How to Be Prepared For Any Professional Exam

With the myriad of state and federal licensing exams necessary for professional certification, it pays to take a deliberate and methodical approach in preparing for the exams. Needless to say, failing to pass an important test can put future earnings at risk where it can cause you immense stress and anxiety. Follow this simple timeline and it ensures you that you can do your best.

Six months prior to examr
The first task is all about planning. Get a calendar and a notebook.

1. Write down key tasks related to taking the exam. Sign-up payment deadlines, check-in dates, days off from work or school. All of these are needed to be in the calendar. If using a digital calendar, add alarms to alert you a few days or hours before deadlines so you won't be taken by surprise.

2. Build a study plan. Determine how many hours a week you'll devote to study time and stick with it. Good exam preparation is about dedication and consistency.

3. Let everyone know that you are preparing for an important exam and show that you are focused on the goal. Don't be shy about asking for support.

4. Plan out exercise and relaxation time. Focus on learning is important, but taking care of your body is just as vital for your health.

Three months prior to examr
This phase is about focusing on weak spots.
• If in the course of your previous study you haven't taken practice tests yet, start doing so. Determine your weak areas and laser focus on them to become strengths. Consider a tutor or outside help if necessary.

• Many people find a test preparation course to be helpful. Even if you haven't considered this, it might be worth looking into. Most services also include simple one-day seminars with exam. Taking hints from these activities could be of value.

One month prior to examr
This period is crucial to locking knowledge into the brain.
1. Start consolidating and rewriting notes. This process aids memory.

2. "Teach" a friend about what you're learning. The process of teaching is one of the strongest ways to better understand different materials.

3. Keep up with practice tests and consider purchasing study guides.

Two weeks prior to examr
This begins the mental and physical preparation for the exam process.
• Make sure you know how to get to the exam venue and double check times and dates.

• Alert work or school of the date and take the appropriate day(s) off.

• Dedicate yourself to getting ample sleep and improving eating habits.

Day before the examr
If you're not prepared by now, cramming at this point isn't likely going to help.
• Review your notes, but don't stress if something isn't feeling like it is taking hold.

• A good aerobic workout – brisk walk, run, bike ride, or swim – will help clear the mind.
• Spend a good portion of the day relaxing and not focusing on studies or the exam.

• Eat well and get to bed at a reasonable hour, but don't force yourself to bed if you're not tired.

Day of examr
This is it. Again, don't stress and don't cram.
1. If you feel you must, quickly review your notes or areas that have been difficult.

2. Get to the test center early to check in and then take time to relax.

3. Ace the exam!

Good exam preparation is best done at a slow and steady pace. Making a well thought-out plan in advance will get you prepared and ready to go.