Reddit mentions: The best professional & career test guides

I wasn't intending for this to turn into a giant wall of text, but it kind of got away from me. So... sorry.

I'm starting a SPED credential program in a few weeks, so this process is fairly fresh in my mind. This is all assuming you don't have a credential from another state (I think the process is a bit different). Your BA doesn't really matter (mine's in history) it's just important that you have one. Each university has different requirements, but one thing they ALL have in common is that you will need to take and pass the CBEST and the CSET.

The CBEST is pretty easy, as I'm sure you've learned from your practice test.


The CSET is a different story and definitely requires studying. There is no SPED CSET, so it's recommended that you take the multi-subject, which is actually 3 separate tests (or 4 if you decide to add on the writing test, but it is not necessary). I used the Princeton Review guidebook and passed each one the first try, but I've heard of a lot of people who needed to take it 3 or more times to pass.


You will also probably also be required to get your Certificate of Clearance from the CTC. I think some programs let you do this after you've been admitted, but I'm not sure.

Most universities make it pretty easy to add on your Masters to your credential. AFIK it's not a requirement to get hired in most districts, but it certainly won't hurt you. It also adds a pretty significant pay bump over time. There's a lot of good reasons to get it, and it's pretty easy to add on, so why not?


The rest is really just finding a program that suits you. Some programs allow you to get your credential in 4 quarters, some take 2 years. You could do it all online, aside from your student teaching. A lot of programs will let you do a teaching internship in lieu of student teaching, which allows you to work as a teacher while getting your credential. Keep in mind though that finding an internship position can be hard. My district usually has 1-2 a year and gets flooded with applications.

As for working as a para, I highly recommend it. Again, I can only talk about my district, since that's what I know, but the very few para jobs they have are usually only open to union members. They also frequently hire subs for the year instead of opening up a new position. I've been a sub for the last 3 years and haven't had much trouble finding work. I usually manage to get a long term position for at least half the year (I believe as a substitute teacher you can only be in one classroom for 30 days, or 20 days in a sped class).


As a sub (either para or teacher) you get to work in all kinds of different classrooms and with different age groups, which, if you don't know it already, might help you narrow down which age group you want to work. Working as a substitute para could also help you figure out which type of special ed credential you want to get, if you don't already know. You work in all kinds of different classrooms, and you'll find the kinds of classrooms you like (I was terrified to work BI and I ended up loving it... but middle school+ mod/severe is not a setting I enjoy).

I think it's a great way to get a feel for what your day-to-day in a classroom will be. Depending on the position, you may be dealing with parents to some degree (like, if you end up as a 1:1), and you'll work closely with the teacher so you'll get at least a small understanding of the amount of work that she has to do.

TL;DR: Take the CBEST, the CSET, and get your CTC thing. Find out the rest from the university. And definitely work as an aide, or a sub!

Hi! You were me a year and a half ago. I took all of these tests.

There are practice tests available on the [OAE website] (http://www.oh.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/GENRB_OAEPractice.html). Unfortunately, they are $30 each, but the Foundations of Reading one is free. There are also some sample multiple choice questions (ten) for each test, as well as sample extended response questions. Just select the test you are taking from the list and it will show you that info.

For 001 and 012, I felt pretty confident so I didn't purchase the practice assessments. I just quizzed myself using the sample questions. I got a 250 on both of those (need 220 to pass...not sure what the maximum is?)

I didn't feel as confident for the 090, so I bought the practice assessment. I found it pretty helpful. There are also books called OAE Secrets Study Guides for each assessment. Bless these things. I was able to check out the Foundations of Reading one from my local library so I didn't have to spend $$$. It has a whole bunch of information on what you need to know, as well as a practice assessment with answers and explanations. I actually still have the word document I typed up summarizing the "what you need to know" aspect of that book. If you want it, PM me and I will send it to you. It is definitely overkill (it's 23 pages long, you definitely don't need to memorize it all), I just typed out the main ideas as a way to study. I got a 268 on that test.

I hope this helps!

It really depends on the district. Yes, some schools in Texas will just want you to get certified, you can really have any degree. Some schools will want specific majors.

I'm looking to apply to schools for fall because I'm graduating in May. And a lot of them make you promise to get your masters in 6 years. It depends on the principle and district policy.

My advice if you want to really be marketable is to get certified in art! There are books available to study but honestly if you've taken studio art classes most of the questions shouldn't be too difficult I'd brush up on classroom management and logistic material. This is the book I used for the Texas certification.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1610728947/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qP-zybNE8R9ZF

ALSO. GET ESL CERTIFIED. most districts require it here in Texas!! There's a test just like for art!! It wasn't required to be taken for my major but I wish it was because it's super important if you want to get hired. So I'm studying and going to take it!

Best of luck!!

Hopefully you are still checking your throwaway account. I talked with an officer at work and got some extra information that will hopefully answer your additional questions and provide better/clearer guidance on becoming a Naval officer.

The difference between Unrestricted and Restricted Line Officers is simply the community you join. Surface, Subsurface, Aviation, and Spec. War. are all Unrestricted, meaning you can command a vessel, squadron, or fleet. Communities such as Intelligence are Restricted. As a restricted officer, you can still become a Commanding Officer one day, but you wouldn't be in command of a vessel.

When you go to the recruiter, you typically get to list three choices for the designators you wish to go for. When deciding your eligibility, they will evaluate your test scores (Battery test) as well as your degree and previous work experience. If you are attempting to get a designator that you have no previous experience in, you should study prior to taking the battery tests. My officer friend recommended getting (a) guide book(s) from Amazon (example: Barron's Military Flight Aptitude Tests).

If you don't do well enough to get what you want, you can always come back in a month and retake the battery tests or you can make changes to which designators you wish to apply for.

I hope this helps answer a lot of your questions. If you have any more, you can reply again or PM me.

Good luck! :)

So, for Naval Aviation (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) you'd be studying for the ASTB. You can use resources here and here to study; my scores jumped by a fair amount after doing some smart studying.


The Marine PFT is pretty straight forward, but most people have to spend 3-6 months getting in good running and pull-up shape. You can google Armstrong Pull-up program and C25K running programs to get you started. Then, get in contact with an OSO or Navy Officer Recruiter once you've gotten in better shape.


An FAA 1st Class Medical is a pretty good indication you'd pass the NAMI physical.


edited to say; I've heard tanker life is actually pretty sweet. There's a reason KC-130Js are the platform that a lot of Marines put #1 but don't get...

Talk to your recruiter as soon as possible if you want to get going sooner, I dep'd in February this year and I won't be shipping until October 22nd. On average you'll be waiting around 6 months.

Also, get the ASVAB study guide book by Barron's. I didn't do anything extra aside from reading that study guide cover to cover and I scored a 96. If you don't think you need it, you probably do need it. I feel as though if I hadn't studied that book I would have missed so much on the ASVAB. I'm really book-smart, so the math, english, and science parts all came easy to me naturally. I pulled out that book and learned everything from electron flow theory to Automotive engineering. Trust me. Best $20 I have ever spent!

Have a general idea of what you would like to be in the navy, and do some studying on all the rates in general so you know what rate you'll be signing up for when you get to MEPS.

The physical qualifications are something that can wait until you are in the DEP pool. You'll have plenty of time to get to those physical standards before you even LEAVE for RTC. 1.5 miles may seem daunting, but just get out there and do it everyday. Even if you can't finish it without stopping, take note of where you are dying out and try to run longer next time. You'll watch yourself improve and you will feel mentally accomplished as well as physically.

Good luck to you!

TL;DR at the end.

According to the study book I used here, the math section plays a heavy role in the calculation of a lot of your ASTB scores, especially the OAR sections. So definitely work that area heavily for your retake.

When I took the test, I did some light study about two weeks in advance of my date and scored 68 8/7/8. Honestly, I think going into the test environment calm and well-rested is as crucial as being well-versed in the material, which can be pretty broad. I took my exam at 1000, late November of 2018.

For the kind of math you get on this test, drilling-and-killing is the order of the day once you understand the nature of the problem. For any questions you don’t fundamentally understand, spend a bit of time during your practice sessions deconstructing a problem or two so you can really probe it and figure it out.

For example, the colored ball problem you listed is a combinatorial probability problem where we have choice without replacement. You’re basically counting how many things you have and comparing that to your item of interest. Differentiating between choice with and without replacement is crucial to probability problems like that one.

As for reading, I agree: all the Navy excerpts caught me off-guard as I had assumed I’d have a bunch of random SAT-style passages. I felt this area dicked my OAR score a bit because of my poor assumption.

I got lucky with mechanical and naval/aviation history in that they didn’t ask any obscure questions, except for one question about super conducting in the Mech section, lol.

I’d never touched a flight simulator or program in my life before the ASTB, so I feel like I just grabbed my ankles and hoped for the best on that section; very chaotic. I have no idea how much simulator software helps in preparation.

TL;DR Focus on math, then reading, and go into the test environment calm, fed, and well-rested. Khan Academy is your friend! You’ve got this!

If you worked hard on your homework and paid attention in class and have a thorough understanding of the basics across the different subdisciplines of EE (power, microelectronics, and communications), then the FE is really easy. If you are an A-B student then it shouldn’t be a problem for you at all. You can buy practice tests on amazon. This is the exact practice test I took before taking the official test and it has pretty much everything that you can expect to see on the official test.

My advice, is to take the practice test as though you were taking the actual test (setting aside time to focus only on it in a quiet room), then use your results to see what you need to improve. Also become familiar with the FE reference handbook. They will give you a pdf version of the handbook to search through during the test, so familiarizing yourself with it will be beneficial.

I would recommend taking it now while you are fresh in college. $175 isn’t that much in the grand scheme of things, especially since it could potentially open up more opportunities (especially if you get your PE down the road).

I don't know of any websites, but you could always try to get a different study guide. Amazon, Half-price books, Barnes and Noble, etc.

This is the one I used, granted it was back in 2014:

https://www.amazon.com/AFOQT-Study-Guide-Practice-Questions/dp/1941743420/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1480433035&sr=8-6&keywords=afoqt

It does a pretty good job of covering each section and has a couple practice tests as well.

Good for you! I work in IT/AT for a program that teaches teachers to work with students with special needs, so I know that being a teacher nowadays is a tough job & I commend you for going into the field of (special?)education.

That being said, do you still need THIS? If so, I would love to gift it to you in congratulations of your progress thus far.

http://www.amazon.com/CliffsTestPrep-Praxis-Education-Exceptional-Cliffsnotes/dp/0470238445/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1321540399&sr=8-15

I am already certified to teach English in my state, but I would like to study for (and pass) a few more certification exams. That will not only make me more desirable to hiring districts/principals, but it will also let me be a better teacher for the kids in my classroom.

Thanks for considering me!

I know it's a little... something, but Series 7 For Dummies actually does a really good job of covering the basics of what is traded and how.

I say this as an amateur economics nerd who just likes learning for the sake of it, you may well get better advice from the pros/students on here.

I saw another comment that you wanted to know how the trading floors were set up... that is really dependent on the firms. So long as you have a basic understanding of what the various desks do you should be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1506203159/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the book I used and it was soooo beneficial to me. It covers each section you will find on the ASVAB in terms that are easy to understand. There are flashcards for each section that are great for on the go. I would cycle through them at work, in a boring lecture, or whenever I had free time.

Before I had this book I took a practice test online and scored very similar to you. After studying for about a month (admittedly, I was half assed about studying) I took the Picat and scored an 88/99. I qualify for any job I want and I am very happy about this.

You can do it! Make up your mind to do it and you will be successful. There are always going be stressful times where you want to give up, especially in boot camp. You just have to find a way to separate those negative thoughts, and get through it.

ive been in for about a half a year now and the most important thing i can tell you is study well on what rate you want and in taking the asvab study for the parts that are relevant in your possibility in qualifying for that rate. I pretty much knew i wanted to be an engineer after studying rates for a while and in studying for the test i paid the most attention to the mechanical portions of my study guides. As far as getting in shape for bootcamp all i did was run a mile and a half at least every other day, if you play any sports and hydrate before youll be fine. BOOTCAMP IS MENTAL in saying that i had alot of fun while there. MY study guide was asvab for dummies, i got a 70 (not bad considering i clicked away after about an hour) u need over a 50 for a decent job 90+ for nukes i believe but the portions do matter
http://www.amazon.com/ASVAB-For-Dummies-Rod-Powers/dp/0470637609
btw im a machinist mate
good luck

As I stated before I didn't really. There's not much you can do to prepare aside from just learning how the test is built and such. I used [this] (The Official DLAB Training Manual: Study Guide and Practice Test: The Best Tips and Tricks to Raising Your DLAB Score https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HUC6RT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0ElDyb1VGMMM4) one but I honestly can't say how much it helped or not. As for would I choose my job, 100% have the best job in the Air Force. You leave Monterey with an Associates practically, extremely marketable in the civilian sector and show me another way that you'll be paid to learn a foreign language.

You will need to take the ASTB-E... I recommend checking out Airwarriors. They have a whole forum dedicated to ASTB-E information, study guides, and questions.

Your GPA is low compared to the average. However that means you have to get a high ASTB-E score to improve your chances. Try to raise your GPA to a 3.0-3.1 and you will become more competitive. I encourage you to start reaching out to an Officer recruiter.

Sure you are below average in terms of GPA, but it sounds like you can still be a competitive applicant. Start studying now for your ASTB-E. You should only take the test 1 time...

https://www.amazon.com/ASTB-E-Secrets-Study-Guide-Selection/dp/1516700457/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486530088&sr=8-1&keywords=astb+e#customerReviews

I took the test last year. There isn't much out there on it. I did buy this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Praxis-Business-Education-Knowledge-Assessments/dp/1627331530/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420764138&sr=8-1&keywords=praxis+business
To be honest, it is kind of shittily written, but it was good enough. Helps you brush up on things like accounting practice and business law, at least. I passed with a 193/200, and I basically know jack about business. I only took the test because that accreditation is linked to teaching computer courses in a lot of states.

I took the WEST-B back in either 2012 or 2013... I can't remember exactly.

I studied a little, but I thought it was relatively easy. I finished with plenty of time left and did quite well.

I think I used this book to study with.

I also took the WEST-E in Social Studies, History and English without studying. If you know your subjects, take your time, read the questions/answer multiple times and use strategies like eliminating two answers before guessing, you'll do alright.

1. Treat it like a job. Do 9am-5pm at your desk, every week day, working productively. No facebook, no newspaper. No extra long lunches. Do not work late nights/weekends unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.
   
   
2. Keep yourself accountable for progress. Each week send an email to your supervisor, "this is what I did, this is what I plan to do". Before you send your email, check against last week to see how you did.
   
   
3. This is a good book. It's UK centric which seems like it will help you: https://www.amazon.com/How-get-PhD-handbook-supervisors/dp/0335242022
   
   
4. This is another good book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PhD-Not-Enough-Survival-Science/dp/0465022227/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485777868&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=a+phd+isnot+enough
   

Hi there! I have no affiliation with this, but I bought that "book" to help me determine if I was going to be fine or not : https://www.amazon.ca/Pass-CFAT-Canadian-Aptitude-Questions/dp/148207561X , despite it's flaws (there were a couple of mistakes here and there).

Essentially, it will help you get a better idea of what you should work on or learn before going for the real test. As for the ressources, there are a lot of them around, but if maths aren't your forte, you should try to find some online ressources that teachs grade 10-11 maths (sorry about that, I'm in Quebec where grades aren't the same, so I don't exactly know what would Secondary IV relate to). Doing a couple of algebra exercices everyday might be overkill, but personally, being 32, it served me well.

Upvote for Series 7 for Dummies. I was skeptical at first, but I think it's the best book for supporting study material.

www.AFOQTGuide.com has some things that may help, along with some links to other sites. It wasn't around when I was studying, but looking it over it has some good stuff.

The books I used were Master the Officer Candidate Test and Barron's Military Flight Aptitude Test. The Officer Candidate book covers the entire test. The Flight Aptitude book was just a good reference for the pilot portions.

Yes, I was referring to the FE reference manual. I typed my previous comment on my phone and its always easier to type with a computer. But yea, the Lindberg manual does 10 problems at the beginning of each major section and then throughout the section they have questions that go over a specific lesson they tried to teach you, if that makes sense. I bought mine new, but I wish I bought it used, simply because it was a good review manual, but I learn more with practice problems.

The two books I used were:
https://www.amazon.com/Study-Fundamentals-Engineering-Electrical-Computer/dp/1517777925/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W33Q3N8S9A25YRK8RWGD

https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Engineering-Electrical-Computer-Specification/dp/1534759492/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W33Q3N8S9A25YRK8RWGD

It is the same author for both. Just as a warning, both of these books do have some errors, but they are easily caught. The first book has almost 400 problems, which may seem like overkill, but in my opinion, I liked it. For example, you get like 6 problems on two port theory. While on an exam you may see 1 or 0 of this problem, it was nice to see where you struggled. So if you went through all 400ish problems and noticed alot of incorrects in a particular section, you would know exactly what to review.

And yes, the problems are a bit harder than the exam. The FE exam is here to test if you know the fundamentals, not be an expert. My biggest piece of advice is this: Buy the TI-36X Pro, learn all its functions (can solve polynomials, do matrices, convert binary to hex, etc) and only use the fe handbook when working problems. I only say this because if you use the Lindberg review, he goes into great detail on how to transpose a matrix, but your calculator can do that for you. No sense in bogging down in all these "tricks" when the calculator can solve you loads of time.

Found a great deal for you! 97% off!!
http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Toon-Machine-pc/dp/1581942419

I'm not sure what kind of set up Indiana has, I'm in Florida, but I suggest maybe getting the materials for the ESE teachers to help with the questions. The only thing I found when searching amazon was this: https://www.amazon.com/CliffsTestPrep-Praxis-Education-Exceptional-CliffsNotes/dp/0470238445/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467333983&sr=8-2&keywords=indiana+teacher+certification

I passed the EE exam about a month ago. I used these to study:

https://www.amazon.com/Study-Fundamentals-Engineering-Electrical-Computer/dp/1985699710

https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Engineering-Electrical-Computer-Specification/dp/1534759492

and they really helped a lot to prepare for the test. hint: you can buy and return on amazon when you're done :)

Let me know if you have any questions

Currently looking to buy the following to study for my AFOQT:

This one

Maybe this one

Or this one


Which one do you all recommend?

There's a book on amazon, its not bad for studying but as i recall it doesnt really teach you how to solve the problems. DO NOT BUY THE HARD COPY - if you have a smart phone you can get the kindle edition https://www.amazon.ca/Pass-CFAT-Canadian-Aptitude-Questions/dp/148207561X

Does anyone know what the most up to date AFOQT sections are?

There's a discrepancy between 2 sections. This highly useful post I saved and the Baseops website have rotated blocks and hidden figures as test sections, but no reading comprehension and situational judgement, while my AFOQT study guide dated from 2016 has the opposite configuration.

The easiest answer I can find to this is to just find another test guide with rotated blocks and hidden figures as test sections to cover all my bases, but I found this to be pretty odd.

Can anyone else who took the AFOQT in the last year confirm which section configuration is correct?

FWIW I'm taking the AFOQT in April.

Used this before I took the DLAB last year. Believe they raised the minimum score to 110 but don't quote me on the exact number. If you're fluent in that many languages already though you'll be fine

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HUC6RT4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450047442&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=dlab&dpPl=1&dpID=51f0jgftVaL&ref=plSrch

Yes, part of this series, but specifically it was the Incredible Toon Machine

Just look for "ASVAB prep" or "ASVAB study guide" on amazon.


https://www.amazon.com/ASVAB-Premier-2017-2018-Practice-Tests/dp/1506203159/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473292361&sr=8-1&keywords=asvab+study+guide

I used this book off of Amazon, and it helped me out a lot. Ended up making a 140.

You should try taking the Military Defense Language Aptitude Test (it involves learning parts of a made-up language and answering questions):

https://www.thebalance.com/defense-language-aptitude-battery-3332702

You can get a copy of the test here:
https://www.amazon.com/Defense-Language-Aptitude-Battery-Passbooks/dp/083734090X

And practice/tips here:
https://www.amazon.com/Official-DLAB-Training-Manual-Practice-ebook/dp/B00HUC6RT4

I strongly recommend this. I scored off the charts in every category including EI which I'm completely hopeless at.

https://www.amazon.com/ASVAB-Premier-2017-2018-Practice-Tests/dp/1506203159/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5K7FEF8C40BMB8R7KN1J

Just to point out, there is a "handbook" on "How to get a PhD" if you want such a thing. Title is: "How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors" by Estelle Philips and Derek Pugh. Book

Maybe it can answer a few of your qustion.

For the DLAB use this study guide:
https://www.amazon.com/Official-DLAB-Training-Manual-Practice-ebook/dp/B00HUC6RT4

Believe it or not... you can study for this weird ass test.

I would follow up with your recruiter, there should not be that much hang time.

I studied using 2 books and a lot of random YouTube videos.

1. https://www.amazon.com/Barrons-Military-Flight-Aptitude-Tests/dp/1438005695
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/AFOQT-Study-Guide-Practice-Questions/dp/1941743420/
   
   I'm at the end of the process. My package is submitted and now all that's left is to hear back a yes or a no.
   
   There's a lot more than just a test and then a board. You are building a package. The package consists of:
   
3. AFOQT Scores
   
4. TBAS Scores (ABM/CSO/PCSM)
   
5. 3-5 Letters of rec
   
6. Officer interview and grading
   
7. A large PDF application with your work and leadership experience, achievements, education, that sort of stuff, and then your personal statement.
   
   Generally it goes something like this: AFOQT -> 1 month later -> TBAS -> 1 or 2 months later -> MEPS for initial screening (since you want to be a pilot) -> 1-2 weeks before board cutoff -> Commander interview.
   
   Having no flying hours won't necessarily hurt you, but it doesn't help. Even just a few discovery flights will do wonders for your PCSM score.
   

I took the test about 2-2.5 years ago and I know it's changed since then, so the book I used won't really help you. I would look for the most recent study guide you can (Like https://www.amazon.com/AFOQT-Study-Guide-Practice-Questions/dp/1628453834/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1492903873&sr=1-1&keywords=afoqt+study+guide+2017)

I haven't had any interactions with recruiting officers since I've been in the AFROTC program for the past four years (I commission in ~3 weeks). Are you trying to go to OTS?

https://www.amazon.com/Official-DLAB-Training-Manual-Practice-ebook/dp/B00HUC6RT4

If you are worried grab this. I had some nerves going into it and figured I could take a chance on this book and if it was useless it would only be a waste of 10 bucks.

Turns out, 4 of the 5 sections in this are the exact same on the dlab, practice test included. The first section it gives you wasn't included when I took it several weeks ago so you can skip it if you like.

It will let you know the rules you need to use ahead time so you can already have them memorized, and if not, you at least have an understanding of one of the strangest tests ever created.