Part Two:
Written Examination
Tips for Preparing and Taking the
Written Examination
This presentation will cover questions that we frequently receive from applicants
regarding the written examination.
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The Written Examination
Second
part in examination process
Candidate invited only if passed application
screening
- Application Met minimum
requirements
- Written Exam Pass with a score
of 70% or better.
- Oral Interview Pass with a score
of 70% of better.
The written examination is the second part of the examination process.
Candidates are only invited if they have shown in their application that they have
met the minimum requirements.
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The Written Examination
The written examination may include:
Multiple Choice Test
Writing Proficiency Essay
Performance Task(s)
The type of examination will be stated on the
“Notice of Written Test” that invites you to the
written examination.
The typical written examination may include a multiple choice test, and/or a writing
proficiency essay, and/or performance task(s).
Please note that there may be variations to the type of examination you will take
because the type of examination depends upon the duties and requirements of the
position. This is only a general overview of what may be included in an exam.
However, you will be notified of what type of examination you will take in the letter
that notifies you of the written examination.
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Multiple Choice Test
Select
the right answer from several
possible answers for each question.
Sample Question:
2 + 3 = ____
a)
b)
c)
d)
Correct
2
3
4
5
Answer: d) 5
In a multiple-choice exam, you will have a statement or question and will be asked
to find the best answer from a group of possible answers.
Here is a sample question. The question is 2 plus 3 equals what. You need to find
the answer that best fits the blank space. What is the correct answer?
The answer to the question is 5, which is letter D.
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Multiple Choice Test
On your answer sheet (e.g., Scantron),
find the circle corresponding to answer
choice D.
Fill in the circle completely using a #2 pencil.
a
b
c
d
e
So, go to your answer sheet and completely fill in “D.”
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Writing Proficiency
Write a brief essay to demonstrate your
writing skills.
Read the instructions and prompt carefully.
Write a brief essay responding to the given
prompt.
Answer essay prompt thoroughly in the
space and time allowed.
Use correct spelling, punctuation,
proper grammar, and sentence
structure.
For some positions, we will require you to complete a writing proficiency essay.
At the test site, you will receive a sheet of paper with the essay prompt.
Your essay response should be thorough, concise and answer the topic. You
should always utilize the rules of proper written English.
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Preparing for the Written Exam
Review
the job description!
Exams are based upon:
Job Duties
Job Knowledge
(i.e., food health and safety regulations)
Skills and Abilities
(i.e., mathematical calculations)
We are often asked by applicants how he or she should prepare for the written
exam. We tell them to “Read the Job Description” because the examinations are
based upon the job description. Anything in the job description may be on the
examination.
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Preparing for the Written Exam
Practice taking timed multiple choice
tests
Borrow practice exams from the library
Search for free test preparation materials
on the Internet from reputable sources
Note: We do not endorse any specific practice exam.
Often times we receive comments that applicants have not taken an examination in
awhile.
This is a good time to practice taking a multiple-choice test under timed conditions
because you will not have unlimited time to take the real test. We do not have any
practice exams for candidates. However, you can borrow some general practice
examinations at your local library. There may not be a practice test that exactly
matches the position you applied for.
You can also search for some FREE practice examinations on the Internet. You
should not have to pay for these practice exams. We do not endorse any particular
website that offers practice examinations.
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Preparing for the Written Exam
Know
the location of the exam
Find directions to test site before the day of
the exam.
If needed, visit the location beforehand.
What to bring to the exam:
Picture ID (e.g., driver’s license)
Eyeglasses (if needed)
Calculator (if allowed)
The day before the exam, you should: 1) find out the location of the exam, and 2)
gather the essential items you need to bring.
It’s important that you know where you are going and how to get there. Carefully
read the notice you received in the mail for where the examination will be held.
Give yourself enough travel time to reach your destination. We will not allow
anyone in once the door closes and test instructions begin.
You will need your picture ID. No one will be allowed in without a valid photo
identification.
If needed, bring your reading glasses with you to the testing room.
And bring your calculator only IF it is permitted for the examination.
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Taking the Written Exam
Listen
to proctor’s instructions
Listen carefully to avoid
making costly mistakes.
Budget
your time
Do not spend too much time on one question
Return to the question when you have time
You’ve now arrived and checked-in for the examination. Once the door closes,
instructions will begin.
It’s very important that you listen to the proctor’s instructions.
The proctor may mention important dates and procedures you need to follow for the
written and for the next step in the examination process.
During the examination, you also want to budget your time wisely. If you’re stuck on
one question, you may want to consider skipping it and try answering the other
questions. If you have time before time has been called, return to the question or
questions that you had difficulty with and try to answer them.
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Taking the Written Exam
Read
questions carefully and completely.
Eliminate
obvious wrong answers.
Narrow down your possible correct
answers.
If all else fails, make educated guess.
You should read each question completely and carefully before deciding upon an
answer. You may overlook key words that can help you select the best answer.
In helping you find the best correct answer, you can narrow down your selections by
eliminating the obvious wrong answers. If you can narrow down your selections,
you may be able to reason through why one answer is better than the others.
However, if you cannot at all determine which one is the best, make an educated
guess because questions left blank will be automatically considered incorrect.
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Taking the Written Exam
Mark
your answer properly on the
Scantron sheet.
Use the #2 pencil provided at the test site
Fill in bubble of your answer for the
appropriate question number
Once you’ve selected your answer, immediately mark it on your answer or Scantron
sheet.
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Taking the Written Exam
Check
If time permits, review your answers before
the timer rings.
Do
your work
your own work!
You may be disqualified from
this and all future recruitments
if caught cheating.
If you finish before time has been called, you may review your answers to make
sure that you’ve completely filled-in all the answers or go back to those questions
you skipped earlier in the exam.
Also, you should be concerned only with your own examination materials. Do not
look towards the test materials of your neighbor or anyone else taking the
examination.
Additionally, you should not discuss any of the test questions with others involved or
not involved in the recruitment process. During the written examination you will be
required to read and sign a confidentiality agreement that states you agree not to:
(a) discuss the examination questions, (b) remove any test materials, and (c) give
yourself an unfair advantage over others. As a consequence, you may be
disqualified permanently from this and all other recruitments.
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Taking the Written Exam
Stop when timer rings!
Put pencil down.
DO NOT fill in answers on Scantron or
continue to write.
Failure to stop may result in disqualification.
When the timer goes off and time has been called, you need to stop filling in your
answers on the answer sheet. You should put your pencil down and follow the
proctor’s instructions. If you continue taking the examination, you may be
disqualified from this and all future recruitments.
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After the Written Exam
Notice
of Test Results sent to candidate
Everyone should receive notification of test
results
Contact
the Personnel Commission
Office if you:
have not received a notice by the business
day before the oral panel technical interview
must cancel your appointment
All candidates should receive notification of their test results.
If you have not received your notice by the business day before the oral panel, you
should contact the Personnel Commission office to check on the results of the
written examination.
Please also contact the Personnel Commission office if you cannot make your
appointment time and must cancel.
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Questions??
Please
contact the Personnel
Commission Office
2335 Plaza del Amo,
Torrance, CA 90509
(310) 972-6342
Visit
the District website
www.tusd.org
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Personnel
Commission Office at 2335 Plaza del Amo in Torrance, CA 90509 or call the office
at 310-972-6342.
You can also visit our website at www.tusd.org.
This concludes the presentation for the written examination. Feel free to view the
presentation on the next step of the examination process – the Oral Panel Technical
Interview. You can retrieve that presentation by going to the Personnel
Commission website, then to Publications, then Training, and finally clicking on Step
3: the Oral Panel Technical Interview.
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