A Guide to Computer Based CAT

[Sapna]

Useful Tips and Techniques during the Test

Candidates are advised to go through the 15-minute tutorial prior to the start of the test which will demonstrate the following:
 Using a mouse
 Navigating around the screen – section and question number, on-screen timer, Next, Previous, Mark and Review buttons
 Attempting questions – how to select, change or de-select your response, or mark it for review
 Reviewing questions – how to see which questions have been completed, unanswered or marked, and moving to a specific question or reviewing all marked or incomplete questions
 Highlighting text – how to select and highlight any text within a passage for easy reference
 You will notice that the question number appears at the top centre of the screen

Highlighting text

If a question requires candidates to read a passage in order to answer questions related to it, there is a feature that allows you to highlight any text you may wish to refer to. To do this, use your mouse to point to the first letter of text you wish to highlight, then click and hold the left mouse button. While continuing to hold the left mouse button, drag the mouse to the right, highlighting letters as you go. Once the desired text is fully highlighted, stop moving your mouse and release the left mouse button. Please note that any highlighted text will not be retained once you move to another screen. There will be an opportunity during the tutorial to try out this highlighting feature.

Marking questions for review

If you are unable to answer a particular question or unsure if your response is correct, you may ‘mark’ it and return to review it after you have gone through the rest of the questions. Simply click on the ‘Mark’ button on the bottom of the screen. Once clicked, the button changes to red so you know that it has been marked successfully. To unmark it, click the red ‘Marked’ button.

Time management

The on-screen timer is found on the top right corner of every screen. This counts down from 2 hours and 15 minutes so what you see is the time remaining for you to complete the test. For example, 01:35:48 means the time remaining is 1 hour, 35 minutes and 48 seconds. Do check this timer regularly and allocate your time carefully to ensure you have sufficient time to attempt all the questions. The question number may be found on the top left corner of the screen.
Final checks

Allow some time to do final checks before ending the test.