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Test Taking Strategies
Proven techniques to maximize your performance on exam day
Quick Reference Guide
Time Management
- •Budget ~3 minutes per question
- •Review flagged questions in the last 30 minutes
- •Don't spend more than 5 minutes on any single question initially
- •Mark difficult questions and move on - come back later
Question Analysis
- •Read the entire question carefully before looking at answers
- •Identify what the question is really asking
- •Pay attention to keywords like "EXCEPT", "NOT", "MOST", "LEAST"
- •Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
Calculator Usage
- •Know your calculator inside and out before exam day
- •Practice common calculations (conversions, trigonometry, etc.)
- •Store frequently used formulas in memory
- •Double-check units and decimal places
Exam Day Preparation
- •Get a good night's sleep (at least 7-8 hours)
- •Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid stress
- •Bring extra batteries for your calculator
- •Pack snacks and water (if allowed)
- •Review reference materials the night before, not the morning of
Answering Strategies
- •Answer every question - there's no penalty for guessing
- •Trust your first instinct unless you have a good reason to change
- •Use the process of elimination to improve odds
- •Check your work on calculations if time permits
Mental Strategies
- •Stay calm and confident - you've prepared for this
- •Don't panic if you encounter difficult questions
- •Take brief mental breaks to refocus (close eyes, deep breath)
- •Focus on one question at a time
California Professional Land Surveyor Specific Tips
Total Questions: 100 questions
Time Limit: 360 minutes (6 hours 0 minutes)
Average Time Per Question: ~3 minutes
Passing Score: Typically 70% (subject to change by examining board)
Format: Multiple choice questions covering all exam domains