need help with exam prep

[shaun]

I will be taking the exam for the state of Alabama in July 04. I don't think that I am ready, but then again I don't know what is on the test! Does anyone have an easy approach to studying or cramming for this test using Mike Holt's exam prep book? If you do please give some suggestions. They are greatly needed and appreciated.

Shaun

 

[iwire]

Re: need help with exam prep

Is the exam given by Experior?

If so they might have a practice exam you can buy, I did for my CT test and felt it was worth it.

 

[jeff n]

Re: need help with exam prep

Try finding someone who has taken the test and maybe get an idea of what the test is like from them. It seems that the tests vary greatly from state to state even within the same testing company. Be strong on your theory and calculations. The more you know the easier it is.
Good luck.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: need help with exam prep

There is no such thing as being over prepared. Contact the state licensing board, contact the exam provider, and find out every last detail of the exam. Key issues are total questions, total time allowed, references that can be used, references that were used to write the exam, total points needed to pass, etc..

Most states and exam providers provide exam bulletins for exam candidates. After all is said and done, know the code inside and out. Not the code itself, but where the code is. The key sections are the Table of Contents, Article 100, and Annex D.

 

[shaun]

Re: need help with exam prep

Thanks everyone for your help in answering the question!

 

[jeff43222]

Re: need help with exam prep

Originally posted by bphgravity:
There is no such thing as being over prepared. Contact the state licensing board, contact the exam provider, and find out every last detail of the exam. Key issues are total questions, total time allowed, references that can be used, references that were used to write the exam, total points needed to pass, etc..

Most states and exam providers provide exam bulletins for exam candidates. After all is said and done, know the code inside and out. Not the code itself, but where the code is. The key sections are the Table of Contents, Article 100, and Annex D.

I followed this advice before I took my exam, and I was rudely surprised by all the code questions on the "memory" portion of the exam (no code book to refer to). I say make sure you only have to know how to use the code. I learned that lesson the hard way.

 

[rhn]

Re: need help with exam prep

One of the most important things to remember when you walk in and sit down is to RELAX and breath.
If you are nervous you'll most likly bomb out so keep in mind if you don't get it this time next time you'll know more what to expect.
If you get to pick your seat get one with good lighting and no window to look out. Sit down close your eyes and think about breathing and RELAX. When you finsh one section raise your hand so you get a head start on the next.
One thing I think helped me was I ate a lot of fish with omaga 3 in the days leading up to the exam.
GOOD LUCK and RELAX

 

[pierre]

Re: need help with exam prep

Rhn has some good advice, and that is your diet before the test. Also not studying the night before the test, as you need to relax that night. Bring a bottle of something to drink during the test and maybe a powerbar.
Also highlight and box out (draw with a straightedge around the hightlighting) each and every part (in the 2002 code book, the Roman Numerals in each Article - such as II Circuit and System Grounding, in Art 250, including Art 230, 240, 250, 410, 422, 424, 426, 427, and 430.
Then familiarize yourself with the different parts and what they include. This will save you a lot of time looking items up in the index. The most important part of your test is clock management, so practice a couple of tests with clock management.
Good luck

Pierre

 

[roger]

Re: need help with exam prep

Pierre, in NC you can not take so much as a pencil into to testing area. You are furnished a code book, calculator, scratch paper, and a pencil, the rest is your knowledge.

After the exam, everything is left at the facility except your knowledge and score.

Roger

 

[daverz]

Re: need help with exam prep

While all of the advice given is extremely helpful, the most important thing is to know the subject.

All electrical tests, regardless of who's administering them, are going to cover the basics; electrical theory (Ohm's Law), voltage drop, load calculations (usually residential), OCPD's, brand-circuit requirements, conductor ampacities and corrections, conductor fill, and a limited amount of classified locations and power-limited circuits.

If you have a good understanding of these basics, as well as knowing how to use the code book and find things that you're not familiar with, you should do fine.

The only other advice I could offer would be on the night BEFORE the exam, don't study. At this point you've been studying your brains out. You really need to be refreshed and relaxed on the big day. Eat a good spagetti dinner and go to bed early.

Good luck.

 

[Guest]

Re: need help with exam prep

If the test is an hour or more away from home get a motel to sleep in the night before. That way you don't have to burn up your brain cells and stamina getting to the test. You won't have to stress about traffic. If you go the motel route drive to the test location the night before. Scope out the test location; pay phones; parking; places to eat lunch; etc.

If any question does not seem to have a valid answer be sure to write it up and challenge the question. That way your answer might get extra consideration. Some tests allow this and use these exams as an opportunity to hone the test. For my contractor tests I did this on a few of the questions where the questions and answers did not quite match. I got 100% on the test(s).

Be sure so not make any gestures or eye contact that might be construed as cheating. Don't look towards any of the other testers that are nearby. I don't know how strict your test proctors will be but some of them like to make an example of suspected cheaters.

Find out if there is a penalty for guessing. If not, rule out the obvious wrong answers then take your best guess. If it's multiple choice and you can rule out two answers and are left with two that gives you a 50% chance of getting it right-- if there is no penalty for guessing. A guessing penalty means you get negative points for wrong answers, as well as positive points for right answers. The questions I hate are the ones that ask you to select all right answers in a multiple choice question and if you blow one part of the answer the whole answer is wrong. Find out if you get credit for the partial correct answer, or if you get dinged for the whole answer if any part of it is wrong.

Find out in advance what you are allowed to take into the test, and take everything that is permitted. There's nothing like getting to a test and finding out you are in fact allowed to bring in your sliderule-- and the nearest sliderule supply house is two hours away

If there is extra time on the test you can go back and double check your answers. However, your first instinct may be the correct answer and going back will only cause second guessing and more wrong answers. Personally, I like to double check and if I'm absolutely sure an answer is wrong I will change it-- but I don't second guess myself.

Good luck! Sorry not to be more specific.