Before starting your TOPCIMA studies, you need to decide whether to sit TOPCIMA using our computer based exam, or the more traditional paper based version. Zoe Robinson, Kaplan Financial's content specialist for TOPCIMA and CIMA's tutor of the year 2008, advises.
Sitting TOPCIMA on computer has many advantages. These include up to four sittings a year, subject to availability. The computer exam is available in March and September as well as May and November.
Firstly: results are published earlier - students receive these three weeks after the exam as opposed to eight weeks for the paper based exam.
The other key advantages of sitting the computer based exam are:
Speed: Many people can now type quicker than they can write. While the key to passing TOPCIMA is definitely quality and not quantity, you will need to aim for a report of 3,000 words or more. The more you can produce in the time allowed, the greater your chances of meeting the requirements.
Calculations: Assuming you are reasonably proficient in using spreadsheets, performing calculations can be quicker and easier on a computer.
Presentation: Preparing your report on a word processor can improve the look of your document, and is useful for those with poor handwriting. Being able to correct mistakes and move text around can also enhance the appearance of your final report.
Spell checker: If spelling isn't your strong point, spellcheck can be a real saviour.
Just make sure the advantages of a computer based exam don't become disadvantages. The fact that you can change sentences may mean you end up wasting time getting them right.
With calculations on a computer, you may rely too much on the formula functions and fail to perform a sense check on the answers generated. You may also be tempted to put too much time into getting your report to look good ' when the emphasis should be on the quality of what you write. One student who unfortunately failed a recent TOPCIMA exam told me he'd wasted 15 minutes trying to correctly number his bullet points.
How should I decide which option is best for me?
Try asking yourself these questions:
1. Do you use word processing and spreadsheet packages regularly? Speak to the centre where you would ideally sit the exam and find out which packages will be on their machines. Are these the packages you're familiar with?
2. How fast can you type? If you're unsure, you can try online tests (logon to Kaplan TOPCIMA for an example). A speed of between 30 and 40 words per minute should give you a good chance.
3. Are you a perfectionist? Do you have to have all your headings perfectly aligned? If this sounds like you, don't assume you'll be able to change the habit of a lifetime in weeks.
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