Taking the Written Exam

Read or study posted study references or resources, including the sections on Selection Tests, Taking the Written Exam, Preparing for the Oral Board Interview, Department Policies to Study for the Written Exam, and relevant reference books on supervision, management, and writing skills.

Listen attentively and/or read carefully the directions for taking the test. Follow those directions exactly.

Remember that all questions will be weighted equally, and there is no penalty for guessing.

Make no stray marks or multiple marks for a question on the answer sheet. The answer sheets are scanned electronically and stray or multiple marks can result in a question being counted wrong.

Put yourself in the best possible physical and mental shape for taking the test. Fatigue resulting from all-night cram sessions is a heavy obstacle or setback and stimulants do not completely offset such fatigue.

Study for the examination over a prolonged period of time. Do not cram shortly before the examination date.

Pace yourself during the examination so that you have time to respond to all the test questions. Do not puzzle too long over a difficult question.

Attempt to answer all questions, even those that you have only a slight basis for answering (there is no penalty for guessing).

Check frequently to assure that the answer you marked on your answer sheet indicates the response that you intended to mark.

Take time to reread the questions and your answers, to check for any careless mistakes that you may have made. Your first answer is not necessarily your best response.

If you experience test anxiety, study effectively and completely. Read books, if necessary, relating to study techniques. The best cure for test anxiety is effective preparation.