TAKING THE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
When you sign up to take a national certification exam, you will be instructed to go online and review the testing
... [Show More] and review handbook (http://www.nursecredentialing.org/
GeneralTestingRenewalHandbook). Review it carefully and be sure to bookmark the site so you
can refer to it frequently. It contains information on test content and sample questions. This is
critical information; it will give you insight into the nature of the test. The agency will send you
information about the test site; keep this in a safe place until needed.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
Step One: Control Your Anxiety
Everyone experiences anxiety when faced with taking the certification exam.
▶ Remember, your program was designed to prepare you to take this exam.
▶ Your instructors took a similar exam, and have probably talked to students who took
exams more recently, so they know how to help you prepare.
▶ Taking a review course or setting up your own study plan will help you feel more
confident about taking the exam.
StepTwo: Do Not Listen to Gossip About the Exam
A large volume of information exists about the tests based on reports from people who have
taken the exams in the past. Because information from the testing facilities is limited, it is hard
to ignore this gossip.
▶ Remember that gossip about the exam that you hear from others is not verifiable.
▶ Because this gossip is based on the imperfect memory of people in a stressful situation, it may not be very accurate.
▶ People tend to remember those items testing content with which they are less comfortable; for instance, those with a limited background in women‘s health may say
that the exam was ―all women‘s health.‖ In fact, the exam blueprint ensures that the
exam covers multiple content areas without overemphasizing any one.
CHAPTER 1
2 PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER REVIEW AND RESOURCE MANUAL, 4TH EDITION
Step Three: Set Reasonable Expectations for Yourself
▶ Do not expect to know everything.
▶ Do not try to know everything in great detail.
▶ You do not need a perfect score to pass the exam.
▶ The exam is designed for a beginner level—it is testing readiness for entry-level
practice.
▶ Learn the general rules, not the exceptions.
▶ The most likely diagnoses will be on the exam, not questions on rare diseases or
atypical cases.
▶ Think about the most likely presentation and most common therapy.
Step Four: Prepare Mentally and Physically
▶ While you are getting ready to take the exam, take good physical care of yourself.
▶ Get plenty of sleep and exercise, and eat well while preparing for the exam.
▶ These things are especially important while you are studying and immediately before
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