ARDMS Registry Exams: How to Be a Success

Studying for any exam can be stressful, but studying for the ARDMS Registry Exam can be especially daunting. It defines your career. The majority of employers will not hire (or retain) an ultrasound technologist that is not registered. Following are some tips to help relax your nerves and hopefully make your test taking successful.

1. Don't change your study habits.
This may seem strange, but in my opinion, now is not the time to change how you study for exams. If you generally start weeks or months ahead of time, continue to do so. If you generally cram, then cram. The only thing you could adjust if you cram, is to perhaps peek at your materials in the weeks leading up to your exam. I'm not talking about setting aside a major chunk of time, but perhaps for a few minutes each day, just re-familiarize yourself with the material.

Advantages: Not having to learn a new study technique as you're studying the material.

Disadvantages: For those who cram, the material learned will not be retained long term. (Not a big deal for physics, but the other areas of study contain material that is useful for your entire career.)

2. Don't wait to take your exams.
Take your exams while the material is still fresh in your mind. I cannot stress this enough with physics. The longer you wait after graduation, the more material your mind will lose, thus increasing the amount of studying you will need to do in the long run.

Advantages: Material retention.

Disadvantages: Little "real world" experience to supplement book studies (Abdomen, Ob/Gyn, Neurosonology, Breast). No disadvantages with physics.

3. Set goals.
Make a plan for how often you will study (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and how much time you will spend during each study session. Try to stick to it, but don't beat yourself up if you miss a session or simply cannot concentrate for some sessions.

Advantages: Seeing your progress and any areas for improvement.

Disadvantages: Possibly feeling defeated if you miss a goal.

4. Take mock exams.
The only word of warning I have on this is not to over do it. Generally, the questions on the online mock exams do not change and it's easy to simply memorize the question and answer, rather than learning the material. Supplement your studies with registry review books. Good ones will not only give the correct answer, but explain why it's correct as well as why the incorrect answers are incorrect.

Advantages: Familiarizing yourself with the type/style of registry exam questions.

Disadvantages: Possibly memorizing the material instead of learning it long term.

5. Don't forget about your textbooks.
Your teacher's selected them for a reason. Use them to supplement any mock exams you take. Remember to look at pictures in addition to reading the material.

Advantages: Being familiar with the text and the flow of the material within.

Disadvantages: None, unless you hated your textbook.

6. Map your directions to the exam center.
This does not involve studying, but it does contribute to being successful on exam day.

It wouldn't hurt to do a test run ahead of time during the actual time you will be driving on the day of your exam. Sometimes online directions are not completely accurate. Give yourself plenty of time on exam day so you don't feel rushed.

Advantages: One less thing to worry about on exam day!

Disadvantages: None

7. Know what is required of you at the exam center.
Make sure you double check your instructions to know what documentation and identification is required. It would be horrible to arrive on time only to find you lacked a required document. Some exam centers will not allow watches. Know the rules for your exam center. Get everything ready the night before.

Advantages: Knowing that everything is ready.

Disadvantages: None

Congratulate yourself on completing your degree or certificate! You have spent the last two to four years studying, learning, and doing, both in the classroom and in a clinical setting. Registry exams are not easy, but ultrasound technologists take them with success every year.

One last suggestion is to familiarize yourself with the ARDMS website to know the breakdown of material on each exam. Hopefully these tips will provide a little insight and peace of mind and will help you be a success on exam day.