Certification Information

Strategies for Answering Multiple Choice Questions

    • Multiple choice questions are made up of three key components:
      1. The stem - states the problem or question to be answered.
      2. Correct answer - one of the four possible choices representing the only correct response or best correct response. 'Best' meaning a panel of HR experts would agree to this judgment.
      3. The distractors - remaining three options and incorrect answers. They may be plausible, but incorrect or not the 'best' possible answer.
    • Read through each question completely and carefully. Avoid jumping to any conclusions about what you think the question is asking. Complete any questions you are sure of first and move on to difficult questions afterwards.
    • Note: Many individuals find it effective to read the stem part of the question and anticipate the correct alternative before actually looking at the choices available. If you generally do better on essay or short answer tests, this strategy may be of significant help to you. Some research shows that one-in-three students fare far better using this strategy alone.
    • For those questions you are having difficulty with, narrow your choices. Eliminate any choices which are obviously incorrect. With the remaining choices, read the stem part of the question with each alternative to get a sense of the correct sound or flow that the correct answer often produces.
    • Underline key words in both the stem part of the question, as well as the answer choices. Multiple choice questions examine not only your ability to recall and reason, but your ability to read carefully and thoughtfully as well.
    • Note superlatives: Words such as "every," "completely," "all," "always," "never," "none" and "only" used in the stem of the question are superlatives indicating the correct answer must be an undisputed fact. If these words are used in the answer choices, it means the answer is being presented as an undisputed fact whether it is in fact true or false.
    • Relative words such as "often," "generally," "usually," "seldom," "may," and "seem" on the other hand, are often more accurate and could indicate a true statement.
    • Closely examine alternatives with choices worded "all of the above" or "none of the above". If even one alternative does not apply totally, do not consider either of those choices as the correct answer. Make sure the alternative applies to the question being asked, since it can be true but not relevant to the question posed.
    • Make special note of negatives contained in the stem of the question. Many individuals have great difficulty with these types of questions. If a negative such as "none," "not," "never" or "neither" occurs in the stem, know that the correct alternative must be a fact or an absolute, and that other alternatives could be true statements but not the correct answer.
    • Be prepared to change your answer if you determine a good reason why your first response was incorrect. But only if you have a good reason.
    • After all is said and done and you still do not know the correct answer - guess! However, make it an educated guess. Do not leave any multiple-choice questions unanswered when there is no penalty for incorrect answers.