15 Tips for Success on the SCRN® Exam

1. Consider attending a SCRN review course if there is one available. Also, consider a group of colleagues who might be interested in studying together for the SCRN® certification exam. Each member could outline a different topic to present to the group.


2. A few weeks before your exam date, design a “notes sheet” that you will memorize right before the exam. Common items might be the cranial nerves or generic/trade names of important drugs.

3. Make sure you have your ID and the test date confirmation information to take along with you.


4. Ensure that you know the route to the testing center and plan for extra time to get there.


5. Get adequate sleep—avoiding heavy meals and alcohol 3 to 4 hours prior to bedtime is helpful.

6. Arrange for a wake-up time that allows you to get ready and eat without rushing.


7. Avoid a heavy breakfast and try to include a combination of protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.


8. When you start the exam, utilize any time left from the tutorial session to jot down the notes you have memorized. This often helps you to relax, as you know you have those things jotted down now.


9. The first several questions are often some of the hardest. Keep this in mind and remember to use the feature that allows you to mark a question so you can skip it and come back to it later, after you’ve gotten into your rhythm with other questions.


10. Familiarize yourself with the generic names of common stroke medications (refer to the list provided in this study guide). The test will only refer to the generic names, so be prepared.


11. If the choices for a particular question do not make sense to you, try reading them in reverse order—the last one first.


12. Sometimes there is more information provided than is needed. Try not to read into the questions or answer choices—take them at face value. If there is a large paragraph, consider reading the last sentence first to get an idea of what they’re asking, then read the paragraph.


13. Do not leave any questions unanswered. Remember, there is no penalty for guessing, so you have a 25% chance of being right, which is better than 0% if you leave it blank.


14. If you find yourself feeling panicky or overwhelmed, consider a quick break. There is no pause in the time window for breaks, so keep it to less than 5 minutes. But a change of scenery, a quick drink, a bathroom stop—maybe even splashing water on your face—may prove helpful. Also remember the simple technique of slow deep breaths.


15. When you have finished, take the time to congratulate yourself and your colleagues for having the discipline and focus to prepare for and take this important certification exam.

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