6 Ways to Ease the Day of the Pediatric Board Certification Exam 

Oct 15, 16, 17 -2024 

IAlright, let’s talk about taking your boards at a Prometric® Center—because just walking in can feel like you’re going through airport security on the morning of your final exam. Trust me, I’ve been there; I hadn’t taken a proctored exam in this century, and let’s just say, it was like going on a blind date with anxiety. Now, if you’re thinking, ‘I’m a pro, I’ve got this,’ just remember, a little prep can be the difference between passing and staring at a score report wondering what went wrong.

So, whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned veteran, here’s a six-step survival guide. These tips might seem obvious, but missing even one can mess with your head—and no one needs that when they’re already wrestling with tricky questions. Before MOCA Peds made life easier, I did my time in the Prometric trenches, and let me tell you, every tiny prep detail matters. Here’s my advice, straight from my anxiety-ridden experience to yours, because avoiding physical discomfort and careless errors is half the battle.

Finding the Prometric Center ®!

Here’s a tip that sounds obvious but trust me—it’s crucial: leave yourself plenty of time to find the Prometric® Center. They say it for good reason. The test center I went to was hidden in an unmarked building deep in an industrial park. My GPS on Waze® kept insisting I’d arrived, but all I could see were two dump trucks and an axe-throwing bar—it was like playing ‘Where’s Waldo?’ with your career on the line. I mean, who knew axe-throwing and board exams were the hot new combo? So, give yourself that extra time, or you’ll be running laps around an industrial maze instead of getting your mind right for the tes.  

Image source: twobuttonsdeep.com

When you finally locate the Prometric® Center—after navigating through an industrial park that could double as a set for a post-apocalyptic movie—you’re greeted with your very own locker. Now, this isn’t just any locker; it’s a test-taker’s version of a TSA checkpoint. You’re required to empty your pockets completely, as if you’re checking into a maximum-security prison. Want to grab a snack or check your phone during breaks? Not so fast! You’ll need to sign out with the test monitor, who’s guarding those lockers like a warden. It’s all part of the heightened security measures designed to maintain the integrity of the American Board of Pediatrics exam environment.

These test-day logistics can catch you off guard, but knowing what to expect can help you focus on the real challenge—passing the pediatric board exam. So, if you’re preparing to meet the MOC requirements or gearing up for the general pediatrics certifying exam, make sure you’re ready for the process at Prometric®. From finding the center to navigating their security protocols, understanding these nuances can turn a stressful day into a smooth experience and keep your focus where it belongs: on acing that test.".

Remember the Meds

Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: pack some ibuprofen or any headache remedy you rely on. After navigating the gauntlet of finding the Prometric® Center and going through their security routines, the last thing you want is to be battling a headache during your pediatric board exam. I sure wish I had thought of it. And if you take other medications, make sure you bring those along too—just don’t expect them to have extras or cut you any slack if you forget. The high-stakes environment and strict protocols can be overwhelming, and a little prep with your personal meds can make all the difference.

This is especially important when you’re preparing for the American Board of Pediatrics certifying exam or fulfilling your MOC Part 3 requirements at Prometric®. Being comfortable and ready means you can keep your focus on the questions, not on managing pain or stress during a critical exam. So, add a headache reliever to your checklist—it’s a small step that can have a big impact on your board exam day success.

Click Clack Prometric ® Symphony

When you finally sit down to take your pediatric board exam, you’re in a room full of cubicles—a setting that’s supposed to be quiet, but often feels more like you’ve entered an orchestra of distractions. If you’re easily thrown off by the symphony of gum smacking, incessant keystroke clacking, and the occasional chair squeak, you’re going to need some strategies to tune out the noise. It’s all in B Minor, and you’re not even getting a program to follow along. Noise-canceling earplugs or headphones (if allowed) can be lifesavers here—check the exam rules beforehand to make sure they’re permitted.

Navigating the American Board of Pediatrics exam environment can be challenging enough without sensory distractions getting in your way. The Prometric® Center does its best to maintain a quiet atmosphere, but if you’re prone to being distracted by background noise, plan ahead. Whether it’s earplugs, deep breathing, or just the mental preparation to focus in spite of the cacophony, a little advance planning can make a big difference in keeping your cool and staying locked in on the task at hand: passing the boardse.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you fit that description definitely bring earplugs. While they DO provide you with over the ear headphones, they are the kind that seems to have been made in the 1970’s. The ones they provide have plastic edges that leave permanent scars behind your ears. They did filter out some noise if you don’t mind the painful distraction of the hard edges cutting grooves into your outer ear.  

I wish I had brought a pair of those soft orange foam ear plugs but I didn’t have someone to advice me on how to approach the exam. If it is allowed you might consider noise cancelling Airpod ® or other headphones to filter out background noise.

I suggest you bring light clothing with a zip up sweatshirt. You never know if it will be too hot or too cold there.

Calculating Your Time for Each Section

You won’t need a calculator because there is an on screen calculator there for you to summon up during the exam.

Laying it all out, the exam is set up as follows:

You have to answer 2 sets of questions with 100 questions in each set. You have around 2 hours to answer each set and once you close out 1 set you cannot go back to it.

During each question set you are given a warning when you have an hour remaining and 30 minutes remaining.

Hold and Release that Button

In addition, there is a hold button for questions you are not sure of. I suggest that you answer all the questions you are sure of first and place the ones you are not sure of on hold to come back later to. You need to make sure you release the hold button when you come back to answer the question!

I made the mistake of not realizing this. I went back and entered answers to these questions and thought I was done. However, when I looked at the main menu the questions were still listed as incomplete. Fortunately, I had time to spare.

Review Once and Let it Go ~

After I finished the first question set and reviewed my questions, I still had over a half hour left. It is tempting to use that time rather than move on to the next set. However, this is a test of stamina as much as it is a test of knowledge. Most of us have not taken standardized exams in years and are not used to this.

I viewed myself as being on borrowed time regarding attention span, so I closed out this set, took a break and went onto the next set.

At that point I wished somebody had suggested I take along a light snack as I am suggesting you do. At that point I realized that I was also on borrowed time regarding my blood sugar levels dropping.

TL;DR:

After the exam they informed me that my phone rang during the exam with various sounds and ringtones indicating I had texts coming in. In reality they could have told me this when I went for a bathroom break. But I was very relieved that I was done with the exam and immediately changed my ringtone to Alice Cooper’s “School’s out for Summer”.. at least I was done with this exam for the summer.