Merit System Services
241 Lathrop Way
Sacramento, CA 95815 mss@cps.ca.gov
916.263.3614 ext. 3118
Written Test Taking Tips
Get a good night’s sleep
before the examination and eat before arriving for the exam. Feeling
rested and eating a balanced diet will go a long way in relieving pre-test
jitters.
Allow plenty of time
to travel to the examination site. If you are not sure where the test
location is, drive there the day before to familiarize yourself with
the area. It is important to plan for traffic, accidents, etc.
Once the examination begins, the doors will be locked, and you will not be
allowed to enter.
The test items are multiple
choice. They are designed to have only one answer. More than one answer may
seem correct, but only select the best of the choices offered.
Read all of the directions
carefully.
Read each question completely
before answering it.
Do not skip over questions.
You may forget to go back or you may get off track when completing the
Scantron.
Questions left blank
will be marked as incorrect. It is in your best interest to answer
all of the questions, even if you have to guess. Your score will be
based on the number of correct answers.
If you have the option
of choosing what section you want to begin with, consider which would
be the best for you. Would it be better to begin with the section you
find the most difficult or to begin with the easiest? For some people,
answering the easy questions first is a time saver and a confidence
builder.
Periodically check to
make sure your answer sheet is correct and corresponds to the question
you are on.
Periodically check the
clock; do not spend too much time on any one question.
Interpret words according
to their generally accepted meanings.
Plan your time so that
you may complete the examination within the time allowance. You will
be told when to start and stop.
If you get stuck on a
question, don’t get worried and frustrated. Re-read the question to
make sure you understand it, and answer it to the best of your ability.
Remember: the process
of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice
exam. Start by crossing off answers that can’t be correct. Then spend
your time focusing on the possible correct choices.
When you are finished
and have extra time, don’t stop! Go back to review your answers where
allowed, making sure you didn’t make any careless mistakes, such as
putting the right answer in the wrong place.
