How to Use Pre-seen Material for SBL

One of the most common questions I get from ACCA students is: How should I approach the pre-seen material? Many candidates either ignore it until the last moment or overanalyze it without a clear strategy. Neither approach is ideal. To truly maximize its value, you need a structured yet practical method.

First, start by understanding the context of the pre-seen. Read it carefully, identifying the industry, key stakeholders, and the company’s business model. This sets the foundation for your analysis. Avoid the mistake of simply memorizing facts—instead, think about the bigger picture.

Next, focus on identifying themes and risks. What are the key challenges the company might face? Are there industry trends or economic factors that could impact decision-making? ACCA exams are designed to test your ability to apply technical knowledge to real-world scenarios, so being able to anticipate potential exam topics from the pre-seen is crucial.

Another important step is linking the pre-seen to the syllabus. Think about how different ACCA concepts—financial management, strategic decision-making, risk assessment—connect to the case. This helps in structuring your responses efficiently during the exam.

How to Use Pre-seen Material Effectively for ACCA Exams

One of the most common questions I get from ACCA students is: How should I approach the pre-seen material? Many candidates either ignore it until the last moment or overanalyze it without a clear strategy. Neither approach is ideal. To truly maximize its value, you need a structured yet practical method.

First, start by understanding the context of the pre-seen. Read it carefully, identifying the industry, key stakeholders, and the company’s business model. This sets the foundation for your analysis. Avoid the mistake of simply memorizing facts—instead, think about the bigger picture.

Next, focus on identifying themes and risks. What are the key challenges the company might face? Are there industry trends or economic factors that could impact decision-making? ACCA exams are designed to test your ability to apply technical knowledge to real-world scenarios, so being able to anticipate potential exam topics from the pre-seen is crucial.

Another important step is linking the pre-seen to the syllabus. Think about how different ACCA concepts—financial management, strategic decision-making, risk assessment—connect to the case. This helps in structuring your responses efficiently during the exam.

Finally, practice applying the pre-seen through mock exams and discussion. The more you engage with it actively, the better prepared you’ll be.

Using the pre-seen effectively isn’t about memorization—it’s about developing a practical mindset. Approach it strategically, and you’ll find yourself much more confident on exam day!

How to Prepare for SBL in the Last Week Before the Exam

The final week before your Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam is critical. At this stage, it’s not about cramming every detail but refining your approach to ensure you're ready for exam day. Here’s a structured way to make the most of the last seven days.

1. Revisit the Pre-seen and Industry Context

By now, you should be familiar with the pre-seen material. Use this last week to reinforce your understanding. Read through it again and summarize the key business issues, stakeholders, and potential risks. Think about how external factors (economic, political, technological) could impact the business.

2. Focus on Exam Technique, Not Just Knowledge

SBL is all about professional skills—communication, analysis, problem-solving—not just technical knowledge. Practice structuring answers in a logical, concise way. Use headings, bullet points, and professional language to ensure clarity. The examiner is looking for well-structured, business-oriented responses, not academic essays.

3. Do at Least Two Full Mock Exams Under Timed Conditions

Time management is one of the biggest challenges in SBL. The paper is long, and without practice, it's easy to get stuck on one question and run out of time. Aim to complete at least two full mock exams this week under timed conditions. This will help you get comfortable with managing the 4-hour exam effectively.

4. Review Past Paper Questions and Examiner Reports

Go through past SBL exam questions and compare them to the examiner’s reports. This will give you insight into common mistakes students make and what the examiner expects. Pay attention to how marks are awarded—sometimes, a well-structured response with clear recommendations earns more marks than a long-winded, overly detailed answer.

5. Work on Professional Marks

SBL has a significant portion of marks allocated to professional skills—communication, analysis, skepticism, and commercial acumen. To maximize your score, practice writing responses in a professional tone. If the question asks for a report, structure your answer accordingly with headings, an introduction, and a conclusion. If it’s an email, keep it concise and formal.

6. Strengthen Your Decision-Making Skills

SBL questions often require you to recommend actions based on case facts. Focus on developing a structured approach:

• Identify the problem
• Analyze the causes
• Evaluate possible solutions
• Recommend the best course of action with justification

7. Stay Calm and Avoid Overloading Yourself

In the final week, avoid overwhelming yourself with excessive reading. Instead, focus on refining your technique and reinforcing what you already know. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and get enough rest before the exam.

How to Score Professional Marks in SBL

In the SBL exam, 20 professional marks are up for grabs, and they can make a big difference in your final score. Many students focus only on technical knowledge and miss out on these easy marks. Here’s how to secure them, skill by skill:

1. Communication – Be Clear and Structured

Don’t write long, unorganized paragraphs. Use headings, bullet points, and short, clear sentences. If the task asks for a report, memo, or email, format it properly. The examiner wants a well-structured, professional response—not a textbook answer. Learn the formats that might be tested.

2. Commercial Acumen – Think Like a Business Leader

The exam isn’t about just reciting theory; it’s about applying knowledge to real-world situations. Show that you understand the company’s industry, competitors, and risks. Your recommendations should be practical and realistic, not just technically correct.

3. Analysis – Go Beyond the Surface

Don’t just state facts—analyze them. If the company has declining profits, don’t stop at saying, “Revenue is falling.” Explain why it’s happening, what the risks are, and how it could impact future decisions. Use financial and strategic reasoning to support your points.

4. Skepticism – Question the Information

Not all data in the case study should be taken at face value. If a CEO is overly optimistic about future growth, ask yourself: Is this realistic? Are there risks? Show that you can challenge assumptions and think critically before making decisions.

5. Persuasion – Justify Your Recommendations

Your answers should be convincing. Don’t just say, “The company should invest in new technology.” Explain why it’s the best option, what the benefits are, and how risks can be managed. A well-justified argument will earn more marks than a generic suggestion.

Final Tip: Always write as if you’re a business professional giving advice to senior management. Keep it structured, relevant, and practical. If you master these skills, those 20 marks are yours to grab!

I recently conducted a session on pre-seen material for the March 2025 exams. Here are some excerpts from it for your reference.

We have 4 more sessions coming up where we will be working on answer writing skills and solving 3 full length papers. Please DM if you want to enroll.