Top 10 Tips to Pass a County or State Exam

With the economy being slow, this is a great time to prepare to get the license you have always dreamed about.  We specialize in helping electricians pass their exams and in the past 30+ years of helping thousands of people get their licenses we have learned a few tips about passing an exam the 1st time.  If you are getting ready to take an exam in the next few months and you want more individualized help please call our office and ask for an Exam Prep specialist (888.632.2633).

Here are the top 10 Tips for passing your Exam

1. Make sure you give yourself enough time to study. Many people fail an exam because they haven’t given themselves enough time to prepare and study.
2. Verify what you will be tested on. Working in the field isn’t going to give you all the information you need to pass your exam. If you have worked for years in the business this is going to give you a great foundation and is a good first step. However, your exam is going to include Theory and Calculations in addition to Code so you need to be prepared for all aspects. If you need more information, give our office a call and we can help you.
3. Choose the correct study program. Your study program should be customized based on your work history and prior education. The key to passing your exam is making sure that you have the correct study materials. Some individuals can get away with a quick review of the basics while others will need to begin with a comprehensive program that covers all the material they need to know in Theory, Code and Calculations. Make sure you verify what code year your exam is based on. If you aren’t sure where to be begin, our office can help guide you to the correct program customized for your needs.
4. Know how to use Your Code Book. One of the best ways to prepare for your exam is to improve your NEC knowledge. Not only does that include understanding the Code but it also includes understanding how to use your Code Book so you will be ready in a timed test environment.
5. Create a study schedule that works for you. One of the best times to study is in the morning before your work day begins. Yes, this is a lot of work and requires discipline, but it’s easier to find the time in the morning than to wait for the end of the day and hope that you have enough energy left to study. Be diligent in carving out your study time.
6. Communicate with your family. Work together with your family so they understand how your studying for the exam is going to impact them and their time with you. Remind them that this is a short-term problem and that you are making a decision that will have positive life long consequences.
7. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in all areas of the exam so you know what you need to focus on in your preparation. One of the best ways to do this is with a Simulated Exam which provides you with questions in a timed environment. Practicing will point out your weak areas, and allow you to focus on these when you study. Click here if you would like to take a Free Simulated Exam.
8. Stay organized. Have your code book tabbed and highlighted. If you are testing in a state that allows you to bring in books make sure they are organized and reviewed as well. When studying keep all materials in one location in your house, along with all notes, and materials you will need so that studying is easy and doesn’t take a lot of time to set-up.
9. Don’t get overwhelmed while studying. Break-up your studies into manageable sections. One technique is to break your study time down into 20 minute sections followed by 10 minutes of doing something else to rest your brain. As you learn more and get closer to your exam you will find that you will be able to study for longer periods without needing a break.
10. Remember that you are taking a timed test, so make sure to manage your time during your exam. Answer all questions, and if you don’t know the answer to a question move on and come back to it.  You don’t want to waste time on a question that you don’t know.  Once you get to the end, it is important that you go back through your exam one more time to make sure that you have answered all questions, and if you still don’t know the answer you should always guess instead of leaving a question blank.

Helping electricians pass their exams the first time is what we specialize in. If you find yourself confused or overwhelmed as to how to begin, simply call our office and we will be happy to help you, 888.632.2633.

Good luck and God Bless!