Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Acing Your Next Online Exam

TL;DR: Prepping for online exams doesn’t have to be stressful. Nail down the test format, set up a solid study plan, work through mock exams to build confidence, and be sure to stay on top of your time and technology so that you’re ready to go on test day. Looking to level up your prep for your next online exam? Try StraighterLine for free to get started. 

Preparing for online exams can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can turn that anxiety into confidence. Whether you’re juggling multiple classes, working part-time, or just trying to balance life, you can follow this guide to ace your online exams. Let’s dive into how you can crush your next online test with a solid plan, a bit of tech know-how, and a positive mindset. 

Know the Format, Own the Online Exam

First things first: before studying, familiarize yourself with the exam format. Is it open book or multiple choice? Will there be essay questions or timed sections? Understanding the exam format is your first step to success. You’ll also want to read up on any rules, time limits, or special instructions. For example, whether you’ll need to use a LockDown Browser or another form of test monitoring software. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and avoid any surprises come test time. 

Set Goals, Stay Focused: Developing Your Study Plan 

Now that you know what’s to come, it’s time to map out a study plan. Break down your preparation into manageable chunks by setting a study schedule with specific goals for each session. It’ll also help to identify the important topics to review and prioritize. Creating a study plan timeline keeps you organized, and ensures you cover all the material without having to cram the night before. 

Something else you can do to make your study sessions more effective is create summary sheets or study materials for quick review. These notes will become your best friend during those final days of preparation. 

Practice Makes Perfect: The Art of Mastering the Mock Exam 

One of the best ways to prepare is by taking mock tests or practice exams. These will help you get used to the test structure and give you a real feel for the online assessment tools you’ll be using. By simulating the exam environment, you can practice time management and develop a strategy for question skipping and reviewing questions. 

After each practice test, take time to go over your results. Focus on areas where you struggled, and revisit those key concepts so you can work on improving at them. Before you know it, you’ll boost your confidence in these topic areas, and sharpen your overall test-taking skills. 

Tech Check: Get Your Devices Exam-Ready

Nothing’s worse than having your computer crash in the middle of an exam. That’s why a computer check is essential before test day. Make sure your equipment is up to date, your Wi-Fi is stable, and all necessary security software is installed. Have a backup plan for technical problems — like knowing how to take a screenshot if you encounter an error message or being ready to contact your instructor if something goes wrong. 

Master the Clock: Online Exam Time Management

Effective time management is a game-changer when it comes to online exams. Set time alerts to keep track of how long you’re spending on each section, and don’t be afraid to skip questions that stump you and return to them later. You’ll also save valuable time if you’re able to logically eliminate wrong answers quickly and work through the remaining choices. And, of course, you should always review your answers before submitting. 

Remember, the submission process is just as important as the exam itself. Double-check that all your responses are saved and that you’ve followed any final instructions or rules. 

Eliminate Distractions and Focus Like a Boss 

Maintaining focus during an online exam can be tough, especially when life is full of distractions. Set yourself up in a distraction-free environment — a quiet space where you can concentrate without interruptions. Close out all unnecessary tabs, turn off notifications, and let others know you’re not to be disturbed. 

Concentration is key, along with staying calm. Take deep breaths, pace yourself, and keep your eye on the prize. Remember, you’ve prepared for this and you’ve got this!

Use Your Resources 

Take advantage of online resource centers, tutorials, and forums to deepen your understanding of the course material. These resources can offer fresh insights and help clarify tricky concepts. Additionally, familiarize yourself with any online testing strategies and testing specific to your exam — these could provide the edge you need to ace the test. 

Conquer the Chaos: Strategies for Exam Day Challenges

Challenges can arise, even with the best preparation. If you encounter technical issues during the exam, don’t panic. Quickly assess the situation, take a screenshot for evidence, and contact your instructor if needed. Keep calm and stay focused — most problems can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting. 

Managing stress is another common challenge. Practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or quick meditations to keep your nerves in check. Remember, it’s just a test, and you’re more than capable of handling it. 

Best Practices for Navigating Online Exam Guidelines  

An important part of succeeding in your online exams is following any guidelines outlined for test taking. Start by getting to know the specific requirements for your test — like what software and equipment you’ll need. You’ll also want to keep on top of the latest trends in the world of online exams — think cool new tools and tech, such as new proctoring software or browser management tools. This will keep you ahead of the curve and set you up for success in the long run. 

Finish Strong: Preparing for Your Final 

As exam day approaches, use your summary sheets for a quick refresh on all the key concepts. During the test, stay sharp and avoid rushing through. Use your remaining time to review before submission— a few extra minutes could make all the difference in catching small mistakes. 

Finally, go into the online exam with confidence. You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to show what you’ve got. With a solid strategy, a calm mindset, and the right preparation, you’re ready to excel in your online exam. 

Prep Smarter, Not Harder: Use StraighterLine’s Free Trial 

Ready to put these tips and strategies into action? 

Try StraighterLine for free to get a feel for how you can get the most out of online learning. You’ll have access to online study resources, as well as the opportunity to preview some of our most popular courses to get a feel for how the lessons are laid out, and how the online quizzes are formatted.