stop the clock’ rest breaks, it’s up to you how you use them – but they must be complete breaks. You’re not allowed to read or write notes, or look through permitted texts during this time. “There’s a button you can click within the exam environment; the screen blanks out, a coffee cup appears and the timer starts counting down,” Richard explains. 

“While that’s happening, you’re permitted to take a break – not work on the exam.” It can be difficult for invigilators to tell exactly what you’re doing, he adds, “So just never be in a situation where there’s any doubt at all. Close all your books, stare up at the sky, or get up and move around.”

6 Heed warnings

If you’ve been warned about your exam conduct for any reason, make sure you don’t make the same mistake again. “It could be that an invigilator in an exam centre asked you to stop doing something, or we detected a minor breach like wearing a watch,” says Richard. 

“If you receive a warning letter saying we’ve identified an issue but are not going to sanction you for it, don’t do it again. Seeing a repeat of the same behaviour after you’ve been formally advised against it is when it becomes problematic – and you might be sanctioned for a second offence.” A repeated breach becomes an issue of professionalism – personal integrity rather than exam integrity. 

7 Never cheat

When it comes to exams, directly seeking to cheat is the most serious thing a student can do – and a clear breach of the ethical conduct and behaviour  expected from ICAEW Chartered Accountants and the profession. “Bringing notes into an exam and being caught trying to use them is pretty serious, because you’re going out of your way to get an advantage you shouldn’t have under the rules of the exams. It’s not a mistake of omission – the intent is clear there,” Richard says. 

“In portfolio-style exams, such as the Level 7 Project Report, every submission goes through plagiarism-checking software. If you haven’t written your submission from scratch, there’s a very high chance that it will be picked up. And the consequence of that is always serious – there’s no minor infringement if you’ve copied someone else’s work.” Students could be referred to the professional conduct department and may be fined or even prevented from continuing the qualification. “It depends on the extent and the seriousness of the plagiarism, but this is a really serious matter.”

You’ll find detailed instructions on exam conduct for all levels here .

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