Are KASNEB Exams Hard? Here IS What You Need to Know

There is a perception that KASNEB (Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board) exams are hard. But is that really the case? From whispered campus conversations to online forums filled with mixed reviews, the idea has taken root that passing CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Certified Secretaries (CS), or Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (CIFA), and Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) exams is a near-impossible task. The truth is, while KASNEB exams are rigorous and demand serious preparation, they are far from impossible.

Also, thousands of professionals in Kenya and abroad have passed KASNEB exams and built successful careers in different areas including:
• Accounting and Auditing
• Taxation and Finance
• Corporate Governance
• Investment and Risk Management

So, if thousands of students have been able to perform exceptionally well in KASNEB exams and pass on the first attempt, are they really hard? In this sense, KASNEB exams are hard, but only if you are unprepared. With consistent effort, structured learning, and the right resources, passing these exams is entirely within reach. KASNEB qualifications are respected because they produce competent, ethical, and professional graduates and that requires a standard worth striving for.

What Makes KASNEB Exams Seem Hard?
 Wide Scope of the Syllabus: Each KASNEB course like CPA, CIFA, CS, ATD has a comprehensive syllabus. Candidates are tested on technical knowledge, application skills, and analytical thinking across multiple topics, including law, taxation, finance, management, and ethics.
 Strict Marking and Standards: KASNEB maintains high professional standards. Examiners expect well-structured answers, clear understanding of principles, and correct application of knowledge. Poor preparation often results in failure, not necessarily difficulty.
 Time Management in Exams: Candidates are required to complete multiple questions in a short time. Without adequate practice, managing time during the paper becomes a struggle—leading to incomplete answers and low scores.
 Low Pass Rates for Some Papers: Some papers, especially in the CPA Advanced Level (Sections 5 & 6), are known for having low pass rates. This is often due to poor exam strategy, lack of adequate revision, or insufficient understanding of key topics.

Strategies That Make KASNEB Students Pass on First Attempt
Many students pass KASNEB exams on the first attempt, especially when they:
• Use updated study materials aligned with the current syllabus: KASNEB frequently reviews its syllabus. Studying with current and approved materials—including textbooks, revision kits, and notes ensures you cover exactly what is required for your paper.
RCM Online College in collaboration RCM Publishers offers student study kits with the current syllabus and revision in both soft and hard copy formats at highly competitive prices as follows:
 ATD/CPA Study Texts – Ksh. 1,500 per copy
 BDA Study Texts – Ksh. 2,000 per copy
 BDA Revision Kits – Ksh. 1,500 per copy
 CIFA & CS Study Texts – Ksh. 1,500 per copy
 CPA/ATD Revision Kits – Ksh. 1,000 per copy

• Attend revision classes or online tutorials: Learning from qualified tutors whether online or in person helps clarify difficult topics and provides exam strategies. Block revision programs are particularly helpful before exam season.
Enroll for ATD, CPA, CAMS, CS, CPFM and CIFA Block Revision Classes at RCM Online College TODAY!!

• Practice with past papers and mock exams: Regularly attempting past exam questions familiarizes you with KASNEB’s style of setting papers. Mock exams help with time management and reveal areas that need more work.

• Apply time management and exam technique strategies: Breaking down your study into manageable daily targets and avoiding last-minute cramming helps reduce exam stress. Consistent effort over time yields better results than last-minute pressure.

Reach out to the RCM Online College help desk for more information.
Visit our website at https://www.rcmonlinecollege.co.ke/, email us at [email protected], call us at 0793555000/0719525000, or visit us at Stanbank House, 1st floor along Moi Avenue, Nairobi for clarification