QTS Maths Tutor speaks to many people everyday preparing for their professional numeracy skills test. In most cases we speak with people who are worrying about their test or have a total lack of confidence in Maths. Our first thing to say is, “you are not alone” there are so many people in the same position as you and are finding the numeracy skills test just as difficult. One common factor for many prospective teachers is the timing aspect of the mental arithmetic section as you only have 18 seconds to answer the questions after the second repeat. QTS Maths Tutor appreciates the challenge that this presents for many people looking to achieve the magical 63% or 18 out of 28, in their final test. The following are ways that you can overcome the mental arithmetic section.

1. Practise, Practise and more practise.
2. Take as many tests as you can, using numeracy skills practice tests in the same format as the real exam so that you get use to the timing pressure.
3. Use model solutions to help understand the different methods you can use to help answer each type of question.
4. Give yourself time to prepare. Don’t leave it until the last few days before you start revising for this exam and don’t use your first attempt as a practice run. Prepare effectively for the test the first time and try your best to pass it on the first attempt otherwise the pressure does naturally build.
5. If you are still struggling to overcome the mental arithmetic section of the nuemracy skills test, you can always look to find external support in the form of a QTS numeracy tutor. At QTS Maths Tutors, our tutors are all experienced in helping students to pass the numeracy skills test and many put a focus on the mental arithmetic section as this is often the area that many struggle with.

Whether it is numeracy skills practice tests, or a numeracy skills tutor you are looking for, QTS Maths Tutor can help!