No matter what certification exam you take, all share one thing in common: multiple-choice questions. Multiple choice is the most popular format for most standardized tests and allows testing on a large amount of information in a relatively short period of time. While many dread this type of exam, there are advantages to it, including ease in grading and the ability to test the knowledge base of a person with less developed writing skills or problems with expressive language. Specifically, the certification exams are an assessment of the knowledge base of the entry-level NP, an important point to remember as you study. Bearing this in mind, here are some “dos and don’ts” for the NP certification exams.
Do read each question and response choice so that you mark your answer only after you are sure you understand the concept being tested in the question. Answering a question quickly may lead you to choose a response that contains correct information about a given condition but might not be the correct response for that particular question.
Do be wary of options that include extreme words, such as "always," "never," "all," "best," "worst" or "none." Seldom is anything absolute in health care.
Do recall and jot down a few facts about the information if you are really stumped. Doing this may be enough to facilitate retrieval of information you need to respond to the question.
Do remember that if the answers cover a wide range of numerical values, a value at or near the middle is often correct.
Do make sure that the extra information usually found in a particularly long answer is pertinent to the question and not simply there to distract you.
Do read the shortest answer with care before you reject it. While the short option gives little detail, there may be enough information in it to make it correct.
Do notice if two answer choices look similar. In most cases, one is the correct answer.
Do note when two answers convey the same information or have the same meaning. Usually both are wrong.
Do read each query as if it were a true-false question, eliminating all the answers that are false.
Do expect to answer about 60 to 70 or more multiple-choice questions per hour. This means you may have less than a minute, on average, to spend on each question. Some questions will take only a few seconds, while others will require more time for thought. Check yourself at 15- or 20-minute intervals to determine if you are progressing at an acceptable rate.
Do expect that the topics you studied will be presented in random order. A question on diabetes mellitus may follow one on hypertension and can be preceded by a question on women’s health.
Do recall that the certification exams are geared to test the knowledge base of an entry-level NP. As a result, you may need to apply knowledge you have learned in a new or novel way to correctly answer a question.
Do utilize evidence-based practice on the exam. Expect that advice on health screenings and interventions is based on nationally recognized standards of care from authorities such as the American Diabetes Association, National Cholesterol Education Program and the American Cancer Society, not simply what you have observed being done in clinical practice.
Don’t forget that the computer-based test sites accommodate the needs of a number of different test candidates. Although the sites are generally quiet locations, people will be moving in and out of the test area. Bring along earplugs if you are easily distracted.
Don’t be misled by the close-to-correct choice that may precede the correct answer.
Don’t assume that an answer is correct because this is what you have observed in your current nursing practice.
Don't dismiss an option because it seems too obvious and simple to be correct. If you are well prepared for the exam, some of the questions will appear very straightforward.
Don't select an option just because it contains factually correct information about the clinical situation. You have to make sure that it is the "correct" answer to the question.
Don't reject an answer just because you have answered three responses in a row with the same option, such as “B.” If after careful consideration you deem a response correct, stick with that answer.
Don’t answer every question that you are unsure about in the same way, such as “all of the above,” or you will pick this response too often. As a result of your NP studies and certification preparation, you should be able to draw on your knowledge base and narrow choices to two options.
Don't pick an answer just because it seems to make sense. You are answering from your knowledge of the exam content, not from your general knowledge and logic alone.
Don't be taken in by the use of unfamiliar terms in the question. If you know have studied the subject, few words should be unknown.
Don’t get bogged down on one question if you are unsure or stumped about an answer. A better strategy is to move on and finish all the questions you can answer and come back later to process the problematic questions. The computer-based tests do have a mechanism to highlight questions you want to revisit.
Don’t change an answer unless you misinterpreted the question. If necessary, when looking over the questions again, change an answer only if you can logically justify the change.
Don’t not respond to self-defeating thoughts that may creep into your mind, such as, “I did not study enough,” or “This test is too hard.” Recognize the time and energy you have put into your preparation.
In conclusion, do what you can to maximize your success. Don’t forget that your certification preparation will also serve you well in your new practice.