Good preparation helps you perform at your best. On this page you will find advice that many test takers have found useful. Keep in mind that preparation is not about getting a "better" result, it is about knowing what to expect and feeling calm and confident on the day.
Be Prepared
Read through the advice on this and other pages on this site. Try the practice questions and get familiar with the format of the questionnaire of the test you are invited to complete.
Purpose of the Assessment
Your invitation to the assessment should also tell you why you are being asked to complete it. If you are not sure about the purpose, first look through the information and links you have been sent. If that does not answer your question, contact the employer before you take the assessment. You can ask:
- What is the assessment supposed to measure, and why is it a relevant measure in the given situation?
- What kind of feedback (if any) will you receive on your results?
Create a Comfortable Space
Find a place where you can work without being disturbed for the full length of the test. If other people are around, let them know what you are doing so they will not interrupt you. Switch off other devices, email, notifications and anything else that might distract you.
Overcoming Test Anxiety
If you feel nervous about an assessment, try to see the positive side. People who get nervous tend to prepare more carefully for important tasks, including psychometrical assessments. Good preparation helps you perform at your best, and protects you from underperforming simply because you were not ready.
You are not the only one who feels uncertain or tense before an assessment. This is very common. If you have not already done so, try talking to other people about it. It often helps to hear how others experience and cope with similar situations.
Create stability: Plan your time in the days leading up to the test. It can help to schedule a few practical tasks to keep your mind off the test, but do not pack your schedule so tightly that it adds extra stress. Make sure you also schedule time for a good night’s sleep the day before your test.
Use relaxation techniques: A wide range of techniques for reducing nervousness is available online and from other sources. Many are simple and can be used in almost any situation to help you calm down. Physical exercise is another good way to take your mind off the test. It usually improves both your sleep and your ability to stay calm.