How to Prepare for Objective Tests

by Briar Smith, Eastern Area Vice President

In FBLA, there are seemingly endless competitive events that you can participate in. Many people enjoy competing in events that involve presentations and being judged by a panel, but those events are not for everyone. If events involving speaking and presenting in front of people don’t sound like a good fit for you, maybe you’ll like objective tests better. Objective tests involve taking a timed, multiple choice test on one of the many subjects, both in and out of the business world, that FBLA provides. If these tests sound more appealing to you, then you are probably wondering how you should prepare for them. 
The first and probably most important step in competing in objective tests is picking the right topic. There are many topics to choose from and it can definitely feel overwhelming picking one. It is important that you pick a topic that intrigues you and you find interesting. If you don’t find your topic at least somewhat interesting, you are not going to enjoy studying for it. If you are in, or have taken a class on or related to the subject, even better. That way you have a good start to knowing whether or not you will enjoy the subject, and whether or not you think you will find success. 
After you have picked whatever subject is right for you, it is time to start studying. The best way to approach FBLA objective tests is as if they were standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. I’m sure you’re sick of hearing that these tests are marathons and not sprints, but that holds true in objective testing. Study a little bit at a time weeks and even months before your testing date. If you try and study lots just the night before the test, you will rarely find success. There are countless materials available for you to study as long as you know where to find them. There is information on FBLA’s website that gives you an idea of what topics to expect and what to study for on each objective test. With a simple Google search you can also find endless material on these subjects, including vocab and FBLA specific practice tests. Just remember, don’t be overwhelmed by the material. Take it a little bit at a time and absorb as much of the information as possible. 
If you pick your topic and study hard, the test should be the easy part. You have done the hardest part by putting in the hours of study. Be mindful of the clock, but don’t let it get to you. As long as you stay calm. you will recall the information that you have learned, and you will do great! Objective tests can definitely be overwhelming, but if you take it one step at a time it really is simple. Pick a subject that interests you, take your time studying diligently, and when it is time for the test, it’ll be a breeze.

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