Test-Taking

Don’t procrastinate
- It is best to review and study small sections or course content over several days as opposed to cramming.
Review the 5-day Study Plan
Follow faculty instructions and guidance related to synthesizing and understanding course content.
Don’t try to memorize ALL content. Rote memorization does not facilitate long-term comprehension.
Instead of memorization, think about content from a conceptual or logical perspective.
Textbook readings, PowerPoint slides, seminars, lectures and other course activities are key success indicators to understanding course content.
Join or organize a study/review group or team.

Read ALL of the test question before proceeding to test options.
Identify key words in the test question stem.
Based on the information provided in the question stem, identify the test item’s theme or subject area.
Themes may be built upon the nursing process.
Do not assume information that is not given.
Answer difficult questions by eliminating the obviously incorrect responses first; then select the best of the remaining options.
Know the basic principles that guide the area of practice.
To look for patterns in your performance and flaws in your thinking, analyze your test-taking behaviors by reviewing the test and establish strategies to correct your identified problems.
A computer review when available, gives you immediate feedback indicating your weak content areas and once the test has been closed, you may review missed test items with their indicated rationales.
The course instructor upon request may be willing to review test that do not provide computer reviews.
Manage your time effectively during test-taking.
Do not change answers without sound, logical rationale.