Ahmed's story

'Dealing with caba was so straightforward and helpful, and having the test has been so good for my learning and confidence. I would encourage anyone having difficulties with their exams to reach out to caba because they have all kinds of great resources and kinds of support and they will help you find something that will work for you.'

Studying's never come easy for me, but I am a hard worker, so I just put the hours in until I got where I needed to be. I mostly did okay at school, but I got there just by going over and over things until I had learnt them. Putting in 50% more effort than everyone else just became normal for me and I got through school and A-levels with reasonable results. I took history at university and found that as long as I spent enough time on things, I managed.   

When it came to choosing a career, I wanted something flexible and reliable. I was aware that so many different types of businesses need accountants, so I applied and got a place to do the ACA training.

The problem with the ACA model for me was that because you are working and studying at the same time - there weren't enough hours in the day for me to get everything up to scratch. My usual tactic of just putting extra hours in just wasn't an option. It was very stressful, and I failed my first couple of exams. I started to think I would have to give up on my career.

Then one day I was searching through the ICAEW website for anything on help preparing for exams, and that's when I stumbled across caba. I thought they might be able to help so I sent them an email explaining what was going on.

caba suggested a learning assessment and they offered to fund the test. I did a 2 day assessment, answering questions and doing tasks for a few hours each day. I was diagnosed with dyslexia, and with having particular difficulties around numbers and maths.

It was such a strange feeling to get the diagnosis; it made sense of so many things I'd experienced. I felt regret that it hadn't been picked up at school, because I think I would have done better and had more support. But the important thing is, that with caba's help, I had identified the issue now, in time to get the support I needed to succeed in my chosen field.

Because I had a formal diagnosis, the ICAEW granted additional time for exams which made a huge difference. I've done a few exams since then and passed them all. I can do it; I just need more time to work things out.

Dealing with caba was so straightforward and helpful, and having the test has been so good for my learning and confidence. I would encourage anyone having difficulties with their exams to reach out to caba because they have all kinds of great resources and kinds of support and they will help you find something that will work for you.

how caba can help