Does the word ‘Study For The PTCB exam’ fill you with fear? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
In fact, most people are at least a little worried when it comes to taking tests. It’s only natural, especially when you’re sitting an exam in order to qualify for your chosen career.
But try not to worry. With the right preparation, you can ace your PTCB exam the first time. And we are here to show you how.
Let’s start by answering the question we all secretly ask before an exam… “Do I really have to study?”
Can I pass the PTCB without studying?
OK, folks, I’m going to be straight with you: You absolutely do need to study for the PTCB exam!
Sure it would be nice if you could rock up to your test centre and pass with no preparation. But that approach is likely to lead to disappointment.
Just consider this, the average pass rate of the PTCB test is only 58%. And this figure includes people who have done some revisions.
I wonder what the numbers look like for trainees who have done no prep whatsoever.
Now it’s true that you can resit your PTCB test if you fail. But applicants must wait 60 days from their most recent attempt to apply for the second and third attempts. And a full 6 months for attempts after that.
This means that failing your exam could set your career back for a long time. And with the cost of sitting your exam being set at $129, going in unprepared could be an expensive mistake.
So, how do you make sure that you pass the first time? Let’s take a look:
How do I study for the PTCB exam?
Passing an exam is all about preparation. And that brings us to the first step in passing your PTCB test:
Allow plenty of time
If there is one pitfall to avoid when studying for your PTCB test, it’s underestimating the amount of time you’ll need to study.
So, don’t fall into the trap of attempting to cram the night before!
Although the amount of time it takes to prepare varies between different people, it’s a good idea to allow 1-2 months to revise before the day of your test.
OK, so you’re not going to rush into booking your test. What’s next?
Familiarize yourself with the 4 knowledge domains
Crack open your laptop or cell phone, it’s time to start studying!
But it helps to know what you need to learn, right? Well, the PTCB exam is split into 4 sections, called ‘knowledge domains’. And these 4 sections are:
Now each of these domains contains a lot of information. But since every question on your PTCB test will relate to one of these domains, it’s important to familiarize yourself with them now.
Not sure where to start? Our PTCB Hero study packages are filled with comprehensive study guides that contain everything you need to know to pass your exam (and nothing that you don’t!).
You can learn more about PTCB Hero, including our pass first-time guarantee here.
OK, so you know what you need to study. What’s your next step?
Take some practice tests to check where you’re starting from
Before you dive too deeply into your studies, it’s a good idea to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
That way, you can be sure to spend extra time on your weakest areas, and identify any gaps in your understanding.
Ready to see where you are starting from? free PTCB Practice Test.
Done? Fantastic! Now it’s time to create a study plan:
Create a study timetable
Regardless of whether you work full-time or not, everyone has obligations. So, make sure you have time to fit in your studies by creating an individualized timetable.
This way you can allocate time for exam prep, without falling behind on your other duties at work or home.
When you are making your timetable, it can help to plan where you will work too. Some people find that they are able to make use of their commutes to work. But others need a quiet space to truly concentrate. So, consider what will work best for you.
And don’t forget to schedule some time for fun. Burning out won’t help you to pass your PTCB exam!
OK, now you know when and where you’re going to study, what’s next on the agenda?
Study up on your weak areas
Remember those practice tests we said you should take? Well, now’s the time to put that self-awareness to good use.
Take your list of weak areas and read up on these areas first. That way, you’ll have the maximum possible time to revisit them during your revision.
And don’t worry about wasting time searching for information on the topics you are weakest in. Our study guides make it easy to find the exact resources you need when you need them!
But simply reading information isn’t the best way to remember it. This brings us on to our next tip:
Use flashcards to make it stick
Recent studies show that putting pen to paper gives students a real edge when it comes to recalling information.
So dig out those flashcards and make concise notes on what you have learned. You’ll thank yourself later!
But making notes isn’t the only thing scientists recommend when it comes to passing tests. There is also plenty of research showing the importance of practice tests:
Take a simulated exam
OK, taking a test isn’t everyone’s favorite way to spend their free time. But when it comes to passing exams, practice makes perfect.
In fact, scientific studies show that taking tests can help you to both understand and recall the facts that you learn. Pretty neat, huh?
And not only do practice tests help you to recall information, but they can also let you know how ready you are for the real thing too.
Now, don’t forget that you can try our free PTCB practice test here. It uses questions from previous years’ exams. Perfect for giving you a true idea of how prepared you are to sit your PTCB exam.
Once you are consistently passing your practice tests, there is only one thing left to do:
Go ace your exam!
With all that prep behind you, passing on your first try should be a breeze.
And if you have made use of our PTCB Hero, you have a 97% chance of passing.
Don’t forget to celebrate once you have that certificate in your hand!
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