Good test taking strategies can make a big difference.
You can know the material and still lose points because you rushed, misunderstood a question, spent too much time on one problem, or changed a correct answer without a good reason.
The good news?
Test taking is a skill.
And skills can be practiced.
Here are simple test taking strategies you can use before, during and after almost any test.
1. Read the Instructions First
Don't immediately start answering questions.
Take a moment to understand the instructions.
Look for information about:
How many questions you must answer
How much time you have
Whether you can skip questions
Whether guessing is allowed
Whether calculators are permitted
How answers must be recorded
A few seconds spent reading instructions can prevent avoidable mistakes.
2. Know How Much Time You Have
Time management is one of the most important test taking strategies.
Before beginning, estimate how much time you can spend on each section or group of questions.
For example, if you have 60 minutes for 60 questions, you have roughly one minute per question.
That doesn't mean every question needs exactly one minute.
Easy questions may take only a few seconds while difficult questions may take longer.
The important thing is to keep moving.
3. Answer the Easy Questions First
Don't let one difficult question stop you.
If you're unsure, mark it and move on if the test allows you to return to it.
Getting the easy questions correct first can:
Build confidence
Save time
Prevent you from getting stuck
Give you more time for difficult questions
This is one of the simplest strategies for timed tests.
4. Read Every Question Carefully
A question may contain one small word that changes the entire meaning.
Watch for words such as:
NOT
EXCEPT
BEST
MOST
LEAST
ALWAYS
NEVER
FIRST
Don't answer the question you think you saw.
Answer the question that is actually on the page.
5. Eliminate Wrong Answers
When you don't immediately know the answer, don't panic.
Start by eliminating choices you know are wrong.
If there are four choices and you eliminate two, you've improved your odds of selecting the correct answer.
Even better, the remaining choices may trigger something you remember from studying.
6. Don't Spend Too Long on One Question
One difficult question shouldn't cost you five easy ones.
If a question is taking too long, move on when possible.
Return to it later.
Your goal isn't to prove that you can solve every question immediately.
Your goal is to earn as many points as possible.
7. Use the Process of Elimination
Process of elimination is especially useful for multiple-choice tests.
Ask:
Which answers are definitely wrong?
Remove those choices.
Then compare the remaining answers.
Sometimes you won't know the answer immediately, but you'll know which answers cannot be correct.
That can turn a difficult question into a much easier decision.
8. Watch for Absolute Words
Be careful with words like:
Always
Never
Every
None
Completely
An answer containing an absolute statement may be incorrect if the subject has exceptions.
This isn't a rule that guarantees the answer is wrong.
It's simply a reason to examine the choice carefully.
9. Look for Clues in the Question
Sometimes one part of a test can help you answer another part.
A definition, formula, example or fact in one question may remind you of information needed elsewhere.
Don't ignore information simply because it appears in another section.
10. Don't Overthink Simple Questions
Some students turn a simple question into a difficult one by imagining information that isn't there.
Use the information provided.
If the question asks for a straightforward fact, give the straightforward answer.
Don't invent a complicated scenario.
11. Change an Answer for a Good Reason
One common test taking mistake is changing answers because of anxiety.
If you selected an answer and later discover clear evidence that it is wrong, change it.
But don't change an answer simply because you're nervous.
Your first choice isn't automatically correct, but unnecessary second-guessing can hurt.
12. Check Your Work
If you finish early, don't immediately submit the test.
Use the remaining time wisely.
Check:
Unanswered questions
Questions marked incorrectly
Math calculations
Questions containing NOT or EXCEPT
Answer-sheet bubbles
Spelling, if applicable
A final review can catch simple mistakes.
13. Use Scratch Paper Wisely
For math, science and other calculation-heavy tests, write down your work.
Don't try to keep every step in your head.
Scratch work can help you:
Organize information
Avoid calculation mistakes
Track formulas
Compare numbers
Solve multi-step problems
Keep it neat enough that you can understand it when checking your answer.
14. Practice Before Test Day
One of the best test taking strategies happens before you even enter the testing room.
Practice.
Don't only read your notes.
Take practice questions.
Timed practice is especially useful because it helps you learn how quickly you need to work.
A simple routine is:
Study → Practice → Review mistakes → Study weak areas → Practice again
15. Learn From Your Mistakes
Getting a question wrong isn't wasted effort if you understand why you missed it.
After a practice test, ask:
Why did I get this wrong?
Was it because:
You didn't know the material?
You misunderstood the question?
You rushed?
You made a calculation error?
You ran out of time?
You guessed?
The answer tells you what to improve.
16. Manage Test Anxiety
Feeling nervous before a test is normal.
The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate nervousness.
The goal is to keep it from controlling your performance.
Before the test:
Get enough sleep.
Arrive with time to spare.
Bring required materials.
Avoid last-minute cramming.
Take a few slow breaths.
Focus on the question in front of you.
If you feel overwhelmed during the test, pause briefly and reset your attention.
17. Get Enough Sleep
Staying up all night studying may feel productive, but being exhausted can make it harder to concentrate and remember information.
Whenever possible, prepare ahead of time so you can get a normal night's sleep before the exam.
18. Don't Cram Everything at the Last Minute
Cramming can be useful for reviewing certain facts, but it shouldn't replace consistent preparation.
Instead of studying for six hours the night before, try shorter study sessions spread across several days.
This gives you more opportunities to identify and fix weak areas.
19. Use the Right Strategy for the Test
Different tests require different approaches.
Multiple-Choice Tests
Focus on:
Reading carefully
Eliminating wrong answers
Managing time
Reviewing uncertain questions
Math Tests
Focus on:
Showing your work
Checking calculations
Knowing formulas
Estimating when appropriate
Essay Tests
Focus on:
Understanding the prompt
Creating an outline
Answering the actual question
Supporting your claims
Leaving time to proofread
Reading Tests
Focus on:
Reading the question carefully
Finding evidence in the passage
Avoiding unsupported assumptions
20. Don't Let One Question Ruin the Test
This is a big one.
You may encounter a question you simply don't know.
That's okay.
One question is one question.
Don't spend the next ten minutes worrying about it.
Move forward.
The next question may be one you know extremely well.
Best Test Taking Strategy: Stay in Control
The most effective test taking strategies aren't complicated.
They come down to a few basic habits:
Read carefully.
Manage your time.
Answer what you know.
Eliminate wrong choices.
Don't get stuck.
Review your work.
Stay calm.
Test Taking Strategies FAQ
What is the best test taking strategy?
One of the best overall strategies is to manage your time, answer easier questions first when possible, carefully read every question, and return to difficult questions later.
How can I get a better test score?
Prepare before the test, practice with realistic questions, review your mistakes, manage your time and carefully read the questions.
Should I answer easy questions first?
When the test format allows you to skip and return, answering easier questions first can help you build momentum and save time for harder questions.
Should I change my answer?
Change an answer when you have a specific reason to believe your original choice was wrong. Avoid changing answers simply because you feel nervous.
What should I do if I don't know an answer?
Eliminate answers you know are wrong. If the test allows it, move on and return to the question later.
How do I stop running out of time?
Practice under timed conditions. During the actual test, monitor your progress and avoid spending too much time on a single question.
How can I reduce test anxiety?
Prepare ahead of time, sleep adequately, arrive early, breathe slowly when needed and focus on one question at a time.
The best test taking strategies are simple enough to remember when you're under pressure.
You don't need a secret trick.
You need a plan.
Prepare before the test.
Read carefully during the test.
Manage your time.
Don't get stuck.
Review your answers.
And most importantly, remember that a test is made up of individual questions.
You don't have to be perfect.
You just need to keep moving and collect as many points as you can.
Study smart. Take the test smart. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed.
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