Mastering the study/work balance for exam success

Preparing for your exams while working can be challenging but with a balanced approach, you can develop skills that stand to you throughout your career, writes Kaillum Burns

Beginning your work/study journey—and finding a healthy balance—can be both exciting and demanding. Preparing for your CAP exams can be a rigorous process, combining both professional work and academic study.

Developing effective techniques at an early stage will make your path to exam success more manageable and rewarding.

Here are some practical approaches I found useful when I was preparing for my exams.

1. Build an early routine

One of the greatest challenges for many trainees is balancing study with full-time work.

Consistency is key here. Create, and stick to, a weekly timetable incorporating short, regular study sessions, rather than cramming all your study closer to exam-time.

Even just one hour set aside for exam prep each weekday evening can help to keep material fresh in your mind and reduce your stress levels.

Treat these sessions as fixed appointments with yourself as it will make the final stretch before the exams much easier and less stressful.

2. Try to understand, not just memorise

Accounting exams are not just about recall; they are about applying principles to real-world scenarios.

Focus on understanding the logic behind standards and tax rules, rather than just memorising them line by line.

Ask yourself why a treatment is required and practise applying it to case studies.

This deeper understanding will make recalling details far easier under exam pressure. It will also help you to transfer the knowledge you are gaining through study into day-to-day principles.

3. Practise active learning

Instead of simply reading notes, try to engage actively with the material.

Work through past papers, create mind maps and explain concepts aloud as if you are teaching someone else.

Attempting questions under timed conditions can be particularly effective, as it can help you develop exam technique and highlight knowledge gaps.

It isn’t a good idea to go into your exam without having completed practice/sample papers beforehand.

4. Make use of resources

It is important that you make yourself familiar with all of your resources early in the year.

Being comfortable with using the resources you have at hand will make studying that bit easier, improving your organisation and giving you a better chance at exam success.

5. Manage your energy, not just your time

Burnout is a real risk. Ensure you get adequate rest, take breaks and maintain exercise and nutrition routines.

Even short walks or gym sessions can improve concentration. Protecting your well-being is just as important as covering syllabus material.

6. Maintain a healthy perspective

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at the outset but remember that thousands have successfully completed this journey before you.

Progress comes with persistence. Celebrate small wins—finishing a past paper or mastering a tricky standard—to stay motivated.

By developing strong study habits from the outset, you stand the best chance of setting yourself up for long-term success.

Getting a good study/work balance can be challenging but with consistency, active learning and taking time out to rest and recharge, you will be able to build both the technical knowledge and professional confidence to thrive in your career.

Kaillum Burns is a Trainee Accountant with Gilroy Gannon