Focus on the subtests that matter to you. If you have a clear interest in pursuing a career in electronics, the Electronics Information subtest should be at the top of your list to ace. Although you’ll want to make sure all your line scores are good (in case your desired job isn’t available or you want to retrain later in your career), focusing on your expertise in certain areas of interest makes you a more desirable candidate. (See Chapter 2 and Appendix A for lists of the subtests that affect your acceptance into the job areas you’re pursuing.)

       Concentrate on subject areas that need improvement. It’s human nature to find yourself spending your study time on subject areas that you have an interest in or that you’re good at. If you’re a whiz at fixing cars, don’t waste your time studying for the Auto & Shop Information subtests. You’re already going to ace that part of the test, right? On the other hand, if you had a hard time in math during your high school years, you need to spend extra time brushing up on your arithmetic skills.

       Be a loner. You may want to study with a partner now and then so the two of you can brainstorm answers and quiz each other, but most of your studying should be done on your own.

       Try to reduce distractions. Always study in a well-lit, quiet area away from pets, loud music, and the TV.

       Study in long blocks of time. Studying for an hour or two once or twice a day is much more effective than studying 15 minutes six times a day.

       Schedule your study times when you are rested. Don’t try to cram studying into your schedule. Quality over quantity!

       Keep study breaks short. A few minutes every hour is sufficient. Don’t ignore breaks completely, however. Studies show that taking short breaks while you study improves how well you’re able to remember information.

       Practice the actual act of test-taking. Practice marking answers correctly on the answer key and time yourself to see how long it takes you to answer questions.

       To determine the subject areas in which you need to improve: Use the tips and techniques, along with standard study materials (like high school textbooks), to improve your knowledge of each specific subject.

       To familiarize yourself with the types of test questions and the way they’re presented on the test: Getting a good idea of what all the subtests look like will improve your test-taking speed. You won’t have to spend time trying to figure out how a question looks. You can spend your time answering the question.

       Get some sleep. A full night’s rest (at least eight hours) before the test prepares your body and mind to perform at their best during the test. When you get enough sleep, your brain actively organizes information you studied and know so you can remember it more easily during your test. Even better is starting a regular sleep schedule at least two or three nights before the test to be fully rested.

       On the morning of the test, eat a light meal. Anything too heavy will make you drowsy, but not eating enough will make it hard for you to concentrate.Try to avoid eating a breakfast high in carbohydrates and sipping energy drinks. Although the carbs and caffeine will initially make you feel energetic, a couple of hours into the test, you may come crashing down. Select foods high in protein instead.

       Get exercise the day before and even the morning of the test. Doing so gets your blood pumping and helps you remain mentally sharp.

       If you’re sick, upset, or injured, consider