Maximizing Performance: The Day of the State Exam

 

If you have followed the steps described in “Test Guru: Pass All Your Tests the First Time” until the day of the exam, your preparation should be at its peak. Upon arriving at the exam center, your first step will be to present yourself at the reception desk, where your identity and appointment will be verified. You will need to present two valid forms of identification (e.g., a driver's license and passport, or a social security number) and, in some cases, your course completion certificate. Without these, you will not be allowed to take the exam and will need to reschedule and pay the fees again. To avoid setbacks, ensure all your documents are in order the day before.

Once your documents are verified, you will be directed to the examination room and assigned a computer. The exam administrator will verbally explain the rules regarding what is permitted and prohibited during the test. Listen carefully and follow the instructions. Before the exam begins, you will have time to familiarize yourself with the software. Use this opportunity to read the instructions thoroughly and learn the functions of the on-screen buttons. Remember, the exam clock will not start until you press the “Start” button, so take your time to prepare.

Note: Although these recommendations primarily focus on state licensing exams, the principles can be applied to any test including college or university tests. Adapt the advices to suit your needs and make the most of these insights.

During the test, seating arrangements usually include space between candidates to prevent cheating. Avoid looking around unnecessarily, as even unintentional gestures might lead to accusations of dishonest behavior and could result in reporting to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Such incidents can have severe consequences, including a lifetime ban from taking the exam.

Time Management and Strategy

Managing your time effectively is crucial. Constantly monitor the virtual clock displayed on the screen. Allocate no more than 2 minutes and 10 seconds per question on the state exam, or 1 minute and 48 seconds for the end-of-course exam. Develop a systematic approach:

  1. Read each question carefully but efficiently.
  2. If you know the answer, select it and proceed to the next question.
  3. If unsure, choose the most likely option and mark it for review later.

The exam software includes tools for navigating between questions, marking items for review, and viewing a real-time summary of your progress. This summary will show:

  1. The number of answered questions.
  2. The number of skipped questions.
  3. The time remaining to complete the exam.

To maintain focus, keep your allowed materials organized and within reach. For in-person exams, you may request a bathroom break if necessary, providing a brief moment to reset. However, this option is unavailable during online exams taken at home, where you must remain in your designated area throughout the test.

Exam Mechanics and Preparation

Exams, especially state and course tests, are races against the clock.

Example:

  • Real Estate End-of-Course Exam: 3 hours to answer 100 questions (1 minute, 48 seconds per question).
  • State Licensing Exam: 3.5 hours, equating to 2 minutes and 10 seconds per question.

To finish on time, practice consistently during preparation. Learn to answer questions quickly and move on without hesitation. If you don’t know the answer, select the most logical choice, mark it for review, and continue. This systematic process should become second nature—executed without doubt or distraction. This approach is important to make the most of every second available. Also, keeping a strict control of time will help you avoid the mistake of wasting unnecessary minutes on a single question. Place your watch in a visible place and avoid raising your wrist to constantly look at it.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Many students fail exams not due to a lack of knowledge but because they disregard essential strategies. For instance, I recall a university mathematics exam where the professor allowed us to bring a formula sheet. I meticulously prepared mine, including detailed examples, and was rewarded when the exam featured identical problems. While some classmates neglected this opportunity, I achieved a perfect score simply by copying the answers.

The takeaway: don't leave anything to chance. Create a clear action plan, calculate time limits, and follow your strategy without deviation. Each exam has specific requirements, so familiarize yourself with its format and allocate your time accordingly.

Once the exam begins, maintain a steady rhythm. Don’t let a difficult question derail your focus or disrupt your timing. If a question challenges you, choose the most reasonable answer, flag it for review, and move forward. The time saved on straightforward questions will give you more opportunity to revisit and carefully analyze the difficult ones. This approach minimizes mental blocks and keeps you on track to complete the exam.

Managing Mental and Emotional Energy

Sustained concentration can lead to fatigue. Incorporate simple techniques, like deep breathing, to stay calm. Cultivate a positive mindset by reminding yourself of your thorough preparation and ability to succeed. Time management is as critical as subject knowledge, so remain vigilant about using every minute wisely.

Take full advantage of the computerized system’s tools. Familiarize yourself with the navigation buttons, utilize the question-flagging feature, and monitor your progress summary. These tools are designed to optimize your performance. Keep calm and organized—your discipline will be your greatest asset.

Final Words of Advice

With discipline, practice, and error-free execution, you can pass your exam on the first attempt. Trust your preparation, stick to your strategy, and approach the test with confidence. By following these guidelines, you set yourself up for success and the best possible outcome on exam day.

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Count Down Before Lift Off  here

24 Hours to the Main Event here

Personal Exam Self-Evaluation here 

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