Ace Your State Board Barber Practice Test

State board barber apply take a look at: Prepare to beat the challenges of your barbering profession! This complete information dives deep into the world of apply checks, revealing every little thing from the take a look at’s format and construction to the important abilities and information wanted for achievement. We’ll cowl varied take a look at varieties, spotlight key ideas, supply efficient examine methods, and even expose widespread errors that will help you keep away from pitfalls alongside the best way.

Put together on your journey to changing into an authorized barber with confidence!

Navigating the complexities of state board barber apply checks can really feel daunting. This useful resource will simplify the method, offering clear explanations, useful examples, and actionable methods to make your preparation a breeze. From figuring out the several types of inquiries to mastering efficient examine strategies, we’ll equip you with the instruments it’s worthwhile to ace the examination and confidently embark in your barbering profession.

Introduction to State Board Barber Follow Assessments

Cracking the state board barber examination is not nearly memorization; it is about demonstrating mastery of your craft. These apply checks are your key to success, providing a simulated expertise of the actual factor. They’re designed that will help you pinpoint areas needing further consideration and construct confidence earlier than the massive day.These apply checks are essential instruments within the barbering journey.

They’re greater than only a evaluation; they are a dynamic alternative to refine your abilities and reinforce your information. A well-prepared barber, outfitted with a strong understanding of the fabric, is extra possible to reach the examination and in the end ship distinctive service to their purchasers.

Format and Construction of the Assessments

State board barber apply checks sometimes observe a structured format, mirroring the precise examination. This consistency ensures equity and helps you become familiar with the take a look at setting. They usually embrace a mix of multiple-choice questions and sensible eventualities, mimicking real-world conditions.

Expertise and Information Assessed

The apply checks assess a variety of abilities and information important for a profitable barber. This encompasses not solely theoretical information but in addition sensible abilities and the flexibility to use that information in knowledgeable context. They transcend easy memorization, focusing in your understanding of consumer security, hygiene, and the flexibility to offer high quality providers.

Evaluation Classes

These checks consider varied facets of your barbering talents. A complete understanding is vital for efficient efficiency. Beneath is a breakdown of the important thing areas assessed.

Ability Class	Description	Instance Questions
Shopper Session	Understanding consumer wants, preferences, and considerations. Assessing the consumer’s hair kind and situation to suggest applicable providers.	“What components must be thought of when discussing a haircut with a consumer?”
Security and Sanitation	Sustaining a sterile and hygienic work setting to forestall the unfold of an infection. Following correct sterilization procedures for instruments and gear.	“Clarify the significance of utilizing disposable instruments throughout a haircut.”
Hair Chopping Strategies	Demonstrating proficiency in varied haircutting strategies, together with precision reducing, layering, and texturizing. Adapting strategies to completely different hair varieties.	“Describe the steps concerned in making a fade haircut.”
Styling Strategies	Executing varied hair styling strategies, reminiscent of blow-drying, curling, and straightening. Demonstrating experience in creating desired types.	“What components decide the most effective styling product for a specific hair kind?”
Hair Coloring and Chemical Companies	Demonstrating information and abilities in hair coloring, perming, and different chemical providers. Understanding the dangers and advantages of various chemical remedies.	“Clarify the method for mixing and making use of hair coloration safely.”

Kinds of Follow Assessments

Navigating the complexities of state barber licensing exams can really feel overwhelming. Understanding the varied forms of apply checks accessible is essential to efficient preparation. Totally different testing codecs and content material variations can tremendously affect your success. These checks are meticulously crafted to duplicate the precise expertise, serving to you confidently method the actual examination.Totally different state boards have distinctive necessities for barber licensing.

This ends in variations within the content material and issue of the apply checks. The format of the questions may differ, making it essential to discover the accessible choices to search out the most effective match on your wants. This complete overview will equip you with the information to pick out probably the most appropriate apply checks.

Content material Variations Throughout State Boards

State barbering licensing exams usually mirror the precise necessities of every state. Follow checks ought to mirror these necessities. Because of this content material focus might differ from state to state. For instance, some states would possibly emphasize particular strategies or instruments extra closely than others. This understanding will mean you can tailor your examine plan to fulfill the calls for of your explicit examination.

Query Format Variety

Varied query codecs are generally employed in barber apply checks. A number of-choice questions are a frequent format, requiring you to pick out the proper reply from a set of choices. Matching questions, the place you join phrases to their definitions or procedures to their outcomes, are additionally prevalent. Fill-in-the-blank and essay-style questions are utilized in some checks to evaluate your capacity to recall info and apply it to completely different conditions.

Comparability of Follow Check Varieties

Check Sort	Content material Focus	Query Format	Problem Stage
A number of-Alternative	Information-based questions protecting varied facets of barbering	Deciding on the proper reply from a spread of choices	Usually thought of medium issue
Matching	Connecting ideas, procedures, and terminology	Pairing gadgets from two columns	Can differ in issue primarily based on the complexity of the pairings
Fill-in-the-Clean	Assessing recall of key info and terminology	Finishing sentences or statements	Usually thought of average issue
Essay-style	Evaluating your capacity to use information and motive by way of complicated eventualities	Explaining ideas, procedures, or addressing particular conditions	Typically thought of excessive issue requiring in-depth information

Particular Areas of Focus

Follow checks are designed to cowl a variety of essential subjects. This contains consumer session, security protocols, sanitation and sterilization procedures, varied haircutting strategies, and styling strategies. Additionally they embody information of instruments and gear, understanding scalp circumstances, and recognizing completely different hair varieties and textures. These are sometimes categorized and weighted to align with state-specific necessities.

Key Ideas and Expertise

Aceing your state board barber apply checks hinges on a strong grasp of elementary ideas and a eager eye for element. This part dives deep into the vital components, providing sensible examples and methods to beat these assessments. Put together to raise your barbering prowess and confidently navigate the complexities of those essential checks.Mastering these ideas is not nearly memorization; it is about understanding thewhy* behind every approach and precept.

This understanding permits you to apply your information in various conditions, a key differentiator between a superb barber and an amazing one. We’ll Artikel important subjects, spotlight widespread pitfalls, and furnish you with confirmed strategies to optimize your examine habits and obtain the specified outcomes.

Important Barbering Strategies

Barbering apply checks demand an intensive understanding of varied strategies. These strategies embody every little thing from haircutting and styling to beard trimming and shaving. A strong grasp of those strategies is paramount for achievement.

• Haircutting Strategies: A variety of reducing strategies, together with the scissor-over-comb methodology, the purpose reducing approach, and varied layering strategies, are essential. Understanding the applying of those strategies on completely different hair varieties and textures is important for producing constant and interesting outcomes.
• Styling Strategies: This includes mastering varied styling instruments and merchandise, together with understanding the way to obtain particular types, from traditional fades to modern designs. Follow utilizing completely different merchandise and instruments to get a really feel for the impact on completely different hair varieties.
• Beard Trimming and Shaving: This encompasses a wide range of strategies, together with beard shaping and sculpting, and completely different shaving strategies. Understanding the way to tailor these strategies to particular person facial buildings and preferences is vital.

Frequent Errors on Follow Assessments

Candidates usually fall into predictable traps when tackling these checks. By recognizing these widespread errors, you possibly can proactively keep away from them.

• Dashing by way of the take a look at: It is tempting to hurry, however accuracy trumps velocity. Taking your time to fastidiously evaluation every query and making use of the ideas accurately will result in larger success.
• Neglecting to totally evaluation the take a look at materials: Merely going by way of the questions as soon as is not sufficient. Actively reviewing the offered info and practising the strategies with the right focus is crucial.
• Overlooking particular particulars: Many questions include delicate however essential particulars. Pay shut consideration to those to keep away from lacking essential components.

Key Matters Coated

This part particulars the important subjects steadily showing in these apply checks.

Idea	Clarification	Instance
Hair Texture Evaluation	Figuring out and understanding completely different hair textures, together with straight, wavy, curly, and coily, and the way they reply to varied styling strategies.	Recognizing {that a} curly hair minimize requires a special method than a straight hair minimize.
Scalp and Hair Well being	Understanding the connection between scalp well being and hair high quality. Realizing the varied hair and scalp circumstances, and the corresponding remedies and preventative measures is essential.	Figuring out indicators of scalp irritation and understanding how hair well being impacts styling strategies.
Shopper Session	Efficient communication and energetic listening abilities are paramount. This includes understanding consumer preferences, expectations, and considerations.	Creating a cushty ambiance the place the consumer feels heard and understood.

Greatest Practices for Finding out

Finding out for these checks successfully requires a strategic method. It is not nearly cramming; it is about understanding and making use of the information.

• Create a examine schedule: Allocate particular time slots for devoted examine, guaranteeing you cowl all of the important subjects.
• Make the most of apply checks: Use apply checks to determine areas needing additional consideration and achieve confidence in your information.
• Search clarification on areas of confusion: Do not hesitate to ask for assist or clarification from skilled barbers or mentors.

Efficient Research Methods

Unlocking your potential for achievement on the state board barber apply checks hinges on efficient examine methods. These aren’t simply rote memorization strategies; they’re pathways to deep understanding and lasting talent acquisition. By understanding the nuances of your studying model and adopting methods tailor-made to your strengths, you possibly can optimize your preparation and confidently method the checks.Efficient examine methods are essential for achievement on the state board barber apply checks.

They transcend merely memorizing info; they contain creating a deep understanding of the fabric, which is crucial for making use of that information in real-world eventualities. A well-structured method to studying, coupled with targeted time administration, considerably improves your probabilities of reaching a excessive rating.

Confirmed Methods for Finding out

A multifaceted method to finding out, incorporating energetic recall, spaced repetition, and apply checks, is confirmed to yield exceptional outcomes. These strategies reinforce your information and improve retention, fostering a deeper understanding of the fabric.

• Energetic Recall: As an alternative of passively rereading your examine supplies, actively have interaction with them. Ask your self questions concerning the content material, attempt to recall solutions from reminiscence, after which evaluation the proper responses. This method strengthens neural pathways related to the knowledge, making it simpler to entry and recall in the course of the examination.
• Spaced Repetition: Evaluate your supplies at rising intervals. This methodology, borrowed from reminiscence analysis, reinforces the educational course of by testing your information at progressively longer intervals. That is more practical than cramming and helps to construct lasting retention.
• Follow Assessments: Simulating the examination setting by way of apply checks is essential. These checks not solely assess your information but in addition allow you to grow to be conversant in the format, timing constraints, and forms of questions you may encounter on the precise examination.

Efficient Time Administration Strategies, State board barber apply take a look at

Time administration is paramount in any take a look at preparation, notably when coping with a rigorous syllabus. A structured method permits you to allocate ample time to every matter, guaranteeing thorough understanding with out feeling rushed.

• Create a Research Schedule: Allocate particular time slots for finding out every matter. Break down massive duties into smaller, manageable chunks to keep away from feeling overwhelmed. Be sensible concerning the time wanted for every part, and construct in buffer time for sudden occasions.
• Prioritize Duties: Determine the subjects that require probably the most consideration primarily based on their complexity or your perceived weaknesses. Focus your examine efforts on these areas first, after which deal with the simpler ones.
• Take Common Breaks: Breaks are important for sustaining focus and stopping burnout. Quick, common breaks can considerably enhance your focus and productiveness throughout examine classes.

Totally different Studying Kinds and Strategies

Understanding your studying model is essential for optimizing your examine method. Totally different people be taught greatest in varied methods.

• Visible Learners: Visible aids, diagrams, and thoughts maps may be extremely useful. Take into account creating visible representations of key ideas to assist in memorization and understanding.
• Auditory Learners: Report your self explaining ideas or hearken to lectures and recordings associated to the fabric. Discussions with friends or tutors will also be helpful.
• Kinesthetic Learners: Fingers-on actions, sensible workouts, and role-playing can considerably improve studying. Take into account practising strategies and procedures repeatedly to strengthen your understanding.

Efficient Methods for Memorizing and Recalling Data

Reminiscence strategies can tremendously enhance your capacity to recall info in the course of the take a look at.

• Mnemonic Gadgets: These reminiscence aids, reminiscent of acronyms, rhymes, and visible imagery, may also help you affiliate info with memorable cues, making it simpler to recall.
• Chunking: Break down massive items of knowledge into smaller, extra manageable items. This helps you course of and bear in mind the fabric extra successfully.
• Elaboration: Join new info to what you already know. Relate ideas to private experiences or examples to reinforce understanding and retention.

Research Strategies with Benefits and Disadvantages

Research Method	Benefits	Disadvantages
Flashcards	Environment friendly for memorizing info and definitions; transportable	Is probably not appropriate for complicated ideas; can grow to be tedious
Follow Assessments	Identifies information gaps; simulates examination setting	Could be worrying; requires time dedication
Group Research	Collaborative studying; various views	Could be distracting; requires coordination
Thoughts Mapping	Visible illustration of ideas; aids understanding	Could be time-consuming for detailed subjects

Frequent Errors and Keep away from Them

Navigating the state board barber apply checks is usually a thrilling journey, however like several journey, it is full of potential pitfalls. Understanding widespread errors and the way to sidestep them is essential for achievement. This part dives into these pitfalls and offers actionable methods to make sure you’re well-equipped to ace the take a look at.Realizing what traps to keep away from is usually extra useful than understanding the appropriate solutions.

This part helps you see widespread errors, comprehend why they happen, and learn to avoid them. It is about constructing not simply information, but in addition a resilient method to the testing course of.

Figuring out Frequent Errors

Frequent errors usually stem from an absence of full understanding, poor time administration, or overlooking essential particulars. Check-takers typically get slowed down in complicated eventualities, shedding sight of the basic ideas. Others might rush by way of questions, resulting in careless errors. It is necessary to method the apply checks with a strategic mindset, fairly than simply making an attempt to memorize solutions.

Causes Behind the Errors

Typically, test-takers rush by way of the questions with out totally greedy the nuances of every situation. A scarcity of focus and a spotlight to element can result in misinterpretations and incorrect solutions. Generally, preconceived notions or assumptions concerning the materials can cloud judgment and hinder correct evaluation. It is essential to stay grounded within the info and keep away from leaping to conclusions.

Sensible Recommendation for Avoiding Errors

Thorough preparation is essential. Evaluate all related supplies a number of instances, guaranteeing a robust grasp of the subject material. Create a examine schedule and follow it, guaranteeing you allot satisfactory time for every part. Training below timed circumstances will assist develop your time administration abilities and construct confidence.

Misconceptions About Follow Assessments

Some imagine apply checks are merely a way to familiarize themselves with the format. Nonetheless, apply checks are invaluable instruments for figuring out weaknesses and refining abilities. They supply alternatives to pinpoint areas the place additional examine is required. Additionally they supply useful insights into test-taking methods. Make the most of these apply checks to proactively tackle your vulnerabilities and strengthen your strengths.

Desk of Frequent Errors, Causes, and Options

Frequent Mistake	Trigger	Efficient Answer
Dashing by way of questions	Lack of focus, poor time administration	Follow timed classes, break down complicated issues, prioritize key ideas.
Misinterpreting eventualities	Inadequate understanding of particulars, overlooking essential info	Learn every query fastidiously, underline key phrases, and analyze the situation from a number of views.
Overlooking necessary particulars	Lack of consideration to element, dashing by way of questions	Make use of energetic studying methods, double-check your work, give attention to the specifics of every query.
Incorrect software of ideas	Poor understanding of the core rules, counting on rote memorization	Evaluate foundational ideas, use examples to solidify understanding, give attention to the underlying logic behind the rules.
Lack of time administration	Inefficient methods, poor prioritization	Develop a customized technique for every part, apply timed classes, and handle your time successfully.

Follow Check Examples and Options

Aceing your state board barber apply checks is like nailing an ideal fade – it takes apply and the appropriate method. This part dives deep into pattern questions and their options, serving to you determine widespread pitfalls and construct confidence in your abilities. We’ll break down completely different query varieties, exhibiting you varied methods to method them.Understanding the way to analyze and remedy apply questions is essential for achievement on the actual state board examination.

This part will furnish you with the instruments and methods to beat the challenges that will lie forward.

A number of-Alternative Questions

A number of-choice questions are a standard format on many state board barber apply checks. They assess your information of varied barbering strategies, security protocols, and consumer session. A powerful basis in these areas is vital.

• Query: Which of the next is an important consider sustaining a protected and sanitary barbering setting?
• Choices: a) Utilizing clear towels, b) Disinfecting gear between purchasers, c) Sustaining a tidy workspace, d) The entire above.
• Answer: The right reply is d) The entire above. A protected and sanitary setting encompasses all three facets – clear towels, disinfected gear, and a tidy workspace. Every is essential to stopping the unfold of an infection.
• Clarification: This query checks your understanding of primary sanitation and security protocols. All three listed choices are important for sustaining a hygienic setting, demonstrating the interconnectedness of those practices.

• Query: What’s the main perform of a pre-shave conditioner?
• Choices: a) To melt the beard, b) To moisturize the pores and skin, c) To guard the pores and skin from irritation, d) The entire above.
• Answer: The right reply is d) The entire above. Pre-shave conditioners accomplish all these features, making ready the pores and skin for a clean and comfy shave.
• Clarification: This query assesses your understanding of product features. The pre-shave conditioner serves a multi-faceted objective, making it an integral a part of the shaving course of.

Matching Questions

Matching questions take a look at your capacity to attach ideas and procedures. They usually require you to correlate completely different facets of barbering, like haircutting strategies to particular hair varieties.

• Query: Match the next haircutting strategies with their corresponding hair varieties:
• Record A: a) Taper, b) Undercut, c) Layered minimize
• Record B: i) High quality, straight hair, ii) Thick, curly hair, iii) Medium-length, wavy hair
• Answer: a) Taper – iii) Medium-length, wavy hair, b) Undercut – ii) Thick, curly hair, c) Layered minimize – i) High quality, straight hair.
• Clarification: Matching questions necessitate an intensive understanding of the connection between strategies and hair varieties. The answer demonstrates the proper pairings.

Essay-Sort Questions

Essay-type questions require a complete understanding of a specific matter. They may ask you to explain a selected process or analyze a posh consumer state of affairs.

• Query: Clarify the significance of correct consumer session within the barbering occupation.
• Answer: Correct consumer session is essential for establishing rapport, understanding consumer wants, and guaranteeing a profitable consequence. It includes actively listening to the consumer’s wishes, assessing their hair kind and situation, and discussing expectations.
• Clarification: This query necessitates an in depth understanding of consumer session, highlighting its function in each the inventive and sensible facets of barbering.

Sources and Instruments for Preparation

Aceing your state board barber apply take a look at is simpler than you suppose! With the appropriate sources and instruments, you possibly can construct your confidence and solidify your abilities. This part Artikels useful aids that will help you conquer the take a look at and launch your profession.The journey to changing into a proficient barber is paved with useful sources. Efficient preparation hinges on sensible use of those instruments.

These sources, from respected web sites to apply questions, are designed to spice up your information and enhance your confidence.

Respected Web sites and On-line Sources

Quite a few web sites present invaluable sources for barbering college students and professionals. These platforms supply detailed info, apply quizzes, and even simulated take a look at environments. Discovering dependable sources is essential for a profitable examine plan.

• Skilled barbering associations usually preserve web sites with useful sources. These embrace info on state-specific laws, skilled improvement alternatives, and probably apply checks.
• Search on-line for “barbering apply checks” or related phrases. Outcomes might embrace websites that supply free or paid entry to apply checks designed to imitate precise state board exams. These are essential for understanding the take a look at format and figuring out areas for enchancment.
• Search for instructional platforms devoted to barbering. They might supply programs, apply supplies, and useful details about completely different strategies and instruments.

Books and Different Printed Supplies

Conventional studying supplies, like books, can complement on-line sources. They usually present in-depth info on particular subjects and may function a useful reference information.

• Barbering textbooks present complete protection of varied facets of the occupation, together with reducing strategies, hair design, and security procedures.
• Search for books on hair styling and particular strategies that align together with your state board’s necessities.
• Some textbooks embrace apply questions or quizzes, that are helpful for self-assessment.

On-line Follow Assessments and Research Supplies

Follow checks are important for gauging your readiness for the precise examination. They mean you can determine areas the place you want additional examine.

• Many on-line platforms supply apply checks tailor-made to particular state board necessities. These checks usually mimic the format and issue stage of the particular examination.
• Search for apply checks that mean you can observe your progress and pinpoint areas needing enchancment. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is essential to focusing your research.
• Make the most of pattern questions and solutions. Understanding why a solution is right or incorrect may also help solidify your information.

Follow Check Questions

Entry to various apply take a look at questions is essential for complete preparation. The extra apply questions you deal with, the extra snug you may grow to be with the examination format and content material.

• Search for apply checks with a wide range of query varieties, together with multiple-choice, true/false, and presumably scenario-based questions.
• Search apply checks that cowl the breadth of subjects examined on the state board examination.
• Evaluate your solutions and analyze your errors. That is important for figuring out and addressing any information gaps.

Apps and Software program for Follow

A number of apps and software program applications can help in your preparation journey. They provide handy and fascinating methods to apply and evaluation.

• Search for apps particularly designed for barbering training and apply. These might embrace interactive classes, apply quizzes, and even video tutorials on completely different strategies.
• Cellular apps are particularly helpful for on-the-go examine classes.
• Think about using software program applications that simulate a salon setting. This may also help with creating your abilities in a sensible setting.

Useful resource Desk

Useful resource	Description	Availability
Skilled Barbering Associations	Web sites with sources on laws, improvement, and probably apply checks.	On-line
Barbering Textbooks	Complete guides on reducing, design, and security.	Bookstores, On-line Retailers
On-line Follow Assessments	Simulate state board exams and observe progress.	On-line Platforms
Follow Check Questions	Number of query varieties protecting broad subjects.	On-line, Books
Barbering Apps/Software program	Interactive classes, quizzes, and simulated salon environments.	App Shops, Software program Retailers

Superior Strategies for Mastering Tough Ideas: State Board Barber Follow Check

Conquering difficult ideas in barbering apply checks is not about memorizing each element; it is about creating a strategic method. This part delves into superior strategies, equipping you with the instruments to deal with complicated questions and enhance your confidence. Mastering these methods will translate right into a more practical examine course of and a greater understanding of the fabric.Efficient problem-solving includes extra than simply recalling info.

It necessitates a deeper understanding of the underlying rules and the flexibility to use them creatively. Consider every query as a puzzle – by analyzing the parts, figuring out relationships, and dealing by way of doable options, you may be nicely in your strategy to mastering complicated ideas.

Methods for Tackling Difficult Questions

A vital facet of tackling robust questions is recognizing patterns and relationships throughout the materials. Search for clues, connections, and underlying rules that may allow you to formulate your reply. This includes cautious studying and comprehension, in addition to the flexibility to discern related info from irrelevant particulars. Do not be afraid to attract diagrams, make notes, or create visible representations to assist in your understanding.

Strategies for Downside-Fixing and Vital Considering

Mastering problem-solving in barbering includes creating a scientific method. This entails figuring out the core problem, breaking down the issue into smaller, extra manageable elements, after which systematically exploring doable options. Vital considering, on this context, means evaluating the validity of knowledge, contemplating various views, and forming reasoned judgments. For instance, when analyzing a posh haircut, contemplate the consumer’s hair kind, desired model, and the general aesthetic.

Approaches for Understanding Advanced Matters in Barbering

A typical method to understanding complicated subjects is to interrupt them down into smaller, extra manageable elements. This could contain dissecting the steps in a specific approach, finding out the intricacies of a selected haircut, or inspecting the nuances of various hair varieties. Use analogies or relatable examples to bridge the hole between summary ideas and real-world eventualities. For instance, think about a posh haircut as a roadmap – every step is a flip, and the vacation spot is the specified model.

Methods for Efficient Time Administration In the course of the Check

Time administration is vital for achievement in any take a look at. Develop a method to allocate your time successfully throughout all the take a look at. Begin by fastidiously reviewing all the take a look at, estimating the time wanted for every query, after which prioritizing questions primarily based in your strengths and weaknesses. Follow timed apply checks to refine your method. Allocate a set time for every part, and if a query is proving too difficult, transfer on and return to it later.

Desk Summarizing Strategies for Tackling Difficult Questions

Method	Description	Instance
Figuring out Patterns	Recognizing recurring themes or relationships throughout the materials.	Noticing a sample in how completely different hair varieties react to sure styling merchandise.
Visible Illustration	Utilizing diagrams, charts, or different visible aids for example complicated ideas.	Drawing a diagram to indicate the right layering approach for a haircut.
Breaking Down Issues	Dividing complicated issues into smaller, extra manageable elements.	Analyzing every step of a haircut approach individually to raised perceive the method.
Contemplating Options	Evaluating a number of views and options to an issue.	Contemplating alternative ways to model a consumer’s hair primarily based on their preferences.
Prioritizing Questions	Specializing in simpler questions first to construct confidence and save time.	Finishing simpler questions in a piece to permit extra time for the tougher ones.