Strategies for Drafting First Class Answers for IAAS Assessments
In the realm of immigration and asylum law, the ability to conduct thorough research, draft clear and concise documents, and communicate complex legal concepts effectively are not just valuable skills—they are essential.
The Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS) examinations are particularly designed to evaluate these core competencies, which form the bedrock of a successful legal career in this challenging field.
As aspiring immigration lawyers prepare for the professional assessments, it’s crucial to understand that the IAAS is not merely testing the memorisation of legal statutes. Rather, it seeks to identify candidates who can demonstrate the analytical prowess, attention to detail, and client-focused approach that define exceptional legal practitioners.
From our vast experience as trusted training providers for Law Society, we share some important strategies coming from our that can help in drafting questions for the IAAS exams:
- Study the syllabus thoroughly: Familiarise yourself with all the topic areas covered in the syllabus for the specific level you’re preparing for (Casework Assistant or Senior Caseworker). Focus on areas where you need improvement.
- Practice with past exam questions: The Law Society publishes some past exams and sample questions. Regularly practicing these will help you understand the exam format and improve your technique.
- Use recommended study resources: Obtain and study the core texts and materials suggested by the Law Society to build your knowledge base.
- Review real case studies: Reading actual immigration cases can help you understand how legal principles are applied in practice, which is crucial for scenario-based questions.
- Focus on practical application: The exams, especially at higher levels, often use scenario-based questions. Practice analysing immigration situations and effectively communicating your understanding in written English.
- Pay attention to drafting: In the Casework Assistant and Senior Caseworker examinations, there is a compulsory drafting question. Failing this question can result in failing the entire exam, so practice drafting skills extensively.
- Understand the marking criteria: Be aware that you’re assessed on various aspects including content, structure, grammar, sentence construction, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling.
- Be comprehensive in your answers: It’s not sufficient to simply state facts or law without connecting the two. Practice providing complete, well-reasoned answers.
- Study ethical rules: Know the SRA Code of Conduct and principles of good practice for immigration cases, as professional conduct is a crucial part of the assessment.
- Use allowed resources wisely: During the exam, you’re allowed to use certain resources like immigration textbooks and your own hard copy notes. Familiarise yourself with these materials so you can use them efficiently during the exam.
Remember, like with any exam, thorough preparation is key to success in these professional assessments too.
If you’re preparing to sit your IAAS exams soon and finding the preparation challenging, join us for our live online IAAS courses. Our IAAS Supervising Senior Caseworker course, and our IAAS Casework Assistant & Senior Caseworker courses will help you sail through your exams with confidence.
Why choose HJT Training?
At HJT Training, we provide a thorough support through our live online IAAS courses. Our reputation for excellence in training and high standards of delivery is reflected through our position as the trusted training provider for IAAS exams. Moreover, our expert trainers serve as markers for these crucial assessments.
Our close association with the Law Society ensures we have full command of the syllabus and meet the examining body’s expectations. We offer dedicated materials, exclusive to our candidates, that are directly relevant to the exams. This focused approach contributes to the high passing rate for candidates who train with us.
Let us guide you towards success in your IAAS accreditation journey seamlessly!
Should you be reading this post after August 2024, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’d be happy to provide information on future IAAS course dates or discuss exclusive in-house sessions tailored for one-to-one training.
*Also, do check out our Blog Top Reasons of Failure in IAAS Accreditation Exams here
References:
[1] https://hjt-training.co.uk/immigration-asylum-accreditation-scheme-blog-post/ [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-become-a-regulated-immigration-adviser/how-to-become-a-regulated-immigration-adviser [3]https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6577094a83c8bc0013d7d3bf/Application_for_Registration_Guidance_Notes_December_2023.pdf [4] https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/individual-accreditations/immigration-and-asylum-law-accreditation/-/media/eef60748f5b24096a12655347dd0ec79.ashx [5] https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/immigration_asylum_accreditation [6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddKaHlsW3Y8 [7] https://www.acted.co.uk/forums/index.php [8] https://dglegal.co.uk/training/2024-public-training-courses/iaas-senior-caseworker-exam-preparation-courses-2024/Written by Shareen Khan
