The Chartered Accountants Program requires you to juggle a full-time job with study. This isn't always easy.

Remember, the value of your qualification is based on the reality that this course is demanding.

So, how do you maximise your chance of success with all aspects of your life? Unfortunately time is finite, so you need to plan for success by allocating your time to life’s demands. Below are some suggestions for you to consider:
 
Develop a documented study plan
Produce a study plan ready to go at the commencement of the module. Time is limited and the workload for each module is challenging. By documenting you can keep yourself accountable for your progress. Be realistic with your goals – there is no point in allocating time which you know you will not keep.

Jump right in
Read through your CLP well before focus sessions start - highlighting the areas that you will need to research further. Try to stay at least a week ahead in preparing for focus sessions, whenever possible. Being ahead gives you flexibility if something comes up during the semester to take you away from your study for a few days.

Set a comfortable pace
The key is to set a comfortable pace for studying. What is your comfortable pace? Once you determine this, consistency is the secret. Setting aside time for focused study every day is likely to produce a higher overall mark. A study plan will guarantee better results and may actually reduce the study time you need because you will have thought about the areas to concentrate on. Be sure to incorporate some review time each study period. Your study schedule must be convenient and you need to adhere to it.

Be honest with yourself
A key feature of the Program is to develop candidates who have the ability to resolve problems. The learning materials are designed to develop research skills. It is not possible to develop those skills effectively, by cramming or not completing all the activities. If the module is not an area that you specialise in, then you will need to allocate more time to study – this may exceed the total 140 hours per module.  Early in the module you will need to assess whether you need to do additional work such as research.

Need more help?
An excellent starting point is the Learning & Assessment Guide available from myCA. Access via the Chartered Accountants Program - Information area, and then from the Chartered Accountants Program Info link on the left hand navigation bar.

The LAG provides you with suggested learning strategies and will assist you with developing your own study plan.