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When schools and companies want to determine how well a person will be able to adapt to new circumstances they frequently use aptitude tests.  Aptitude tests gauge a person's ability to apply knowledge they already have to handle situations they may have previously never encountered.  An aptitude test may identify a certain skill set that a person has and usually the results are used to encourage someone to pursue a particular educational or career path. 

Preparation Techniques

Since you usually can't actually study material for an aptitude test it is important to make sure you are mentally prepared.  Preparation for an aptitude test is much more general than say a content-based exam, where you know the specific information that will be on the test.  It usually involves preparing more for the question types on the test, whether they are multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, essay, etc.  The following suggestions will help you to prepare mentally and practically for an aptitude test:

• Get a study guide.  For most standardized aptitude tests there are study guides available either in bookstores or on the Internet.  If there are specific subjects that are always covered on the aptitude test this will be outlined in the guide.  It will usually also include information about the time you have to take each portion of the test as well as how the exam is scored.  The guide may even provide sample questions so you can get an idea of the format of questions on the test. 
• Obtain a practice test.  As was mentioned many study guides include practice tests to allow you familiarize yourself with the question formats.  Timing yourself during a practice test is an excellent way for you to get a feel for how you will handle the real test.  It can also point you to areas where you need to brush up on some facts or formulas you may have learned a long time ago.  Take advantage of what you learn from taking the practice test by following up with some extra study in the areas where you are weak. 
• Make a study schedule.  Studying for the aptitude test for a short period everyday is an effective way to prepare. Make a list of your weaknesses and prioritize your time so that more of your study session is spent in these areas.  A few minutes should be set aside every session to review everything you have covered.  Write your schedule out and post it somewhere where you will have to look at it to encourage you to stick to it.  Tracking your progress can be a real confidence booster as you see your test performance improve. 

While aptitude tests are important a great deal of the anxiety many people feel over them will disappear with good preparation.  Identifying the type of information and the question formats on the aptitude test are a good start.  Creating a good study schedule and sticking to it will allow you strengthen your weak areas.  Through diligent effort in following the practical techniques outlined in this article you can do well on your next aptitude test.