In this section, we would like to present you with a few tips and tricks that may come in handy on the day of the test, while you’re solving it, and even the moments just after! I’ve divided them into tips for just before the exam, during the exam, and after the exam. I encourage you to read these tips and tricks.
Before the exam
The following are some things to keep in mind before the exam:
- If you’ve opted for an online exam at home, check and prepare your computer in advance. Remember that Salesforce requires the installation of a dedicated application, and you must have a functional webcam. You should check all of this in advance.
- If you’re taking the exam at an exam center, arrive early. Keep in mind that the process of verifying your data (i.e., checking if it’s really you) takes a bit of time.
- Leave your gadgets in the locker at the exam center. Personal items, as well as your phone or watch, won’t be needed during the exam, so leave them in the locker. You’ll lock it up yourself and you’ll be given a key. If you’re unsure about their safety, simply don’t bring valuable items with you. However, remember that you must bring two photo identification documents and your exam registration code (you’ll receive this via email).
During the exam
Keep the following in mind during the exam:
- Mark questions you’re unsure about. The exam tool allows you to mark such questions and return to them at the end of the exam. I often use this solution and review my answers at the end. Have I ever changed a previously marked answer? Definitely yes!
- Watch out for tricky questions and look for keywords. There aren’t that many very tricky questions, but sometimes the devil is in the details, and one word or phrase used in both the question and the possible answers can determine the correct response.
- If you don’t know something, skip the question until later. Don’t spend too much time on one question; remember that you have a limited amount of time.
- Try not to stress about it if, for example, a few questions in a row were difficult for you. I’ve encountered such situations at least twice. Firstly, it may turn out that the remaining questions will be easy for you, and secondly, you don’t need to have 100% correct answers. Remember that you don’t have to be perfect to pass the exam; it’s enough to correctly answer 65% of the questions.
- Try to remember the topics of the questions that were difficult for you. Of course, I hope that you will pass the exam on the first attempt, but if not, you’ll be able to return to this book and the Trailheads and practice the topics even harder that caused you trouble.
- Keep track of the number of questions you’re sure you’ve answered correctly. You can have a piece of paper and a pen during the exam. They’ll be waiting for you at the exam center. I’ve encountered this strategy in one of the Salesforce groups online. I’ve never used it myself because I think it wastes valuable time, but some people may like this method because if the number of correct answers keeps increasing, it may calm you down and convince you that you’ll ultimately pass the exam. The problem arises when the number of correct answers doesn’t increase, which may stress you out even more and affect your concentration when answering the next questions.