Last month in this column, I talked about the value of incorporating a testing process like ASE certification into your training program. When taking any test, particularly when it’s like ASE’s computer-based format, you need to manage your time. While there’s no magic bullet, there are some good, common sense methods technicians can use to get the upper hand on time management when it counts—at the test center.
ASE certification is the most widely-used and recognized testing program in the industry, so I’ll focus on that in this column, but the advice herein can apply to any testing process. The ASE test questions are formatted into one of three types: 1) Direct/Completion Questions, 2) Technician A/Technician B Questions, and 3) Except or Least Likely Questions. All questions are based upon industry-accepted practices, and there are technical reasons why the choices are right or wrong. Read the entire question carefully, and then consider each of the four answer choices and rule out the ones that you think are obviously wrong. Choose the answer that seems most likely to you, based on your experience. If you still cannot choose an answer, take your best guess and go on.
With Technician A/Technician B questions, two technicians are making independent statements which you must judge to be true or false. The most common mistake with this type of question is allowing one technician’s statement to influence your thinking about the others.
Always keep in mind that the two technicians are not arguing with one another, they’re simply making independent statements. Read Technician A’s statement by itself and ask yourself: Is this true or false? Then set aside Technician A’s statement and consider Technician B’s statement by itself.
Except or Least likely questions usually begin with a statement of a problem or malfunction of some kind. You must choose the one thing that is LEAST likely to cause the problem.
Often, the best way to find the answer to this type of question is by process of elimination. Look at each possible answer in turn and decide if it is or isn’t likely to cause the problem. For an interactive review of the different ASE question styles, go to the Test Prep & Training section of the ASE website at www.ase.com and select Test Taking Tips.
What can you do at the test center to manage your time? Although you can’t control time, you can make it work more in your favor. If you feel confident about an answer to a question, then answer it. Doing so helps you spare the remaining time for questions you may not feel sure about.
If you’re unsure about your answer, select the answer you think is correct and then select the Flag button at the bottom of the test interface. Flagged questions will be shown on the Review Screen later.
While no one can stop the inevitable ticking of the clock, the techniques outlined here can help you better manage time when taking an ASE exam.
Remember, the better you manage your time, the better you’ll perform on the test.
