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How to Incorporate Effective Exam-taking Techniques

Apr 15, 2016

Over and beyond studying the PE exam material and diligently following the PE exam prep course, it is also important to focus on mastering some exam-taking techniques. The multi-hour long PE exam will test your ability to take a test. So, it's a good idea to be well prepared for it. Apparently, your test taking ability can influence up to 10% of the final result of your exam.
Here are some tips and techniques you can consider:

Table of Contents
    1. Your overall outlook of the exam
    2. The day before the exam
    3. Get to the exam center early
    4. Understanding the questions
    5. Answering the questions
Your overall outlook of the exam
First and foremost, your outlook of the exam matters. The exam might be difficult or easy, but how you approach it makes all the difference. Go with a healthy attitude in dealing with it - be confident yet cautious.
The day before the exam
Instead of attending last minute PE exam prep courses or cramming through study material in the last moment, relax and ensure you have a good night's sleep. Try to avoid staying up late but instead make sure you have at least 8 hours of good rest. If you attend the exam feeling sleepy or tired and not at your best, chances are you can make some careless mistakes. Do note, PE exam can be a bit tricky. Therefore, relaxation is key to handling these exams.
Get to the exam center early
On the day of the exam it is advisable to get to the exam center early, so that you have enough time to settle down and collect your thoughts. So all the necessities for the exam, keep it prepared the day before itself so that you can avoid arriving late for your exam. Make sure you use the restroom before the exam starts. Further, instead of socializing, keep to yourself as by sharing your preparatory skills or discussing the exam ahead, unnecessary exam doubts can sprout out.
Understanding the questions
Once you get your hands on the exam sheet, read each and every question deliberately and cautiously. Read it, word to word, and don't just skim through the question and assume you have understood what is expected. Sometimes questions are not what they appear. Read it twice, sometimes you catch on to something the second time around.
Answering the questions
Most of the questions and problems take just one or two steps while some might need 3 or more. But anything more than that, kindly recheck, as there might be a different approach or method to it. As you answer the questions, be vary of your time and clock yourself, no more than 6 minutes should be spent per question. If you get stuck on one of the problems, move on, continue with the others and then come back to it. Keep a close watch on your time.
Armed with these exam-taking techniques can positively make a difference. While attending PE prep courses and thoroughly studying PE material are indeed pivotal, incorporating appropriate exam techniques can give you a 10% advantage. Practice taking exams prior to the actual exam by enrolling for a PE Exam Prep Course can help build your confidence!

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