Results of the latest candidate tracker for the Program have shown that 31 per cent of those surveyed felt the Program workload was too heavy. This response is provided to assist employers and mentors when reviewing the support available to candidates in their business. 
 
The Institute recommends that candidates study for between 10-15 hours per week for each module over the 12 week term. This includes attendance at focus session modules and at least one hour per week reviewing myCA announcements and peer support board threads. 
 
‘It is important that candidates don’t try to cram before exams or just review suggested solutions as this will not equip them with the skills required to pass the final module exam', said Denise Naidu, Chartered Accountants Program Development & Operations Manager.  
 
A continuous study approach is recommended to allow for sufficient practice and application of what is being learnt. In each module, a unit of study includes a mix of problem-solving activities and worked examples for candidates to work through and to build-up their own critical file for the exam. In the exam candidates will be required to apply their learning to a variety of scenarios and give clear, written responses. Candidates are cautioned about taking solutions from the Candidate Learning Pack (CLP) and using them in their exam answers without considering the new facts presented. 
 
‘Encourage your candidates to use myCA and to form study groups to discuss concepts and any areas of difficulties they are experiencing’, advised Denise. 
 
Suggested in-house study resources that you could develop and provide for your candidates are: 

• Module induction and study plan development for an individual or group 
  
• Extension project topic review and discussion for an individual or group 
  
• Unit revisions sessions with a technical expert 
  
• Internal study group with other Chartered Accountants Program candidates 
  
• Practice exams with past papers to develop technique 
  
• Study and exam review leave 
  
• Counselling service to assist with any personal issues affecting study or work.

 

• Orientation sessions for first time candidates held one week prior to commencement in each capital city 
  
• A Learning & Assessment Guide for the Program 
  
• myCA online peer support board available from midday of module commencement date. From myCA candidates can access:
 

 

• Study planning guide and study plan template 
  
• Extension project criteria 
  
• Soft copy of the CLP 
  
• Past exam papers and suggested solutions 
  
• Suggested solutions for CLP activities (posted fortnightly after module commencement date).
 

• Four focus sessions per module to review and apply the learning for each unit at various locations
 

• Individual exam feedback on application to the Institute’s assessment team
 

• Supplementary exam opportunity for candidates who achieve a mark greater than 20.