- Making practice test questions. It is kind of like playing Jeopardy because you are just putting your study notes in the
form or a question. Try this—
- Open a word document and insert a two column table.
- In the left column of the table write the test questions you make up when studying the text
- In the right column of the table write your answers.
- You can use it to study like you would flash cards, and also for taking a practice test on the material.
- Print the page and fold it along the table line.
- Try answering the questions and then unfold the page and check your answers.
- Get organized and stay organized — There are a number of things that need to be organized when preparing to take a
test. Paying attention to every detail and getting organized can save you frustration, money, and probably a few tears.
- First prepare an outline of how you will sequence the subjects to be reviewed
- Assign an amount of time for each subject.
- Stick to your plan!
- Getting organized means being prepared for every aspect of test taking. You may have to travel to a strange new
city to take the test.
- Use a GPS system OR
- Visit a mapping site that gives you turn-by-turn directions such as MapQuest
- Allow extra time to find the site just in case you get lost, or other delays such traffic being backed up. Don't be like
the student who traveled over 100 miles to take the test, and, when she arrived in the new city, she got lost and
missed the test.
- Make sure your identification matches your application and transcript. Don't be like the student who was not allowed
to take the test because she had gotten married, and she had her name changed on her driver’s license. Her
maiden name was on her application and transcript. If you can’t take the test then you can’t pass the test.
- Review associations website for test requirements and testing instructions— Review your association's website
and find its requirements to take the test. You don't want to show up with the wrong books, and not be able to take the test
- Look for things like the type of code books and what type notes or lack or notes are allowed in the code book.
- Check for the type of calculators that are allowed, or if one is allowed.
- Look tidbits of information, such as whether you can skip and go back to questions during testing.
- Study for test based on the objectives or expected competencies
- Organize your study material based on the expected competencies, and you should be well prepared.
- AHIIMA list these competencies by domain in the “Candidates Handbook” under “Competency Statements”. This is a
good rule when preparing for any type of test.
- Stay focused—I know that everyone has heard the saying, “It’s not how you drive, but how you arrive”. In the case of
preparing to take a test, it is how you drive that determines how you will arrive. If you don't drive yourself to stay focused,
you will arrive with a failing grade. So stay focused!
- Try creating a vision board, and place on it a picture of yourself studying next to something that you want and can
only have after you pass the test.
- The thing you want can be words like "confidence", "a job", etc, or it can be a new car or a new house.
- Place a caption that says “I will arrive in style”.
- Place the vision board where you will see it every day.
Back to Page 1 of How to Study
|
