That was a very pricey practice exam and this isn’t the first time I’ve heard this from someone preparing for their license. My advice is always the same: Don’t use the actual NPTE as a practice exam. That’s what the practice exams are for.
Now there’s even more reason to not throw away or waste an actual exam when not being prepared. Starting in January 2016, FSBPT has announced that there will be a six time lifetime limit on the number attempts a candidate can take either the NPTE and NPTAE. Regardless of how many attempts are made now, once 2016 comes around those that have more than 6 attempts will not be able to sit for the exam at all.
Unsuccessful results from the actual NPTE, even if someone says it was used as a practice exam, still produces detrimental effects. Some of the negative effects I have seen are low self-esteem, low self-confidence, an increase in fear, a negative mindset and mood. Any of these negative factors can hamper a candidate’s progress towards success and can make preparing for the next exam more dreadful or painful experience studying.
In TEP’s program, I would advise: treat each day as if it was your last to study for this exam. You are essentially preparing to treat patients safely and competently. For each practice exam taken, use it to simulate the actual exam as best as possible. The results of a practice exam can be an indicator of how well someone will do on the actual exam. If the score is low, more than likely it will also be low on the actual exam. If the score is higher, the chances for success is greater. There are various factors that can contribute to a successful score but what someone wants to keep in mind would be the fact the questions on the NPTE are new and unfamiliar.
The actual NPTE may feel even harder after an unsuccessful attempt and can produce overwhelming feelings for the next exam. Handling these various emotions including the psychological effects can prevent someone from achieving the successful score until addressed. I’ve seen many times where fear has held someone back from a passing score because of past attempts. When candidates do break free, I see dramatic score increases with the guidance provided.
For those that haven’t taken the exam, don’t think that the exam is going to get easier after you have an unsuccessful one. The “I have five more attempts to pass” mentality can hurt later as pressures increase and times go by. Instead, take your time to be fully prepared for the integrated clinically based multiple choice reading comprehension exam the first time or the next time if you have already taken the exam. Avoid worrying about running into this eligibility limit before 2016 comes and study smarter now.