So… You’re taking a Registry Exam!
By Lori Green, BA, RT, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
Program Director, President, Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute, Inc
Preparing for an ultrasound registry exam can be quite intimidating. Coordinating work, family, and personal activities around study time can be an overwhelming experience that leads to procrastination and last minute cramming. Help is on the way! A little organization and time management can enable a stress-free preparation time period and balance between work and family commitments.
The following 12-step plan will assist you in preparing for the registry examination with minimal stress and strain on personal and/or family activities:
1. Recognize adequate preparation requires a minimum of 3 months study time and is essential to your stress-free success.
2. When submitting the exam application, review other personal and work commitments to determine an appropriate exam date.
3. Review the ARDMS/CCI examination outlines and divide your study time according to the number of segments and percentage weights assigned to each category.
4. Assign study sections in 1-2 hours increments each day that corresponds with a study completion date approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the exam date.
5. Schedule your study time when it will not interfere with other important commitments (before work, after work, after kids are in bed etc).
6. Purchase study materials designed to prepare you for the exam.
7. Quiz yourself after each section. Further study will be required for identified areas of weakness.
8. Approximately 21-30 days prior to the exam date, participate in a mock examination in a timed setting to assess ability to answer questions in an appropriate length of time and undergo a final assessment of areas that require further study.
9. Complete final review and/or attend a registry review workshop.
10. Upon completion of the scheduled and structured study time…relax. Do Not review any material within 1 week of the exam. This will only create anxiety and questions.
11. Do not drink alcohol the day before the exam and go to bed at a reasonable hour to ensure a restful night sleep.
12. Go into the exam knowing you have completed a structured study plan and you are prepared to take and pass the exam!
Advanced planning will ensure your registry success in a stress-free manner.
Good Luck on your Exam!
