In many ways taking a test, quiz or exam online is the same as taking it in a classroom setting, but in many important ways it's a different experience, one that can be specifically prepared for using the following five tips:

Many online quizzes and exams can be completed during a broad window of time, however, it's important not to wait until the last minute to get started. If possible, read the test instructions well ahead of time to make sure they're fully understood, giving yourself enough time to answer any questions you might have. Find out if you can pause the test or if it's a timed exam. Can you skip questions and return to them later? Can you change your answers? Do you need to save your work as you go? Finding out the answers to these questions beforehand can radically alter your approach to test-taking online.

Check to see if practice tests, online comprehension guides or online study guides are available for your quiz or exam and then use them. Not only will they cover the exact material likely to be found in test questions, these practice exams also make the test-taking form familiar. Do this well in advance of the time you intend to take the actual exam.

Be prepared in other ways besides studying test material. Do you have the login and password for your account? Does the computer you'll be using meet the minimum technical requirements for the testing site? Is all the software needed updated to the latest versions and does it work? Does the testing site require you to enable pop-ups? Before the time comes to take the test, shut down any sites or close any applications with heavy bandwidth requirements to eliminate lag between your computer and the test server and to avoid timing out or losing your connection. Before starting the test, find out what your recourse is if you should lose your connection while taking it.

Have you created or found a quiet space where you can work without being disturbed? Be sure to let anyone who'll be with you know that you need time and peace to complete your exam or quiz. Make sure computer alarms and notices have been turned off or suspended to avoid interruptions. Don't rush yourself. Set aside more than what you believe will be enough time to complete the quiz or exam. Hurrying may cause careless, costly mistakes.

If a save function is available, use it frequently, perhaps after every five minutes or after answering every five questions, in order to avoid losing your work. If the test involves essays, write them using a word processing application, saving the essay to your local hard drive frequently, and paste the finished, spell-checked draft into the test-taking form. This precaution may save you both a measure of frustration and a bad grade.