Having the correct study materials is essential to passing the examination as each test is based on the then current manual and study guide. Candidates may choose to do a self-study but this is only recommended for disciplined self-learners. Some IAHSS chapters offer preparation courses and most institutions either use in-house training personnel or department managers to conduct a review course. Most importantly, if you’ve taken the time to study well you need to have confidence in your ability to do well. Regardless of the method used, there are several tips for preparing to take the examination.

Study Alone: When you work by yourself in a comfortable, well-lighted spot, you will be able to concentrate better. You can exchanges ideas at a joint review before the test with others who might be preparing for the same test.

Avoid Distractions: Study in a private room without disturbances from family, visitors, TV programs, and phone calls.

Study Effectively: Do not try to digest everything at one study period. Take short breaks when necessary and return quickly to the material. Make a regular study schedules and stick to it.

Review the Material: The next day, thoroughly go over what you have studied to endure that it remains familiar to you.

Review All Objectives: The objectives listed at the beginning of each unit are purposely included to help you monitor your knowledge of the material. Most objectives will form the content of test questions in the actual exam.

Be Physically Fit: Physical health promotes mental functioning. If you are tense, uncomfortable, or have a headache, you will not absorb and retain information from the text. A good night’s sleep before the exam is the best way to take the exam.

Select Only the Best Answer: Read all the choices carefully and eliminate the obviously incorrect answer. Your odds will increase if you eliminate the incorrect answers and strengthen your probability if you make an educated guess.

Read Each Question Carefully: Be sure you understand what the question asks and try to answer it before looking at the choices. Too often a hasty review of the question will lead to a misleading conclusion. Qualifying words like: only, at least, most, best definitely, probably not all, every, and except should warn you to choose your answer with great care.

Answer Each Question: Don’t skip any question but carefully mark it for later review when you complete the other questions. Guessing does not hurt since it could very well be the correct answer but leaving an answer blank will.

Review Each Question for Completeness: Make sure that you have answered every question and that if you changed any answer you completely erase your original choice.