TIPS ON SUCCESSFUL TEST TAKING

WHY TAKE AN APTITUDE TEST

When you apply for a job, your prospective employer needs to assess whether you can do that job. If a skill or job experience is required, it is relatively easy to measure your knowledge in the field. However,in the case of entry-level jobs, where the employer will TRAIN you to do the job at some future time, the employer cannot ask you questions about your job knowledge.
APTITUDE tests are given to see if you can be trained to do this job. It is merely an assessment of your fit to a particular job-training program. It is not an assessment of your total life experiences or skills. The employer is merely trying to determine a fit between you and a specific job group. Keep in mind that if you feel the test is an excessive strain or peculiar in logic, the job may also strain you in a similar way.

WHY READ THIS INFORMATION

Some of you may have been away from the classroom environment for awhile and may feel a little rusty when asked to take a paper-and-pencil test. Some of you may get anxious at the thought of taking a test.This booklet is designed to make you more comfortable with the standardized testing format and strategies for taking a test. There are also several additional references listed at the end of this booklet which may be helpful.

HOW TO TAKE A TEST

1. Concentrate and try your best.

It is perfectly normal to feel a little nervous. Focus your concentration and energy on the test.

2. Budget your time.

Work at a steady pace where you do not sacrifice accuracy. Skip the time-consuming or hard questions.You can go back to them at the end. Keep an eye on the time to pace yourself. The goal is to answer as many questions as time allows. If you have extra time at the end, take advantage of it: check your answers, erase stray marks, make sure your handwriting is legible, and for multiple choice questions,make sure the circles are filled in completely.

3. Listen to the proctor.

The proctor is reading instructions to you that will help you on your test. Listen carefully. If you don’t understand the instructions or the sample items being reviewed, ask questions. This is your opportunity to ask. Do you understand what is expected of you in each section? Be aware that directions may change for each part. Do you know how to mark your answers? Did you write your name and social security number? There may be multiple sections in this test. Are you recording your answers in the correct section and for the appropriate items, i.e., question 1. With answer 1., etc.? Start and stop as instructed; otherwise, you will be disqualified.

4. Read the test questions carefully.

You can avoid careless mistakes by reading each question carefully. Choose the best or most correct answer. Even if one answer seems obvious, take a look at the other answers to be sure that your first choice is the best one.