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Ask the Tutor ACCA SBR

SBR Exam Advice

MMichael20d ago

Dear Tutor,

I recently completed Applied Skills, and I am to start with my first P-level exam in Dec 2026, SBR.

I completed Applied Skills as a full-time student, so time was honestly not an issue for me, but now it is because I have been employed full-time, so on weekdays I barely have time to study.

Is it ok if I focus on SBR for now, sit it in the Dec 26 session and then do EPSM in December AFTER taking the SBR exam?

I was really good in FR, and I scored well in my FR exam about a year ago, but I have seen people who pass with 80s, and even 90s, in FR, but they fail SBR on their first attempt.

So, I would like to give myself adequate time to study SBR and understand the exam, because I believe understanding the exam is very key, and this varies from one ACCA paper to the other. Moreover, I will be self-studying for SBR using Kaplan and your OpenTuition lectures.

PS: I am just starting SBR studies, by the way.

PPS: I would be very grateful if you could also share some study tips for working students

stephenwidbergstephenwidbergTutor18d ago#1

I was a very dull student who always followed official advice, so I would have done EPSM first. If you did 2 hours a week that would spread it out over the next couple of months.

Apart from that - remember that SBR is primarily a written exam - spend 75% of the time on the standards as opposed to groups. Focus also on ethics and sustainability - both examined at a sensible level.

6 weeks for the SBR notes and 6 weeks question practice.

My study pattern was 2 hours per night Mon to Thu and 6 hours Saturday.

SBR - you need to know a little about everything, but not all the grotty detail.

AAA. Arain18d ago#2

Dear Tuitor,

I just wanted to add on to the message above, since I'm in a fairly similar boat except I have plenty of time. I am starting SBR for the Dec 2026 session. I'm self-studying using Kaplan material along with OpenTuition lectures and another teacher's recorded lectures.

I'd really appreciate it if you could share some study tips on how to pass SBR, how to prioritize topics, and anything specific about approaching the SBR exam itself.

Would really appreciate a response whenever you get a chance — thank you!

stephenwidbergstephenwidbergTutor18d ago#3

Please read rsponse above. Most people go wrong because all they focus is groups.

When you answer questions on standards, set down the basic rules, then attempt to apply. What matters is that you show that you know the rules.

:)

MMichael18d ago#4

Thank you so much for your advice, Stephen. 🙏😊

stephenwidbergstephenwidbergTutor17d ago#5

:)

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