On Taking Written Tests

As I prepare to take my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) test, my instructor sent me this list as advice.  I decided it is good enough to be shared:

I have a set of rules/test taking tips that I teach everyone to use.  Maybe it will help you, maybe not.  Please consider them and how to adapt them to your own experiences.

While in the test room, sit down.

1. Relax, you have a long time to take the test.  You are paying for the use of that chair for 150 minutes.  Get your money's worth.
2. RTFQ.  Read the full question and understand what they are asking for.  Don't guess, reread it for understanding.
3. Write out all the Acronyms you can think of and leave room for more as you test.
4. Write down all the formulas you can think of and refer to them later.  In the heat of battle, it is easy to make a mistake.  In times of stress, refer to steps 1 and 2.
5. Draw and label all axis and lights and anything else on a drawing of an airplane, it may help jog additional memories while under stress.
6. Know the standards.  Write the ones you remember and add to the list as you work.  Check all chart values.
7. Read ALL notes on every page.  There will be parts of the answer in them.
8. Make grids and tables.  Carefully keep everything in order, columns and straight lines and add labels as you work so you can go back to them and understand your work.
9. Always use a straight edge.

Dan