CGMA Exam - Case Study Guide

chapter 8 Exam day techniques

Chapter learning objectives

• Completing this chapter will help you formulate a carefully planned and thoughtful strategy to cope with the three hours of exam time.

1 Exam day strategy

Once you have studied the pre-seen materials, reviewed relevant topics, and taken practice exams, you should be well prepared for the CGMA exam.

However, it is still important to have a carefully planned and thoughtful strategy to cope with those three hours of exam time.

This chapter takes you through some of the key skills to master to ensure all your careful preparation does not go to waste.

2 Importance of time management

Someone once referred to case study exams as ‘the race against time’ and it’s difficult to imagine a more accurate description. Being able to do what the examiner is wanting is only half of the battle; being able to deliver it in the time available is another matter altogether. This is even more important than in previous exams you may have faced because each section in the real exam is timed and once that time is up you will be moved on automatically. Case study is not like a traditional exam where you can go back to a question if you get extra inspiration or feel you have some time left over. You have to complete each task within the time stated.

For this reason, time management is a key skill required to pass the case study examination.

Successful time management requires two things:

(1) A tailored time plan—one that plays to your personal strengths ...