ACCA P Papers – why not open-book?

Hi everyone,

I’ll preface this with an admission I am struggling hugely with P Papers (Strategic Professional), so if I am coming at this from an irrational emotive, reactionary position, do call me out on it!

I have 3 papers remaining currently – SBL and 2 options. Failed P5 3 times (41% best score). SBL sat last week and expect a fail. Just couldn’t manage the time.

I am considering all options including, after finding it suggested on here, switching to CPA. Possible advantages include: Open-book format, afternoon exams (I invariably get next-to-no sleep the night before exam with anxiety plus fear of sleeping it out etc resulting in me entering the exam hall a stressed wreck, a lamb heading to the slaughterhouse… so if you think this sounds ridiculous please understand it may be for you, but may mean something to me :)).

Now looking at the open-book aspect, it got me thinking. As there are next-to-no marks at P level for regurgitation of material, why does ACCA not match CPA and ACA (not sure about CIMA?) by allowing open book for these application-only exams? It would remove my awful habit of stressing over small bits of detail in the 1-in-a hundred chance it lands on my paper the next morning for the first time in 10 years etc.. I know I shouldn’t do it, but sometimes I can’t help myself. I realise having open-book doesn’t make the exam massively easier or anything like that – people who have done ACA or CPA tell me they barely have time to consult their materials. But it can’t hurt to have them there. And it would remove that night-before keeping awake worries of that abstract model being examined.. 🙂

Any thoughts?