Test Day Rules

[Lisa]

My study group is wondering if we are allowed to eat during our breaks on test day? We know we will have to keep the snacks in our lockers, but will they let us go to the lockers? Also, are we allowed to have a bottle of water at our desk? I’m a nervous water drinker!

[Chrissy Durrough Lugge]

Hi Lisa,

I’m pretty sure you can snack during the breaks as long as you leave the testing room. The ABPTS website states that you won’t be able to bring beverages into the testing room. How strictly that is enforced may depend on your testing center. You can reach out directly to the ABPTS for clarification: spec-cert@apta.org.

Here are the full guidelines from the ABPTS: https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/exam-specialty-resources/exam-day

And an NCS Advantage summary: https://rehabknowledge.com/ncs-advantage/test-day-guidelines/

[Kathryn d’Ablemont]

I am so happy you asked this question Lisa! I had similar questions since it can be up to 7 hours and being hungry is not a good test taking strategy. Chrissy do you have any day of test recommendations/tips not listed on the links you dropped above?

[Chrissy Durrough Lugge]

Not really. By the time you reach test day, you’ve done the work! Easier said than done, but I just recommend trying to go through your normal routine before the exam. Get up in time so you’re not rushed, eat a solid breakfast, etc.

During the exam, you’re not going to know every answer. There will be some wildcards in there that you could study for years and never stumble across. Don’t get hung up on them. The goal isn’t to ace the exam and many questions will be thrown out during analysis anyway. Try to keep a cool head and trust the work you’ve put in! Most people leave the exam feeling as if they failed and most of them pass- so feeling discouraged is normal. You’ve got this!!! 🙂

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