4.5. Test-Taking Tips

The following tips are offered by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) as suggestions for taking the Written Qualifying Exam (WQE):

• Be familiar with the exam format so that you will know the type of questions that will appear on the test and how to answer them. Before taking the exam, make sure that you have taken the WQE Tutorial.

• When starting the testing session, read the tutorial slowly and carefully. This portion of the test is not timed. If you do not understand the tutorial, ask the proctor to assist you.

• When you begin your test, note how many items will appear in each section so that you will know how to pace yourself and budget your time efficiently.

• If you get stuck on an item, move on to another item in that section, especially when time is a factor. Come back to the skipped questions later, if you have time.

• Read each question carefully and briefly contemplate the answer. Then, read all of the answer choices provided. Discard answer choices you know are not correct before selecting the best answer.

• Since there is no penalty for guessing the answer to a question you don’t know, take an educated guess and select the best answer of the choices given.

• You will do your best work on the exam if you stay focused and calm. If you start to feel anxious, take a moment to relax before resuming work on the test. Research shows that test anxiety is normal.

• If you have time left after you have finished each section, you may wish to go back and make sure that you have answered all of the questions. Research shows that re-evaluating answers you were unsure about and changing your response may be in your best interest.

References:

• Coffey, Jean S., et al. “Changing Test Answers: A Scoping Review.” Nurse Education Today, vol. 133, 2024, pp. 106052–106052, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2023.106052.
• Smith, L. The Effects of Confidence and Perception of Test- Taking Skills on Performance. North American Journal of Psychology: 2002, 4.1, pp. 37-51.
• Zbornik, J. Strategies, Structure Can Improve Test Scores. What Works in Teaching & Learning: Apr 2006, 36.4, p. 9.