Everyone has some form of worry, some more heightened then others. Being prepared and knowing what to do when the worry hits you can be really helpful. This section will give you some strategies to help in your testing confidence.
Test Simulation
Testing simulations are helpful to get you familiar with sitting and focusing for an extended period of time. Make sure to schedule enough time as if it were test day. Remember to check what you are allowed and not allowed to bring into the testing site. Some test sites are stricter then others. Below are a few additional suggestions in regards to creating a testing simulation space.
- schedule the amount of time needed to complete the exam
- include in your schedule time to travel to the testing location and check-in
- bring ear plugs or headphones (double check to see if you are allowed to have these items at your testing location)
- go to a location where it is quiet (a library is nice, as there are others quietly doing work)
- setup a timer and notebook paper to take notes of moments of stress or when you spend too much time working on a question. Document what you did to relax and stay confident in your testing.
Bolstering Confidence
Attitude plays a large part in your ability to do well on tests. Bolstering your confidence is key in doing well on your exam. Below are some strategies and thoughts to keep in mind.
- keep your mind on how much YOU know
- have a friend or family member quiz you on questions
- get HAPPY!
- shake your anger or stress that you may be feeling (do a little dance and make yourself laugh)
- keep positive thoughts in mind whe you have doubt
- practice positive reinforcement
Kesselman-Turkel, J., & Peterson, F. (2003). Test-Taking Strategies. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press.
Multiple Choice Strategies
Multiple Choice Strategies
- Work quickly and answer accurately
- Have second thoughts on a question answer? Mark it for review and continue (this only applies to tests that allow you to go back to questions skipped)
- Keep up the momentum do not get stuck spending a long time on a one single question. If you are allowed to come back to the question skip it and keep moving forward. If you are not allowed to skip a question, make an education guess (covered below).
- Memory Joggers - a question that you come across may jog your memory of a question you skipped.
- Eliminate answers that are obviously wrong
Making Educated Guesses
- Eliminate the answers that are clearly wrong
- Eliminate answers that are partially wrong
- Sometimes two of the answers are similar - choose the one the licensing board recognizes as the "MOST" correct.
