I failed for the 5th time. I’m so over it. I am at a point of no return. This is just ridiculous, this exam needs to drop their scores down because I would have passed months ago. Months after graduation and can’t get a job because of a test, this is insane.
I graduated last year, but I put off this exam for so long because of anxiety, the price, and my fear of failure.
This was my first attempt, and I thought I would fail because I had maybe ~100 minutes or more remaining to test. I just plowed through and didn't take a break, because the security process stressed me out.
I am just SHOOK that I actually made it!
I used the NBCOT resource, and it was the most accurate. Like on the whole version practice test I got a 513, and I got a 512 on the actual exam!
I used the TherapyEd app but not the book. I went through every question until they were all green.
Towards the end of my studying, I used the free version of OT bestie for its lessons and a handful of practice questions.
At work, I listened to the OT Dude, OT Exam Prepper, and a couple of other podcasts on Spotify that broke down subjects in ways I could understand. I also reviewed flash cards when I was unable to listen.
OT Miri, OT Over Easy, and the OT Dude were the YouTube resources I used.
I began studying at the beginning of January this year, studying a bit more every week. On average, I studied most Thursdays and Fridays for ~5 hours each, and the rest of the days were truly random.
Not sure if that helps anyone, but I wanted to share what works for me! Overall, I am a good test taker. Ultimately, I think the TherapyEd rationales and challenging questions are what got me there.
I just graduated yesterday from my OTD program! I plan on taking my exam next Wednesday, May 27th. I am so so nervous! I have been studying but wanted to ask for random things that I should review that may be out of the norm for a typical study plan! I am using 450 and Pass the OT. I have seen some people say that they ask random questions, and was curious about extra topics that should be reviewed! Thank you so much ❤️
I am pushing my exam I want to ask for nbcot refund what is the process , I know it mentions partial refund does anyone know how much u get back ?
passed on my first try with a 488! ik everyone is different but I wanted to share what I did. I used 450, sometimes truelearn but mainly prioritized NBCOT study pack. the study pack is exactly like the NBCOT and throws questions about diagnoses that I would have never known about. It really helped in breaking down the question and applying clinical reasoning. you dont need to know all the information in the world. prioritize learning the ot process and what you should do 1st, 2nd and 3rd. if you’re a visual learner and like mnemonics 450 is your bff I loved it 100%
what helped me was highlighting age, diagnoses, setting and what the goal is in the question! if the question is asking ”what pams to use for hypersensitivity and stiffness“ choose an answer that addresses BOTH things. when there is an answer choice referring to asking a physician or nurse something chances are that’s the answer lol. Also, many people think they should study for 5 hour or more every day; that’s honestly insane to me. I studied for roughly 6 weeks and would study anywhere between 1 hr to 4 depending on how I felt that day or if I had time. it’s not about how long you study you have to target your weak areas and study material you know you don’t understand and learn how to break down the question (: sorry this post is long lol
**I also wanted to add that I felt like absolute shit walking out of the testing center and started searching up concepts/ questions and saw that all my answers were basically wrong lmao. While I waited I just kept reminding myself that each question is weighed differently!! I flagged 35 questions had roughly 25 min to review but I NEVER change my answers ever , hope this helps!
I finally passed with a 460. This was my third try but just in time because I got a job in peds school based and everything seems to be lining up for me!
I used pass the ot for videos and ot bestie for questions, practice tests & tutoring this time.
I didn't think id get here tbh, lost faith in myself many times and literally had physical symptoms of stress. My last score was a 430, 1st was a 423.
My nbcot is scheduled on Monday. I'm wondering if my practice scores are too low and if I should push it back:
Truelearn average on questions 63%
Truelearn full practice exam 66.7%
Nbcot pre-test: 438 (lol before I studied)
Nbcot practice test 1: 481
Nbcot practice test 2: 460
Nbcot practice test 3: 450
Nbcot scenario set 1: 483
Nbcot scenario set 2: 505
I have watched OT Miri and OT Rex and taken notes on all the topics while studying, but I didn’t buy the AOTA study pack, the TherapyEd or any other tool. Right now, I’m taking practice tests on the NBCOT study pack. I’m not sure if this is enough, and I’m really worried. I would appreciate any advice, or I’d love to hear from anyone who studied this way as well.
Good morning!
Tomorrow I am finally making my first attempt at this exam after graduating last year, haha.
Any suggestions on how or what to study the day before the exam? I am having a hard time focusing and making myself study.
I just want to get this over with, but I know tomorrow I'll be kicking myself for not doing last minute review.
I recently started using ot bestie and their new study plan feature is useful. I went through the first few weeks and added my other resources as links and tasks so I can work through one calendar for all my resources. I think it's still in beta mode so idk if everyone has access to it or if they're updating it still, but I would check it out if you haven't yet.
How long did it take for your license to be approved? It’s been 5 weeks now and I have a job that’s pending till my license is active. I keep getting the same email response “your background check is still in review”. Do I need to make a phone call or an in person visit to get this ball rolling? Any advice is appreciated.
Hi all, my results come out tomorrow morning and wanted to know if there was a difference of passing scores getting their scores earlier, or do all scores come out the same time? I’m on the East coast and I noticed some people saying they passed as early as 6 am eastern time. But I failed before and didn’t know until about 7 am. So do they come out at different times depending on whether you passed or not? Thanks!
hi everyone,
I’ve been trying to pass this exam for two years and unfortunately gave up last year. it feels like this massive failure in my life and I’m ADHD and soooo avoidant. I avoid anything that makes me feel like a failure. I haven’t studied in a year, and am constantly reminded (I hate my job) how I could be making more money, have a better relationship with my parents, and not struggling mentally and financially. I am at a bad place. I’m not posting for sympathy, but for advice on how to get out of this rut and begin to try again. I also think I need an in person tutor to hold me accountable, if anyone knows any in NYC. thank you so much.
Has anyone developed any physical symptoms due to studying for this exam? I mean the stress has really taken over my body and given me TMJ, chronic migraines, stomach issues, physical/mental exhaustion, etc. Please tell me that I'm not alone.
hi everyone,
I failed my board exam a couple weeks ago And am planning on taking it again in the next 6 weeks. what study materials and/or resources did you all use to pass your boards? I used therapy ed, OTMiri, NBCOT study pack and true learn to prepare. Thank you!
Hi! I am planning on taking my first attempt May 25th. I did my first practice test since beginning my studying and used the AOTA- UPDATED OT Full Practice Exam. I scored an 80% and while I’m happy with my score, I was curious if the actual NBCOT is comparable to questions on the practice exam.
I plan on purchasing the NBCOT practice test 3 next week for another practice before taking it! Thank you so much in advance :)
ive already paid for NBCOT and AOTA study pack but I failed my first attempt. I now have 450 formula videos. Do I need truelearn? Is it really worth it? Trying to make sure pass the second time
Hey all, I'm scheduled to take my exam in just a few days now. Here are my stats:
NBCOT Study Pack
Pre-Test: 473
Practice Test 1: 473
Scenario Item Practice Test: 463
Full Practice Exam: 465
TrueLearn overall average (completed all questions): 72.2%
Any advice/words of wisdom?
