How to study

Planning for the exam

· Plan your study around this Certification Review Guide. This Guide, which should be used to direct any course of study, includes the outline, bibliography, and sample questions. Comparing the outline with your own background helps you determine what course of study will work best for you.

· You may want to obtain at least one or two comprehensive textbooks in the areas tested (these are listed in the bibliography under each part). Check public libraries, college libraries, your friends and company.

· It is important to use several sources when studying for the CPS^® and/or CAP^® exams. References listed in the bibliography are actual college texts used to write examination questions.

· Plan your study schedule for each area tested. Plan to spend 8–10 hours per week dedicated to intensive study of each area. If you have a good background in the areas tested, a minimum of 2–4 weeks will be required for a review of materials previously learned.

· Contact The PSA Certification Division (info@capinistitute.co.za) for dates and prices of Pre-Exam Seminars in your area.

· Find knowledgeable experts who would be willing to coach you on areas in which you feel your background may be inadequate. Arrange to spend time on a regular basis with each of these coaches to make sure you are on the right track in your program of self-study. Then, obtain help on an as-needed basis.

· Whatever methods of study are used, take notes, reread chapters, highlight and make notes in the margins of books you have purchased. Quiz yourself after completing the study of each area.

· After completing your initial study for an area, again compare what you’ve studied with the outline found in this Guide. Make sure all areas in the outline have been covered. Quiz yourself.

· A few days before the exam, go over your notes again. Some candidates like to spend this time taking quizzes from the review materials they have used. Remember though, you will not see those same questions on the exam.

· Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam. If you are not familiar with the location of the exam center make a test drive to avoid any delays exam day. For those candidates traveling a distance to take the exam, make sure you check into the hotel early and have time to relax.

· Exam day is not the day to cram. Your studying should be done and you should take time to calmly arrive at the exam center.

· When the exam starts, listen carefully to the Exam Centre Manager’s instructions. Fill out the answer sheets correctly. Read each question carefully. Do your best.

· After the exam, don’t try to rehash how well you did. Enjoy the evening with your family and friends.

· Relax and wait for the Exam Result Notification that will be mailed to you approximately 45 days after the exam.