ARB Part 1 : Essential Tips

Farai Musasike
Feb 18
4 min read

Updated: Mar 18

10 Tips I Wish Someone Told Me.

I won’t sit here and tell you that the Part 1 exam is harder than Part 3—because let’s be real, it's not. But, here’s the thing… It’s way more underestimated than it should be. People assume Part 1 is a bachelor-level exam, but honestly, I disagree. I wish someone had hammered into my brain these golden bitsof advice before I took the exam. Some you might already know, some you probably need to hear again. Let’s get into it.

1. There is a Queue, So Be Ready

The ARB exam isn’t something you just sign up for and sit. There are fixed dates and an insane number of applicants which only mean you could be waiting 2–3 months just to get a seat. In the meantime, gather all your transcripts, get that proof of study letter from your non-UK university, in English and be 100% sure your documents are in order. Otherwise, you’re just delaying yourself.

2. Experience. Does Not. Matter.

3. Read The Fine Print?

4. Keep It Simple Stupid.

5. Meet Colour, Your Best Friend

6. Check Mate, Don't Get Project Locked

7. Essays are King

8. Support Docs Are Your Safety Net

9. Have A Playbook

10. Tranquillo

11. Take Notes During the Interview

Your notes might just save you, should you need to resubmit or remember which little updates you need to make to answer that last GC. Have a notepad handy and write down feedback before you forget. If you take nothing else from this, remember:

• Make life easy for the examiners, so don’t overcomplicate your portfolio.

• Read the GCs carefully and keep calm in the interview.

It costs you nothing, as a safety net, to get someone to review your work before you submit. It’s an easy way to get the confidence boost and second opinion that you have done enough. After all, it is an expensive exam—better to get it right the first time. Feel free to share this article or repost it if you think there is someone out there that needs a reminder. Goodluck!