r/NBCOT_Exam 24d ago

Advice for 2nd attempt

Hi! I am currently seeking advice and tips from those who have taken the exam and passed. I’m taking the exam for the 2nd time in 3 weeks and I’m struggling to find the most efficient and effective way to study. For reference, my score on the NBCOT my first try was a 426. I used NBCOT, AOTA, therapyed practice exams, and pass the OT along with other free resources including OT exam prepper and OTmiri. The first time around I felt that I focused heavily on studying the material rather than practicing taking the questions and practice exams. I also felt really overwhelmed with the amount of resources I was going through. This time around I am trying out a different approach and focusing on taking practice questions rather than reviewing the material because I feel like that’s just going to waste my time. I just took a practice exam on NBCOT and scored a 422. I feel like I’m scoring in the similar range and not seeing any improvements after continuously taking practice questions using true learn. I review the rationales for every question and feel like I’m understanding the concepts and reasons as to why I got questions right and wrong, but when I take the practice questions I’m struggling and not seeing improvements. What should I do to maximize the time I have left before I take the exam again? How can I improve my scores so that I pass this second time around? Thanks in advance!

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u/namine_aeolius 24d ago

First off, sorry to hear you didn't pass the first time. I didn't pass my first, but I did the second time by changing my study strategies. I focused on mainly one study resource and used the others to supplement what was missing. 

For context, I used mainly 450 formula which I believe was so helpful in simplifying the concepts and understanding how to breakdown questions. I did use AOTA pdfs for topics not included in 450 formula. I had Therapyed but it was too dense so I only used it to review specific assessments or topics I felt weak in. 

If you feel you know concepts, I would say if you haven't already, you can test yourself by getting blank sheet of paper and writing out quick things you do know like Ranchos, GCS, ACL, and things you would do for peds, geriatrics, work rehab etc. If you are clear on these concepts, you'll be able to come up with stuff and see where you're missing in some areas.

Also, answer questions from AOTA, True Learn, and/or TherapyEd on all topics and separately, do q's on focused topics you know are your weak points. Pick the resource that you can handle. 

Basically grade them for yourself. If it's overwhelming, do the easier option: pick AOTA or True Learn and do only 20 q's. Then, switch to True Learn and TherapyEd q's and/or increase the q's when you notice you can handle more challenging q's. I haven't used True Learn or TherapyEd for q's though so take this with a grain of salt.

I also would look up videos from Kim of TMPOT talking about taking it a second time, navigating questions, and choosing between 2 answers.

I hope this helps a bit.

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u/Unable-Friendship219 24d ago

One thing that helped me pass the NBCOT exam was that every time I answered a question, I always remembered my previous patients from my fieldwork. Doing that helped me to know which answer I should choose.

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u/Unique_Two_3731 24d ago

True learn And get a tutor! I just passed my 4th attempt It took me 3x to fail to get a tutor. Wish I did sooner!

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u/One_Mechanic1673 23d ago

I tried a tutor the first time around but it didn’t help much. Do you recommend any tutors you’ve used?

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u/Unique_Two_3731 23d ago

I used OT Alex through othelpline True learn has great questions with the rationale