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tipsyangel


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Another newbie
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Hi all,

This is my first time as a forum member anywhere and here seems like as good a place to start as any!

I've joined because I do have a question to ask but first I'll tell you why I'm here - I've spent the last few years working as an accounts assistant but decided recently to do the bookkeeping qualifications as I knew I wouldn't be able to progress without them. The aim is to start my own business at some point but for now I'm happy running the accounts department of a small local business. 

At the moment I'm preparing for the ICB Level 1 exam. I'm ready to sit it but was wondering if anyone out there knew what the new format was like - i'd love to hear from anyone who can offer some advice on this as I get very nervous about exams and want to be as prepared as possible before I take the plunge!

Thanks for your help smile

 

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Peasie


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It is a mixture of multiple choice and a few where you have to put an amount in. Most of them are drop down answers or you put a mark in a "radio button" for your choice.. You have 2 hours from whenever you hit the start button. It shouldn't take you that long though if you have been doing it for the last few years. You get your result immediately you finish the exam. It is essentially an open book exam in case there is the odd thing you need to look up. That's all I can think of at the moment. Anything else - just ask. Apart from the answers. No point in me giving you them as in the long run it wouldn't do you any good.

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semsley


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If the tests are like the on-line ECDL ones it wouldn't help as, when I taught it, there were four different on-line tests, which were randomly generated.

You really need practice though usisng sample on-line tests to get a feel of how they work, what to do if you want to go back and change a answer etc., otherwise you can feel a bit out of your depth taking the exam.

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tipsyangel


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Hi,

Thanks for that. I was imagining having to write out a whole set of T accounts and if you saw how long it took me to type up my assignments you'd know why I was worried!

I've done one of the old style practice papers but can find nothing available in the new version. Guess I shall just have to read through my notes again and give it a go.

Thanks again, much appreciated.

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Peasie


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I think going back and changing an answer is easy enough. Each different "task" is listed down the left hand side. Numbered 1-17 (in the exam I sat) you just clicked on the task number to return to it.

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semsley


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Peasie wrote:

I think going back and changing an answer is easy enough. Each different "task" is listed down the left hand side. Numbered 1-17 (in the exam I sat) you just clicked on the task number to return to it.



But don't you think that you really need to practise the on-line system to engender confidence in the IT solution?



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Peasie


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Not really. It really is a simple way of doing things. Personally I don't like it as I like having a sheet of paper where I can cross things off as I enter them into the T accounts. But none of that was needed.

I really don't think tipsyangel has anything to worry about.

This is for Level 1. I will be doing the Level 2 exam so am waiting for the mock exam to be made available in the ICB shop. 5th July they said - they never said which year though.

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semsley


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Good luck with the L2, if it ever materialises. smile


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BackOfficeGroup


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Level 1 is done at home anyway, its not taken at a centre.

Peasie, I'm sure I read you cannot take anything into the exam room, so how can you look things up? Its not an open book exam, its just done on a computer instead of pen and paper, is it not??

I've done these exams before for IT, they were all multiple choice and the result was given there and then. They had barious scenarios and you had to chose the best answer to whatever the question was on trhat scenario.

P

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Peasie


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Philip,

The OP was asking about the Level 1 exam which is now done online at home rather than paper based and returned by post. So Level 1 is open book.

I myself will be doing the Level 2 (EDIT : at a centre) as soon as a mock online version is available. So around November/December is looking good.

-- Edited by Peasie on Wednesday 7th of July 2010 01:04:21 PM

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BackOfficeGroup


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I didnt realise that Level 1 was also now a pc based exam, sorry for the confusion. What does ICB stand for again, Institue of Confused Bodies?

Just had a thought, they need to extend their deadlines to get these exams completed, seeing as its them who are at fault!!

P

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kjmcculloch


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I suppose, with the ICB being as money hungry as they are, they'll come and go a bit with deadlines. I mean, whats the alternative? They banish all their PAYING members into the arms of IAB who will no doubt be rubbing their hands together in anticipation?

I fear I am becoming very, very cynical. Anyone else?

Kris

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Peasie


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BackOfficeGroup wrote:

I didnt realise that Level 1 was also now a pc based exam, sorry for the confusion. What does ICB stand for again, Institue of Confused Bodies?

Institute of Complete Ba.... I'd better not. Just the way I feel at the moment. Maybe when I eventually pass and become a proper member I will appreciate them. But just now.....

 



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kjmcculloch


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I know many people get a lot of good advice from them, but I'm yet to get anything positive except some certificates.

Kris

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BackOfficeGroup


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if you dont meet their deadlines, you get fined...so perhaps if they dont meet their deadlines we get a discount on fees?

oh, did I say that out loud....

P

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Wella


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kjmcculloch wrote:
I suppose, with the ICB being as money hungry as they are............
........
I fear I am becoming very, very cynical. Anyone else?

Kris
You are not alone on that thought Kris, I've been feeling the same way myself for a long time now.

Of course once all the exam fees and membership fees are fully paid up the next thing on the agenda will be mandatory attendance to CPD seminars and events at £100+ each. Or is that being cynical?

Bill

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