It’s the day you’ve been dreading…the big EXAM! It’s 12 weeks away and you are at a loss on how to prepare. DON’T PANIC! Help is on the way. Follow these tips and you will not have an issue passing the PTCE.
- Relax
Think about activities that calm you. Is it a massage, meditation, prayer, reading? Choose one of these activities and incorporate it into your daily schedule. Breathe in positivity and rid yourself of any negative self talk.
- Devise a plan and follow through
The worst thing you can do when preparing for the PTCE is to start studying without a set schedule. Take about an hour or two to compose a weekly/daily schedule block. Choose which topics to cover on any given day. Be specific and realistic. Only you know what you have on your plate and how much time you have allotted to study each day. Allow room in your schedule for review.
- Take a break
Block out rest days within your study schedule, preferably one day a week. On that particular day, study absolutely nothing. Enjoy one of your favorite hobbies, relax with friends and family, etc. This is considered a self care day. You deserve it.
- Utilize mobile apps
Take advantage of technology and smart phone applications. Apps such as Microsoft One Drive and Google Drive allow you to take all of your documents with you wherever you go. There are also PTCE prep apps such as PocketPrep and PTCB Exam Mastery by Higher Learning Technologies.
- Be Creative.
Make flash cards, make up songs, dance to the top 200! Let your creative juices flow while soaking up all of this pharmaceutical knowledge!
- Take practice exams
You want to familiarize yourself with the structure of the PTCE. Nothing comes closer to this goal than taking practice exams. PTCB offers an official practice exam on their website for a very reasonable price.
- Partner up.
Find a study buddy to serve as an accountability partner. It always helps to have someone to lift you on your down days and vice versa.
- Get sufficient rest, eat healthy, exercise, and drink plenty of water
These habits keep your brain sharp, so you can tackle any topic.