How to Maximize Your Score on the CIPS OR Exam
As you know, there are 60 multiple choice questions in each OR exam. You are allowed to finish 60 questions in 90 minutes. It means that you can answer each question in an average of 1,5 minutes. CIPS will ask questions with different levels of difficulty so you may answer a simple question in 30 seconds and a complicated question in 5 minutes. However, all questions are weighted equally so you need to make sure the accuracy of your answer in all kinds of question. You may drop points in a simple question due to underestimating it and your score overall will decrease even if you earn points from challenging questions.
Our first tip for answering exam questions is to highlight the key words in a question and read carefully to understand what the question is asking. Normally, the key words will help you eliminate the incorrect options. So, how do you highlight key words? I will suggest some tools below.
Use these question words: What, when, who, why, how.
These question words usually signal the most important aspects of the question. Using a “when” question helps identify the time frame. A “what” or “who” question points out the object of the question. A “why” question helps uncover the reasons or causes of problems mentioned in the exam. A “how” question asks about methods or approaches to solve a problem.
Know how to analyze the structure of exam questions
CIPS prefers using complex, compound sentences in exam questions. You may feel overwhelmed by too much information. In this case, you need to identify the subject, verb, and object of the question. By doing so, you will clearly understand what the question is asking.
Learn vocabulary
CIPS will use a variety of words to describe the same idea, so it’s important to know as many words as possible. There’s no magical way to remember 1,000 new words in one night because it requires daily practice. Flashcards are a good tool to review new words. Nowadays, there are many vocabulary-learning apps, and I like Quizlet the most. If you only use the basic features, the app is completely free. Try to spend one hour a day studying with the app and you could learn up to 2,000 words in three months. Once you know thousands of different words, understanding exam questions becomes much easier.
Our second tip is to use the “Flag” function in the exam software. This tool helps you allocate time to exam questions equally. If you spend one minute reading a question but don’t understand what it’s asking, you should immediately flag it and review it later. Getting stuck on a question for too long means spending less time on the others. Time management is an important skill for every student.
Our third tip is to stay calm when you encounter difficult questions. Around 10 –20% of the questions in the exam are complicated. If you aren’t able to answer them, you can still pass the exam by answering the remaining questions correctly. Feelings of anxiety and panic will reduce your quick-wittedness and sharpness.
Finally, studying is a process, not a destination. Cramming the night before the exam will only leave you overwhelmed and stressed. All the tips and tools mentioned above need to be practiced regularly. When the exam date arrives, you’ll be able to apply them fluently.
We provide CIPS practice questions with answers and detailed explanation, besides they are updated regularly to reflect the actual exam. If you want to consolidate your knowledge before the exam, you can check the links below
L4M1: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-l4m1-practice-test-short-learning-guide/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L4M2: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-diploma-l4m2-practice-test/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L4M3: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-diploma-practice-test-commercial-contracting/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L4M5: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-practice-test-commercial-negotiation/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L4M6: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-diploma-practice-test-supplier-relationships/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L4M7: https://www.udemy.com/course/level-4-diploma-whole-life-asset-management-l4m7/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L4M8: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-l4m8-practice-in-procurement-and-supply/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L5M2: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-l5m2-daniel-do/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L5M3: https://www.udemy.com/course/l5m3-daniel/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L5M4: https://www.udemy.com/course/l5m4-advanced-contract-and-finance/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
L5M5: https://www.udemy.com/course/l5m5-daniel/?couponCode=MIDJUNE25
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