National Psychology Exam Strategy
As a provisional psychologist preparing for the National Psychology Exam, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start. Multiple choice exams can be particularly challenging, as the options can often seem similar, and confusing. However, with the right strategies, you can approach your exam with confidence and increase your chances of success. Here are some top tips for exam strategy that can help you excel in your multiple choice exam.
Understand the Exam Format: It's essential to have a clear understanding of the exam format, including the number of questions, the time limit, and the weighting of each section. Knowing this information can help you manage your time effectively and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. The National Psychology Exam has 150 questions and a 210 minute time limit. That is approximately 1.4 minutes per question! You can expect: 30% of questions on the Intervention domain 30% of questions on the Assessment domain 30% of questions on the Ethics domain 10% of questions on the Communication domain
Review the Exam Content: Review the content that will be covered in the exam, including key concepts, theories, and definitions. Make a study plan that includes daily review sessions, and focus on areas that you find challenging. Your guide for this is AHPRA's National Psychology Exam Curriculum and Reading List. I have also covered all of these components in my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice exams can be incredibly helpful in preparing for your exam. Look for practice tests and sample questions that are similar to the format of the exam. This can help you get a sense of the types of questions you may encounter and can also help you identify areas that you need to work on. AHPRA provides you 20 exam style questions after you register for the exam to practice with. I also have a practice exam included in my National Psychology Exam Preparation course. If you are looking to purchase the practice exam only, please check out my National Psychology Exam Preparation Quiz.
Eliminate Wrong Answers: When you encounter a difficult question, try to eliminate answers that you know are incorrect. This can help you narrow down your options and increase your chances of choosing the correct answer.
Read the Question Carefully: Make sure to read each question carefully, paying attention to the wording and the specific details. Don't assume that you know what the question is asking; take the time to read it thoroughly. Also ensure you are not assuming anything beyond what is provided to you in the scenario. AHPRA will give you all the details of the client/case scenario they expect you to know to make a decision.
Avoid Changing Your Answers: Unless you are sure that you made an error in your initial answer, avoid changing your answers. Research has shown that people are more likely to change a correct answer to an incorrect one than the other way around.
Manage Your Time: Use your time wisely, and don't spend too much time on difficult questions. If you're unsure of an answer, mark it and come back to it later. Make sure to leave enough time to go back to any answers you missed before submitting your exam.
Stay Calm and Focused: Try to stay calm and focused throughout the exam, even if you encounter difficult questions. Take deep breaths, and remind yourself that you have prepared well for the exam.
In summary, multiple choice exams can be challenging, but with the right strategies and preparation, you can pass. Remember to review the exam format and content, practice as much as possible, eliminate wrong answers, read questions carefully, manage your time effectively, and stay calm and focused. For a fully comprehensive course that covers the entire National Psychology Exam curriculum, look no further than my NPE preparation course. I have designed it for provisional psychologists looking to save time and money. It is your one-stop shop for exam prep and because it is self-paced, it is truly accomodating to the demands of your internship. No classes, no commitments, just dip in and out as you need, and rewatch the content as many times as you need. Did I mention it's also accessible on an app? Check it out here.
Good luck!
Amanda