With the end of summer fast approaching, September marks a return to the books for many students. To keep track of the upcoming events, Bryan Rankin has compiled a breakdown of what students should expect in the coming months
New student information
For new students, September marks the first step they take with Chartered Accountants Ireland. And while the prospect of a new term can be daunting, the Education Team has numerous resources on hand to assist.
The first place to visit is the dedicated
Student FAQ page on the Institute’s website, which provides the answers to the most common student queries and worries. The Education Team is also on hand to offer assistance and direct support via email.
Students can also ask questions via discussion forums on the Institute’s online learning platform, and during live webinars throughout the year.
With a busy year ahead, students will have packed schedules and will need to balance their subjects and workloads accordingly.
To make this easier, students should check the
key dates, outlining the most important milestones of the academic year.
Students should also follow their webinar timetable and plan their work in advance by building a study routine that caters to their schedule and capacity.
Students can also begin the journey of documenting their academic progress through the CA Diary, which acts as a record of students’ growing skills and capability throughout the academic year. Students are advised to begin the CA Diary at the earliest opportunity and keep it updated on a regular basis.
Book distribution
September also marks the beginning of the Institute’s book delivery to students.
For those at CAP1 and CAP2, book delivery will begin from the middle of September, while those moving into FAE will be contacted in November.
Chartered Accountants Ireland’s book distribution partner, Shanahan’s, will reach out to each student to confirm contact details and a registered home address, so be sure all records are up-to-date.
Students should check that they have received the correct books on receipt of their order to ensure any changes and amendments can be made quickly.
However, online textbooks can also be accessed via the Institute website.
All students should note that book distribution for the academic year will close in January. Students are urged to take care of their books when they receive them.
For those who are applying for or sitting the autumn examinations, books will be delivered following the release of their exam results. However, please contact textbookqueries@charteredaccountants.ie if you have any concerns or queries.
E-assessment preparation
New students should be aware that the Institute’s exams are now all online.
While exams may feel very far away, it’s never too early to start getting prepared. In the academic year ahead, there will be plenty of opportunities to sit online practice papers, mock examinations and utilise sample papers before the final exams. By utilising the materials available, students can familiarise themselves with the online platform and ensure their technology is fully functional before they sit any online exam while gauging their strengths and weaknesses as the academic year progresses.
Ensure your competency and comfort working online before you get stuck into lectures and exams to create a healthy, efficient study environment. Remember – a good start is half the work!
Autumn examinations and results
Finally, the best of luck to students at CAP1 and CAP2 who may be re-sitting exams in September (CAP1 Autumn), October (CAP2 Autumn) or receiving results at FAE.
For many, this can be a stressful period. If you are struggling, please reach out for support from the Education Team, or from the Institute’s CA Support Team, who provide emotional and practical supports to anyone who needs them.
For students preparing for resits, make sure to use the resources available, such as the practice papers, sample papers and all the content on the Learning Hub.
Bryan Rankin is the Head of Student Operations at Chartered Accountants Ireland