Test Preparation
The Day Before the Exam
The following information is essential if you are required to complete an examination in person at the University/Agency where you applied. If the classification is a Credentials Assessment examination, the following information does not apply.
On the day before the examination, you should prepare just as you would for any
other important appointment. Know where you are going and explore your transportation/parking
options.
Prepare what you should take with you to the exam (i.e. résumé, official transcript,
a driver's license or picture ID, etc.). Review the examination "scheduling form
confirmation" to identify everything you need to bring with you to the exam. Be
prepared to sit for a while since exams last two or more hours.
A few actions you can take to reduce test anxiety include:
- Approach the exam confidently: Use whatever strategies you can to personalize
success: visualization, logic, talking to your self, practice, team work, journaling,
etc.
- View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you know about the position.
- Allow yourself plenty of time, especially to do things you need to do before the
exam and still get there a little early.
- Avoid speaking with others who express negativity.
- A program of exercise is said to sharpen the mind.
- Don't go to the exam with an empty stomach. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often
recommended to reduce stress. Stressful foods can include processed foods, artificial
sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, eggs, fried foods, junk foods, pork,
red meat, sugar, white flour products, chips and similar snack foods, foods containing
preservatives or heavy spices
Get plenty of rest the night before the examination and allow yourself enough time
in the morning so that you do not have to rush. Being rested and having a clear
head on the day of the exam may help as much as any last minute review.
Be aware that you may NOT bring electronic devices such as cellular phones, beepers, headphones, or other similar communication devices to the HR test center. Using such devices at the test center is strictly prohibited and can result in your disqualification.