If you are at the point where you are ready to purchase and schedule your licensing exam, whether it be to become a contractor, HVAC technician, plumber, etc., you have likely been thinking about getting your license for some time. With the research and preparation needed, the process leading up to this can be exceptionally time-consuming. After all your hard work and preparation, the last thing you want is to not feel at the top of your game on your test date. So here are some tips to make sure you are prepared and ready to go!
Create a study schedule
When preparing for such a detailed exam, it is essential to allocate enough time beforehand to ensure you are well-versed in the information you will be tested on. This may take a couple of months, so plan accordingly and schedule your exam date strategically. By purchasing or renting an exam book and considering your schedule and study habits, you will be able to determine the amount of time it will take you to understand the material on the exam fully. Creating a study schedule will then allow you to make the most of the time you have so you can learn the material effectively in the time you set aside.
Gameday tips
Get a good night's sleep
Getting a good night's sleep should be your priority every day. However, it is imperative to be well-rested when taking a licensing exam, which often takes a couple of hours to complete. Making sure you don't feel tired during the exam will allow you to be more productive and stay concentrated. Testing can be a more tiring process than one might assume, so don't stay up all night cramming. Plan your study sessions, be prepared in advance and the day before the exam, and go to sleep early to get a full eight hours.
Know the testing center location
Knowing your testing center location beforehand is paramount. On the day of your exam, your goal should be to eliminate any unnecessary ossicles. Knowing the testing center location and mapping out how long it will take you to arrive at the time of your test and where you can park if you bring your car will relieve you of a lot of stress. In effect, allowing you to focus on your exam.
What materials should you bring?
Calculator
It is recommended that you bring a calculator you are thoroughly familiar with. If calculators are on the list of approved materials, make sure to have one handy on the day of your exam. If you purchase one the day before your exam, you risk running into technical issues that could affect your score.
Light Snack
Licensing exams can often take a couple of hours to complete. To keep your energy levels up and help you focus, bring a light snack, for example, some pretzels, chips, granola, etc. Remember that the clock will not stop when you take a break to eat or go to the bathroom, so time your breaks strategically.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is paramount when partaking in a long exam. To avoid getting dehydrated throughout the day, make sure to bring a water bottle. Depending on the testing facility, there are likely to be regulations on the type of water bottles that can be brought in. Some facilities may require the bottle to be see-through to avoid cheating. Look into your exam regulations and restrictions for more information.
What if you don't pass the exam?
Invest in a review
Not passing an exam can be very discouraging. However, not all is lost. Many people don't pass the exam on the first try. Thankfully, you can retake the exam. With the knowledge you learned from your first experience taking the exam, you will be able to modify your study and test-taking techniques to improve your chances of doing better the second time around. Additionally, investing in a review of your first exam will allow you to see what sections you did poorly on, which will show you what you need to focus on for the next attempt.