Many people experience nerves or some anxiousness ahead of different forms of tests or exams, and those preparing for a contractor license exam are often no exception. There’s nothing wrong with being a bit nervous before an important date like a contractor license exam, and there are also some basic strategies you can take to calm your nerves and perform optimally.
At Contractors School, we’re proud to assist contractors around Utah with obtaining their contractor license, from pre-license courses and continuing education programs to DOPL applications and more. Here are some of the most effective ways to manage and control your nerves ahead of an important contractor license exam day.
The Value of Classes
While some of the primary value of pre-license courses like those we offer at Contractors School is to provide basic knowledge and expertise, these classes also give applicants the opportunity to become familiar with and practice the format of the contractor license exam. Knowing what the test will look like ahead of time gives a contractor’s license applicant an advantage, since they can more easily determine where their weaknesses are in terms of knowledge or confidence, and then take steps to address them prior to taking the actual exam.
Furthermore, this kind of practice and repetition is often helpful with soothing nerves, as the applicant develops a greater familiarity with the format and structure of the contractor license exam.
Know What to Expect
Even beyond the individual tenets of the exam itself, there are some other elements you can take the time to prepare yourself for. Knowing the format of the exam room, what types of questions you’re likely to receive and even where to park can be a major help in calming nerves ahead of taking the contractor license exam.
Once again, pre-license courses can be a helpful resource in this regard, as they can provide details on what to expect from the test and even guidance on how best to approach it.
Consider Optimal Test-Taking Strategies
When it comes to the actual completion of the contractor license exam, there are several strategies you can employ to maximize your performance and reduce nervousness. For instance, it often helps to read questions carefully before looking for answers, as this provides an important opportunity to make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking.
Furthermore, consider breaking down each question into two parts: firstly, identifying any key words in the question that can help you to focus your answer, and secondly, reading all of the pre-defined answers to determine which best matches with your understanding of the given problem.
You might be surprised at how much your nerves will be calmed if you simply enter the test with a firm plan for tackling the questions and a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.
Talk to Someone About Your Anxieties
Whether it’s a friend, a family member or even a contractor license instructor, talking to someone about your anxieties can be an incredibly effective way of calming yourself ahead of taking the exam. It’s also often helpful to share exam-related questions and thoughts with those who have already taken the test, as these experienced individuals can provide valuable advice on how best to prepare for any given section.
In many cases, you might realize that certain fears you have are unfounded – say, that the contractor license exam is too difficult – while other concerns may require more focused preparation, such as understanding particular areas of the law. In either case, talking openly with someone about your anxieties can help to ensure that you’re as prepared and composed as possible ahead of taking your contractor license exam.
Be Positive
We know this may sound cliche to some, but confidence is essential when dealing with nerves ahead of taking any kind of exam, and the contractor license test is no exception. Confidence should not be mistaken for arrogance, however – rather, it’s about believing in yourself and your ability to pass.
No matter how much preparation you’ve done or which pre-license courses you’ve taken, a positive attitude can be the difference between success and failure. Furthermore, optimism can have a tangible effect on calming your nerves before taking the contractor license exam.
At Contractors School, we understand that many of those preparing for their contractor license exams are likely to experience some level of nervousness or anxiousness ahead of test day. That’s why we offer pre-license courses and continuing education programs to give Utah licensure applicants the confidence they need to succeed, and to help them manage their nerves ahead of taking the exam.
If you have any further questions about how best to prepare for your contractor license exam, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
