Effective Revision

CII exams don’t just test your memory - they test your understanding and ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations. That’s why active revision is essential.

Here’s how to study more effectively:

Break topics into chunks - chunking your learning into small, focused sections rather than trying to memorise everything at once. Studying an entire textbook can feel overwhelming, especially when your CII unit covers a lot of technical detail. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break your study into smaller, more manageable sections. Start by dividing your syllabus into key topics or chapters.

Test yourself - use active recall by testing yourself regularly with flashcards, quizzes, or practice questions. Reading through your notes again feels productive - but it doesn’t test whether you can recall the information when you need it. That’s why self-testing is one of the most powerful revision techniques.

When you test yourself, you force your brain to retrieve information - strengthening memory and improving long-term recall. Ways to test yourself can include creating flashcards with key questions and answers; apps like Quizlet are great for this.

Mix topics - Many learners prefer to study one subject at a time, thinking it will help them focus. But research shows that mixing topics (this is called interleaving) improves understanding and recall. When you switch between different subjects, your brain learns to recognise patterns, spot differences, and apply knowledge more flexibly - just like you’ll need to do in the exam. So how do you use this method:

• Combine two or three related topics in a single study session.

• Review past topics before moving on to new ones - this keeps older material fresh.

• Use colour-coded notes or tabs to move between subjects easily.

• Do mock tests under timed conditions to build confidence and manage exam pressure.

• Write short summaries from memory, then check how accurate they are. Do not worry if you get answers wrong - that’s part of learning. Each mistake shows you exactly where to focus next time.

Rewatch the workshop/seminar recordings – do not forget to rewatch recorded workshops and seminars. These are designed to reinforce your learning, deepen your understanding of complex concepts, and help you hear explanations in different ways; this is ideal for auditory learners and anyone who benefits from revisiting information.

Teach what you learn - explaining it out loud helps you identify what you do and do not understand. One of the most effective ways to check your understanding is to teach someone else. When you explain something out loud, your brain must organise the information clearly, which helps you spot any gaps in your knowledge. Here’s how to do it:

• After finishing a topic, summarise it as if you’re explaining it to a friend or colleague who knows nothing about it.

• Use simple, clear language - if you can explain a concept without reading from your notes, you truly understand it.

• You could even record yourself explaining a topic, then listen back to check your accuracy and clarity.

• You could also discuss what you’ve learned in a team meeting or with your employer linking your study to real work examples makes learning stick.

• Teaching turns passive reading into active engagement and it’s a brilliant way to build both memory and confidence.