CCIFP Exam Preparation Study Group “Best Practices”

What is a Study Group? A study group is a small group of candidates who meet together regularly (TBD, e.g., once or twice a week) to discuss concepts, application, and insights into construction financial management course material. The main role of the study group is to help candidates organize their thoughts, test their understanding by asking and answering questions, learn how to approach the material, understand the basic concepts involved, and support each other in doing all of the above. Each member of the study group should know what is expected and should be confident that each are taking their responsibility seriously.

Forming a Study Group Meet to decide how the study group will work How many members can there be and still make it an effective group? How often will the study group meet and where or how? See & use Study Plans. How long will each session be? Schedule in advance. Identify who will be responsible for convening meetings, and other roles. Discuss candidates’ expectations and set some group norms about participation, e.g., house rules, or “working agreements”. Who will be responsible for facilitating discussions and when? Assignments. Organize the Study Group Create a contact list and designate someone to distribute it (roles & responsibilities). Find someone to volunteer as the study group “coordinator” Send out reminders of meetings, agenda, assignments, etc.

The Study Group Session Be on time – Start on time – End on time Respect others time - Designate cell phone breaks, health breaks if 2 hours or more. Determine what the format of the study group will be – AGENDA. Have a plan of what topics will be discussed; Forum; Presentation, etc. Decide what is expected of all members in terms of preparation & assignments. In general, candidates review assigned reading, notes, problems/calculations (if applicable), and jot down unclear points or questions before coming to the study group. Establish a study schedule (individually and as a group) Dedicate a block of time each week for reading and studying Devote 5-10 hours per week for 8 weeks Spend at least one week on each domain – increase with various study activities as needed for broader topics and less familiar material. Use the final 4-6 weeks before your exam to review study materials, practice calculations, use flashcards and take online sample exams (See Study Guide for flashcards and practice exam).