Preparing for any examination can be stressful, especially when your performance will have an immediate bearing on your career. If you have just graduate from a college program in social services, counseling or mental health, odds are that there is a certification exam in your near future although the requirements for the various certifications (mental health clinician, substance abuse counselor and more) are specific to each, all require a passing score on the corresponding certification examination.
Certification exams are content, rather than aptitude, driven. This means that they measure your knowledge in a specific content area rather then your ability to learn. Studying for content driven exams is easier than studying for aptitude exams, as you simply have to recall information that you have already learned in order to score well.
There are a number of things that you can do to improve your score on any standardized examination, and the number one indicator of success on content exams is a high degree of preparation. Beginning a study regimen sooner rather than later will allow you to work at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for extra review where it is needed.
Before you do anything else, learn everything that you can about the exam you'll be taking, including the format and the material that will be covered. Information on the tests is available from testing companies via their websites or printed materials. The number one thing that you can do to improve your score on any exam is to practice. Practice questions and tests are available online or in test prep books.
Experts also recommend that you brush up on your studying and test-taking strategies. There are techniques that are particularly effective for content driven exams, which emphasize memorization of facts.
If you have difficulty with memorization, you may wish to try the following strategies:
* Use mnemonics when possible. A mnemonic is a device that associates a fact with a word or group of words that will help you recall the fact itself. Mnemonic devices include rhymes, acronyms and associations. ROY G. BIV, the acronym for the colors of the spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) is just one of many examples.
* Use flash cards. The use of flash cards can greatly improve recall. Simply write questions or terms on one side of the card and definitions or answers on the other side. You can then use the cards to quiz yourself and others. Flash cards are helpful if you tend to get distracted or caught up in details.
* Schedule short, frequent study sessions. Research indicates the best way to learn and retain information is to hear or see it frequently. Studying for a short time daily is far more efficient than sitting down for weekly (or less) marathon study sessions.
* Use a variety of techniques when you study. Figure out how you learn best (visually, kinesthetically, aurally) and employ study strategies that play on these strengths.
If you have successfully completed a college program in your chosen field, the good news is that you already have all the information that is necessary to make a great score on your certification exam. With diligent preparation, you will be landing your first job in no time.
Author Resource:-
Writer and testing expert Robert Mckenzie has published articles and ebooks since 1997. Visit his website for more information on Counseling Certification.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.freebie-articles.com/images/rss.gif "XML Feed For RSS")
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites