Test-Taking Strategies
Cathy Haut
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Preparation for test taking can be extremely stressful and cause considerable anxiety.
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Successful personal skills for test preparation are important to use first prior to adopting new processes.
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Skills for taking a certification examination include critical thinking and clinical decision making.
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Most certification examinations are multiple choice in construction and test content that has been presented throughout the educational program and clinical experiences.
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Taking a certification examination is the culmination of educational experience as a graduate student. In most cases, certification examinations are linked to state licensure and credentialing. Didactic coursework and clinical experiences have provided the best preparation for the examination; however, content review, studying, and practice examinations may be important to reinforce important information and support new knowledge.
Time Management
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Prepare at an alert time of the day, in an environment that is conducive to study and memory.
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Create a life calendar and schedule time to study.
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Study time should be protected from other distractions such as television, email, or the phone.
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Schedule breaks from studying to include physical activity, pleasure activities, and rest.
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Plan study time over weeks rather than days. Once the educational program is completed, allow adequate time to unwind, celebrate, and plan the “next steps.”
Study Tips
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Obtain and review a copy of the examination blue print.
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Plan and schedule study time.
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Listen and take organized notes to focus on key information.
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Use memory strategies to remember key information; include mnemonics, acronyms, and acrostics, keywords, and rhymes or songs.
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Spend more time studying weak areas.
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Create flash cards or index cards.
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Evaluate progress periodically.
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Join or create a study group.
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Limit the group size to three or five members.
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Decide how often, where to meet, and for how long you will meet.
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Meet two or three times a week.
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Take breaks (short) if planning a long study session.
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Study sessions of approximately 60 to 90 minutes are best.
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Identify a mentor who can provide answers to questions and offer encouragement during the study period.
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