3 answers
Mary
Student
Creve Coeur, MO
1
Question
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What are good ways to study for the NBCOT? #Spring23?
Incoming junior of an accelerated occupational therapy program
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3 answers
Rachel Arteaga
Occupational Therapy
31
Answers
Gainesville, Florida
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
OT MIRI is truly incredible. You can find her videos on YouTube, which are easy to understand. Additionally, you can buy a study guide that contains simulated questions to help you practice. This guide covers all the essential topics in a simple manner. I used these two approaches and succeeded on my first attempt. To reinforce my learning, I marked crucial points and repeatedly read them. Plus, I completed all the practice exams.
Katherine Handy
Occupational therapist
5
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
The videos from OT Miri and OT Rex were incredibly beneficial to me! They truly made a difference!
Patty Neville
COTA
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Patty’s Answer
By far, the best way is to use the practice exams. Not only do you want to answer each question but you'll have the option to read up on WHY the answer you chose was not just "incorrect", but you'll want to see why the correct answer is the right choice.
Since each answer on the test will look like "the" right answer, looking at WHY it is, explains why the other's (that look right) aren't.
In understanding the "why's and why-nots" it'll help you not just answer correctly, but it'll help you in your career by learning to problem-solve each task you come across.
Go from section to section doing this (I realize it's time consuming) once a day. You don't want to overload yourself by spending hours and hours cramming... by this time, you should already know things... so you're really just giving yourself time to relax and fully understand the WHY'S. If I've repeated myself on the WHY'S, it's because it's not enough just to get an answer correct; it's understanding WHY it's correct (or not) that matters.
It's also best to give yourself a full month OFF between graduation and studying for the exam. You MUST give your brain a chance to relax and enjoy this time off. After that month, then start the practice exams and dedicate x-amount of hours a day (but not more than 2 or 3 if you can) without interruptions. The other thing you'll want to do is use the timer on the practice exam. During the actual exam you'll have 4 hours; you'll be allowed to take a break if you need to get a drink or use the restroom - you'll find it helpful.
DON'T use your classroom papers to study with; use just your textbooks! Your notes won't help you at this time and can actually confuse things. If you need to research your answer, you'll be better off using the books.
Most importantly - get plenty of rest while you're taking the practice exams. All of the answers on the practice exam are correct; knowing WHY just one is the MOST correct, is what matters. Being fully rested and after eating breakfast (super important) you'll be much more prepared not just for the practice exam, but for the actual one.
Since each answer on the test will look like "the" right answer, looking at WHY it is, explains why the other's (that look right) aren't.
In understanding the "why's and why-nots" it'll help you not just answer correctly, but it'll help you in your career by learning to problem-solve each task you come across.
Go from section to section doing this (I realize it's time consuming) once a day. You don't want to overload yourself by spending hours and hours cramming... by this time, you should already know things... so you're really just giving yourself time to relax and fully understand the WHY'S. If I've repeated myself on the WHY'S, it's because it's not enough just to get an answer correct; it's understanding WHY it's correct (or not) that matters.
It's also best to give yourself a full month OFF between graduation and studying for the exam. You MUST give your brain a chance to relax and enjoy this time off. After that month, then start the practice exams and dedicate x-amount of hours a day (but not more than 2 or 3 if you can) without interruptions. The other thing you'll want to do is use the timer on the practice exam. During the actual exam you'll have 4 hours; you'll be allowed to take a break if you need to get a drink or use the restroom - you'll find it helpful.
DON'T use your classroom papers to study with; use just your textbooks! Your notes won't help you at this time and can actually confuse things. If you need to research your answer, you'll be better off using the books.
Most importantly - get plenty of rest while you're taking the practice exams. All of the answers on the practice exam are correct; knowing WHY just one is the MOST correct, is what matters. Being fully rested and after eating breakfast (super important) you'll be much more prepared not just for the practice exam, but for the actual one.