Last-Minute Preparations

Once you've finished working through this book, set aside some time to do a thorough review before the exam. You might want to return to the book several times and make use of all the methods it offers for reviewing the material:

1. Re-read all the Two-Minute Drills or have someone quiz you.

2. Re-read all the Inside the Exam sections or have someone quiz you. You can also use the drills and Inside the Exam sections as a way to do a quick prep before the exam. You might want to make some flash cards out of 3 × 5 index cards that have the Two-Minute Drill and Inside the Exam material on them.

3. Re-read all the Exam Watch and On the Job notes. Remember that these notes emphasize the important points from the exam viewpoint.

4. Review all the S&S sections for quick problem solving.

5. Re-take the Self Tests. Taking the tests right after you've read the chapter is a good idea, because the questions help reinforce what you've just learned. However, it's an even better idea to go back later and do all the questions in the book in one sitting. Pretend that you're taking the live exam. When you go through the questions the first time, you should mark your answers on a separate piece of paper. That way, you can run through the questions as many times as you need until you feel comfortable with the material.

6. Complete the exercises. Did you do the exercises when you read through each chapter? If not, do them now! These exercises are designed to cover exam topics, and there's no better way to get to know this material than by practicing. Be sure you understand why you are performing each step in each exercise. If there is something you are not clear on, re-read that section in the chapter.