CEM NVR Exam Technique

You have now covered all the key NVR question types. This final lesson brings everything together with exam strategies, timing advice, and tips specific to the CEM format. Even if you know every technique, poor time management or careless mistakes can cost you marks. Let us make sure you are ready for exam day.

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Understanding the CEM 11+ Format

The CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, based at Durham University) exam has some distinctive features that set it apart from other 11+ tests:

Feature	CEM Detail
Format	Multiple choice (usually 4 or 5 options per question)
NVR placement	NVR is interleaved with maths in the same paper — you switch between question types
Predictability	The format changes from year to year — you cannot rely on past papers to predict the exact layout
Shape style	CEM often uses unfamiliar and abstract shapes rather than simple geometric figures
Time pressure	The paper is designed to be challenging to finish — speed matters
Scoring	Typically 1 mark per correct answer with no negative marking
Answer format	Usually a separate answer sheet with bubbles to fill in

Key point: Because the format varies year to year, you must be prepared for any NVR question type. You cannot afford to skip topics.

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Timing Strategy

How Much Time Per Question?

CEM papers vary in length, but a typical section might have around 35-45 questions to answer in 30-45 minutes. That gives roughly 30-50 seconds per question.

Some questions (like simple odd-one-out) can be answered in 10-15 seconds. Others (like multi-rule sequences or nets) might take 50-60 seconds. The key is to balance your time — save seconds on easy questions so you have them for harder ones.

The Three-Pass Strategy

This is the most effective approach for any timed multiple-choice exam:

Pass 1 — Quick Questions (first run-through)

• Go through the paper from start to finish.
• Answer every question you can do quickly and confidently.
• If a question takes more than 40 seconds and you are stuck, circle it and move on.
• This pass should use about 60-70% of your total time.

Pass 2 — Harder Questions (second run-through)

• Return to the questions you circled.
• Spend more time on each — up to 60 seconds.
• Use elimination to narrow down the options.
• If still stuck after 60 seconds, make your best guess and put a small mark next to it.
• This pass should use about 20-25% of your total time.

Pass 3 — Review (final check)

• Use remaining time to check your answers.
• Verify you have not made alignment errors on the answer sheet.
• Revisit any questions you marked for a third look.

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Switching Between NVR and Maths

One of the unique challenges of CEM is that NVR and maths questions are mixed together. You might answer a number problem, then a shape sequence, then a calculation, then a matrix.

Tips for Switching

Tip	Why it helps
Recognise the question type instantly	Saves time — you know immediately which strategy to use
Do not overthink the switch	Just read the question, identify the type, and apply your method
Do not let a hard maths question affect your NVR confidence	Each question is independent — a fresh start each time
Keep your pencil moving	Momentum is important in a timed test — do not stare at the page

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The Power of Elimination

Even if you cannot solve a question completely, you can usually rule out one or two wrong answers. This dramatically improves your chances:

Options eliminated	Chance of guessing correctly (4 options)
0 eliminated	25% (1 in 4)
1 eliminated	33% (1 in 3)
2 eliminated	50% (1 in 2)
3 eliminated	100% (certain!)

How to Eliminate in NVR

• Check each option against the rules you have identified.
• Look for obvious mismatches — wrong size, wrong shading, wrong number of sides.
• Compare similar options — if two options are nearly identical, the answer is likely one of them (the examiner is testing whether you can spot the difference).

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