Kim Fischer has taught in higher education for over 28 years and created

It takes practice to be a good test-taker. It is likely that you were never taught how to take a test. I know that I wasn't yet I have taken many tests over the course of my life time. Are you preparing to take a big exam to be certified as a personal trainer? Do you have to pass an exam to get licensed as a massage therapist? How about that real estate exam or the bar exam? For those trying to get into graduate school it is the GRE or SAT and/or the ACT for entrance into college.

I have presented some ideas to remind you how important it is to focus on your test-taking skills as well as the content knowledge to pass your test.

You can practice your test-taking skills by using the content materials that you probably have been studying from. Often times you are given practice tests. Chances are you can find additional test questions on a web site that is related to the exam you are taking. I suggest that you make copies of the practice tests and then practice taking one of the practice tests several times over the course of your days/weeks of studying. Here are some helpful hints to improve your score by improving your ability to "take" a test.

When you get a test/exam...

Write down any acronyms, sayings, tricks to remember difficult concepts prior to starting the test or at least prior to answering a question. You paid to take this exam, so write all over it! This "brain dumping" prior to starting the test will allow you to be clear about concepts before you get a question that might cause you some confusion.
When you are ready to consider a question...
Underline and highlight key words in the test question while you are covering up the possible answers with your answer sheet.
Ask yourself for the answer while you ponder the question, then uncover the possible answers one by one.
Consider each answer and cross out any that are not the correct answer as you consider each individually.
If you have difficulty determining the answer, consider passing on the question. Make sure you mark it so that you can return to it.

Obtain information from previous questions that might lead you to a correct answer.
Throughout the exam...
Remember to relax, work slowly. Try putting your pencil down after every 10-15 questions, stretch, take deep breaths, and drink some water. Then answer the next group of questions.
Treat each question as separate from each other, e.g., if you aren't sure the answer to one, you haven't failed the test, you just might not be certain of the answer to one question. Don't allow your mind to play "tricks" on you in this way.
Read the question to yourself in your head.
Wear earplugs if you are distracted by noise and keep your head down with a hand on your forehead or wear a hat of some sort shielding your eyes from possible movements around you.
Taking tests and doing well is a matter of knowing and understanding the content knowledge but being a skilled test-taker and having confidence you can get the right answer to the questions is critically important for success. Practice taking tests in a systematized, consistent fashion using the suggestions I have presented and you will be on your way to higher test scores.

Kim Fischer has taught in higher education for over 28 years and created her own educational-based company in 2005, Empowered By Learning LLC. Through her company, Kim develops and teaches classes and workshops for persons seeking licensure or certifications in massage therapy and personal training. In addition, Kim is a certified Wellcoach and Life Coach who works with clients in supporting, inspiring, and empowering them in reaching their vision and goals.