If you’ve been asked to take the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (WBST), it’s probably because your potential employer wants to know if you have the basic math and literacy skills necessary to perform well in the job. The test is administered via computer, and you’ll have just 12 minutes to answer 50 questions.
While that may seem like a daunting task, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself and increase your chances of success, even at the last minute. Here are a few tips:
- Familiarize yourself with the test format.
The WBST is a timed test, so it is important to be familiar with the format before taking it. Each question will appear on the screen one at a time, and you will have 14 seconds (approx) to answer each question. There are 50 questions in total, and you will be bound by time, so it is essential to work quickly and efficiently.
- Review The Fractions Concepts.
It may have been a while since you’ve taken a math class, so it is important to review the basics before taking the WBST. A big part of the test will focus on fractions, so brush up on your knowledge of common denominators, mixed numbers, and reducing fractions. You can find plenty of resources online to help you review these concepts.
- Practice With Sample Questions.
Time is important on the WBST, so you’ll have to practice under timed conditions.
There are several resources online that provide sample Wonderlic Basic Skills Test questions. Familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you’ll be asked can help you feel more confident and reduce stress on test day.
In addition, practicing under timed conditions will give you a better sense of how to pace yourself during the actual test.
- Take your time and read each question carefully.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test is rushing through the questions without reading them carefully. Make sure you understand what each question is asking before selecting an answer. If unsure about a question, eliminate any incorrect answers and then make your best guess.
- Stay calm and focus on the task at hand.
It’s normal to feel nervous when taking a standardized test, but staying calm and focused is important. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you can do this. It can also be helpful to visualize yourself succeeding in the test-taking situation.
- Use strategies to answer questions you don’t know.
If you encounter a question you don’t know how to answer, there are a few strategies you can use. First, make an educated guess based on the information you do know. There is no negative marking for wrong answers on the WBST, so it’s better to guess than to leave the question blank.
- Seek professional help if you’re struggling.
While this can be difficult at the last minute if you’re struggling with the material, it may be time to seek professional help. A tutor can work with you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your studying on the areas where you need the most improvement. Test prep services can also give you access to practice tests and other resources to help you do your best on test day.
- Get plenty of rest the night before.
It may seem obvious, but getting a good night’s sleep before taking any standardized test is important. You’ll likely think more clearly and have more energy if you’re well-rested.
- Arrive early on test day.
If possible, try to arrive at the testing center a few minutes early so you can settle in and relax before starting the test. Allowing yourself time to adjust to your surroundings can help you feel more comfortable and focused when it’s time to start working on the questions.
Once you’ve finished the test and submitted your answers, relax and not dwell on the results. Remember that this is just one factor in the hiring process, and it’s not necessarily a reflection of your intelligence or worth as a person. If you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped, use it as motivation to study harder and do better next time.