Preparing For Your Phlebotomy Certification Exam
February 15, 2012
Whether you have just completed your phlebotomy training program or have practical, hands-on experience in all aspects of drawing blood, it is essential that you know how to prepare for your phlebotomy certification exams. Even with all the right theoretical knowledge and skills, many people experience a high degree of anxiety before taking any exam. Knowing how to get ready and proper review will help ease or eliminate this anxiety and will boost your confidence.
Study guides and practice tests are useful tools in assessing your knowledge base and can point you to areas that may require further review. Many people find phlebotomy flashcards helpful for memorizing key terms and definitions. They can also be of great benefit in helping you answer questions about core phlebotomy procedures. Memorization is an area that often poses difficulty for many students. Experts suggest repetition as the most effective way of learning important facts. Reading something over and repeating it several times has proven to help with one’s ability to remember.
Turning specific study skills into a habit well before exam time will go a long way in feeling well prepared and confident on exam day. One of the biggest mistakes many people make is to cram all their studying into the day or night before the test. It is best have a week or two before your exam to review your material. Planning moderate amounts of time each day and sticking to only one topic at a time is best. Being organized and choosing a calm environment is also essential. Make sure you have all the materials you need including study guides, notes as well as one or two prep test questions on hand. Always begin by reviewing the basics first and moving on to more advanced areas as you go along.
Staying focused, having a suitable study environment and giving yourself enough time before the exam will go a long way to being well prepared. It is also a good idea to simply relax the day before the exam and to get a good night’s sleep!
