It's normal to fear them. On the other hand it can seem silly to worry so much. Future nurses, doctors, dentists, therapists, veterinarians, etc. have been taking and passing exams all through professional school, and yet when it comes time to take the board or licensing exams they panic and think they have forgotten everything they ever learned.
This is a perfectly normal reaction and something many people can say has happened to them since first grade. Every time they have to take a big test they panic. This time however, it’s not just an A or B on the line, it’s their career.
Board or licensing exams are usually given after graduation to ensure the student has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform at a standard level. This is in accordance with public health laws to protect the public. If the student fails, they cannot practice as a nurse, doctor, therapist, etc. They can repeat the exams, but some require a repeat of some classes as well.
Study Groups Are Helpful
It’s time to slow down and take deep breaths. Joining a study group of peers can be very helpful. The different areas on the dreaded tests can be broken down. Each member of the group can take on an area that they feel most comfortable with and prepare a study guide, hold tutoring sessions, or go over the questions in those famous practice tests and explain the answers to the peer group.
Often peers may have a different approach to explaining the most important points. This can help their peers to understand a subject better and to remember the material easier.
Here's Another Approach
Another helpful study group approach is for each member to pick their weakest area and prepare a study guide for their peers or take the practice test books and find the most difficult questions and explain the answers to the group. This can help students overcome fears and even force them to take a new look at that subject that has been their nemesis all along.
Holding group sessions helps to reinforce the fact that the students haven’t forgotten everything they learned and gives them an opportunity to vent their fears and to find a renewed sense of confidence in their knowledge.
Practice Skills With a Partner
Practical or skills exams can be prepared for in the same or similar group fashion, either by individual demonstration or by pairing up and practicing with a partner. Then switch and try it again with a new partner.
Flash cards can be helpful tools. Some people are better at making these than others and may need some enticement to make several copies or to share theirs. Baked goods can be a good bribe.
The Random Drawing
Other approaches can be to list questions or skills on small pieces of paper and put them all in a hat or fishbowl. Each person draws one out and has to demonstrate or lecture to the group on the subject they draw.
Studying with a group can help to reinforce the learning process and it can help to reduce the fears and tension that builds in anticipation of these big exams. Dedicate the week before to getting plenty of rest, eating right, and staying properly hydrated. Eat a healthy meal before the test starts. Relax and be confident.
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