How to Revise for Exams: Practical Strategies That Actually Work 

Whether you’re preparing for your Level 2 Diploma exams or brushing up before your NVQ assessment, revision can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re juggling work, training, and life at the same time. The truth is, there’s no single right way to revise. What really matters is understanding how you learn b est and using that to your advantage. 

At Elec Training, we see hundreds of learners each year who approach revision differently. Some rely on diagrams and notes, others prefer hands-on practice, and a few can recall every detail after hearing it once. Knowing your learning style — and matching your revision methods to it — can make the difference between memorising short-term facts and building long-term understanding. 

Understanding How You Learn 

Psychologists often group learning preferences into three main types: visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic. Most people lean towards one but benefit from a mix of all three. Identifying your dominant learning type is the first step to creating a revision strategy that actually works for you. 

Visual Learners 

Visual learners absorb information best when it’s presented in diagrams, charts, or other imagery. If this sounds like you, don’t rely solely on reading paragraphs of text — turn that information into something you can see. 

Try: 

• Drawing flowcharts or labelled diagrams for electrical systems. 

• Turning long notes into colour-coded mind maps. 

• Using revision cards with short bullet points and key terms. 

• Watching course demonstrations or online videos where safe and relevant. 

This approach helps your brain link images with information. Even simple cues, such as the layout of your notes, can trigger memory recall during your exam. 

If you’d like to explore how environmental factors affect concentration and memory, check out Environmental Awareness – Lesson 2. 

Auditory Learners 

Auditory learners retain information through sound — hearing explanations, reading notes aloud, or discussing topics with others. You might find that a classroom discussion stays in your head far longer than a written handout. 

Effective auditory revision methods include: 

• Listening to podcasts or recorded lessons during travel or breaks. 

• Reading your notes aloud and explaining them as if you were teaching someone else. 

• Studying in small groups and asking each other verbal questions. 

• Using rhythm or repetition to memorise sequences (for example, test procedures or circuit steps). 

Many learners in technical courses underestimate how powerful spoken repetition can be. It forces your brain to process information twice: once when you say it, and again when you hear it. 

For more on gathering reliable learning resources, explore Information Sources – Lesson 10. 

Kinaesthetic Learners 

If you learn best by doing, you’re a kinaesthetic learner — and that’s particularly common among practical tradespeople. Sitting still for long periods might not suit you, but that doesn’t mean revision has to be boring. 

Try: 

• Practising installation steps or testing sequences using mock setups or visual aids. 

• Acting out processes (like lock-off or inspection routines) as if you’re on site. 

• Writing your own test questions and answering them without looking at notes. 

• Building simple anagrams or mnemonics for technical processes. 

A classic example used in electrical training is CRIPPER, which stands for: Continuity testing, Ring final, Insulation resistance test, Polarity dead testing, Polarity live testing, Earth fault loop impedance test, Residual current device test (RCD). 

Physically going through these tests — even if only with gestures or verbal rehearsal — builds confidence and muscle memory, helping your brain a ssociate knowledge with action. 

Creating the Right Study Environment 

Once you understand how you learn, the next step is setting up an environment that supports your focus. A cluttered desk or noisy room can make even short revision sessions harder than they need to be. 

Here are a few simple but effective steps: 

• Keep your workspace clear of unnecessary distractions. 

• Set specific time blocks (30–45 minutes) followed by short breaks. 

• Rotate topics to keep your focus sharp — for example, study wiring diagrams in one session, then safety legislation the next. 

• Limit digital interruptions by switching off notifications or using focus apps. 

• Use environmental cues — like lighting or music — that help your brain recognise “study mode”. 

Good environmental control doesn’t just make learning easier; it also reinforces professional habits that carry over to site safety and organisation. You can read more on this in Environmental Responsibilities – Lesson 4. 

Planning Your Revision 

An effective revision plan keeps you in control rather than overwhelmed. Many learners fall into the trap of over-revising the subjects they already know well, while neglecting weaker areas. The solution is to plan smarter. 

Start by: 

1. Listing all your exam topics
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2. Highlighting areas you find most challenging.

    

3. Allocating more time to those weak points early in your schedule.

    

4. Reviewing everything again in shorter bursts closer to the exam date. 

Aim for a mix of study formats — some active, some reflective. For instance, you might spend one session watching a wiring demonstration and another summarising the same process in your own words. This blend helps move knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. 

Using Reliable Information Sources 

When preparing for electrical qualifications, accuracy matters more than ever. Outdated or unreliable information can lead to confusion during exams or practical assessments. Stick to trusted materials that align with City & Guilds standards, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and your course syllabus. 

If you’re gathering facts or diagrams, make sure you understand where they come from and that they reflect current regulations. Always cross-check your notes with official learning materials or verified online lessons. 

To see how information should be evaluated and applied in a learning environment, visit Information Sources – Lesson 2. 

Managing Exam Nerves 

Even with great preparation, exam nerves can affect performance. The key is learning how to manage that adrenaline and turn it into focus rather than panic. 

Try these quick techniques: 

• Breathe deeply and slowly before starting — it signals calm to your brain. 

• Visualise success — picture yourself recalling answers easily and completing each question in good time. 

• Arrive early to reduce last-minute stress. 

• Use quick recall triggers like key phrases, acronyms, or diagrams you’ve memorised. 

Remember, nerves are normal. They’re a sign that you care about doing well. What matters is how you manage them once the exam starts. 

Bringing It All Together 

The best revision strategy is the one that fits you. Mix and match techniques until you find what sticks — and don’t underestimate the value of small, consistent effort over time. Twenty focused minutes a day beats five hours of distracted cramming the night before. 

Elec Training is a City & Guilds-approved electrical training centre based in Wolverhampton, serving learners from Birmingham and across the wider West Midlands. Our tutors regularly help learners prepare for w ritten and practical assessments across Level 2, Level 3, NVQ, and 18th Edition courses. 

If you’re ready to sharpen your skills and build confidence before your next exam, explore Elec Training’s full range of electrical courses at https://elec.training/.