How to Prepare for College Tests or Certification Exams

Taking exams and tests brings out much fear in many of us. Thinking about taking an exam can often produce a continued, indescribable anxiety. One of the best ways to reduce test anxiety is to prepare for exams.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Instructor teaching

   To properly prepare for examinations students should know what is required. Often instructors will provide hints or sample questions regarding what students should expect on tests. Instructors may provide these resources through a course website. Students can also look at other school websites by trying to find similar courses to see if instructors from those schools have provided lecture notes or exam samples that can help. Additionally, there may be forums or question and answer websites which provide resources. Performing Google searches on key words will help to identify these resources. For certification examinations there are online, book, and book/CD resources that provide sample examinations, background information, and sample tests.

2. 
    
   People

   Study groups are also helpful. For very difficult courses, getting together with fellow students either in person or remotely can provide a supportive environment where questions can be asked, concepts shared, and content repeated. Additionally, other members of a study team may share some great ideas that will help us study or learn the content more thoroughly. Selecting knowledgeable and cooperative members is essential for putting together an effective study team.

3. 
    
   Student studying

   Self study requires discipline and consistency. Make sure you nurture yourself and take plenty of breaks in support of your exam preparation. Choose a quiet, well-lit environment and choose create a consistent study schedule. Keep a log of questions or concerns regarding content. This can be useful when you need to prepare to ask the instructor, other content resources, or other members of a study group questions. Always keep a notebook with you in case you need to write down questions or concerns about the content.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do well on an exam, reward yourself. If you do poorly on an exam, reward yourself
• If you do poorly on an exam, find out why and remember what you need to do to improve
• Don't hold back on your questions but make sure you think before you ask in cases where your questions are unclear to you
• Use practice exams when possible but make sure they accurately reflect the type of content that will be tested and that questions use the same format as the regular exam.

[tikrit01]

on 1/10/2009 Great Tips! Study groups always work well for me. 5 stars