United States
Hong KongTiming the paper
About 73 seconds a question. Use two passes, check yourself at question 45 with 55 minutes gone, and never leave anything unanswered.
The tightest paper of the seven licensing exams we build for, so the plan matters more here than elsewhere.
The arithmetic
Ninety questions in 110 minutes is 1.22 minutes each, about 73 seconds. All 90 count against the clock, including the ten unscored pilot items.
Two passes
- First pass: answer everything you know quickly, flag anything that needs work, and do not start a calculation you cannot see the end of
- Second pass: the flagged questions, easiest first
- Final sweep: make sure nothing is blank
Checkpoints
| Time gone | Where you should be |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | Past question 30 |
| 55 minutes | Past question 45, comfortably |
| 80 minutes | First pass finished |
| 100 minutes | Second pass finished |
| 110 minutes | Nothing blank |
At 55 minutes you should be well past question 45, not level with it, because the first pass is meant to be faster than the average. A candidate exactly on the average at halfway has no capacity left for the flagged questions and will finish the second pass in a rush.
Where the time goes
A recall question you know: 20 to 40 seconds. A scenario question: 60 to 90. A calculation: 90 to 150.
The recall questions fund the calculations. Being fast where speed is free is the entire strategy.
When you are behind
Stop calculating. Clear every remaining recall and scenario question, then return to arithmetic with what is left.
A calculation and a recall question are worth the same mark. Spending three minutes on one while three others go unanswered is the arithmetic that decides the result.
Never leave a blank
There is no penalty for a wrong answer. An unanswered question is a guaranteed zero and a guess is not.
Common questions
How much time per question on the PTCE?
About 73 seconds, since all 90 administered questions count against 110 minutes.
What checkpoint should I use?
Past question 45 comfortably at 55 minutes. Level is behind.
How long should a calculation take?
90 to 150 seconds, funded by answering recall questions in 20 to 40.
What do I do if I fall behind?
Stop calculating, clear the recall questions, then return to arithmetic.
Should I guess?
Always. There is no penalty for a wrong answer.