Passing any type of exam, easy or complicated, depends a lot on your preparation. The cliché in sales is most applicable to exams where it says, “If you work hard, it will be easy. If you take it easy, it will be hard.” After all, whatever questions the exam has, they are things that you are supposed to have already studied and learned. It goes without saying that you should be thoroughly prepared to pass the ICC Bolting Code (S1) exam.
While the ICC does not require the examinee to have prior experience to take the exam, it is good to have at least some experience so that you can understand what is discussed in the review materials. You can better understand the code requirements if you have actual experience doing the work. It is your practical support for the theory being discussed. What is impressed here is that you have a better chance of passing the ICC Bolting Code (S1) exam if you have actual experience before taking it.
One good thing about this exam is that it is an open book exam most of the way. So, if you’re very familiar with the required codes used on the ICC Bolting (S1) exam, then you know where to start looking for them. In this sense, you must obtain and study the correct materials in relation to these bolting codes and standards. This will help you know the correct required codes and literature to study and review to help you answer the questions during the exam.
When studying for the test, spend more time on topics that have higher weighted averages. For example, High Strength Bolting has 44% of the total score and Steel Structures Watch has a weight of 27%. The rest of the topics, General Requirements and Sampling, Testing and Verification of Materials combined are only 26% of the total score. In other words, you have to prioritize your study and review time according to the importance of the topic.
On the day of the exam, it is a good idea to be at the exam site at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. You must have calmed your nerves before the exam begins and rushing to get there will only disrupt the normal blood flow that your brain cells will surely need. Important instructions are given before the exam, such as tutorial instructions before taking a computer-based exam. You really need these instructions for your answers to be correct.
Another way to increase your chances of passing this exam is to enroll in the ICC Bolting Exam Course (S1). This teaches and guides the test taker on this particular test. You will need this especially if you are new to the industry and/or it has been a long time since you took your last exam. This course is good for refreshing your memory and testing it against mock exams. Taking practice tests will also help you control your nerves, a necessary skill to pass tests. Also, taking this course will have you prepared so you can get an idea of what will happen on test day.
Good luck on the exam.
