How to study for and take the Certification Exam

1. How to study for and take the Certification Exam Brenda McLoud BSN, RN, CGRN

2. How to Study • Make a commitment • Set a specific time each day • Start several months in advance • Enlist family support • Form a study group • Read the objectives of each chapter and modules and prioritize you knowledge • Need to know • Want to know • Nice to know

3. How to study (cont) • Overview of what you know and feel comfortable with • Concentrate on what you don’t know • Teach others. • You never learn as well as you do when you are teaching others. It helps you recognize what is not clear in your own mind. • Use supplemental material tapes • Flash cards • Write questions with answers on the back. Keep them with you at all times. • Flash cards for those subjects that are difficult to remember.

4. How to study (cont) • Write brief notes. Use key words and outline. • Be an active participant • Relate information to your experiences • Attitude – Challenge not a threat • Never try to study when you are tired

5. How to study (cont) • Knowledge retention • What people remember • 10% of what they read • 20% of what they hear • 30% of what they see • 70% of what they say • 90% of what they say and do • Involve as many senses as possible to help retain information

6. What not to do • Don’t depend only on a study group • Don’t take on too much at a time • Don’t waste your time on what you know • Don’t study with the TV or radio in the background • Don’t adopt a negative attitude about your ability

7. How to take the exam • Prepare yourself academically • Start studying well in advance • Obtain information about test format • Determine most effective study method • Use supplemental methods to reading the text

8. How to take the exam • Prepare yourself psychologically • Explain to your family how important this is to you • Allow yourself quiet uninterrupted study time • Don’t leave studying to the last minute • Find out where the testing area or site is before the test • Don’t study the night before • Review test instructions at least a few days before

9. Taking the exam • Follow the instructions carefully • Take a few deep breaths and open the test booklet on command • If you don’t know the answer, make a small mark next to the question and continue on • Answer all the questions, there is no penalty for guessing • If the test is multiple choice, cover the possible answers before you read them and answer the question yourself • Answer what they are asking for. Don’t read into the question

10. Taking the exam • Personal preparation • Wear your most comfortable clothes • If you have a lucky piece or rabbit’s foot, bring it along • If you need any medications be sure to take them before the exam • Your attitude is important • If you are taking the exam with a group encourage each other

11. Taking the exam • Personal preparation (cont) • After the exam is over treat yourself to a relaxing moment with friends or family • When you find out that you passed the exam reward yourself for all your effort. • If you don’t pass the exam retake as soon as possible while it is all fresh in you mind