To ask you to help me cheat on a test

[tensmum1964]

I am desperate so I know I am being unreasonable but hoping you will forgive me anyway. Strictly speaking it isn't really cheating but probably a bit cheeky. I have just found out that I have a test for a job Ive applied for in the NHS. Prior to getting an interview you have to sit a level 2 functional skills maths test. If I don't pass I don't get an interview. I know a lot of people might think that level 2 is a breeze, its equivalent to a GCSE C from what I have been told but I haven't done a maths test in 30 years and I have always been terrible at maths. Have any of you recently sat this and could tell me what sort if questions I might get please or ( heres the AIBU bit), could anyone currently working for the NHS sneak me a test paper. Seriously though I'm terrified. I'm not at all worried about the interview but I won't get that far if I don't pass. Any help or advice would be very much appreciated. The test is on Friday so I haven't got long to revise and am feeling really anxious about it.

www.test-questions.com/nursing-numeracy-test01.php

There’s loads on the internet if you look

Err no. That’s a ridiculous thing to ask. Why would someone risk their job for that?
You would be better off having a look online and some gcse revision bits or having a refresher. If you don’t pass, you’re not up to standard for a reason. The minimum requirement is obviously there for a reason.
You might pass! If you don’t, see about doing an evening class at college or an online course and then you will feel more ready next time.

Here's the thing. From what you describe I imagine you're taking a nursing or pharmacy job. Realistically, if you can't do maths, it won't matter if you pass the test. You still will not be safe to practice in these professions.

I'm a nursing instructor. I would NEVER allow a student who couldn't do medication calculations to pass a course that required it. That isn't safe.

I had to do the maths and English a few years back, to apply for HLTA. English I'm fine with but maths was and is a utter nightmare. I ended up asking the maths teacher to tutor me a little.
When I sat down for it it was all multiple choice questions. You could work out the question and pick the answer close to it.
Take breath, read the question and you'll be fine.

I think it obvious that OP is nervous, and just wants a bit of help. There’s nothing wrong in researching the unknown so she feels confident about the test.

Most people would do research for jobs they apply to, this is not different (apart from a request for a past paper)

If it’s the actual functional skills test (not an NHS numeracy test), then YABU only because no one needs to help you cheat or pass you a past test since they’re online right here: www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/functional-skills/functional-mathematics-4367-4368/past-papers-and-mark-schemes

Here is a direct link to the latest level 2 past paper: filestore.aqa.org.uk/sample-papers-and-mark-schemes/2018/march/AQA-4368-QP-MAR18.PDF

There are several past papers on the site for you to review. It sounds like your biggest problem is that you’re panicking. Try to calm down. Make yourself a and then spend some serious time reviewing these, and you should be fine. But, and I’m saying this kindly, if you are seriously struggling with math and applying for a job where you will constantly need to do it and lives may hang in the balance, really consider whether you’re just out of practice and panicking or if you need to stop and take a review course. Good luck!

Juniperbeer, clearly I was being tongue in cheek. I wasn't seriously expecting someone to pass me the test. Agnurse, it is a very low level post that will not require medication calculations so I am extremely surprised that I am being required to take the test. Greentulips and skinanbones thank you. I have looked online and in all honesty its made me more nervous. I couldn't find one that was specific to the NHS but the ones I did see had a huge amount of questions about calculating areas, volume, weight and measurement, as well as lots of fractions and long devision. They weren't simple either, or maybe I just am lol. Anyway I was hoping that someone would give me some pointers on the type and range of questions that might come up so that I can focus my practice over the next few days.

Righyesbutno. Thank you, honestly the role does not involve any necessity to be calculating medication etc. If it were I wouldn't even consider applying. Its an admin role so I am pretty sure that nothing like that would be involved. I will look at the links that you sent.

Honestly folks the request for a past paper was not serious, that is why my next sentence says ""seriously though" sorry if it came across like I was serious it wasn't intended. Like Juniperbeer said, I am panicking and freaking out a bit. I may find that I am not as bad as maths as I think I am. Its just been so long I'm not sure where to start.

Sorry I meant like greentulips said not Juniperbeer.

More than likely it will be a similar test to the link above

They often use the standard inline ones

Read the question, ask what are they asking? Read the question again and prepare your answer.

Thank you again Greentulips. I think I am just panicking. I may not be good at maths but I am reasonably bright so I should be able to practice a bit and refresh my memory by Friday. On the up side, if I do fail it will give me the impetus to enrol on a basic course and improve my knowledge. So many jobs now make you do literacy and numeracy tests it would be worth doing some study just to build my confidence.

Babynames the NHS needs people with lots of different skills. Maths is just one of them and something that can be learned and improved upon. Many of the skills that NHS employees need are far greater than simple maths and many people who are excellent at maths would make terrible NHS employees. I hope your job doesnt require people to have a "simple" grasp of literacy skills because judging from your writing ability, you don't.

You are right it can be learned and improved upon which is why you should apply to do a short course at college to get to the level you need then take the test.

I agree LilQueenie. I will take the test and If I fail because I am not good enough then that is fair enough. You never know I might be better than I think. If I do fail I think I will enrol in a night class because I have always had a bit of a fear of maths so it would be good to challenge myself. Who knows, I may end up actually enjoying maths.

If you fail you aren't right for the job at this time - simple! You'll come a cropper if you cheat and then get asked to do some maths in the job and you can't do it!

Have a look at the Website, Skills you Need (I think it is called that). They have a test you can sit to assess your ability then lessons to cover and explain the areas you are weak in. I have always struggled with maths but was surprised how well I actually did in the initial test. Pro Tip: Read the questions carefully, I got a couple wrong because of carelessness.
Good Luck!

Oh I feel your pain, at Uni in our 3rd Year if our training we had a Drug Calcs Exam, 95% pass rate required or you were booted off the course! I remember the anxiety only too well!

Just go on BBC Bitesize Maths and have a look, or if your NHS Trust has given any info out on sites to look at beforehand, go do that. Good luck!

You might surprise yourself and manage a lot better than you think.

I was really poor at maths in high school, didn't understand a word of it, totally fluked my standard grade with a 3 and didn't even sit a higher.

I'm a nurse and when I went to college for a pre nursing course I was terrified about the drug calculations but they clicked instantly. I still really struggle with maths the way I had in high school and I get flustered when there's problem solving with numbers but I'm really good at drug calculations and quickly adding/subtracting/dividing in my head which I always thought I struggled with.

Hopefully you'll be the same! Good luck!

What admin role is it? Even in many nhs admin jobs you may need basic maths skills.

I was terrible at maths in school. I ended up working in banking and teaching myself through my exams. Maths can be improved upon and op will be fine with practice and effort.

You probably don’t need any maths in the role- the test is a hoop jump to filter the applications as there will probably be lots. It’s a general intelligence marker so something worth brushing up on as other jobs are likely to do the same in the future.

The links above are good. I tutor people who have done similar tests and recommend you find a way that works for you to calculate simple percentages, long multiplication and division and finding areas. Most of the questions are based around this.

Thank you to those of you that gave helpful answers and website suggestions. I have spent the best part of this morning looking at online tutorials and tests. It is still a bit nerve wracking because there is quite a bit I need to brush up on. I did really well with the mental arithmetic, the money based questions and the problem solving ones. I am weak with fractions and percentages but have been practicing and some of it is coming back to me. The calculating medication ones are a bit daunting but they are making some sense as the formulas given are logical. Like I said previously its an admin post so I doubt any of them will come up but I will practice just in case. In case anyone else has a similar fear the website that I have found most easy to follow is the Middlesex university numeracy support tutorials. The woman doing them explains things step by step and compared to a few others that I watched she seems to explain them in a way that I understand. Im still not convinced I will pass as nerves might get in the way but at least I have something to work with now. On another note I had a call earlier offering me a job that I interviewed for last week and yes I did take a test but it was IT based so within my comfort zone. I would rather get the NHS job so I am keeping my options open. Again thanks for the help...note to self, be careful how you word things on mumsnet as folk can get quite irate.

I understand you're feeling anxious about the upcoming level 2 functional skills maths test for your job application in the NHS. However, I must emphasize that seeking or engaging in cheating or unethical behavior, such as obtaining a test paper in advance, is inappropriate.
Instead, I can offer you some guidance and advice to help you prepare for the test effectively:

1. Review the topics: Familiarize yourself with the issues covered in the test. This may include arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratios, measurements, and introductory algebra. Make a list of the specific topics and concepts you need to study.
2. Gather study materials: Look for textbooks, online resources, or practice tests designed specifically for the functional skills maths test. These materials can provide you with examples and exercises to practice.
3. Practice Test questions: Dedicate some time each day to practice problems related to the topics you must cover. Work through practice questions, attempting to solve them on your own. If you encounter difficulties, consult the study materials or online resources for explanations and guidance.
4. Seek additional support: Consider contacting a tutor or joining a study group if you need extra guidance. They can provide personalized assistance and help clarify any concepts you find challenging.
5. Time management: Pay attention to time constraints during your practice sessions. The test will likely have a time limit, so practicing under similar conditions can help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
6. Stay calm and confident: Remember that feeling anxious can impair your performance. Stay positive, maintain a clear mindset, and believe in your ability to succeed. Take breaks, get enough rest, and care for your well-being to ensure you're in the best state of mind for the test.

Remember, the test aims to assess your current math skills, not to expect you to be an expert. By dedicating some time to preparation and practicing regularly, you can improve your confidence and perform to the best of your abilities. Good luck with your test!