Guidance

Tips from previous level 1 candidates

Updated 9 September 2020

The following testimonies are from successful level 1 candidates who scored high marks in both sections of their assessments and kindly explained how they prepared for their assessment and what exam technique they used for the assessment.

1. Andrew Bickley

1.1 Preparation

I would attribute my success in the level 1 assessment firstly to the training and support I received as a volunteer at my advice organisation. Secondly my technique was to prepare for and repeatedly do past papers under timed conditions.

I was fortunate that I was able to do a variety of level 1 Immigration and nationality applications under supervision at my advice organisation. This practical work in procedural applications combined with the training offered was invaluable.

To improve my exam technique, I practised repeatedly using available study material and the sample papers on the OISC website allowed me to speed up and hone my technique. I became adept at quickly looking up what I needed from the OISC exam resource book, and also from an immigration law manual. I had also prepared my own material.

I also compiled an alphabetical list of all the HO application forms, printed off the schedule of fees and made flow charts of EEA applications, Appendix FM applications and Naturalisation processes, listing each procedural stage.

1.2 Exam technique

“My technique on the day was strictly keeping to the time I had allocated for each part of the paper, whilst allowing for a short time at the end of the assessment to check for grammar and spelling mistakes.”

2. Liang Lui

2.1 Preparation

Liang offered the following tips:

• I used the OISC level 1 syllabus to understand the knowledge areas to be tested and to what extent that they will be tested
• I read the guidance on work permitted at OISC level 1 from the OISC guidance on competence
• I read the code of standards to understand why the knowledge is to be tested
• I mapped out all visa categories and applications permitted at level 1
• I completed as many practice tests or sample questions as possible, using the OISC exam resource book and UKVI’s website as reference
• I repeatedly mock tested on the sample papers under timed exam conditions
• I printed the exam resource book using a ring bind folder to hold them
• It is helpful to navigate through the document by inserting colour dividers to divide them into different sections
• I would recommend that you use a lot of index flags to help locate a knowledge point that is likely to be tested
• I compiled a spread sheet summarising all visa applications, including application methods, fees, UKVI requirements, length if granted and rights attached to it
• I familiarised myself with the immigration work permitted and not permitted at level 1
• I put together a print out of all EU countries
• I printed a few selected UKVI web pages of guidance on different visa applications

2.2 Exam technique

I answered the multiple choice questions I knew the answer to without having to consult the exam resource book. I left the multiple choice questions I was unsure of unanswered at this stage so I could come back to them later.

I read the scenario question carefully to make sure I chose the right visa application to make. I then consulted the relevant pages in the exam resource book and included all the relevant points in my answers.

After completing the written questions, I then went back to the unanswered multiple choice questions and then consulted the resource book to help with my answers.

3. Sandra Meyer

3.1 Preparation

Sandra offered the following tips:

• I tried as many past papers as I could find
• I attended a 2 day training course on level 1 immigration which was very useful
• I familiarised myself with the OISC exam resource book and referred to it mainly for the second part of the exam

3.2 Exam technique

In terms of materials used during the exam, it was mainly the resource book and notes given and taken at my training course.

As to exam technique, I tried to divide my time equally between the 2 parts of the paper and if I was not sure of an answer, I left it and went back to it when I had finished