Last year, way too many RT’s had to re-take the CT Registry exam. If you are one of those people, don’t worry. It’s not an easy test by any means. And, It can be scary, if you are a first time test taker.
Many people don’t know how to prepare for exams properly and effectively. Most cramming techniques don’t work and can cause you to feel stressed instead of prepared.
Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to do to prepare for any exam. Even a repeat one.
Know What to Expect
Well before your exam make sure you know the time limit for the exam. And be confident that you can expect Multiple Choice as the type of question format for the CT Registry Exam. Knowing that will make it possible to prepare for that type of exam, and that is a good thing. And that is what has been accomplished in the composition of THE TUFFEST STUFF Educational Materials and Examinations and Worksheets. We will work hard to successfully improve and expand your knowledge base.
In the case of the ARRT CT Registry Exam, the scheduled exam time includes time to complete the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement before the exam and take a survey afterward.
Ditch your Phone!
You sit down to get some serious studying and keep picking up your mobile device to scroll through your social media feed. Why? Studies show that many people are addicted to their phones.
When people were asked to go a day without their device, they suffered from withdrawal. They felt physiological symptoms like increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Americans check their phones at least once every 12 minutes and as frequently as every 4. Even if your phone is on silent and you don’t get a single disruption, chances are you will be breaking your concentration to check it within 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, this bad habit is messing with your ability to learn and retain the information you are studying. You are constantly being pulled out of the zone of concentration each time you pick up your device.
If you sit down to study for a couple hours but are checking your phone every 10 minutes, you might be shocked to discover that you only studied for half of the time you thought you did.
Instead of having it within arms reach, turn it off, and put it on the other side of the room. If you are studying at a library, put it in your backpack and resist the urge to get it out.
If you feel anxious about not having your phone on, set a time for breaks from studying to get up for a stretch and check your phone.
Review Past Exams
One of the best ways to study for exams is to get your hands on a past exam. If it were possible to do so wouldn’t every RT faced with the challenge of the CT Registry just buy them up? Of course! But that is not possible. What is possible is to build your knowledge base to the extent that you know the basics and the most important details. Your knowledge base will make sense. Every learning device written for THE TUFFEST STUFF is written with this strategy in mind. If you put the time in you are going to understand like you never have before. That is the secret to understanding multiple choice questions.
By reviewing The Baby Boards, the Mock Registry Exams, and the Section Exams all of which are in the same format as the CT Registry Exam, you are able to practice effectively. Then there are the Worksheets that are so instructive regarding certain specific topics. Many people walk out of exams disappointed because the things they studied were not on the exam. That won’t be you if you study THE TUFFEST STUFF!
Testing you with challenging Mock registry exam questions will give you an excellent look at the material you need to cover. You will also be able to time yourself to make sure that you are working through each section at the right pace. Remember, when practicing, before venturing an answer, read each test question 3 times.
Avoid Cramming (Especially at Night)
Some people say “I do my best studying late at night right before the exam.” Wrong. While it may feel productive because you are under pressure to perform, you are not transferring information into your long-term memory.
One hour a day for 7 days is better than cramming 7 hours into one day. Your brain needs time to absorb and sort the material you are inputting. It is especially efficient to study at the beginning of your day when you are fresh.
The best choice is to space out your exam prep over as long as you can. This will cement the material in your mind and reduce test anxiety and pressure when the clock is ticking. THE TUFFEST STUFF is designed to be studied on a part time basis over a 4 to 6 week time period.
Studying at night is like fighting uphill. Sure it can be done, but it’s exhausting. At the end of the day, your brain and body are fatigued. Study at the beginning of your day when you are rested and fresh.
If you can only study in the evening do it as soon as you can. And limit your study sessions to short reviews.
AVOID Highlighting Hiccups!
Most of the time Highlighting and re-reading your notes feels like productive work, but it can be an ineffective way to prepare for an exam if you are doing so while tired and lacking concentration.
Often when you are running a highlighter over a textbook or notes, your mind glazes over and you are not seeing the words on the page.
It’s like watching an exercise video and not doing the work. You’re just not going to get much practical knowledge out of your time spent.
Study at the beginning of your day when you are rested and fresh to avoid this phenomenon. And, instead, make your brain do the work. Psychologists call this technique retrieval practice.
You could make flashcards with a question on the front and the answer on the back. Look at the question and try to answer it before flipping over to see if you got it right. This technique works well for definitions, processes, and steps in a procedure. This is an active learning technique that works for many. Relax if it is not your thing.
Organize a Study Group
Set a study date with your peers. Agree on how much time you will spend ahead of time so that you avoid distractions and chatting. And agree to Ditch Your Phones!
Do a round-robin style quiz session. Then take turns teaching each other the information. When you teach someone something, it sticks in your head.
You’ll also likely find that you may have questions that they have the answers to and vice versa. Stick to your set amount of time and repeat another day if you found it useful.
Take a Break
It may sound counterproductive, but taking regular breaks helps you retain information.
Set a goal for yourself that is doable and feels right. Break for a few minutes to stretch and use the washroom and refresh your glass of water. Developing efficient study habits takes time, practice and discipline. Start small with 20-30 minute study sessions and then 5-10 minute breaks. Soon, your study sessions will extend.
Soon, you will be taking longer breaks for meals and rest. You might find that taking a walk to check the mailbox or watching a couple funny YouTube videos will refresh your mind so that you’re ready to go again.
Don’t feel guilty about taking breaks. It is part of the exam review strategy that will help you feel emotionally and mentally ready.
Bottom Line
We hope that you will put to use the helpful tips that have been shared with this guide. It has been shown that when preparing for exams like the CT Registry studying smart is more effective than studying for a set period of time.
Breaks, schedules and studying mock materials will set you up for success in any exam you take now and in the future.
Prepare for the CT Registry Examination with confidence. Get instant access to THE TUFFEST STUFF online webinars that are written with the highest degree of student retention in mind.
