General Study Tips

• Have an adaptable study schedule. Avoid setting an expectation for yourself of “I must study X hours a day”, rather be flexible and adapt to what you feel up to. Be honest with yourself, and take study breaks to avoid getting discouraged. Life happens, and that’s OK!
• Attune to and respect your rhythms. If you are tired or stressed adjust your expectations regarding how productive you anticipate being. Olga reminds us that “If you are not a morning person, do not force yourself to study Statistics at 7 AM. Unless that’s your favourite topic, you do you!”
• Switch it up! Your brain does not thrive on monotony, so switching your study topics from time to time. If Pharmacology is draining, take a break and read Ethics.
  • Questions on the exam are not arranged in a predetermined order, so this studying approach can build a tolerance for unpredictability.
• Study by yourself, in groups, in pairs. Multiple perspectives on incorrect answers can help deepen understanding. You’re also establishing and providing support for yourself and others.
  • If you’re interested in joining a study group, please contact Christina Rajan from our Mount Royal location!
• Focus on the Big 6: Psychopathology, Ethical and Professional Issues, Clinical Psychology, Lifespan Development, Physiological Psychology, and Organizational Psychology

Test Taking Tips

• Do practice exams. Do them earlier than you think, want, or feel ready for.
  • Kelsy suggests doing practice exams from different companies to account for differences in wording, or to practice with various question styles.
• Do a simulation run. Try to recreate the environment of the actual exam. Time your breaks, and fuel your body like you would for the day of.
  • Go to the test-taking centre and check out the place to orient yourself. Knowing where to park and where the washrooms are can take away some stress on the day of the exam.
• YouTube Videos you may find helpful:
  • Test-Taking
  • Studying Strategies
  • EPPP Test-Taking Strategy – Part 1

Study Materials and Resources

• PsychPrep provides study guides and practice tests, and you can access a study coach who provides feedback on the practice tests.
• PrepJet provides complete content reviews, quizzes for each domain, 6 full-length exams, and custom study guidance. They offer a 1-week free trial, and a month-to-month subscription.
• AATBS offers various bundles, packages, and workshops that can be customized to suit your individual needs.
• Shifter Sarah O’Brien recommends checking out the Behavioural Health Pocket Prep app. They offer 600 mock exam questions with answers. Subscriptions can be purchased for the app based on individual needs.
• YouTube Videos you may find helpful:
  • Mood Stabilizers
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Piaget Theory

Words of Wisdom

The importance of self-compassion was a resounding theme from our team of Shifters. Remember: Do not give up your life entirely. Stick to your usual routine and get adequate nutrition and exercise.

Shifter Kelsy says “I try to remember this is just another exam and avoid engaging in the narrative of failure and fear that surrounds the process. I try to trust that what has worked for me in the past will work for me again”. Olga Yakolevya states the importance of reminding oneself that this exam does not reflect your professional worth and emphasizes self-compassion and acceptance: “You will not know or remember everything no matter how hard you try. Additionally, you will be learning a lot of information that you will find useless for your career. Accepting these facts will alleviate a lot of stress; getting angry will only serve to drain your energy.”

Special thanks to Shifters Kelsy Cahill, Olga Yakolevya, Sarah O’Brien, and Christina Rajan for their contributions. If you’d like to add anything, please email Tracy with your ideas!