How to Practise for Computer-Based Exams

A computer-based test changes how you work. Candidates who prepare only on paper often lose small amounts of time that add up.

Reading on screen

Long passages are tiring on a screen. Practise reading them without scrolling back repeatedly, and take brief notes of the main idea as you go instead of rereading.

Navigation habits

• Use the question palette to see which questions you have answered or flagged
• Flag questions for review and return to them in a planned second pass
• Confirm each answer before moving on to avoid accidental clicks

Rough work

You will usually do rough work on paper. Practise copying numbers accurately from the screen, and number your rough work by question so you can recheck quickly.

The timer

Learn where the timer sits and check it at fixed intervals, such as every ten questions, rather than constantly. Constant checking adds stress and breaks concentration.

Practise realistically

Take mock tests on a similar-size screen to the one you will use. Our practice tests run in the browser, and you can use this exam-day checklist to prepare on the final day.