Phlebotomy Exam: Test Taking Tips and Practices
Do you suffer from anxiety when it comes time for you to take a test? This is not unheard of; even the best students are worried about doing badly on the test and affecting their score. This anxiety is also known as “test-anxiety”.
Those trapped in the anxiety can sometimes feel that there is nothing they can do keep from being anxious. However, this is untrue. Below you will find some tips and practices designed to help lower your anxiety and ensure that you keep your test scores up. Of course to start you will need to ensure you have a good night’s sleep the day before the test, keep from studying the day before the test and a good breakfast before you go to take the test.
Preview the Entire Test First
Before you begin answering questions, go through and review the directions, look at the various types of questions asked on the test. Are they multiple choices, fill in the blank, short essay or a combination of all of them? Figure out which ones will provide you with the most points.
Relax, Relax, Relax
Take a minute to just breathe. Close your and give yourself a mental pep talk, tell yourself that you are prepared for this and that you will pass and get a great score, move on to getting your certification and to a rewarding career in phlebotomy. Pace yourself don’t speed through the test you will have plenty of time.
Answer the Easy Questions First
Start with the questions that you already know the answers to. This will boost your moral and you will feel more confident with the rest of the test. This will also help you save time to work on the harder questions. Take your time answering the more difficult questions to ensure that they are answered correctly. If you have any questions on how to properly answer the questions or need a clarification of the rules then be sure to ask the instructor to clarify the directions. Many students are nervous to ask for clarification but it is better ask then it is to guess what you are supposed to do.
3 Steps to Getting Past the More Difficult Questions
If you run across a question that appears too difficult here are 3 steps you can take to answer them:
1. Re-read the question and underline any keywords in the answers.
2. Use a process of elimination to cross out the ones that you know are wrong.
3. Look at the answers with the underlined keywords and you will feel better about your selection.
Review the Test
Once you have completed the test go over the test and make sure you answered every question. Try and keep from reviewing the answers you gave so you don’t second guess yourself. Make sure you have your name and any information the instructor asked you to include. Typically many of the exams have a 1 hour time limit. You won’t get any extra points for finishing early so be sure to pace yourself and use your time wisely.