How to Prepare for a Written Test
What is a written test?
A written test is used to test how prepared a candidate is to assume the responsibilities and duties of a particular job. A written test is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge of specific areas that are considered important to a particular type of job e.g., knowledge of the industry, commonly used equipment, safety rules and regulations, etc.. A written test usually consists of a number of multiple-choice questions. A multiple-choice question is a question with several possible answer choices. Your task is to pick out the answer choice that gives the correct answer to the question. Although the number of questions vary; a written test typically consists of about 50 – 150 different questions.
A written test is commonly administered in a paper and pencil format, but it can also be given on a computer.
How do I prepare for a written test?
Although you may not know exactly what will be asked of you, how prepared you are for the examination is up to you. Adequate preparation will assist you in identifying the types of review necessary prior to the examination and will help you feel more confident in general.
- Read the job announcement carefully. The job announcement will identify the examination you will be required to take and pass, as well as the weight your examination score will have in determining your final rank on the employment list. Further, what sections will be on the test will be indicated on the announcement. An example of this is below:
- WRITTEN EXAMINATION – 100%: A job-related written exam will be administered to test applicants’ knowledge of English usage & written communication, business math, proof reading, and filing & office practices. Applicants must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
- Read your ‘Invitation to Test’ letter carefully. The letter will not only identify where and when the examination is being held, but the name of the examination, any materials you need to provide on or before the test date and the content areas (areas of assessment) on the examination.
- If you require special testing arrangements, such as a reader or interpreter, you must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date and complete the necessary written request. The County will attempt to meet reasonable accommodation requests whenever possible.
A Library of applicable resources may be found at the following links:
You may also use your Ventura County Library card to access various books which contain practice exams. You may learn more by visiting the VC Library website here.
Steps to take to ensure success on a Written Test
Before the Written Test:
- Get plenty of sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast/lunch.
- If you are not sure where the examination site is, take a drive to the site before the examination date.
- On the day of the examination, you should allocate adequate time based on your invitation letter to spend at the examination site.
- Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled examination to allow time for traffic, parking and check-in.
- Have proper identification (driving license, photo identification, etc.) as indicated on your invitation letter, as well as anything else you have been advised to bring.
- Typical dress for an examination is business casual, except for examinations which include a physical component. You will want to minimize the use of cologne/perfume, as some applicants will be distracted or even allergic.
- Turn off mobile phones prior to the start of the examination and place them out of visual sight.
During the Written Test:
- After entering the examination site, take a seat in the assigned area. You will receive further instructions from the proctor. Now is a good time to take one last look at any notes you have made in preparation for the examination.
- Read directions carefully and follow them.
- Manage your time wisely.
- Read each question and option completely.
- Eliminate obvious wrong answers.
- Check other questions for clues.
- Answer easy questions first.
- Mark your answer sheet properly.
- Do not leave items blank.
After the Written Test:
- Remember exam content should remain confidential. You will not be able to take notes during the examination and you must not discuss any of the content of the examination with anyone. If you are found to have discussed content related to the examination, you will not only put yourself at a disadvantage by helping other applicants to score higher than you, but you may also be disqualified from participating in this and any future examination.