Getting Ready for the Exam
If you want to work in Illinois as a Private Detective, Private Alarm Contractor, or Private Security Contractor, you need to pass a tough licensing exam.
Here are some tips to help you study and do well on the test.
1. Make a Study Plan
These are challenging tests with low passage rates. If you’re committed to passing the test, you’re going to have to go the extra mile in your study habits.
- Don’t just read it: Reading through the material a few times isn’t enough.
- Set study times: Plan to study for 2-3 hours in the morning and another 2-3 hours in the afternoon.
- Summarize key points: Write down important concepts on paper or note cards. This helps you remember the information better.
2. Stick with Your First Answer
- Trust your first choice: Once you select an answer, don’t change it unless you realize you misunderstood the question or marked the wrong answer by mistake.
- Research backs this up: Studies show people often change correct answers to wrong ones. Unless you know you’re wrong, go with your first instinct.
3. Handle Double Negatives
- Cross them out: If a question has double negatives, cross out both. This simplifies the question.
- For example, “not unacceptable” in this sentence is a double negative:
- “Which of the following is not an unacceptable practice for a licensed private detective?”
- Make it simpler. Change it to the easier to understand “Which of the following is an acceptable practice for a licensed private detective?”
4. Make Lists of Numbers
- Organize important numbers: Write down and organize important numbers from your study material to help remember them.
- For example:
- Insurance amount required: 1,000,000,000
- Temporary authority days: 270
- Hours to execute a search warrant: 96
- [ALSO 96]: square inches for an opening to need a security screen
Additional Resources
These are just a few quick sample tips. For more detailed guidance, visit Edward Williams Consulting at edwardwilliamslaw.com today!
Good luck with your studies and the exam!