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The Recruitment & Employment Confederation - The Voice of the Recruitment Industry

Exam tips

Examinations are never something most people look forward to, but with written exams being the sole assessment method in the Certificate in Recruitment Practice, and modules 1 & 2 of the Diploma in Recruitment Practice.

Some people might be better than others at sitting exams, but there is nevertheless much that everyone can do to improve their performance and give themselves the best chance of success. Preparation and a cool head will see that you do well, although there can be no substitute for revision before the exam:

Before the examination: Course start & revision
Top revision tip: Revise consistently throughout the course and make sure you understand everything in your own words. There’s a lot of reading to do; only you can pinpoint the ideal amount of time to revise as you’ll work differently from other students; however, it would be a good idea you set 3 to 4 hours aside each week.

Revise in bite-size sections of the materials. Make sure you spread your study time out over the week into manageable chunks. Just 30 minutes a day after work will easily gives you two and a half hours a week! Steadily increase this closer to exam time.

Before the examination: The last few days

  • Look back over your coursework questions and sample papers.

  • Make sure you know what to look for in questions and how to deal with different types. You won’t be asked to write essays but will have questions asking you to list, compare, describe, explain etc 

  • Know where the exam is and your route. Check for transport delays before you set out and set your alarm clock to get you up and out in plenty of time. Keep venue and REC contact details safe.

  • Clocks will be present in the exam hall you should bring a watch for question timing. Also make sure you have enough blue or black pens with you just in case… and don’t forget a highlighter.

  • Think about your comfort during the exam to. Each exam is two hours long and you have to remain in the hall for the full time. Wear layers of clothing to regulate your temperature during the exam. You can take drinks and sweets into the exam hall too but make sure you won’t be a nuisance.

Crunch time 

  • Arrive in plenty of time to register and get yourself settled. You don’t want to be flustered

  • Listen carefully to the instructions of the invigilator before the start time and try and compose yourself. 

  • Don’t worry about who’s around you. Set up your desk so you’re comfortable and concentrate on the task at hand.

  • Read through the whole question paper before starting your answers. Take notes of key words in questions and set out plans to answer each question.

  • Read each question carefully. Students frequently answer the question they would like to have been asked and fail to cover the points the question actually asks for. It’s silly, but an easy mistake on the day. Look at the wording of the question and note the marks available.

  • Do all your rough work and notes in the answer booklet. Make notes while you read through and cross it through, without making it illegible, it will help clarify thoughts and the examiner will ignore it.

  • Build up your confidence. You can answer the questions in the order you feel comfortable with so why not start with the ones you know you can do and then move onto the more difficult ones? Just make sure your numbering is clear in the answer book.

  • Use 10 minutes or so at the end of the exam to spend some time checking your answers, ensure you’ve not missed any questions or parts of questions.

Those In The Know:

Revision:
Read and then re-read small bite-size sections of a couple of pages or so at a time. Make your own notes and revise from these; testing yourself as you go. You’ll take in more over time and won’t over-cram your mind. Write up notes so that you understand the topic and use acronyms to help recall in the exam.
(Matt Joyes CertRP, REC Examinations Officer)

Question Types:
It goes without saying that you should read the questions carefully. If the question asks you to 'list', then bullet points should be sufficient. Making sure you list both sides if asked for pros and cons. If you are asked to 'describe' or 'compare' then fuller answers with context are required.
Some questions feature case studies such as job advertisements or scenarios. These questions are asking you to apply your knowledge to the situation described, so you should quote from the case study rather than just reproduce abstract theory.
(Alison Humphries FREC CertRP, Chief Examiner, Diploma Module 2)

Exam Jitters:
If you start to panic, take a few deep breaths or take some time to regain your composure. Try and start writing as, even if it is not entirely correct, if you have done your revision you should eventually recover from your panic and get back on track. Avoid looking at other students in the exam room and concentrate on the examination paper as much as possible. (Mr Antony Taylor FREC, Certificate Chief Examiner)