There's no doubt that the NCTRC certification exam is intimidating to students. It’s a culmination of everything they have learned for the past 4 years. I don’t know about you, but I can barely remember what I had for breakfast most mornings never mind what I learned 1st semester freshman year!
Now I am still a senior in college and haven’t taken the exam yet. They only real studying I’ve done is taken practice exams from the 5th edition Study Guide for the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification Examination book. From my experience, this is what I have found to be true for me while practicing for the exam:
The wording is difficult
I find myself taking a considerable amount of time reading and rereading to try to fully comprehend what each question is asking. To help me understand the questions faster and easier, I found that underlining (or highlighting on my computer) key terms like “most/ least likely”, “except”, and “not” help so I can organize my thoughts on what exactly the question is asking.
It makes me feel like I know a lot and a little at the same time
This exam definitely shows me what areas I need to work on and know little about… but it also shows me what content areas I already know without having to think too much about!
It’s Mentally draining
Sitting for 3 hours straight and answering 150 questions is hard! That’s a long time to take a test and I haven’t been able to do it in one sitting yet. Mostly because I might be a little bit lazy and don’t want that mental strain from what I already get from answering just 50 questions, but it’s something I’m going to have to push myself to try to do!
It's Anxiety Producing
I can feel myself being too slow in understanding the question and picking an answer. Because of this, I get anxious that I’m not fast enough with the questions and I’m constantly looking at the clock. However, I remind myself that right now it is just practice and I can relax and take my time. No need for this added unnecessary pressure!
In addition to what I've experienced, some advice I’ve received from other professionals is to start studying early! Like earlier then you think!! People study months for this exam and it makes sense from what I have experienced just from taking a couple practice ones! I have also learned that there are many ways a student can study for the exam instead of using just practice tests. Looking over past notes, study guides, NCTRC website, and flash cards offer a variety of different formats and techniques someone could use.
Here is a free resource study guide that I’ve found from a blog website called Grow Through Flow that might help!
If you're a student just like me, I hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect while studying for the NCTRC exam and it's okay to struggle with it! Every CTRS has been through this exam and we will make it through too! :)
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