Carefully read what is written

Read the exam questions and answers slowly and carefully. Read what is written; don’t assume you know what the question is asking before you finish reading it. It may be asking you for an exception, rather than the rule.

Answer what is written – do not assume any facts outside of the question

Answer the questions exactly as they are written. Every question is its own self-contained universe, and everything you need to answer it will be contained in the question itself. If you find yourself arguing with the question, you’re over-thinking.

Skip the hard questions, then go back to them

All questions on the exam are given the exact same weight and importance, so don’t get hung up on one question. Just move on, and return to it before you submit the exam.

Partially incorrect = incorrect

Keep an eye out for absolute wording such as “always”, “never”, “every”, “only” and “must.” If any part of the answer is incorrect, the entire answer is incorrect. There are no shades of gray on the exam.

Are two answers correct?

Some answer selections provided are, “All of the above”, “None of the above” and “Both a. and b.” If you’re reviewing the answer selections and multiple seem correct, check all of your answer selection options to determine whether an “All of the above” or “Both a. and b.” response is available. Remember, you’re looking for the best answer.

The greater the consumer protection, the better

For questions concerning state or federal regulatory controls, the answer that provides the greatest protection to consumers is likely correct.

If all else fails, take an educated guess

If you don’t know what the correct answer selection is, make an educated guess. Eliminate as many wrong answers you can. Generally, if three selections are similar and one is different the dissimilar selection is correct. If one answer selection is longer than the others, it is likely correct.

Make a note of it

You are provided a small white board, marker and eraser when taking the exam. This comes in handy for making notes, such as specific questions you’d like to return to and review, or helpful mnemonic devices or acronyms you used during your study.

Look for clues

If you are stuck on a question, review the exam for other questions covering a similar subject matter to see whether these questions provide any clues regarding the answer of the question causing you trouble.

Use every second to your advantage

Use the full time allotted to take the exam. After you complete it, don’t immediately submit it. Go back and review the exam as many times as the clock allows. Don’t change your answers without a good reason.