Helpful Tips for Taking Exams

What is a T&E

A Training and Experience Examination (T&E) is a way to measure the previous experience, training, and/or education a candidate has relevant to the job for which the exam is being conducted.

T&Es are typically questionnaires consisting of a series of statements that represent qualities important for successful job performance. You will be asked to rate yourself on the experience, training, and education you will bring to the job. In some cases you will also be asked to provide a brief narrative example for each statement and a professional reference who can best verify the responses provided.

In State Fund T&E exams, any statement missing a professional reference, level of proficiency rating, level of experience rating, or a brief narrative example will not be scored.

How do I rate myself?

Making judgments about your own skill level or amount of experience can be a difficult task, but there are steps you can take to help increase the accuracy of your ratings.

• To start, pull together some important personal reference materials. You'll most likely be asked to rate yourself based on your previous work experience. It can be difficult to accurately recall in detail the accomplishments you’ve achieved in your career, so take a moment to refresh your memory.
• Review your resume and make updates if needed. Look over previous positions and tasks performed while in those positions.
• Review past performance appraisals. These may contain development plans or details of projects you’ve completed in the past.
• Look over your transcripts. You may be asked about specific courses you took while pursuing your education, so refresh your memory.
• Make a list of training courses and professional classes that you’ve taken throughout your career. Note any certifications you’ve achieved. Sometimes you may not have the previous work experience but you may have taken coursework that exposed you to similar knowledge or skills.
• Read the questions and response options carefully. Consider your relevant training and experience.

How do I choose which rating best represents me?

After you’ve reviewed your personal reference materials you should be in a good position to rate yourself accurately.

• Be honest. Don't diminish your accomplishments or the amount of time you’ve put into your career. As you rate yourself, keep your personal resources next to you and refer to them as needed to refresh your memory.
• Be truthful. Don't exaggerate what you’ve done. While it's common to want to present yourself to the best advantage, T&Es are of most use when your ratings are accurate. Rating yourself higher in certain experiences or indicating that you have more training than you really do won’t necessarily result in a higher score. Often candidates' responses on the T&E questionnaire are confirmed during the hiring interview. Blatantly falsifying your employment history may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from the employment list.