50 Test Taking Strategies for Paper and Online Tests

Like it or not, tests are a part of school life. Yep, even for our kids with IEPs and 504s. Whether it’s the weekly spelling test, those dreaded benchmark assessments, or state-mandated standardized testing, it’s going to happen. Schools love data—and testing is their favorite way to get it, whether it tells the whole story or not.

But here’s the thing: test-taking is not some magical skill everyone is born with. It doesn’t come naturally to a lot of kids—especially our those with learning disabilities. Sitting still, managing anxiety, understanding what the question is even asking…those are skills that often need to be taught, modeled, and practiced. And, many schools don’t explicitly teach how to take a test. They’re too busy just giving them.

If you’re feeling frustrated, you’re not alone.

Test Taking Strategies

“Test-taking strategies” are basically all the tips, tricks, and methods kids can use before, during, and after a test to help them do their best. It’s like giving them a little cheat code (without actually cheating, of course). These strategies don’t guarantee an A+, but they do help kids manage their time, stress, and brainpower a whole lot better.

Kids usually start getting their first real taste of tests around kindergarten or first grade—so, around ages 5-7.

At first, it’s usually super simple stuff: like sight word checks, spelling quizzes, or maybe a little math “test” (that’s really just counting objects on a paper). It’s low-pressure… well, supposed to be low-pressure. But even by first grade, you start to see more “formal” assessments, like timed math facts or reading comprehension quizzes.

By second or third grade (ages 7-9), it’s game on. That’s when schools typically introduce standardized testing—you know, those big, boring, bubble-filling endurance contests. They might have names like “MAP,” “iReady,” or “state assessments,” but basically, it’s the beginning of a long, complicated relationship with testing.

(And yes, sometimes kids are asked to “test” even earlier—like in preschool screenings or early intervention evaluations—but those aren’t usually academic tests the way we think of them.)

Not every kid is a good test-taker—and that doesn’t automatically mean they don’t know the material. Some kids might completely freeze up the second they see a test paper. Others might rush through because their anxiety tells them to “get it over with” and then miss silly mistakes. There’s a big difference between not knowing the content and not being able to show what you know under testing conditions.

That’s why it’s so important to look beyond the score. Is your child participating in class? Completing homework correctly? Talking about the topics at home? If so, but their test scores are still tanking, it might be a testing issue—not a knowledge issue. And you know what? The IEP and 504 process is supposed to catch that and put supports in place… but that may not without some serious parental nudging at the IEP meeting.

Test Taking or Knowledge Gap?

Here are some considerations if you’re trying to determine if your child needs help with the content, or their test taking skills.

How to Tell if It’s a Test-Taking Problem vs. a Knowledge Problem

Class participation: Does your child answer questions correctly during class discussions?

Homework and assignments: Are they completing work accurately and on time?

Projects and non-test work: Do they perform well on hands-on activities or projects?

Verbal explanations: Can they explain concepts to you verbally, even if they can’t show it on paper?

Pacing and time issues: Do they run out of time or rush through tests?

Anxiety or stress signs: Do they show visible signs of test anxiety (nervousness, stomachaches, crying)?

Performance inconsistencies: Are test scores much lower than other types of performance?

Careless errors: Are mistakes small and due to rushing or misreading, not misunderstanding?

Following directions: Do they seem confused by the test format more than the actual questions?

Behavior before/after tests: Do they dread test days or seem unusually upset afterward?

Test Taking Accommodations vs Strategies

For IEPs and 504s, it’s very common to just give kids some accommodations for their tests, and call it a day. It is uncommon for a team to volunteer to teach a kid how to take tests, or teach them test-taking strategies. And, that is often what is needed. (If you’re a school staff person and you do this, great! I mean that! I’m glad that your school does this voluntarily. Most do not. You do not need to email me and tell me.)

The two most common test taking accommodations that I see are extra time and redoing a test. In isolation, they’re both garbage. I’ve written about both, so that you have solid arguments against this if you’re pushing for test taking strategies instead. Those links are at the bottom of this article.

Who teaches test taking?

In theory, test-taking strategies should be taught by classroom teachers, especially starting around second or third grade when testing ramps up. Some schools might sprinkle it into reading or math lessons (“read the directions carefully!”) but it’s usually casual, inconsistent, and nowhere near enough for kids who actually need explicit instruction.

If your child has an IEP or 504, test-taking skills can (and should!) be taught as part of executive functioning support, study skills instruction, or even self-advocacy goals.
Sometimes school counselors or reading specialists will do little workshops on test strategies, but again — it’s hit or miss.

If your kid struggles with testing, you might need to specifically request:

• An IEP goal for learning and using test-taking strategies.
• Direct instruction from a special ed teacher.
• Accommodations like extra time, small group testing, breaks, or different formats.

Schools love to say “kids need to build stamina” like it’s some mystical force they absorb by suffering through testing. No. Test-taking is a skill, and skills are taught.

Sample IEP Goal for Test-Taking Strategies

Goal: Given direct instruction and practice opportunities, [Student] will demonstrate use of test-taking strategies (such as previewing questions, eliminating incorrect answers, pacing, and double-checking work) on 4 out of 5 assessments, as measured by teacher observation, student self-monitoring checklists, and work samples, by [date].

Objectives:

• [Student] will identify and explain at least 3 test-taking strategies during a structured lesson with 80% accuracy.
• [Student] will apply test-taking strategies during practice tests with no more than 2 teacher prompts per session.
• [Student] will independently use a self-monitoring checklist during tests in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

This can be adapted based on your child’s age, strengths, and whether they need help with anxiety management too.

Test Taking Strategies

Online Test-Taking Strategies

1. Use the highlight tool (if available): Many platforms have a built-in tool to highlight text. Practice with it before the test so you’re not fumbling during.
2. If the online test is standardized, read the test publisher’s website for protocols. Some allow a moderate amount of assistance, if it’s an IEP or 504 Plan accommodation that the student already uses.
3. Take notes on scratch paper: Just because it’s online doesn’t mean you can’t use offline strategies. Jot down keywords, acronyms, or diagrams by hand to help with memory and focus.
4. Use CTRL+F wisely: Some online tests let you search the text. If it’s open-book or you’re reviewing reading passages, CTRL+F can help you quickly find key terms.
5. Preview before you dive in: Skim the questions first. Know what to look for before you get lost in the text. You’ll read with more purpose.
6. Manage your time with a visible clock or timer: If the platform doesn’t show a countdown, use your own timer to keep track. Online = easier to lose track of time.
7. Keep a calm clicker finger: Don’t click through too fast. Some platforms won’t let you go back once you submit.
8. Use the flag or bookmark feature: If you’re not sure about a question, flag it and move on. Don’t let one tricky item steal your whole time bank.
9. Read the question AND all the answer choices. Twice. This sounds basic, but online platforms can have dropdowns or weird layouts that trick your eye. Make sure you see all the options before choosing.
10. Turn off distractions: Close other tabs. Put your phone in a different room. Disable notifications. Seriously—nothing tanks a test score like a rogue iMessage or TikTok ping.

Test-Taking Strategies for Elementary School Students

1. Listen carefully to directions before starting.
2. Look over the whole test before you begin.
3. Do the easy questions first to build confidence.
4. Use your finger to help you follow along if you lose your place.
5. Circle important words in the question.
6. Take your time — don’t rush!
7. Check your work when you’re done.
8. Ask for help if you don’t understand the directions.
9. Cross off answers you know are wrong.
10. Guess if you don’t know (don’t leave it blank!).
11. Stay calm — take a deep breath if you get stuck.
12. Think about what you learned — you probably know more than you realize!
13. Neatly fill in your bubbles if it’s a multiple-choice test.
14. Underline key words like “always” or “never” in tricky questions.
15. Don’t change your answer unless you are really sure.

Test-Taking Strategies for Middle and High School Students

1. Preview the test and budget your time wisely.
2. Read all directions twice to avoid silly mistakes.
3. Answer the easiest questions first to grab quick points.
4. Use process of elimination to narrow down choices.
5. Watch for “trap words” like “always,” “never,” “only.”
6. Underline or highlight key terms in questions.
7. Manage your time — don’t let one tough question sink you.
8. Double-check your bubbling on Scantron sheets.
9. Use scratch paper to organize your math or essay ideas.
10. Guess smartly — eliminate bad choices before guessing.
11. Stay focused — avoid rushing just because others finish early.
12. Restate tough questions in your own words to understand better.
13. Stay calm and breathe if you feel overwhelmed.
14. Answer every question unless told there’s a penalty for guessing.
15. Review your answers if you finish early — you might catch mistakes.
16. Use every minute — don’t turn it in early unless you’re 100% sure.
17. Eat well and sleep well the night before.
18. Visualize success before and during the test.
19. Stay organized — keep track of skipped questions.
20. Follow instructions exactly — don’t assume!
21. Be careful with “all of the above” or “none of the above” options — double-check them.
22. Mark questions to come back to if unsure.
23. Answer the question asked — not the one you wish they had asked.
24. Use margins for notes if allowed, especially on essay or short-answer tests.
25. Trust your instincts — usually, your first answer is your best one.

Testing is a part of school life whether we like it or not, but it’s not always a true reflection of what our kids know. Understanding the difference between a test-taking issue and a knowledge gap can help you advocate for the right supports and set your child up for success. Remember: it’s not about chasing perfect scores—it’s about giving every kid a fair shot to show what they know.