How to...Study for your CISI exam
Starting to study towards one of the CISI’s exams? Here are five key tips to enable you to focus your efforts, save on preparation time and boost your chances of success.
Use the CISI workbook
Concentrate your studies on the CISI workbook. Every exam question is answerable from the workbook. Often exam questions use very similar wording to the workbook, probably because the questions are generated using the workbook as the source document. Don’t forget this – everything you need is in the workbook, so get to know it VERY well.
Generate your own notes / mind maps / reminders
It is fine to allocate time to your studies – “I am going to spend the next two hours studying Chapter 1 of the workbook” – but don’t just read the chapters. Do something active like scribbling down your own notes, summarising the coverage in diagrams or mind maps. Failing to do this is fatal. You are extremely unlikely to retain much by reading alone. Active note-taking will substantially boost retention.
Be patient, embed the knowledge and understanding before moving on.
Don’t try to speed through your studies. Make sure you are happy with each topic before moving on to the next. You must grasp the context and significance BEFORE moving on. Effective study involves building capability.
Talk to others
If you are one of a group studying towards the same qualification at the same time, then discuss and share your knowledge and understanding. Trying to explain something to another person is a surefire way of discovering whether you have grasped it and hearing someone else’s explanation can be a revelation.
Don’t try multiple-choice questions too early
Since the ultimate exam is made up of multiple-choice questions, it is tempting to try to answer exam-style questions during the early stages of study. Don’t do it! The first stage of study is to gather knowledge and understanding, the second stage is to be able to apply this to multiple-choice questions and pass the exam.
Need more tips?
To get the best out of multiple-choice questions and your revision, download Martin's “How to revise for your CISI exam” tips.
Looking for more support?
Our CISI Distance Learning Solution is developed using everything we have learnt from more than a decade of delivering CISI exam-based training programmes. We know what tools students need to ensure CISI exam success.
Key features include:
- Study plan
- Video tutorials
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- Email support
The following exam study programmes are available now:
- International Introduction to Securities & Investment
- International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management (ICWIM)
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