Plan ahead. The certification exam is challenging, and adequate preparation is highly recommended. While you complete the necessary training course, consider taking the following steps to best prepare you for the exam: 

Pay particular attention to the Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules (TELRR) and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) lead rules.  

Note the specific chapters that pertain to your certification discipline in the U.S. Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing ("HUD Guidelines"). 

The night before. Cramming the night before is not recommended. If you have followed a good study plan, you should only have to do a quick review of the course materials the night before the exam and get to bed early.  

Exam day. Do not skip breakfast. Research shows that you do better on exams with a full stomach. Be sure to get to the exam site early and do a quick 10-minute study refresh right before the exam.  

Before you start. Scan through the exam quickly. Answer the easy questions first. On the back of the answer sheet, jot down all the standards you are trying to keep current in memory. Do not write or make any markings on the exam question packet. 

Read each question twice. Make sure you understand what is being asked before you move to the possible answers. 

Read all the choices. Start by eliminating the answers that could not be right. Once you have carefully selected an answer, be reluctant to change it later, unless new information clearly indicates an error in your choice. Changes usually lead to incorrect answers. 

Do not get frustrated. Re-read any questions you are having trouble on. If you are still stuck, circle the question on your answer sheet and move on. You can come back to it later. If you are still unsure of the answer once you come back to the question, review your choices and make the best selection you can using the process of elimination.