Computer tests are becoming more and more common because they can be graded automatically.  Some students freak out when they take computer tests.  Even if you don’t have a problem in doing a test on a computer, you still need to prepare for these tests.

Here are questions you should have answers to before you take a computer test:

• Is the test going to be in a computer lab or on your own computer?
• Is the test timed (e.g. does the test have to be done in specific period of time?)
• When is the test open? When is it closed?
• Can you interrupt your test session? (e.g. can you do the test for a period of time, stop, and return to the test at a later time?)
• Can you have access to notes, books, or calculators during the test?
• Can you revisit a question once you answered it?
• Is the test progressive? Some tests will adjust the questions asked based upon your answers to prior questions.

Once you have an idea of what the test is going to be like, you might want to find some tests like the one you are going to take to practice on.  You especially want to test out your computer and browser.

You should use the same strategies on computer tests as described in other topics in this section.

There are a few special things you should do in taking computer tests.

1. If you taking the test in your own living space, you need to caution roommates and others not to interrupt you.
2. Make sure you hit the submit button at the end of the test.
3. When you are done, scroll through the entire test to make sure every question was answered.

If you struggle with the very nature of online tests, you should get a lot of practice in working though computer tests.  You can find lots of samples online to practice on.  You don’t have to find tests in your subject area.  All you need to do is to get used to working through the nature of computer responses..