The first thing I do is get a copy of the most recent edition of the ASE Guidebook. This will help tremendously with your preparation because it is the latest edition and covers all of the areas you will likely be testing on. This book can also be found in most book stores and is available from Amazon for around twenty dollars.
The next thing I do is review all of the material that I have read on the internet about the topics that I will be studying. There are tons of great websites that will give you tons of information. One thing that is very important is that you need to make sure that you know how to interpret the test questions, because incorrect use can cost you the examination.
Next, you should review all of the books and materials you have gotten from your home mechanic’s school. You want to know exactly what went wrong on your last try and what you need to improve on. I have found that if you just read the textbook or the notes from class, you are not as likely to fail the examination. Most of the time, you will forget some of the information you learned in class and it will show when you take the actual examination.
Lastly, you should spend a couple hours shadowing a mechanic. You can find mechanics in your area by doing a simple search online and calling each one. Just ask them what questions they get asked and what they do to get their next job. If you are taking the mechanics exam for the first time, this will help you immensely. It is a great confidence builder, especially if you already have a mechanic’s license.
Make sure that you have a good night sleep before you take the examination. If you are fatigued, then you will have a hard time focusing and answering the questions. If you cannot sleep for more than a couple of hours before the examination, then you should consider taking a sleeping tablet. This will help you rest comfortably, so that you can focus properly when you take the examination. Also, make sure that you eat a good breakfast before the examination.
Make sure that you do not get up before you plan on it. If you wait until the last minute, you will most likely end up sleeping, which will affect your ability to concentrate and learn the information on the exam. I have learned that taking a nap during the examination will help me get over the nerves. Another great tip is to drink plenty of water before the examination. Water will keep your body cool and will also make you feel better.
When you take your mechanics exam, make sure that you write it down in a book. This is a huge help for remembering the information that you have learned during the test. Also, before the test, write down any questions that you may have. This will make your study much easier. Remember to practice, and these tips will definitely help you succeed on your mechanics exam.