Understanding the format of the ATMA test can help you understand what to study and how hard to study each subject. The test has 170 questions divided into six sections. The test takes three hours. It consists of two sections of analytical skills, two sections of verbal skills and two sections of quantitative skills. There are 30 questions in each category except verbal, which has 25 questions. Analytical skills include how well students analyze business data and how it relates to the success and failure of their business. Verbal skills test how well students give directions, take directions, speak and present themselves. Quantitative skills include important accounting abilities.
No student will be a master of each section of the test. It is important to identify your weak spots and to focus on them while studying. Free online ATMA tests can be used to check your weaknesses, including specific subsections of each section. Begin taking these tests several months before your ATMA test, which is only given out in February. The first test should be taken to get a gauge on your basic understanding. Each subsequent test can be used to gauge how well your test preparation has been proceeding. Use each test to find any new weak spots in your understanding.
Don't try to study everything on the ATMA test. Not only will this be too difficult to comprehend, it can cause you to worsen in other areas. The skills needed for quantitative understanding are much different than those for verbal. Mixing up these methods during your studying will only confuse you. Instead, spend a few weeks studying one section of the test at a time. Start with your weak spots and move on to the areas in which you are stronger. Don't neglect your stronger areas as you may not retain all the information in these areas. Study your weakest sections in the weeks just before the exam to keep the information fresh.
Go to bed early the night before the test. Avoid excessive cramming, which can cause your mind to become fatigued. Eat a healthful meal before coming to the test. Try to do a little exercise to stimulate blood flow to your body and your mind. Make a brief scan of each section before you begin answering questions. Identify questions you may struggle with and questions you can answer easily. This process can help you make a quick plan of what areas of the section to begin first. Avoid guessing if possible. The ATMA penalizes you 1/3 a point for incorrect answers. Guessing may help you get a few lucky correct answers but will ultimately hurt your score.