Board Exam Strategies:
Performing well on the exam will depend on the resident's knowledge and test-taking skills. Here are some recommended strategies:
- Determine the pace for the exam by calculating how
much time can be devoted to each question. Allow an
additional 10 to 15 minutes to review difficult
questions. Maintain the calculated pace throughout the
test.
- Time can be saved when answering lengthy clinical
review questions by reading the question first, scanning
the answers, and then looking back at the introductory
information.
- Identify multiple-choice questions as either easy,
difficult but answerable, or impossible. Answer the easy
questions, budget time on the difficult but answerable,
and make quick intelligent guesses on the impossible
ones. Cross out incorrect choices to avoid rereading
them
- Avoid the temptation to dwell on questions that
appear do-able but might take excessive time. Make a best
guess and code the answer as tentative. Come back to it
when the other questions are answered.
- For the most difficult questions, it is best to guess
and move forward.
- Try the batch fill-in method to maintain the planned
pace. Put answers in the margin of the test booklet, and
then transcribe the answers of the two open pages to the
answer sheet before turning to the next page.
- Make sure that all questions are answered.
Go back to Board Review Introduction
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