Test Taking Tips and Study Strategies - FANNP

FANNP 23RD NATIONAL NNP SYMPOSIUM: CLINICAL UPDATE AND REVIEW 

B16 

Test Taking Tips and 

Study Strategies 

Lisa Glantz Williamson, MSN, NNP-BC 

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 

Blank Children’s Hospital, Des Moines, IA 

The speakers have signed a disclosure form and indicated that she has no significant financial interest or relationship with companies or the 

manufacturer(s) of any commercial product/service that may be discussed as part of this presentation. 

Session Summary 

This session is presented in two parts. First, the presenter will provide an overview of the certification 

examination and its rules, regulations, eligibility and format. Participants will be given evidence-based study and 

test taking strategies as preparation for taking a multiple-choice certification examination. Secondly, the 

participants will be encouraged to take part in answering practice questions in a relaxed, fun game show 

atmosphere. 

Session Objectives 

Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to: 

• site internet resources that will assist in examination preparation; 

• define the NCC and understand the mechanism by which questions are formulated; 

• understand the format of the examination; 

• anticipate eligibility requirements; 

• know how to proceed with application for the examination; 

• formulate a study plan using the examination content outline; 

• anticipate anxiety and identify mechanisms by which to minimize stress; 

• understand the importance of a study plan as it relates to examination preparation; 

• choose recommended study resources, references, and texts; 

• identify areas of strength and weakness, enhancing study plan; 

• formulate multiple-choice question test-taking strategies; 

• be adequately prepared to take the NCC NNP certification examination; 

• participate in a game-show style practice question event. 

Session References 

Bonis, S., Taft, L. & Wendler, M.C. (2007). Strategies to promote success on the NCLEX-RN: An evidence-based approach using the Ace 

Star model of knowledge transformation [Electronic version]. Nursing Education Perspectives, 28: 82-87. 

Brigham Young University Mission Training Center (2008). Test taking strategies. Retrieved July 26, 2008, from 

http://ccc.byu.edu/learning/strategy.php 

Go Certify (2008). Test taking strategies. Retrieved July 26, 2008, from http://www.gocertify.com/article/strategies3.shtml 

Inspiration Quotes (2008). Inspiration quotes- Effort. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from 

http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/Effort3.htm 

B16: TEST TAKING TIPS & STUDY STRATEGIES Page 1 of 20


Ludwig, C. (2004, April). Preparing for certification: Test-taking tips [Electronic version]. MedSurg Nursing. Retrieved August 10, 2008, 

from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSS/is_2_13/ai_n17206929/print?tag=artBody;col1 

National Certification Corporation (2011). NCC 2011 candidate guide neonatal nurse practitioner. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from 

http://www.nccwebsite.org 

National Certification Corporation (2011). NCC leadership. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.nccwebsite.org 

The National Certification Corporation (2009). Nurse practitioner certification examinations women's health care nurse practitioner 

neonatal nurse practitioner: Registration catalog 2009 edition. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from 

http://www.nccwebsite.org/resources/09NPupdated.pdf 

Test Taking Tips (2011). Cramming techniques for exams. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.testtakingtips.com 

Test Taking Tips (2011). Multiple choice test taking tips. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.testtakingtips.com 

Test Taking Tips (2011). Reducing test taking anxiety. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.testtakingtips.com 

Test Taking Tips (2011). Study skills help and study tips. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.testtakingtips.com 

Test Taking Tips (2011). Test preparation tips. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.testtakingtips.com 

Test Taking Tips (2011). Test taking tips. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.testtakingtips.com 

The National Certification Corporation (2011). Nurse practitioner certification examinations women's health care nurse practitioner 

neonatal nurse practitioner: Registration catalog 2011 edition. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.nccwebsite.org 

Pediatrix University (2011). NNP certification prep course. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from 

http://www.pediatrix.com/body=university.cfm?id=265&oTopID=92 

The Center for Certification Preparation and Review (2011). Test taking tips. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from 

http://www.ccprnet.org/14a/pages/index.dfm?pageid=102 

www.memorizationtips.com. Retrieved August 9, 2011. 

References (Test Preparation 2011) 

Study** 

AWHONN, NANN, AACCN, Verklan and Walden, Core Curriculum for Neonatal Intensive Care 

Nursing, 4th Edition, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 2010. 

Reference** 

Blackburn S, and Loper D, Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Physiology, A Clinical Perspective, WB 

Saunders, Philadelphia, 2007. 

Study Brodsky and Martin, Neonatology Review, Hanley & Belfus, 2003 

Study Cloherty and Stark, Manual of Neonatal Care, Lippincott-Raven Philadelphia, 2008. 

Reference ** Cunningham, et al., Williams’ Obstetrics, 23 rd Edition, McGraw-Hill, NY, 2010 

Review Donn and Sinha, Manual of Neonatal Respiratory Care, 2nd Edition, Mosby, St. Louis, 2006. 

Reference 

Fanaroff, Martin and Walsh, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant, 9th 

Edition, Mosby, St. Louis, 2011. 

Reference ** 

Goldsmith and Karotkin, Assisted Ventilation of the Neonate, 5 th Edition, WB Saunders, 

Philadelphia, 2011. 

Study** 

Gomella, et al., Neonatology: Management, Procedures, On-Call Problems, Diseases and Drugs, 

McGraw-Hill, NY 2009. 

Reference 

Hockenberry and Wilson, Wong’s Nursing Care of Infants and Children, 9 th Edition, Elsevier 

Mosby, St. Louis, 2011. 

Reference 

Jones, Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation, 6 th Edition, WB Saunders, 


Reference 

Jonas, Comprehensive Surgical Management of Congenital Heart Disease, Hodder Arnold 

Publication, Oxford University Press, NY, 2004. 

Reference ** Kenner and Lott, Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing, 4th Edition, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 2007. 

Reference 

Kenner and McGrath, Developmental Care of Newborns & Infants: A Guide for Health 

Professionals, CV Mosby, 2004. 

Reference Klaus and Fanaroff, Care of the High Risk Neonate, 5th Edition, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 2001. 



Reference 

MacDonald, Mullett, and Seshia, Avery’s Neonatology, Pathophysiology and Management of the 

Newborn, 6th Edition, JB Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2007. 

Study ** 

Merenstein and Gardner, Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 7 th Edition, Mosby, St. Louis, 

2011. 

Study 

Polin, Yoder, and Berg, Workbook in Practical Neonatology, 4th Edition, WB Saunders, 


Study Polin and Spitzer, Fetal and Neonatal Secrets, 2 nd Edition, Mosby-Elsevier, 2006. 

Reference Polit and Beck, Nursing Research: Principles and Methods, JB Lippincott, Philadelphia, 2007. 

Reference Puir, Newborn Surgery, 2nd Edition, Hodder Arnold Publication, Oxford University Press, NY, 2003. 

Reference Reitz and Yuh, Congenital Cardiac Surgery, McGraw-Hill, NY, 2001. 

Reference 

Remington, et al., Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 

2005. 

Study ** Spitzer, et al., Intensive Care of the Fetus & Neonate, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, 2005. 

Review ** 

Tappero and Honeyfield, Physical Assessment of the Newborn, 4 th Edition, NICU Ink., Petaluma, 

CA, 2009. 

Reference ** 

Taeusch, Ballard, and Gleason, Avery’s Diseases of the Newborn, 8th Edition, WB Saunders, 


Reference 

Thureen, Hall, Deacon, and Hernandez, Assessment and Care of the Well Newborn, 2nd Edition, 

WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 2004. 

Reference Whaley and Wong, Nursing Care of Infants and Children, Mosby, St. Louis, 2003. 

Review Zenk, et. Al., Neonatal Medication and Nutrition, NICU, Ink, 2003. 


CCPR – Center for Certification Preparation and Review, www.ccprnet.org 


Pediatrix University, www.pediatrix.com 

NCC Bibliography – www.nccwebsite.org 

Blackburn (2007). Maternal, fetal and neonatal physiology, A clinical perspective. Philadelphia: W.B. Sauders. 

Briggs (2008). Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk (Solution). LWW. 

Chernick, et al. (2006), Kendig's disorders of the respiratory tract in children. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. 

Cloherty, et al. (2007). Manual of neonatal care. Phildelphia: Lippincott-Raven Publishers. 

Creasy, et al. (2009). Maternal fetal medicine. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders. 

Davies, et al. (2009). Examination of the newborn and neonatal: A multidimensional approach. London: Churchill 

Livingstone. 

Hall (2006). Neonatal Formulary. Massachusetts, Blackwell Publishing, BMJ Books. 

Katzung, et al. (2006). Basic & clinical pharmacology. New York: McGraw Hill. 

Kenner, et al. (2007). Comprehensive neonatal nursing. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. 

MacDonald, et al. (2007). Atlas of procedures in neonatology. Philadlephia: LWW. 

Martin, et al. (2006). Neonatal-perinatal medicine: Diseases of the fetus and infant. Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby. 

Merenstein, et al. (2006). Handbook of neonatal intensive care. St. Louis: Mosby. 

Nugent, et al. (2007). Understanding newborn behaviors & early behavioral observations (NBO) system handbook. 

Brookline Publishing. 

Polit (2008). Nursing research. Philadelphia: LWW. 

Pozgar, et al. (2005). Legal & ethical issues for health professionals. New York: Jones and Barlett. 

Simpson, et al. (2009). Perinatal nursing. Philadelphia: LWW. 

Taeusch, et al. (2006). Avery’s diseases of the newborn. Phildelphia: Elsevier. 

Wynne, et al. (2007). Pharmacotherapeutics for nurse practitioner prescribers. FA Davis. 



NCC Recommended Periodicals 

• Advances in Neonatal Care 

• Clinics in Perinatology 

• MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing 

• Neonatal Network 

• Journal of Pediatrics 

• Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN) 

• Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews 

• Seminars in Perinatology 

Session Outline 

See handout on following pages. 



Test Taking Tips & 

Study Strategies for 

Passing the NCC 

NNP Exam 

Lisa Glantz Williamson 

MSN, ARNP, NNP-BC 




NNP Exam 

•The Test. 

• Tips & Study Strategies. 

• Practice Questions in a 

Game-Style Format. 

Congratulations Super Stars! 

Look at what you have accomplished! 

Pat yourself on the back! 

Be proud of yourself! 




NNP Exam 

The Test 



Important Internet Resources 

National Certification Corporation (NCC) 

www.nccwebsite.org 

The Center for Certification Preparation 

and Review (CCPR) 

www.ccprwebsite.org 

Pediatrix University 

www.pediatrix.com/homepage_university 

.cfm?id=92&oTopID=92 


The National Certification Corporation (NCC) 


2011 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Registration ti Catalog 

2011 Candidate Guide Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 

Catolog & guide discuss eligibility criteria, important facts, content 

outlines with study resources, bibliography, testing options, scoring, 

payment and general policies. 

Online Exam Registration 

Register for the exam completely online! Simple, easy to follow 

directions. 


The Center for Certification Preparation and Review 

(CCPR) 


•Provides test-taking tips 

•On-line practice test ($52) 

•Core text (Manual of Neonatal Care, Cloherty, et. 

al., 6 th edition) with exercise workbook ($94) 



www.pediatrix.com 

NNP Certification Prep Course 

•7 modules, each with a self-assessment quiz: 

Pulmonary - Perinatal Risk Factors - General 

Management - Cardiac and Gastrointestinal - 

Integument, Hematopoeitic and Genetics - Multi- 

System Review - Infectious Disease and Neurology 

•Multiple choice, 125-question exam 

Presented in 3 segments 



Flashcards…Another way to study! 

• Available from www.flashcardsecrets.com 

• Cost $69.99 plus shipping 

OR 

• Make your own 

Who is the NCC? 

The National Certification Corporation. 

Not–for–Profit organization. 

Provide certification credentials via 

voluntary examinations that 

validate entry level knowledge. 


2011 Exam Content Team 

Catherine Theorell, NNP-BC, Ph.D. 

Chicago, IL 

Terri Cavaliere, NNP-BC, MS 

Manhasset, NY 

Jan Sherman, NNP-BC, Ph.D. 

Columbia, MO 

Ellen Tappero, NNP-BC, MN 

Scottsdale, AZ 

NCC NNP Certification Exam 

How to Apply 

• Your application, fee and documentation 

MUST be submitted together… 

– Completed application 

– Official transcript issued from the registrar 

– Copy of master’s diploma/master’s degree 

– Post master’s candidates must also include a 

copy of post master’s certificate 

• Processing can take up to 4 weeks 

• Apply online or via mail 



NCC NNP Certification Examination 

Eligibility 

Beginning in 2010, the exam must be completed 

within 3 years of graduation date. 

•All requirements for graduation must be completed 

before application is filed. 

•Current RN in USA or Canada. 

•Graduation from an accredited NNP program after 

January 1, 2005. 

•Certification is maintained by completing 45 

continuing education contact hours or reexamination 

every 3 years 


Format & Fees 

2 exam formats… 

1) Computer available on demand with a 90 day 

testing window 

2) Paper and pencil offered only 1 time/year 

Application fees… 

• Computer - $300 (online) vs. $325 (mail) 

• Paper and pencil - $250 (online) vs. $275 (mail) 

Computer testing myths: 

Must have computer savvy – NOT! 

You cannot revisit questions – NOT! 

The computer test content is harder – NOT! 


Format 

•3 hour examination. 

•175 questions counted for scoring with up to an 

additional 50 pre-test questions. 

•Each question has three possible answers. 

•Tests knowledge and application of knowledge. 

•Lab data, conventional measurements. 

•Generic and trade drug names. 

•Passing scores are predetermined and based upon 

Item Response Theory (Rasch analysis)…in other 

words “criteria” based. 


Content 

General Assessment (15 – 20%) 

General Management (20 – 30%) 

The Disease Process (45 – 55%) 

Professional Issues (





NNP Exam 

Lisa Glantz Williamson 

MSN, ARNP, NNP-BC 




NNP Exam 

•The Test. 

• Tips & Study Strategies. 

• Practice Questions in a 

Game-Style Format. 

Congratulations Super Stars! 

Look at what you have accomplished! 

Pat yourself on the back! 

Be proud of yourself! 




NNP Exam 

The Test 




National Certification Corporation (NCC) 


The Center for Certification Preparation 

and Review (CCPR) 



www.pediatrix.com/homepage_university 

.cfm?id=92&oTopID=92 


The National Certification Corporation (NCC) 


2011 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Registration ti Catalog 

2011 Candidate Guide Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 

Catolog & guide discuss eligibility criteria, important facts, content 

outlines with study resources, bibliography, testing options, scoring, 

payment and general policies. 

Online Exam Registration 

Register for the exam completely online! Simple, easy to follow 

directions. 


The Center for Certification Preparation and Review 

(CCPR) 


•Provides test-taking tips 

•On-line practice test ($52) 

•Core text (Manual of Neonatal Care, Cloherty, et. 

al., 6 th edition) with exercise workbook ($94) 



www.pediatrix.com 

NNP Certification Prep Course 

•7 modules, each with a self-assessment quiz: 

Pulmonary - Perinatal Risk Factors - General 

Management - Cardiac and Gastrointestinal - 

Integument, Hematopoeitic and Genetics - Multi- 

System Review - Infectious Disease and Neurology 

•Multiple choice, 125-question exam 

Presented in 3 segments 



Flashcards…Another way to study! 

• Available from www.flashcardsecrets.com 

• Cost $69.99 plus shipping 

OR 

• Make your own 

Who is the NCC? 

The National Certification Corporation. 

Not–for–Profit organization. 

Provide certification credentials via 

voluntary examinations that 

validate entry level knowledge. 


2011 Exam Content Team 

Catherine Theorell, NNP-BC, Ph.D. 

Chicago, IL 

Terri Cavaliere, NNP-BC, MS 

Manhasset, NY 

Jan Sherman, NNP-BC, Ph.D. 

Columbia, MO 

Ellen Tappero, NNP-BC, MN 

Scottsdale, AZ 


How to Apply 

• Your application, fee and documentation 

MUST be submitted together… 

– Completed application 

– Official transcript issued from the registrar 

– Copy of master’s diploma/master’s degree 

– Post master’s candidates must also include a 

copy of post master’s certificate 

• Processing can take up to 4 weeks 

• Apply online or via mail 




Eligibility 

Beginning in 2010, the exam must be completed 

within 3 years of graduation date. 

•All requirements for graduation must be completed 

before application is filed. 

•Current RN in USA or Canada. 

•Graduation from an accredited NNP program after 

January 1, 2005. 

•Certification is maintained by completing 45 

continuing education contact hours or reexamination 

every 3 years 


Format & Fees 

2 exam formats… 

1) Computer available on demand with a 90 day 

testing window 

2) Paper and pencil offered only 1 time/year 

Application fees… 

• Computer - $300 (online) vs. $325 (mail) 

• Paper and pencil - $250 (online) vs. $275 (mail) 

Computer testing myths: 

Must have computer savvy – NOT! 

You cannot revisit questions – NOT! 

The computer test content is harder – NOT! 


Format 

•3 hour examination. 

•175 questions counted for scoring with up to an 

additional 50 pre-test questions. 

•Each question has three possible answers. 

•Tests knowledge and application of knowledge. 

•Lab data, conventional measurements. 

•Generic and trade drug names. 

•Passing scores are predetermined and based upon 

Item Response Theory (Rasch analysis)…in other 

words “criteria” based. 


Content 

General Assessment (15 – 20%) 

General Management (20 – 30%) 

The Disease Process (45 – 55%) 

Professional Issues (



Content 

General Assessment 

•Perinatal 

– Antepartum and Intrapartum 

•Neonatal 

– Physical Exam 

– Gestational Age/Behavioral Assessment 

– Lab Tests 

– Diagnostic Procedures, Techniques and Equipment 

•Family Integration 

– Communication 

– Grief 

– Discharge Planning and Follow-Up 


Content 

General Managment 

•Thermoregulation 

•Resuscitation & Stabilization 

•Nutrition 

•Fluids & Electrolytes 

•Pharmacology 

– Principles 

– Drug Therapies 


Content 

The Disease Process: Embryology, Physiology, Pathophysiology 


Content 

Professional Issues 

• Cardiac 

• Pulmonary 

• Gastrointestinal 

• Renal/Genitourinary 

• Metabolic/Endocrine 

• Hematopoietic 

• Infectious Diseases 

• Musculoskeletal 

• Integumentary 

• Genetics 

• Neurological 

• Ears, Eyes, Nose & 

Mouth/Throat 

• Intrauterine Drug 

Exposure 

• Principles of Nursing Research 

• Legal/Ethical Problems 




Content 


Bibliography and Other Resources 

Expanded outline, sample questions and bibliography located in: 

NCC 2011 Candidate Guide Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 

http://www.nccwebsite.org 

Please refer to the appendix. 




NNP Exam 

Be Prepared! 

www.resptrec.org/resources/Test_Strategies.pdf 

Tips and Strategies 

“For every disciplined effort there is a multiple 

reward.” 

~Jim Rohn 



Start Early! 

• Get organized. 

• Review content outlines. 

• Identify strengths and weaknesses. 

• Plan and schedule time for study. 

• Develop personalized study plan. 

• Select review courses, resources, 

practice tests. 

“Great things are not done by impulse, 

but by a series of small things brought 

together.” 

~ Vincent Van Gogh 

Start Early! 

• Customize a calendar. 

• Divide and conquer the outline. 

• Check off content identified as a 

strength, highlight content 

identified as a weakness. 

• Practice tests are great tools that 

can identify strengths th and 

weaknesses! 

“Success is the sum of small efforts, 

repeated day in and day out.” 

~ Robert Collier 

Plan to study! 

• Keep up with your 

calendar. 

• Stay true to your planned 

study sessions!!! 

• Work ahead if possible. 

• Organize a study group if 

this approach has proven 

successful in the past. 

• Silence your phone, 

remove distractions. 

• Schedule breaks. 

Manage Anxiety! 

• Send application early. 

• Schedule exam date as soon as eligibility letter 

received. 

• If possible, take time off before and after the 

exam. Make any necessary work, travel, or 

childcare arrangements. 



Manage Anxiety! 

• Consider a dry run to the test site. 

• Schedule rest and relaxation time. 

• All things in moderation. If it is study 

time, study. If it is play time, play! 

• Preparation may be 

prophylactic 

treatment for test 

anxiety! 

“Lack of direction, not lack of 

time, is the problem. We all 

have twenty-four hour days.” 

~ Zig Ziglar 

Note case studies that match outline topics ~ 

• A notorious patient with PPHN. 

• Management of a crisis in the delivery room. 

• Interdisciplinary rounds regarding a chronic, 

complicated patient. 

How do you learn? 

• Seek out clinical experiences matching 

topics identified as areas of weakness. 

• It is easier to remember a story than it is to 

remember a list of facts. 

*See it. **Hear it. ***Say it. 

****Do it. 

*****Teach it! 

Consider preparing an in-service for staff, 

nursing students or ancillary departments. 

Choose a topic or a case study that can 

combine many outline topics. 



Memory Joggers 

Jingles 

Acronyms 

Acrostics 

Vivid mental pictures 

Memories…Like Footprints on My Mind 

• Create an acronym for a list 

• Sing it! 

• Practice, practice, practice 

• Use flash cards or play games 

• Chunk it! 

• Use patterns 

• Associate 

• Visualize it! 

• Repeat, repeat, repeat 

• Get your ZZZZZs 

The Week Before… 

The Week Before… 

• Scan entire outline. Determine areas requiring last 

minute study. 

• Allow for small increments of review time for all 

content topics. 

• Put main ideas, information and formulas onto a 

sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times. 

• Locate admission ticket. Get a silent, approved 

calculator. Assure you have photo identification. 

• Review preparations, rules, and regulations 

relating to the chosen examination format, 

computer or paper/pencil. 

• Verify travel arrangements. 



The Day Before… 

The Day Before… 

• Review briefly. 

• Review test strategies, time table, etc. 

• Travel to stay near test site if necessary. 

• Plan on an early dinner and bedtime. 

• Avoid sleep aids, stimulants, alcohol. 

• Don’t try or do anything new. 

• Set an alarm, consider a wake-up call. 

Test Day…Finally! 

• Feed your brain. Avoid excess fluids. 

• Get an early start. Arrive 30 minutes prior to 

your scheduled start time. 

• Wear layered, comfortable clothing. Go 

ahead, wear those lucky socks! 

• Listen carefully and remain alert. 

“One important key to success is 

self confidence. An important 

key to self confidence is 

preparation.” ~ Arthur Ashe 

Specific Test Taking Strategies 

• Take advantage of the practice test session. 

• Wisely use allotted time. Allow time for review. 

• Each exam question has three parts: the 

question (stem), the correct answer and two 

distracters. 

• Read the entire question thoroughly before 

looking at the answers. 




• First impressions matter. Think of your own 

answer before reading choices. 

• Read every choice before choosing answer. 

• Throw out unlikely answers. 

• Correct answers are often longer and more 

descriptive. 


• Answer the questions in the order that they 

appear. 

• If you do not know the answer, read the 

questions a second time. If you cannot make 

a guess, leave it blank and come back. Don’t 

panic and don’t waste time. 

• Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated 

over a specific question. If it is deemed 

flawed, statistical standards will not be met 

and it will be discounted. 


• If “all of the above” is a choice, and more 

than one of the choices is correct, then 

choose “all of the above.” 

• If two answers are similar, one of them is 

probably the correct answer. 

• Don’t be afraid to change an answer. 


BEWARE of the EXTREME modifiers! 

Use of these words usually makes the choice 

incorrect: 

always all never 

only none best 

absolutely worst absolutely not 

nobody everybody certainly 

invariably no one everyone 




LOOK for QUALIFIERS! 

Use of these words often make a choice correct: 

seldom often many 

usually frequently sometimes 

some 

much 

probably 

a majority apt to most 

might 

a few 

may 

unlikely 


• Look for keywords found in the question and in 

the choices. 

• Watch for peculiar wording. If the phrasing 

does not seem to fit it is probably an incorrect 

choice. 


• If the choices contain common elements, the 

choice with the greater number of elements is 

probably the best answer. 

• Look for opposites. One of them is usually the 

correct choice. 

• Leave no answer blank. You are not penalized 

for incorrect answers. You only risk guessing 

correctly! 

When the test is over…REJOICE! 

If you have taken the computer test, t you will know 

immediately that you have PASSED the exam! 

Have fun and treat yourself to something special! 

Let it go! Bask in the joy of your accomplishment!

Test Taking Tips and Study Strategies - FANNP

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