Test Taking Tips

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Under Pressure? Taking the stress out of tests must mean better results for test takers. It's easy to say, but not quite so easy to do. How can something so, well, 'testing' be anything but stressful? That is the question we are trying to answer here.

In our testing center, we do everything we can to make the testing environment as stress free as possible.  But, there is still more that candidates can do to make things easier for themselves:

• Believe in yourself. You would not be taking the exam if you did not have the ability to pass.
• Don't try to be perfect. If you think that anything less than 100% means you've failed, then you are creating mountains of unnecessary stress for yourself.
• Take steps to overcome problems. If you find you're not sure about some element of test preparation, don't get stressed, get help.
• Don't keep things bottled up. Confiding in someone you trust and who will be supportive is a great way of alleviating stress.
• Keep things in perspective. The test might seem like the most crucial thing right now, but in the grander scheme of your whole life it is only a small part.
• In the test preparation period, leave yourself plenty of time to review.
• Don't drink too much coffee, tea and carbonated beverages; the caffeine will make your thinking less clear.
• When you're actually taking the test, avoid panic. It's natural to feel somewhat nervous, but getting excessively nervous is counterproductive: you will not be able to think as clearly.
• The quickest and most effective way of eliminating stress is to close your eyes and take several long, slow, deep breaths. Breathing in this way calms your whole nervous system.
• Give yourself a mental pep talk by repeating to yourself: 'I am calm and relaxed' or 'I know I will do fine.'
• If your mind goes blank, don't panic! If you can't remember the information, then move on to another question.