In Parts 1-3, I covered how I prepare for a certification exam. In this last part, I’ll talk about how I go about taking the exam.
First, I make sure I know the directions to the exam center (I prefer to take exams in person). If possible, I’ll drive the route several days before the exam itself. I will also try and use my favorite mapping tool and pop up directions at about the time I’ll be traveling to ensure I know what the expected time it takes will be. Directions at 9 PM are not the same as 9 AM.
Second, I will review what I’m allowed to take into the exam center. I will also take as little in as possible to make things easier on everyone. If all they have to lock up are my keys and wallet, then that’s ideal. Phones, bags, and anything else I will lock up in my vehicles out-of-sight. I won’t usually need any of that for an exam.
Third, I will plan on arriving 15-30 minutes early. All it takes is one accident on my trip in and that buffer is gone. Plus, I will need to sign in and verify, etc. Better to have plenty of time. It tends to be less stressful and taking an exam is often stressful enough.
Finally, when I go to sit for the exam, I know the rules. If I am penalized for guessing, then unless I am confident I know the answer or I’ve reduced it to a 50-50 situation, I’m not going to guess. If I am not penalized, I am going to guess. Also, if I am not allowed to go back to a previous question, then I will watch the clock and determine how much time I can spend on an individual question before moving on. If I am allowed to go back, if I’m not sure of an answer and want to think about it (or hope I get a clue later on with a different question… which has happened), then I’ll mark the question if the interface provides for it. Usually, the test center gives a whiteboard or paper. Even if the interface allows the marking of the question, I’ll still write it down.
When I’m done answering the questions, if I can review my answers and I still have time left I do so. I will re-read each question and check my answers. Here, however, I will only change an answer if I know for sure my marked answer is incorrectly. This sometimes happens when I misread a question on the first pass. But unless I’m 100% sure my marked answer is wrong, I won’t change it. Studies have shown that you are more likely to have chosen the correct answer the first time around. Don’t talk yourself out of the answer you chose. If you’re going to change it, make sure you know why that answer is wrong.
Then I click submit and see my results. That’s my four step method for preparing for certification exams. Next week I’ll talk about what I do with my results.