Preparing for your attorneys' competency-based exams (board exams) might feel overwhelming, but being dedicated to your studies means you’re already on the right track. It’s best to give yourself at least two months to study for your board exams, as it will take time to go through all of the material. You will achieve success if you study your chosen notes, take regular study breaks, use study tricks to boost your memory and test your knowledge after understanding the theory in the notes.
Below we give a few steps, tips and tricks to help you plan to approach and write the board exams.
Step 1: Create a study schedule for yourself
Set aside a block of time every day for your studies. Work in 30-minute to 2-hour blocks to help yourself retain the most information. It’s best to list the topics or subjects you plan to study each day to help you stay on track.
Step 2: Designate an organised, distraction-free study space
Study in a clean space, such as at a desk or table. Turn off your phone, television, radio, and other distractions. Keep all of your notes at hand so you have what you need to study.
Step 3: Review your syllabus and identify the main topics
Focus your studies on major ideas and concepts you’re expected to know. Study one main idea or concept at a time. Spend more time on topics that you’ve struggled to master in the past. Below the key topics are set out for each paper.
Paper 1; High Court, Magistrates’ Court and Criminal Court procedure as well as Motor vehicle accidents.
Paper 2; Liquidation and distribution accounts, Wills and Intestate succession.
Paper 3; Attorney’s ethics, contracts, labour law, FICA, business enterprises, arbitration, insolvency.
Paper 4; Bank reconciliation, supplementary cash books, trust-, business-, transfer-journals, conveyancing transactions and correspondent transactions.
Step 4: Review your work to identify weak areas you need to study
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Knowing yours can help you more easily prepare for your exams. Go through any study material you have. Make a list of areas you need to spend more time studying.
Step 5: Read through your notes and fill in any gaps
Your notes are an essential study resource. Review what you’ve written and follow-up on areas where information is missing. Write down the questions you have after reviewing your notes, then find the answers.
Step 6: Re-read or skim your course materials
Go back through your texts and read through highlighted passages. Re-read sections that cover material you found confusing the first time around.
Step 7: Use your Gawie le Roux Institute of Law study guide
Invest in your future by purchasing the GLR study guides as they set out all the information you will require to pass the exams, including detailed explanations of relevant topics, incorporating past exam questions and answers to help you understand how the theory relates to the answers. In addition to study materials, you can find past papers and answers on the website of the LPC.
Step 8: Understand your study method
As a law graduate you are well aware of what study methods works best for you, whether it is making diagrams, notes, highlighting sections, intently reading the notes, creating a study group or getting a study-buddy, whatever it is, utilise your method to help you in preparing for the exam.
Step 9: Take regular study breaks to rest and refresh your mind
A 10-15-minute break every hour will help you improve your focus and avoid study fatigue. It will also improve your study experience. During your breaks, step away from your coursework and go for a walk, eat a snack, or do something fun, like listening to music.
Step 10: Write the exams
Take a deep breath and smash those exams.
People also ask
How many hours should I study for Boards?
This all depends on your ability to remain focused and understand the work you are studying. For the average student, at least 30 hours of intense studying is advised for each paper, this will roughly equate to 120 hours of study time to prepare for all 4 exams.
Can I prepare for Boards in 1 month?
Preferably not. Most candidates have full-time jobs and as such the availability of time to study is drastically reduced. Therefore, it is advised to start well in advance when preparing for the board exams.
When should we start preparing for board exams?
At least 3 months prior to sitting for the exams. This will allow ample study, revision, and practical application time for the candidate and will most certainly set them up for success.