How to Answer KASNEB Questions: A Guide to Scoring Higher Marks

There is growing concern about KASNEB (Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board) inability to pass exams on the first attempt. As a result, there is high dropout rate and rising numbers of students taking a sabbatical from their studies. Fundamentally, knowing how to answer KASNEB questions can make a significant difference in your examination performance.

Passing KASNEB examinations requires more than simply reading study materials and attending classes. You may understand the subject but still lose marks if you do not answer questions in the way the examiner expects. Learning how to answer KASNEB questions effectively can significantly improve your performance and help you make better use of the examination time.

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How to Answer KASNEB Questions

Whether you are pursuing CPA, CS, ATD, CIFA, CAMS,  CPFM, CFFE or another KASNEB course, the following techniques can help you approach examination questions with greater confidence. Strategies for answering KASNEB exam questions are as follows:

Read the Question Carefully

Before attempting a question, read it carefully and identify exactly what the examiner wants. Pay attention to words such as state, list, explain, discuss, calculate, distinguish, describe, evaluate and recommend. These words determine the type and depth of answer required. Avoid rushing into writing before understanding the question.

Pay Attention to the Marks

The marks allocated to a question provide an important indication of how much you should write. For example, if you are asked to explain five factors affecting investment decisions for 10 marks, you should aim to provide five relevant points with appropriate explanations. Avoid spending too much time on a question worth a few marks while leaving higher-mark questions incomplete.

Manage Your Examination Time

Time management is essential during KASNEB examinations. Allocate your time according to the marks available and avoid spending too long on one difficult question. Also start with questions that you can answer with ease first before proceeding to other questions.  If you get stuck, move to another question and return to it later. This ensures that you have enough time to attempt questions that you can answer confidently.

Attempt as Many Questions as Required

Do not leave questions unanswered unnecessarily. Even when you are unsure, think about the concepts you have studied and provide relevant information. However, avoid guessing wildly or filling your answer with irrelevant information. Focus on demonstrating what you understand.

Show Your Workings in Calculation Questions

For numerical questions in subjects such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and finance, avoid writing only the final answer. Show your formula, substitution, calculations and final answer clearly. Proper workings demonstrate your understanding and may help you earn marks even when you make a minor calculation error. Where appropriate, remember to include units, percentages, currency and other relevant details.

 Structure Your Answers Clearly

A well-organized answer is easier to read and mark. Number your points and use headings where appropriate.  Avoid writing one long paragraph containing several unrelated ideas.

 Be Relevant and Precise

One common mistake among KASNEB candidates is writing everything they know about a topic instead of answering the question asked. Focus on the specific requirement. If the question asks for four factors, provide four strong and relevant factors rather than filling several pages with unrelated information. Use appropriate accounting, finance, business and taxation terminology to demonstrate your understanding of the subject.

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