Nursing, Nursing RN, Exam Prep
Test-Taking Skills for the Adult CCRN® Exam
Jan 25, 2019
Frequently, the difference between pass or fail on the CCRN certification exam depends on one’s test-taking skills. An important reminder: Do not read into the questions! Instead, take the question and information provided at face value. Answer all questions and don’t leave any blank (a blank answer will be counted against you). Answering the question, even if it is an educated guess, will give you a one-out-of-four chance of getting the answer correct.
1. Key words are important phrases or words used to focus attention on what the question is specifically asking. Examples include “always,” “earliest,” “first,” “on admission,” “best,” “least,” “immediately,” and “initial.”
❯ HINT
If the question asks for the “best” response, this is an indication that all answers are probably correct and you will have to determine the best answer for that particular scenario.
2. Eliminate incorrect options first. Sometimes you will immediately see an answer that is incorrect. Mark through it to narrow down your choices and improve your odds. Frequently you can get the choices down to two that are more correct than others.
❯ HINT
Eliminating options gives you a 50/50 chance for an educated guess of the correct answer.
3. Avoid those answers with words such as “always” or “never.” There is rarely a time in the medical field in which you will always or never take a particular action. If three of the four answers are similar, choose the answer that does not sound similar. Do not change answers unless you are absolutely sure. You can bookmark a question that you are not sure about and return to it at the end of the test. Sometimes you will feel more comfortable with the answer after you come back to it.
❯ HINT
First impressions are usually good! Do not spend too much time on any one question.
4. Do not let it worry you if you do not know all the answers. Take a deep breath and keep going. Rejoice in those answers you know and find easy!
❯ HINT
You are not really supposed to know all the answers.
5. Do not try to establish patterns, such as using “two As in a row,” for answers. If there is a long scenario with a large amount of data, read the question first, then read the scenario, then reread the question. Sometimes there will be erroneous data that is not required to answer the question. Too much time may be spent on trying to comprehend the whole scenario.
❯ HINT
Do not forget to reread the question to make sure you read it correctly the first time.
6. Read all answers before you make a choice; there may be more than one correct answer, but one will be the better answer for the question.
❯ HINT
Do not choose the first one that appears to be correct—use the most correct answer.
7. Read the question carefully and answer only the question asked. Do not read into the question or think you need more information/data to answer the question.
❯ HINT
The question will provide you with all the information needed to correctly answer it.
8. Timeframe questions are frequently used in the test. Use the timeframe to assist with making the correct choice. Example: Which complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage is seen 7 to 10 days after the bleed?
❯ HINT
All answers may be correct, but only one will occur more commonly during the timeframe provided in the question.
9. Questions may be worded using the lead-in, “What is the gold standard . . .?” This is not asking what the most common routine is, but which is the most reliable and accurate. Scenarios: Read the patient’s description, word for word. Read the question, then formulate an answer. Read all the answers on the Adult CCRN exam and choose the one closest to your formulated answer. Reread the question after answering to be sure you understood the question correctly.
❯ HINT
When the question is answered, you are done; don’t second-guess yourself! Move on to the next question.
10. Look for answers that facilitate the care of the patient.
❯ HINT
Facilitative words include “nurture,” “aid,” “support,” “reinforce,” “encourage,” and “assist.”
Summary
Certification is a great path toward personal growth and professionalism. You have taken the first step preparing for the Adult CCRN exam and are on your way to a great journey! Learning is an amazing thing and you will learn new information, remember things you may have previously learned, and apply this to your practice while studying for this examination. Good luck on your journey and stay positive and excited about the process!
Resources:
Menzies Kent, K. (2014). Adult CCRN® Certification Review. New York: Springer Publishing.
1. Key words are important phrases or words used to focus attention on what the question is specifically asking. Examples include “always,” “earliest,” “first,” “on admission,” “best,” “least,” “immediately,” and “initial.”
❯ HINT
If the question asks for the “best” response, this is an indication that all answers are probably correct and you will have to determine the best answer for that particular scenario.
2. Eliminate incorrect options first. Sometimes you will immediately see an answer that is incorrect. Mark through it to narrow down your choices and improve your odds. Frequently you can get the choices down to two that are more correct than others.
❯ HINT
Eliminating options gives you a 50/50 chance for an educated guess of the correct answer.
3. Avoid those answers with words such as “always” or “never.” There is rarely a time in the medical field in which you will always or never take a particular action. If three of the four answers are similar, choose the answer that does not sound similar. Do not change answers unless you are absolutely sure. You can bookmark a question that you are not sure about and return to it at the end of the test. Sometimes you will feel more comfortable with the answer after you come back to it.
❯ HINT
First impressions are usually good! Do not spend too much time on any one question.
4. Do not let it worry you if you do not know all the answers. Take a deep breath and keep going. Rejoice in those answers you know and find easy!
❯ HINT
You are not really supposed to know all the answers.
5. Do not try to establish patterns, such as using “two As in a row,” for answers. If there is a long scenario with a large amount of data, read the question first, then read the scenario, then reread the question. Sometimes there will be erroneous data that is not required to answer the question. Too much time may be spent on trying to comprehend the whole scenario.
❯ HINT
Do not forget to reread the question to make sure you read it correctly the first time.
6. Read all answers before you make a choice; there may be more than one correct answer, but one will be the better answer for the question.
❯ HINT
Do not choose the first one that appears to be correct—use the most correct answer.
7. Read the question carefully and answer only the question asked. Do not read into the question or think you need more information/data to answer the question.
❯ HINT
The question will provide you with all the information needed to correctly answer it.
8. Timeframe questions are frequently used in the test. Use the timeframe to assist with making the correct choice. Example: Which complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage is seen 7 to 10 days after the bleed?
❯ HINT
All answers may be correct, but only one will occur more commonly during the timeframe provided in the question.
9. Questions may be worded using the lead-in, “What is the gold standard . . .?” This is not asking what the most common routine is, but which is the most reliable and accurate. Scenarios: Read the patient’s description, word for word. Read the question, then formulate an answer. Read all the answers on the Adult CCRN exam and choose the one closest to your formulated answer. Reread the question after answering to be sure you understood the question correctly.
❯ HINT
When the question is answered, you are done; don’t second-guess yourself! Move on to the next question.
10. Look for answers that facilitate the care of the patient.
❯ HINT
Facilitative words include “nurture,” “aid,” “support,” “reinforce,” “encourage,” and “assist.”
Summary
Certification is a great path toward personal growth and professionalism. You have taken the first step preparing for the Adult CCRN exam and are on your way to a great journey! Learning is an amazing thing and you will learn new information, remember things you may have previously learned, and apply this to your practice while studying for this examination. Good luck on your journey and stay positive and excited about the process!
Resources:
Menzies Kent, K. (2014). Adult CCRN® Certification Review. New York: Springer Publishing.