Sitting an exam can be stressful,
that's why it's important to familiarise yourself with the process,
so you're not faced with something unexpected on the day.
So, to make sure you're prepared,
here's our advice for tackling your Propertymark Qualifications
exams head on.
BEFORE THE EXAM
When it comes to your examinations, start with a unit you're
familiar with. Studying for a qualification is difficult enough
without being assessed on an area that is completely new to you,
which is why Propertymark Qualifications allow you to sit units in
whatever order you feel most comfortable.
Revise properly and comprehensively. Ensure that you cover the
complete all available study materials and read widely, keeping
up-to-date with sector news and the latest industry issues.
However you choose to prepare for your exams, make sure to
familiarise yourself with the qualification specification, which
covers the assessment criteria and provides fundamental assessment
guidance.
You will find sample examination questions on our website for
each qualification, so take the time to go through them to gain a
better understanding of the type and level of questions you may be
asked during your exam.
DURING THE EXAM
Read questions
carefully
Before you begin, make sure that you read all questions carefully.
This may sound simple, but it is so easy to misread a question, so
double-check that you know what each question means and understand
what you're being asked to do.
Now read the question again.
You'd be surprised how many candidates lose out on valuable
marks because they skim a paper and don't read questions
properly.
Allocate your time
properly
You've read the questions, now plan your time.
If you're sitting your exam at a Pearson Vue centre, you will
have a 15-minute tutorial prior to the start of your
examination.
Level 2 and 3 Awards for England, Northern Ireland and Wales,
and the Level 5 and 6 qualifications for Scotland are assessed by
multiple choice and you will be given 30 minutes to answer 15-20
questions.
Level 4 qualification examinations for England and Wales are
made up of several short-essay questions, which you will be given
two hours to complete.
Allow 5 to 10 minutes at the start to read the questions and
plan your answers. Each question is worth the same amount of marks,
so make sure to split your time evenly and don't spend a
disproportionate amount of time on one question.
If you have time to spare at the end, it may be tempting to
leave early, but don't. Make every second count and take the time
to go back through your exam and check your answers.
Remember, an exam is as much a time management exercise as a
test of knowledge, so keep an eye on the clock and make good use of
your time.
Answering the
questions
Most of our exams are multiple-choice, but when it comes to Level
4 Certificate qualifications, you are required to analyse and
evaluate scenarios, providing full, well-rounded answers.
You must demonstrate a higher level of knowledge, so it is
important to ensure answers include sufficient detail, backed up by
an in-depth understanding.
If there is a question you can't answer, move on and come back
to it at the end.
AFTER THE EXAM
After completing your multiple-choice exam, the test centre will
immediately issue you with provisional results, confirming whether
you have passed or failed, and the percentage scored.
Short answer examinations will need to be marked by an examiner,
meaning results cannot be issued to candidates immediately. You
will receive your results by letter, which will usually be sent
within seven weeks of the exam window closing.
If you fail an examination, you can request informal exam
feedback which will outline your general performance and offer
suggestions for future improvement. More detailed feedback can be
provided for a small fee, by contacting
qualifications@propertymark.co.uk which will give you a full
break down of your paper, and offer advice and guidance on each
exam question.
ONE LAST PIECE OF ADVICE
The best advice we can give you, is don't panic, and if you have
any questions, give us a call on 01926 417 794 -
we'll be happy to help.