There are many books, articles and studies that can tell you how to get the most from your studies.
However, when you choose a profession in the mortgage industry, you need to be prepared to undertake specific training in order to pass the end CeMAP exam, which allows you to become fully accredited and able to work in a regulatory compliant manner.
What to do
Implementing a robust study plan is vital to ensure that all topic areas are covered and absorbed, allowing sufficient time to learn the study material, before revising and testing your learning. This will put you in a more confident position when it comes to the exam itself.
There are a number of misconceptions that people apply when it comes to studying for an exam. As such, here we will look at the five main myths that people often apply to their study methods when approaching an upcoming exam:
Last minute prep
As long as I start preparing around a week before my exam date, I’ll be fine. INCORRECT. To read through, absorb and familiarise yourself with the study material from a 12-week learning course in such a short space of time is virtually impossible.
By implementing a structured study rota, you will give your brain the best chance to retain the knowledge covered. This means that you will hold onto the information for longer, and avoid a ‘night before’ last minute cramming session, which can cause negativity, panicking and self-doubt.
The book will do
I’ll be ready once I’ve read that book. INCORRECT. Whilst text is probably the best place to start, relying solely on the content of one textbook is not advisable.
There is a wide range of study material available, with online practice-test papers, training videos, and revision notes to name but a few. To give yourself the best opportunity at success, ensure all of the study material is utilised and incorporated into your study plan.
What more can I learn?
I already have experience in that field, I don’t need to study. INCORRECT. Having worked in an industry prior to undertaking an exam such as CeMAP may be beneficial. However, the exam is about much more than just on-the-job knowledge and experience.
With regulations ever changing, there is every chance that additional topics will have been added. It is important to apply yourself to your studying, particularly if you have not taken a test for a while.
Once is enough
Once I have covered a topic of study, I can cross it out and move on. INCORRECT. This is a logical and often used method of study, to make sure that all of the study material is taken on board. However, it can leave you wanting.
It is important to remember that the exam itself will be randomised and the questions will probably not appear in the same order that you have studied the modules. It can be useful to mix up the modules, and also read through them several times.
I’ll just guess
Multiple choice means I am bound to get it right. INCORRECT. Whilst multiple choice questions allow you to narrow down your answer, and by process of elimination may lead you to the correct answer, it does not mean that you can study with any less determination.
