Test Taking Tips

[Teresa Russ]

I'm taking the RPR and CSR. Will some of you share your test taking tips. How do you handle the tension and anixety? What is your strategy when you're really pushing? Everybody has different suggestions. Please share yours. Thx

[Jessica K. Belcher]

It seems like you did great! Good luck to you. I realize my reply was too late, but I'm glad to hear you were able to pull it together during the testimony. That's exactly what I did when I took the RMR on Sat. as well. I realized I wasn't breathing at the beginning which was causing my hands to start flying around in a panic. I had to tell myself to chill out, breath, and slow myself down.

Good luck!

[Teresa Russ]

Thanks for those tips. I took the RPR May 2nd. Yes, I see that testing environments are different. There was a lot of walking back and forth during the warm up. It was a little annoying. I like to keep to myself also. I got nervous. While writing the 225 testimony, my hands were flying. I lost control of where they were going, but I kept writing. I kept telling myself stay in control. It will end soon. Almost near the end I started feeling my strokes again. Instead of viewing it as stressful, I tried to think of it as fun. I found a focal point and tried to stay with it.

[Jessica K. Belcher]

Oops didn't read all that carefully. Well, I've learned that every testing environment is different. I like to be quiet. Meaning, I don't partake in a lot of nervous chatter with other test-takers. Of course I'm still cordial and and helpful if someone needs help, but I like to get relaxed as much as I can right before the test and a lot of loud talking and walking around is an irritant of mine, so I just tend to keep to myself around that time. Also, don't practice too much right before the test because you may burn yourself out by the time you take the test. When I took the RPR, I just didn't have any huge expectations at that time that would get me nervous and I also just took it as though I was on an actual job.

[Jessica K. Belcher]

Practice high speeds. 260 wpm for the RPR, especially. I also would practice all kinds of different dictation, which also eliminates hesitation, in my case.

[Diane Hickman]

I'm going to assume you have been practicing, typing and grading your own work and all that goes with your writing. When I practiced with a high speed tape, I would go over a section that I hesitated on until I could write it. The following day I would write that same section and go on with the rest of the tape. Keep doing that until you can write the entire tape without much hesitation. That's how you break through the speed wall. Go over your theory and briefs.

Write a list of things to take to the test so you won't forget anything you need. Take the test in the clothes you're most comfortable in (I took the CA CSR in my pajamas & slippers...no kidding...because that's what I usually wore when I practiced.) Practice your breathing techniques. I took Xanax 1/2 hr. before the test to calm my nerves (under a doctor's supervision and I used it previously in classes to see the results.) All in all, preparation produces results.