Contractor License Exam Test Taking Tips

Read the directions first! Never assume you know what the directions say. Listen carefully to the instructor, as he will let you know exactly what is expected during the exam.

Look for key words such as "choose, except, not, and but." Answer the easy questions first. This is a time saver as well as a confidence builder. It also gives you more time in the end for you to focus on the harder questions. Try to finish the exam 10 minutes earlier than the time allotted. This will give you time to check for careless mistakes, double check any math solutions and the answers for the more difficult questions.

First, mark off all the answers that could not possibly be correct. This will allow you to spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices. If you’re stumped by a question, completely address the question. If your answer is only partly true, true only under certain narrow circumstances, or you have to make a significant assumption in order for the answer to be true, it’s probably not the correct answer. If you’re still stuck, circle it and move on. You can use your last 10-minutes to come back to this question. If, at that time, you still have no clue as to the correct answer, make the best guess you can.

There are no "trick" questions. If you think a question is a trick item, you’re reading too much into the question. It should be taken at face value and answered accordingly. Try circling the key words to focus on the central point. This will help you ascertain the correct answer.

You get no points for being the first person to finish the exam. Take a few 30-60-second breaks during the exam to shut your eyes and take a deep breath. This will help you stay fresh during the exam session.

Maggie May
www.contractorexam.com