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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou should study for the NBCOT for at least 4 to 6 weeks. However, most students allot 2 or more months of study time. Ultimately, your study timeline will depend on your study style and lifestyle. If you need more time, plan accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your NBCOT study plan starts with studying 5 to 6 days out of the week for at least four hours a day. Make sure your study hours work for you. You can space it out in one-hour sessions throughout the day or one straight study session if you have time. Feel free to change up the hours when needed\u2013life happens! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
NBCOT study resources to use <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With tons of information on how to pass the NBCOT out there, here are a variety of resources to use. You don\u2019t have to use all of them, but they do complement each other very well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- AOTA Test Prep<\/a>: Use the American Occupational Therapy Association\u2019s Test Prep. It has NBCOT multiple-choice questions, clinical simulations, test-taking tips, flashcards, games, and study plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- OT Dude<\/a>: OT dude is a licensed OT with a Youtube channel that covers NBCOT review content and advice for new OT grads! He also has a free NBCOT exam prep course<\/a> on his website and a podcast. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- NBCOT Exam StudyPack<\/a>: The NBCOT Exam StudyPack has a complete practice exam, practice tests, mini-tests with immediate feedback, flashcards, study guides, and more. Unfortunately, you cannot take their practice tests more than once. Use it wisely along with other resources to help you pass the NBCOT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Picmonic<\/a>: Picmonic is a study tool with extensive OT coverage. From OT examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis, OT interventions, and systems and interactions, it covers 5,000+ OT facts with fun and memorable picture mnemonics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- TrueLearn<\/a>: TrueLearn has a first-time pass guarantee for the NBCOT. The Qbank has over 1,800+ practice questions and is written by certified OTs. Along with the performance analytics and benchmarking features, it bundles perfectly with Picmonic!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
How to study for the NBCOT exam with Picmonic <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Picmonic](\"https:\/\/cdn.picmonic.com\/wp-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/picmonic-creator-1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPicmonic<\/a>\u2019s many features are extremely useful to study for the NBCOT. You can add your own facts and create picture mnemonics or access Picmonic\u2019s library of 490+ OT topics to learn, remember, and recall OT information for the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, Picmonic\u2019s unlimited quizzing is great to pair with your other NBCOT resources. Use quizzes to test your knowledge after each study session, and use the daily spaced repetition quiz<\/a> before you start studying for the day. The daily spaced repetition quiz will maximize your knowledge retention and recall for your future study sessions and the NBCOT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if you\u2019re unsure of where to start, Picmonic\u2019s personalized dashboard has customized study recommendations just for you. Access OT study guides, webinars, and infographics for extra support if needed, and study on the go with the Picmonic app<\/a>. It\u2019s pretty amazing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weekly NBCOT Study Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNow that you know what tools and resources to have, take out your weekly planner. We\u2019re going to help you create your NBCOT study plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monday: <\/strong>Take a timed practice exam. This will help you determine what topics you need to study for the week and see how your test-taking strategies are measuring up. Review the completed exam question by question. It\u2019s okay if you struggled a bit. Divide the subject areas you need to study the most for the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuesday:<\/strong> Start reviewing your first subject area. Use Picmonic and your AOTA test prep PDFs to study then take a quiz. Make sure you pass your quiz before you move on to the next topic or subject. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wednesday: <\/strong>Take your daily quiz with Picmonic before you start studying for the day. As you study and take your subject quizzes, be aware of the code of ethics and the OT process. You\u2019ll need to keep these in mind when you to the NBCOT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thursday and Friday:<\/strong> Repeat Wednesday\u2019s steps. If needed, change the order of your study plan; split it up throughout the day, or pick a different way to study with flashcards, games, or making your picture mnemonics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday<\/strong>: Take another timed practice exam. Measure your time against the first exam of the week and see if you improved in the subject areas you studied. Again, review the exam question by question then map your study plans for next week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday: <\/strong>Take a rest day! Use this free time to hang out with friends and family or have a relaxing day to yourself. Rest is an integral part of the process, so don\u2019t feel guilty for taking the day off. You can get back to studying tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThree necessary NBCOT test-taking tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The NBCOT is a long exam, and every OT student feels nervous on exam day. Here\u2019s what to do to keep moving along if you ever get stumped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Pace yourself: <\/strong>Keep your eye on the clock, but don\u2019t rush. If you find you\u2019re spending too much time on a question, use the next tip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use clues:<\/strong> Stumped on a question? It\u2019s okay. You\u2019re likely to find keywords or clues in the question itself or the multiple-choice answers. When in doubt, pick the answer that makes the most sense. Guessing is better than leaving an answer blank.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Review: <\/strong>Read the question and answers thoroughly. After you answer the question, review it one more time for good measure, but don\u2019t overthink it. If you\u2019re confident with your answer the first time around then you shouldn\u2019t change your answer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
What to do on the day of your NBCOT exam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s exam day, and there\u2019s still so much to do\u2026right? No, you\u2019re going to be fine! Remember the following for your NBCOT day, and you\u2019ll be amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Have your test materials:<\/strong> You need to arrive 30 minutes before your exam starts to check-in. Leave any prohibited belongings like your phone in the car, and prepare to listen to the test center rules. You\u2019ll also need your government-issued ID and test confirmation number. Don\u2019t leave the house without \u2018em. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t take too many breaks<\/strong>: On the day of your exam, plan your breaks accordingly. The exam is 4 hours long, but the timer doesn\u2019t stop even if you need a breather. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Practice positive self-talk:<\/strong> Test anxiety is real. If you\u2019re telling yourself you\u2019re going to fail, challenge that thought and say, \u201cI\u2019m going to do my best on this exam. I studied hard, and I know my stuff\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make plans<\/strong>: Make plans to chill out, watch TV, hang with your favorite people, or go out for a nice meal after your exam. After a long four hours, you deserve to treat yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s it, folks! The ultimate NBCOT study plan and guide. We wish you the best of luck on the NBCOT and don\u2019t forget, Picmonic <\/a>is here for all your studying needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t take too many breaks<\/strong>: On the day of your exam, plan your breaks accordingly. The exam is 4 hours long, but the timer doesn\u2019t stop even if you need a breather. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use clues:<\/strong> Stumped on a question? It\u2019s okay. You\u2019re likely to find keywords or clues in the question itself or the multiple-choice answers. When in doubt, pick the answer that makes the most sense. Guessing is better than leaving an answer blank.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- OT Dude<\/a>: OT dude is a licensed OT with a Youtube channel that covers NBCOT review content and advice for new OT grads! He also has a free NBCOT exam prep course<\/a> on his website and a podcast. <\/li>\n\n\n\n