Test Taking Strategies

Page 3 of 3     1 2 3

As you approach each test item, apply the following techniques:

• Mentally answer each question before reading the options. This will help prevent confusion created by the wording of the answers.
• Rephrase difficult questions in your own words (but make sure you don't change the meaning of the question).
• Read all of the answer options before marking your choice. They may provide clues as to what the proper answer is.
• Stick to the subject being tested. If a multiple choice list includes options you don't recognize, they're probably decoys.
• Look for words such as never, always, only, best, worst, which can dramatically affect your choice of answers.
• If all of the above is an option, and more than one of the other options is correct, choose all of the above.
• If two options are extremely alike except for one word, it is likely that the test writer was focusing in and one of those options is the correct answer.
• In multiple choice questions, when forced to guess, the longer, more inclusive answer is often the correct one.
• For matching questions, don't make any guesses until you have made all the matches you are absolutely sure of. Then work with what's left over.

Throughout the test make ample use of your scratch pad. For example, use it to keep track of your thinking when working a difficult multiple choice question - write down an indicator for each answer (i.e. abcde) and cross out each option as you eliminate it. Resist the temptation to change an answer unless you are certain it's wrong. The answer that comes to mind first is usually correct. Don't panic if you can't answer every question. You can get items wrong and still get a passing score.

After The Test

Before you leave the parking lot sit down with a pad of paper and write down any items you think you had trouble with. Include specific questions if you can recall them, but it's more important to focus on the topic the covered. Look over the score sheet carefully. Some of them break out your performance into sections, making it easy to identify areas of weakness. Write down your thoughts on why you think you performed less well in those areas. Again, it's very important to do this immediately after taking the test. If you're like most people your memory of the details will fade very quickly and if you don't record them at once they'll be lost to you.

That's all there is to successful test taking: prepare, practice, and follow through. And of course the last key that many people find most difficult: relax. You can do this as thousands of people have done it before you. It's only a matter of time before your certification welcome kit will arrive in the mail.

###