Final Preparation for CILEx Examinations

Looking after Yourself

To do yourself justice, you need to be mentally fresh and physically rested when you take the CILEx examinations. Remember;

1. Keep some time before the examinations for recreation.

2. Do not fill all your time with last minute revision. If you have followed suggestions and prepared and kept to a revision timetable then manic last minute revision should not be necessary. You will perform better in the examination if you have an alert mind.

3. Avoid late nights before the day that you have an examination. A tired person cannot perform as well as a person who is rested. Your brain will just not be able to make the connections.

4. If you normally participate in sporting activities, don’t give them up as the examinations approach. Physical activity will make you feel better about yourself. If you are not normally sporty, then take fresh air and exercise in some other way e.g. walking regularly or cycling.

The Examination Itself

1. Arrive at the Centre in good time and make sure you know where you are going.

2. Read the instructions on the paper carefully

3. Check the number of questions and sections of the paper that you are required to answer – is it as expected?

4. When it is time to start, look at the clock and quickly make a calculation about the time that need to finish each section.

5. Calm down and read all of the questions. Use your reading time wisely. Don’t panic and just opt for a question because a topic is familiar. Don’t panic because the person next to you has started writing.

6. Decide which questions you are going to answer.

7. Start with the question that you feel most comfortable with – this will boost your confidence.

8. Plan each question and re-read it before you start writing.

9. Watch the time – don’t spend too long on one question. Remember, how good you think it may be, you are very unlikely to get full marks and could probably pick up more marks by starting another question.

10. If you do run out of time, don’t make the mistake of leaving a question completely. If necessary make some notes showing the examiner what you would have included in your answer, had you had time. It may be possible to pick up those few marks that you need to obtain 50%.

At the end of the Exam

1. Read your answers

2. Check that you have not omitted a question

3. Check that no part of a question remains unanswered

4. Check spelling, grammar and punctuation.

5. If possible, try not to discuss your answers with other members of the group. Don’t do a post mortem. You will only worry that you have missed something out or done something wrong. Just tell yourself that you have done your best!