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.
5. Answer even the hard questions.
There will always be difficult questions in a test. Answer each one. Start by trying to reason it out. Look
for clues in the question and the answers. Don’t look for hidden meanings. Re-read the question and
alternatives. Eliminate the most unlikely answers and take your best guess with the remaining
alternatives. It is to your advantage to answer each question.
6. Use the scratch paper provided.
The scratch paper is provided to help you. Do your calculations, draw figures and diagrams to help you
think through any item.
NOW THAT YOU ARE READY FOR THE REAL THING
The following are some final words and suggestions.
Minimize your discomfort
Take care of details such as locating the testing room and restrooms, so you don’t get lost and show up
late for the test. Plan to be there early, before the assigned test time. Timed tests require everyone to
start and stop at the same time. You will not be allowed in the room once the clock is started.
Get a good night of rest
Relax the day before and avoid things that would cause you stress or distraction or exhaustion. If you are
not feeling well or a family emergency beyond your control occurs, discuss options for rescheduling with
the company.
Hunger and thirst
Plan on a light meal and beverage before the testing. You don’t want to enter a test session hungry or
thirsty.
Physical aids
Be sure to bring your glasses, hearing aid, photo identification, and anything else required by you for
testing. Use of calculators is subject to company policy. If calculators are allowed, the company will
provide the calculators.
IN THE TEST ROOM:
Physical Comfort
Choose a seat that is comfortable for you. If you have problems with your vision, sit in the front; if you
want more light, sit under the light fixture; if you want more air, sit near the air conditioning vent.
REFERENCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The following is a short list of references for those who would like more information about taking tests.
These, as well as other similar references, may be found at your local bookstore and college, school, or
public library.
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.
5. Answer even the hard questions.
There will always be difficult questions in a test. Answer each one. Start by trying to reason it out. Look
for clues in the question and the answers. Don’t look for hidden meanings. Re-read the question and
alternatives. Eliminate the most unlikely answers and take your best guess with the remaining
alternatives. It is to your advantage to answer each question.
6. Use the scratch paper provided.
The scratch paper is provided to help you. Do your calculations, draw figures and diagrams to help you
think through any item.
NOW THAT YOU ARE READY FOR THE REAL THING
The following are some final words and suggestions.
Minimize your discomfort
Take care of details such as locating the testing room and restrooms, so you don’t get lost and show up
late for the test. Plan to be there early, before the assigned test time. Timed tests require everyone to
start and stop at the same time. You will not be allowed in the room once the clock is started.
Get a good night of rest
Relax the day before and avoid things that would cause you stress or distraction or exhaustion. If you are
not feeling well or a family emergency beyond your control occurs, discuss options for rescheduling with
the company.
Hunger and thirst
Plan on a light meal and beverage before the testing. You don’t want to enter a test session hungry or
thirsty.
Physical aids
Be sure to bring your glasses, hearing aid, photo identification, and anything else required by you for
testing. Use of calculators is subject to company policy. If calculators are allowed, the company will
provide the calculators.
IN THE TEST ROOM:
Physical Comfort
Choose a seat that is comfortable for you. If you have problems with your vision, sit in the front; if you
want more light, sit under the light fixture; if you want more air, sit near the air conditioning vent.
REFERENCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The following is a short list of references for those who would like more information about taking tests.
These, as well as other similar references, may be found at your local bookstore and college, school, or
public library.
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