Is the Handbook of Technical Writing necessary to pass the Tech Writing DSST?

[mistae]

I was going to but the Handbook of Technical Writing by Alred etc., but its anywhere between 30-50 bucks. I can probably get it cheaper online, but I'm trying to take the test next week if possible. Is the book necessary? Are there any other resources (online maybe) that alone could teach me what I need? I definitely don't want to fail this test, and IC doesn't offer flashcards.

[mcooksey]

I studied using the book "The Elements of Technical Writing" by Gary Blake and Robert Bly. I found it very helpful, relevant and interesting on top of that. It's only 156 pages long and I'm pretty sure I bought it for less than the book you mentioned above.

[bricabrac]

I was going to but the Handbook of Technical Writing by Alred etc., but its anywhere between 30-50 bucks. I can probably get it cheaper online, but I'm trying to take the test next week if possible. Is the book necessary? Are there any other resources (online maybe) that alone could teach me what I need? I definitely don't want to fail this test, and IC doesn't offer flashcards.

Personally I did not find the text necessary. Forum members referenced this free online resource:
Online Technical Writing: Online Textbook--Contents

Review the business corresponsence/resume; technical reports; recommendation/feasilbility (structure); abstracts; document/proposal format at this online site and you will be good to go. Take a look at the graphics section and think about which chart would be best in what scenario...line, bar, pie chart...

Once I got through the grammar questions (prob +/- 1/3 of the questions), my exam seemed a bit abstract, abstract, abstract heavy..

Use the factsheet from dsst and quickly review each section. If you should already have business writing skills, it will take no more than a few hours review to ace the test.

Good luck!

[rmroberts]

I passed using only free online websites listed on free-clep-prep.com. The one listed above I read completely through and then used the others to fill in. That much studying probably wasn't neccessary though. Its a pretty easy test and I'm 16, so I have absolutely no background with business writing. Good luck!

[chrliu2]

My dsst technical writing was roughly the following
10 questions approximatly on applied grammar. ( Fix this sentence , Revise this paragraph )
30 questions on data formatting ( What is the cleanest way to present the histogram or the data plot given and Why When do I use what visual aid )
20 questions on written formatting ( what is the purpose and standard format of common business documents such as memos, letters, faxes, reports, proposals etc)
15 applied formatting questions ( given the following topic and audience arrange this paragraph , topic heading , group these subheadings together etc )
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Yes that book is good but Strunk and White is a more concise and cheaper book

[Lindagerr]

I don't remember many specifics about the test, but I usually over study. I don't think that particular book is required I just usually recommend it because most libraries have some addition of it. If I remember correctly this is the exam with the highest pass rate so don't sweat it.