ACCA Exam Day: Complete Checklist & Tips for Success 2026

ACCA Exam Day: Complete Checklist & Tips for Success 2026

You've prepared for months. Exam day is here. This guide ensures you're fully ready, physically, mentally, and practically, to perform at your best.

The Night Before

Final Preparation

DO:

• Light review only (flashcards, key formulas)
• Prepare everything you need to take
• Set multiple alarms
• Get to bed by 10pm

DON'T:

• Cram new topics
• Do full practice papers
• Stay up late
• Stress about what you don't know

Pack Your Bag

Prepare everything tonight, never on exam morning.

Essential Exam Day Checklist

Absolutely Required

ACCA-Approved Calculators

Only these models are permitted:

• Texas Instruments BA II Plus (standard or professional)
• Hewlett Packard 10BII (or 10BII+)
• Hewlett Packard 12C (or 12C Platinum)

Bring spare batteries and know your calculator functions!

Recommended Items

NOT Allowed

❌ Smart watches
❌ Mobile phones (must be stored away)
❌ Notes or study materials
❌ Unapproved calculators
❌ Food inside exam room (water only)

Morning of the Exam

Timeline

Breakfast Recommendations

Good choices:

• Eggs on toast (protein + complex carbs)
• Oatmeal with banana
• Greek yoghurt with nuts

Avoid:

• Sugary cereals (energy crash)
• Too much caffeine (anxiety, bathroom breaks)
• Heavy, greasy foods (sluggishness)

At the Exam Centre

Check-In Process

1. Join the queue early
2. Present ID and confirmation
3. Store bag, phone, watch as instructed
4. Take allowed items only
5. Find your assigned seat
6. Wait for instructions

Using the CBE System

Before starting:

• Adjust screen brightness and font size
• Test the scratch paper/whiteboard
• Familiarise with the response area
• Check the timer location
• Note how to navigate between questions

During the Exam: Time Management

Applied Skills Papers (3 hours)

Recommended time allocation:

Golden rule: 1.8 minutes per mark

Strategic Professional Papers (3-4 hours)

Papers vary, but general principle:

Question Approach Strategy

Read the Requirement First

Before reading the scenario:

1. Read what you're asked to do
2. Note the verbs (calculate, explain, evaluate)
3. Note the marks
4. Then read the scenario with focus

Answer Allocation

Multiple choice: Don't overthink. First instinct is often correct.

Constructed response:

• Plan before writing
• Answer in the structure requested
• Show workings for calculations
• Don't waffle, marks per point made, not words written

If You're Stuck

1. Move on to the next question
2. Mark it for review
3. Return later with fresh eyes
4. Never leave anything blank, educated guesses can score

Managing Exam Anxiety

Physical Symptoms

If you feel panic:

• Breathe: Deep breath in (4 seconds), hold (4 seconds), out (6 seconds)
• Ground yourself: Feel your feet on the floor, hands on the desk
• Positive self-talk: "I am prepared. I can do this."

Mental Reset

If your mind goes blank:

• Close your eyes for 10 seconds
• Read the question again slowly
• Start with what you DO know
• Partial answers still score marks

Remember

• You don't need 100% to pass (50% is the target)
• Examiners want to give marks
• Most students feel nervous, it's normal
• Focus on the next question, not previous ones

CBE-Specific Tips

Spreadsheet Questions (Applied Skills)

• Know your functions: SUM, IF, NPV, IRR
• Practice cell referencing
• Label your workings clearly
• Use the help function if needed

Word Processing (Strategic)

• Use the formatting tools (headings, bullets)
• Structure your answer clearly
• Don't worry about perfect formatting, content matters more

Calculator on Screen

• Know where it is in the exam software
• Practice using it before exam day
• Your physical calculator is usually faster

Final 30 Minutes

Review Strategy

With 30 minutes left:

1. Stop starting new questions
2. Review flagged questions
3. Check for unanswered questions
4. Review calculation entries
5. Ensure all responses are submitted

Never Leave Early

Use every minute:

• Double-check objective test answers
• Add to written responses
• Verify spreadsheet formulas
• Review formatting

After the Exam

Immediately After

DO:

• Leave the exam centre calmly
• Treat yourself to something nice
• Rest before analysing

DON'T:

• Discuss answers with other students
• Google correct answers
• Stress about questions you struggled with

Results Wait

• Results typically released 6-8 weeks after exam
• Check ACCA's official results dates
• Set up notification preferences

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Your Exam Day Mindset

Remember:

• You've prepared for this
• Trust your knowledge
• Stay calm and focused
• One question at a time
• The exam is passable, and you can pass it

Quick Reference Checklist

Night Before

✅ Light review only
✅ Bag packed
✅ Alarm set
✅ Early night

Morning

✅ Healthy breakfast
✅ Leave with time to spare
✅ ID and confirmation ready

At Centre

✅ Check in calmly
✅ Familiarise with CBE
✅ Deep breaths before starting

During Exam

✅ Time per question
✅ Read requirements first
✅ Show workings
✅ Don't leave blanks

Final 30 Minutes

✅ Review flagged questions
✅ Check all answered
✅ Use every minute

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