Self-Studying for the Administrative Scrivener Exam: Are Mock Exams Necessary? My Conclusion After Passing Using Only Commercial Mock Exams

As you progress with your studies for the Administrative Scrivener exam, you may find yourself wondering, "Should I take a mock exam?"

There are several options, such as venue-based mock exams, at-home exams, and commercial mock exam books. However, when studying on your own, it can be difficult to know how much is enough or which one to choose.

I personally wanted to take a venue-based mock exam, but due to circumstances that made it impossible during the final preparation period, I took the actual exam using only commercial mock exam books.

Although I was able to pass in the end, looking back now, there are points where I feel, "I should have done this instead."

In this article, based on my own experience, I will organize how to approach mock exams when taking on the Administrative Scrivener exam through self-study, as well as the realistic options available.

Should you take a mock exam? My basic philosophy

To start with the conclusion, I believe it is better to take a venue-based mock exam.

If you have taken many other certification exams and are accustomed to the atmosphere of an exam venue, you might not need one. However, if that is not the case, there are not many opportunities to practice "performing at your best in an environment close to the real thing."

Your home or usual study spot is a "familiar space." Going to an unfamiliar place on time and solving problems while surrounded by other examinees—I feel there is value in experiencing this sequence of events beforehand.

The venue has a unique atmosphere with people of various ages and backgrounds. I believe that experiencing this "environment different from usual" even once helps you get used to the tension on the day of the actual exam and changes how calm you are when facing the questions.

Why I couldn't take a venue-based mock exam

The reason I couldn't take a venue-based mock exam was that my child had surgery and I had to stay in the hospital with them during August and September, the final preparation period.

I looked up the schedules for venue-based mock exams, but it was clearly impossible while in the hospital, so I didn't end up applying. I thought about whether I could take one after being discharged in October, but I couldn't secure childcare, so I eventually gave up on that as well.

At the time, I was thinking in terms of a binary choice: "take a venue-based mock exam or don't take one at all," but now I think there was also the option of taking it at home.

Depending on the prep school, there are services where you can have the questions sent to you and take the exam at home. You can also have them graded. It is not the same environment as the real exam, but I think it is a good option in the sense of utilizing grading, which is difficult to do on your own.

How I prepared using only commercial mock exams

*Includes Amazon Associate links.

The commercial mock exams I used were the following two books.

• Hit! Final Prediction Mock Exams (LEC's 'Deru-Jun' Series)

• Passing Revolution: Legal Revisions and Final Prediction Mock Exams

Since I had gathered almost all my textbooks and problem sets from the Gokaku Kakumei series, I chose Gokaku Kakumei for my practice mock exams as well.
However, I was worried that relying on just one source would lead to a bias in the amount of practice and perspective, so I also purchased the LEC 'Deru-Jun' (Order of Appearance) series.

As rumored, the difficulty level of Gokaku Kakumei was slightly higher.
On the other hand, the LEC 'Deru-Jun' had a structure and question style closer to the actual exam, which I felt was useful for practicing with the real test in mind.

Also, because I was so used to Gokaku Kakumei, the LEC questions felt fresh, which helped me notice gaps in my knowledge and areas where my understanding was shallow.

Regarding how to use the practice mock exams, I made sure to time myself for three hours the first time I took each one.
By working through them in the same amount of time as the actual exam, I focused on practically testing my time management and the order in which I solved the questions.

After that, I reviewed the material and retook each exam at least twice.
Repeating the process was useful not only for confirming my knowledge but also for understanding my own tendencies, such as 'what to do when I'm stuck' and 'where I tend to spend the most time.'

What I think now, having been unable to take mock exams at a venue

As a result, I was able to pass the Administrative Scrivener Exam, so I have no regrets about not taking mock exams at a venue.
However, I honestly don't think that 'commercial mock exams alone were enough.'

At the time, I was constantly anxious about whether this was really the right way to go.
When studying on your own, you cannot have someone objectively judge whether your answers are truly correct or if your writing style for descriptive questions is appropriate.
While commercial mock exams were useful enough for practicing questions, the fact that I didn't have the opportunity to have a third party grade them was a major source of anxiety.

If your circumstances allow, I believe it is worth taking a mock exam graded by a prep school at least once, whether at a venue or by taking it at home.
Having the opportunity to have someone objectively point out where you would lose points on descriptive questions can significantly change your peace of mind before the actual exam.

Even if it is difficult to attend a venue for a mock exam, it is possible to use grading services by taking the exam at home.
I feel that what you get out of a mock exam changes significantly depending not just on 'whether you take it,' but on 'how you utilize it.'

Thank you very much for reading until the end.

I will continue to update my experiences regarding studying for the Administrative Scrivener Exam in my note magazine 'Administrative Scrivener Exam Study Records Until Passing'.

If you'd like, I would be happy if you could like and follow!

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