PASS THE CONTRACTOR EXAM – Part 2: Test Taking Strategy

• Each question has only one correct answer.
• Do not leave any questions blank. It is better to guess than not answer. A blank answer is an automatic wrong answer.

TAKE YOUR EXAM IN PASSES

Pass 1) Answer all the easy questions and write down the question numbers of more complicated problems rating them from one to three, with one being “I can answer this with a little work” and three being “I don’t have a clue.”

Pass 2) Read the test a second time and answer more difficult questions. Answer all questions you rated as one now.

Pass 3) Read the test a third time and answer more difficult questions. Answer all questions you rated as two now.

Pass 4) answer the questions rated three by utilizing the “identify wrong answer system” listed below.

STRATEGIES FOR ANSWERING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS: WHEN YOU NEED TO GUESS THE ANSWER.

• Eliminate answers you know to be incorrect
• Give each answer the “true-false test:” This may reduce your selection to the best solution.
• Look for question answers that grammatically don’t fit with the question, As well as
  • Question answers that are entirely unfamiliar to you, and
  • Question answers that contain negative or absolute words.
• Try substituting a qualified term for the absolute one. For example, frequently for always; or typical for every to see if you can eliminate an option

DIFFERENT STRATEGIES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANSWERS:

• All of the above: If you know two of four options seem correct, “all of the above” is a strong possibility
• Number answers: Ignore the high and low answer and consider the middle range numbers
• Look-alike options: if multiple answers look alike probably one of them is correct; choose the best solution but eliminate choices that mean the same thing, and thus cancel each other out
• Opposite options: If two options are opposite each other, chances are one of them is correct
• You should favor options that contain qualifiers: The result is longer, more inclusive items that better fill the role of the answer
• If two alternatives seem accurate, compare them for differences, then refer to the question to find your best solution.

For more suggestions on how to maximize your effectiveness, visit our Study Tips page.