I have seen experienced coaches fail referee exams because they could recite the laws but could not apply them. The exam tests decision-making, not memory. Here is what I have found works for preparation.
Understand the Exam Format
Most referee exams include:
- Multiple choice questions on specific laws
- Scenario-based questions requiring you to make decisions
- Video clips showing incidents for you to judge
- Practical assessment (for higher-level certifications)
The written portion typically requires 80%+ to pass.
Study the Laws of the Game
The IFAB Laws of the Game document is your primary source. But I have found that reading it cover-to-cover rarely translates to exam success.
Focus Areas (Most Commonly Tested)
- Law 11 - Offside (always multiple questions)
- Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct (DOGSO, SPA, cards)
- Law 14 - Penalty Kick (encroachment, retakes)
- Law 5 - The Referee (powers and duties)
Areas Often Overlooked
- Dropped ball procedures (Law 8)
- Throw-in technical requirements (Law 15)
- Substitution procedures (Law 3)
- Equipment violations (Law 4)
Learn Through Scenarios, Not Just Reading
Here is the trap: you can memorise every law and still fail the exam. Why? Because exams test application, not recall.
Example question: “A defender handles the ball inside the penalty area to prevent a goal. What action does the referee take?”
To answer this, you need to understand:
- Law 12 (handball offence)
- Law 12 (DOGSO - sending off offences)
- Law 14 (penalty kick procedure)
The answer is not just “penalty kick” - you need to know about the card, where it occurred, and the restart.
Use Spaced Repetition
I have found cramming rarely works for referee exams. The knowledge needs to be automatic. A bit every day tends to work better than marathon sessions before the exam.
Recommended approach:
- 15-20 minutes daily for 4-6 weeks before exam
- Focus on one law per session
- Practice scenarios for that law
- Review previous laws briefly
Test Yourself with Real Scenarios
Reading about DOGSO is different from deciding “red card or yellow card” in 3 seconds with a scenario in front of you.
RefereeGPT is built exactly for this. Duolingo-style training with scenario-based questions that prepare you for the types of decisions you will face in exams and matches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
During Study
- Skipping “obvious” laws (they still appear on exams)
- Not practicing time-pressured scenarios
- Ignoring law changes from recent years
- Only studying what you find interesting
During the Exam
- Overthinking questions (your first instinct is often right)
- Changing answers without good reason
- Not reading questions fully
- Getting stuck on difficult questions (move on, come back)
Practical Tips
- Join a referee association - They often provide study materials and mock exams
- Watch matches with the laws in mind - Pause and decide before seeing the referee’s decision
- Study with others - Discussing scenarios helps cement understanding
- Get the app - Practice anywhere with RefereeGPT
After the Exam
Passing is just the beginning. The real learning happens when you start officiating matches. Keep studying, keep asking questions, and keep improving.
Preparing for your referee exam? Try RefereeGPT free - gamified training for all 17 Laws of the Game.