The last week before the exam

The last week before the exam

Use this week to practice weak topics, rehearse your pace, and prepare for test day. Start with questions you missed or answered without confidence. Keep your review focused on those topics instead of trying to reread everything.

Review your weak topics

Reviewing smaller sections is more effective than reading a whole chapter together. Check your understanding with questions after each section.

For each missed question, explain the correct answer aloud. Then explain why your choice was wrong. Return to that topic and practice until you can explain the difference without looking.

Rehearse with a timed test

PSI written exams in California and Texas are closed book. A 15-minute tutorial provides sample questions before the exam timer begins.

Complete a timed practice test using your exam’s time allowance. Put away reference materials and avoid interruptions. Afterward, review mistakes by topic and practice the areas where you struggled.

The night before

Preparation includes enough sleep before test day and clothing that feels comfortable and looks professional.

Finish difficult-topic practice earlier rather than carrying it into bedtime. Set out your clothing and packed items. Use your final review to explain familiar terms, not tackle a large unfamiliar topic.

The morning of

Test-day preparation includes breakfast, a brief review, and arriving early. Aim to arrive calm, alert, and confident.

Check what to bring

Use your state’s candidate materials to check required identification and permitted items. Pack from that list rather than a friend’s experience. Check your route and arrival instructions before leaving.

Work carefully through the questions

Read the question and every answer choice before deciding. Watch words like not, except, and but.

PSI exams in California and Texas show one question per screen. Answers can be revisited and changed.

Practice reading the question’s request aloud before choosing an answer. During your practice review, explain the wording that supports any answer change. Avoid changing a choice just because you feel nervous.

Common questions

How should I review topics I keep getting wrong?

Reviewing smaller sections is more effective than reading a whole chapter together. Check your understanding with questions after each section. For each missed question, explain the correct answer aloud. Then explain why your choice was wrong. Return to that topic and practice until you can explain the difference without looking.

What should I do the night before my written exam?

Preparation includes enough sleep before test day and clothing that feels comfortable and looks professional. Finish difficult-topic practice earlier rather than carrying it into bedtime. Set out your clothing and packed items. Use your final review to explain familiar terms, not tackle a large unfamiliar topic.

What should I do on the morning of my exam?

Test-day preparation includes breakfast, a brief review, and arriving early. Aim to arrive calm, alert, and confident.